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IMPORTANT
TRAVEL INFORMATION -- SCOTLAND
The
following information will assist you in preparing for
your trip.
CLIMATE
The weather is highly variable in Scotland, changing by
the mile and the minute, as well as by the altitude.
Generally speaking, the West is warmer and wetter than
the East. It never hurts to take an umbrella along.
During the summer months, the temperature can vary from
the mid-50's to the mid-80's.
CLOTHING
Dress throughout your golfing tour for evening should be
smart and casual. Given the climate, it follows that one
should never be without a raincoat or a warm sweater.
Neither, in summer, should you be without light clothes.
If your tour includes Turnberry Hotel, a coat and tie is
mandatory in the main lounge and dining room after 6:00
PM.
TIME
Scotland, like the rest of the UK, follows Greenwich Mean
Time. During the summer months, days are long and it can
be light until after 10:00 PM in the evenings. Scotland
is 8 hours ahead on the clock from Pacific Coast time.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT INFORMATION
220 Volts standard. Hotels usually have dual 220/110 volt
sockets for razors. It would be advisable to purchase a
converter or adapter prior to departure. Most 4 and 5 star hotels now offer in-room internet connections.
MONEY
The British Pound Sterling is divided in 100 pennies. The
coins used are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, and 1 Pound.
One of the minor pleasures of living in Scotland is that
the 1 Pound coin is not nearly so common as in England,
and the 1 Pound note still circulates along with notes of
5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pounds. We suggest that you take a
small amount of currency in addition to your traveler's
checks.
All major
credit cards are accepted. Outside the customs area at
the airport, there is a bank where you can exchange your
money before departing the airport. For the best rate of
exchange, go to a bank, not to a hotel or shop. Travelers
checks can also be changed at the airport. There is a
relatively new currency called the "euro";
however, we suggest that you utilize each country's
normal currency.
PASSPORTS
It is important to make sure your passport is current and
that the expiration date is at least six months after
your return to the USA. Carry with you an extra copy of
your passport to be kept with your luggage or with your
travel partner. DO NOT keep the original and copy
together.
TRANSPORTATION
Mini Vans and cars in Europe are generally smaller than
in the U.S. It is important that you select the correct
vehicle for the number in the party traveling, and more
specifically the number of golfers, so that equipment can
be accommodated. If you are driving yourself throughout
Europe we will always price into the programs the type of
vehicle that will best accommodate you. It is important
to have the correct vehicle before you arrive at your
destination, as it is almost impossible to upgrade a
vehicle on your arrival because of limited availability
of the larger vehicles.
Private driver arrangements can be quoted based on the
following: Be sure that your driver and vehicle are
registered with the Ministry of Transport. You need to
make sure that both your driver and vehicle are insured
for your protection. Many companies will to keep the cost
down when a client wants a driver simply by renting a van
and having an employee drive the vehicle. This says the
company you are utilizing saves money because they will
not have the vehicle properly registered or insured. We
guarantee that all our drivers and vehicles are properly
registered and insured. Your security and safety are our
main concern.
1. Mercedes mini-deluxe motorcoach seats up to 12 or simular
2. Mini Van with travel trailer to accommodate 4 persons
For larger groups, the following equipment would be used:
1. Small Motorcoach to accommodate 12-20
2. Large motorcoach to accommodate 14 to 30
HOTELS
Hotels that are utilized by Classic Golf & Leisure
clients all have en suite facilities. European hotels are
divided into various categories from 1 star to 5 stars. First class hotels provide comfortable
accommodations with a good level of service. Deluxe
hotels provide the highest standards available in the
area with the level of service that meets the
requirements of the most discerning traveler. The rooms
within the hotel categorized by location within the
hotel. Most rooms have twin beds, however we can request
double accommodations (Queen Size) and in a few hotels
King sized beds can be requested. These requests are
handled by the hotel on an availability basis. Hotel
rooms for single occupants tend to be smaller size en
suite bedrooms.
