I went to Scotland for the first time. There are 6 items I'm glad I packed and 4 I wish I had brought.

During my first trip to Scotland, I discovered which essential items I had to pack. Layers, rain gear, and warm socks were crucial for adapting to the unpredictable weather. However, I regretted bringing less comfortable clothing and a small crossbody bag. The trip taught me that comfortable walking shoes are necessary for rolling hills, layered clothing is perfect for fall weather, and allergy medication might be required during visits to Highland cows.

Although I made some correct choices, there were items I wished I had brought. Here are six items I'm glad I packed and four I wish I had.

I'm glad I packed numerous layers to adapt to Scotland's changing weather. Amanda Shammas learned that the UK's weather can be unpredictable, changing throughout the day. She visited Scotland in September, experiencing cold mornings, warm noons, and sweaty jackets. To accommodate the variation, she packed plenty of easily addable or removable layers. She recommended packing clothing in neutral colors to mix and match effortlessly.

Rain was frequent and unpredictable, so she brought her umbrella everywhere. She encountered a lot of rain throughout her trip, sometimes hard to predict with American or local weather apps. Instead of relying on apps, she braved the weather with her rain boots and travel-sized umbrella. She found that these items kept her prepared for any weather situation.

Fleece-lined socks were a game changer for her feet. While rain boots kept her feet dry, they didn't necessarily keep them warm. In cooler weather or even milder days, her feet would get chilly. Comfortable, fleece-lined socks kept her feet warm and cozy under her boots or sneakers. She found them to be the most comfortable choice.

A power adapter was essential for charging her devices. The UK uses a different plug type than many other European countries, requiring a three-pronged adapter. She bought a multi-pack on Amazon with built-in USB ports and surge protection. Having a portable charger allowed her to explore all day without worrying about her phone dying or lugging around a cord.

She was also glad she brought allergy medicine. Although visiting a farm with Highland cows was a highlight, it also came with potential allergy attacks. She packed her own allergy medicine, which saved her from having to find medication at a local pharmacy. This was especially useful since she typically suffers from allergies.

However, she regretted not packing more comfortable clothing. While she had layers to adapt to the weather, she found that the hills, steep inclines, mud, and rocky paths made comfortable clothing essential for hiking and exploring. She wished she had packed sneakers and windbreakers instead of trench coats and tights. A crossbody or belt bag would have also provided a safer and lighter way to carry her belongings, reducing the strain on her shoulders.