Arrivals before 11 a.m. on Sat, Oct. 2: Look for iE USA staff at baggage claim. We will gather as a group, leave the airport and walk to the Hampton at the airport. Guides will be at the airport arrival gate to assist.

Arrivals after 11 a.m. on Sat, Oct. 2: Look for iE USA staff at baggage claim. Your group will stay at the airport until our busses arrive. Guides will be at the airport to greet and direct you.

Our buses will leave the airport around 1:30 p.m., make a stop at the Hampton to pick up early arrivals. Luggage will be brought directly to the hotel, while the travel group will stop for lunch on the way to the hotel.

The weather in Scotland can be quite unpredictable. The best way to prepare is to pack a mix of warm-weather and cold-weather clothing that can be layered and removed/added as the weather changes. Rain is to be expected, so please bring a raincoat or parka with a hood. You do not need to bring an umbrella.

Please bring comfortable walking shoes. Scotland has terrain with hills, cobblestone streets and the ground may be wet at times. For example, to enter Edinburgh Castle, there will be a slight uphill walk. Some of our outdoor activities also call for comfortable shoes.

Most of our meals are in a relaxed, casual setting. A couple of our dinners are in a nicer location, so feel free to bring a set of “nice clothes” to wear for dinner those evenings. Semi-formal or formal attire is not needed.

Weather can change quickly in Scotland. In October, please expect a mix of sunshine, wind and rain. Temperatures are fairly consistent with daily highs of 55°F and lows of 43°F.

We will send out a more detailed weather forecast the week before departure.

We advise that you exchange currency before you travel to Scotland. Credit cards are widely accepted but you might not be able to use them everywhere. Be aware of fees for using your credit card abroad. We recommend exchanging an appropriate amount based on what you would typically spend when on vacation.

Hotel breakfasts as well as all lunches and dinners listed on our itinerary are included, along with water, soft drinks, beer and wine. If you would like to order a cocktail, spirits or hard liquor, please be prepared to pay for your drink — unless stated otherwise at the venue.

The mini bar in your room is a private expense paid by the individual room occupants on check-out.

Yes.

Cigarettes are expensive in Scotland, so consider buying cigarettes beforehand. Please note that smoking in enclosed public places is illegal in Scotland. Smoking must be done in designated areas outside of restaurants, venues and hotels, so please check before smoking. Vaping and e-cigarette rules are at the discretion of the venue/property you are on.

If you are a solo traveler, you will receive an email on Wednesday, September 28, with information about who you will be sharing a hotel room with.

Yes, your personal itinerary will include most of those details. Our local guides also know the itinerary well and will be able to answer questions, or provide guidance.

Transportation to and from all activities on our itinerary will be provided. If you have opted for free time and do not want to use the provided transportation, please arrange your own transportation to the next venue on the agenda. Public transport and local taxis are common. Uber is available in larger cities like Edinburgh.

Here are a few things to know about Scotland:

1. Scotland is its own country with a distinct culture, not to be confused with England.

2. Tipping is not mandatory in Scotland. It is not necessary to tip at the pub; it’s customary to tip 10% in restaurants.

3. Talking loudly in public is frowned upon.

4. Typically, there is no table service in pubs. You order food and drinks at the bar and pay for drinks when you order them.

5. Traffic in Scotland is lefthand. Be sure to check left when crossing the street.

6. Tap water is safe to drink.