HANDICAPS
The better known golf courses in the Europe have official
handicap limits for play. We accept no responsibility for
clients being refused golf if they do not meet the
requirements. In addition, you will be required to carry
a handicap certificate or a letter from a club
professional verifying your handicap. In some cases you
may be required to show proof of your current handicap to
the starter.
CADDIES & CARTS
Golf carts: Motorized cars are generally not available on
links courses in the UK. A few courses may have carts
available with a medical certificate, but these are very
limited and not the better known courses. Some of the UK
parkland courses have carts available. Pull carts are
available at most courses, although some have restricted
times pull carts are allowed on the course.
Caddies: All major courses have a limited number of full
time Caddies, controlled by a Caddiemaster. However,
Caddies are self-employed and cannot be 100% guaranteed.
Supply and demand varies from day to day.
Caddies can be requested and in the majority of cases,
Classic Golf & Leisure has been 100% successful in
obtaining the number requested. It is advisable to
request caddies through Classic Golf & Leisure well
in advance of your tour. Caddies may refuse to carry
extra large or unreasonably heavy golf bags.
At some courses where caddies have been booked in advance
and are not used, you will be liable for a cancellation
charge. It is important that we have your requests for
caddies as early as possible so that we can do our best
to fulfill your needs.
SEASONS
The best times for Americans to golf in Europe are the
following:
SCOTLAND: May to mid September
IRELAND: May to mid October
NON GOLFERS
We welcome non-golfers, and are delighted to create an
itinerary to run alongside a golf tour which would
include visits to local attractions, castles, museums,
famous country houses and city tours to name a few.
GENERAL
INFORMATION - SCOTLAND
Like its cool green countryside and its warm amber
whiskey, Scotland is a country that is both soothing and
invigorating. True, it can be cold and drizzly, but
Scotland's weather adds to the drama of the scenery and
provides the perfect mood for fireside conversation.
Spend an evening in a pub or country inn and you get to
step back in time, when friendliness was not an
old-fashioned trait. The Scots (not Scotch -- that's what
you drink) simply have a great sense of humor.
The national symbol, the thistle, combines with
evergreens and heather to enhance the countryside. And
while the land can be bleak or even barren in places, the
nation has many lush, dramatic and heart-stopping scenes
of beauty in others. Industry is concentrated in the
central valley of Scotland and around the main cities,
especially Glasgow.
Magnificent scenery, historical sites, hiking, cycling,
pony trekking, golf, gardens, distillery tours, fishing,
mountaineering, castles, skiing, scuba diving, Highland
longhaired cattle and searches for the legendary Loch
Ness monster are the main attractions in Scotland.
DO'S and DON'TS
Be prepared to pay in
cash or travelers checks in the more remote areas of
Scotland where credit cards are accepted. Many hotels, restaurants and shops will not accept American Express.
Do go
clothed for the climate. A pair or two of comfortable
walking shoes, a waterproof, windproof jacket and a warm
sweater can be your best friends...Remember that Scotland
is a place to get out and walk around. It looks least
attractive when seen through a rain-streaked window...
Don't call
a Scot an Englishman (and don't refer to the country as
England); he'll never forgive you. A lesser offense -- it
will elicit merely the rolling of eyes -- is to use the
national nouns (Scot and Scotch) interchangeably or,
worse yet, as adjectives. Remember, a Scot drinks Scotch
and wears a Scottish kilt (with a sporran -- not a purse
-- in front)...
Do take in
an authentic ceilidh (pronounced KAY-LEE) -- an informal
evening of traditional Scottish songs and dances that
inspires audience participation...Don't put ice in your
whiskey. It'll only upset the natives, who drink it at
room temperature (with some spring water swirled in).
WHAT TO BUY
Shop for woolens, tartans, bagpipes, leather and
sheepskin clothing, crystal, china, silver jewelry and
whiskey. Golf course art by Graeme W. Baxter is very collectable, especially limited editions which are increasing value collectables.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm. Hours may
vary: some stores may be open on Sunday morning, and most
stores will close early one day, usually Wednesday or
Thursday.
 See Sample Itineraries for
Scotland
Back to Scotland Page
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