Britt Kreitman

For many Americans, a Scottish road trip is the ultimate adventure. There's nothing quite like winding through the Highlands, discovering hidden beaches, ancient castles, and charming villages at your own pace. But before you pick up your rental car, there are a few things you should know. You'll Be Driving on the Left Let's start with the obvious! Driving on the left-hand side of the road is the biggest adjustment for most American visitors. It can feel intimidating at first, but most people...

Every year, thousands of Americans visit Scotland for the first time. Many come for the castles, the whisky, or family ancestry. Yet when they return home, they often talk about something entirely different. They talk about how the Highlands made them feel. The Scale of the Landscape The Highlands have a sense of space that's increasingly rare. Mountains rise dramatically from sea lochs. Ancient glens stretch for miles without a building in sight. Coastal roads wind through landscapes that...

As someone who grew up just south of Boston and now lives in the Scottish Highlands, I'm often asked what Americans should expect when they visit Scotland. The short answer? It's different from what most people imagine. The Highlands aren't a giant version of Edinburgh. They're quieter, wilder, and far more remote than many first-time visitors expect. Here's what I wish every Bostonian knew before visiting. Distances Look Short on a Map One of the biggest surprises for Americans is how long...