According to forum posts, travelers planning trips to Scotland often consider starting in Edinburgh for a few days, followed by exploring the Highlands, Isle of Skye, and possibly towns like Oban, Stirling, or St. Andrews. Many users recommend using Edinburgh as a base for the first part of the trip due to its rich history and abundance of sightseeing options.

For the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, travelers have suggested staying in places like Portree on Skye or Aviemore in the Highlands. These locations provide opportunities to enjoy natural scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Inverness is often mentioned as a potential base for exploring the Highlands, although some travelers prefer smaller villages for a more intimate experience.

Oban is frequently recommended as a base for exploring the nearby islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa, which are known for their stunning landscapes and wildlife. Travelers often suggest spending a few days in this area to fully appreciate the natural beauty and to explore the islands comfortably.

For concluding their trips, some travelers choose to stay in places like St. Andrews for its historic sites and coastal scenery, or Stirling for its rich history and proximity to Edinburgh, making travel to the airport convenient for departure.

According to forum posts, several travelers recommend visiting Blair Drummond Safari Park near Crieff Hydro for families, which is accessible and offers a variety of animal experiences. The Aviemore area is also highlighted for its family-friendly attractions, such as a small water slide at Macdonald Resort, soft play areas, and nearby wildlife parks like Highland Wildlife Park and Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

Some travelers suggested that historical sites such as castles are a hit with kids. Stirling Castle, in particular, is recommended for being more manageable and engaging for children compared to larger castles. For outdoor activities, the Trossachs area offers opportunities for family-friendly hikes and activities like cycling around Loch Katrine, as well as forest adventures at Aberfoyle, which include trails and wildlife spotting.

For beach lovers, Loch Morlich offers a sandy experience with the option for water sports, making it an ideal spot for a family day out. Additionally, the post mentions that Portobello Beach near Edinburgh provides a seaside escape suitable for families looking to enjoy sun and sand.

According to forum posts, popular base towns for exploring Scotland include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, and Oban. These towns are favored for their strategic locations and accessibility to significant historical sites, scenic landscapes, and other attractions.

Some travelers suggested less crowded but equally scenic alternatives like Grantown on Spey and Aviemore. These locations are appreciated for their proximity to natural attractions and quieter environments, making them ideal for those looking to escape the more tourist-heavy areas.

For travelers interested in historical sites, Edinburgh and Stirling are highly recommended. They offer easy access to famous castles and historical points of interest. Oban is noted for its proximity to the islands and coastal scenery, providing a different perspective on Scotland’s cultural landscape.

It's advised to avoid hiring a car in the bigger cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow initially due to the ample public transport options. This strategy helps in navigating the busy city centers more efficiently before moving on to areas where a car might be more necessary.

According to forum posts, some of the best driving routes in Scotland include the journey from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye via Loch Lomond and Glencoe. This route offers stunning landscapes and is highlighted for its scenic beauty. The drive from Edinburgh to Oban through Glen Etive and Glen Coe is also recommended for its picturesque views and film locations.

Travelers have called out the North Coast 500 route, particularly the stretch from Lochcarron to Torridon via Applecross and Sheildaig, for its dramatic highland scenery and coastal views. Additionally, the drive through Assynt from Ullapool to Lochinver is praised for its remote beauty and striking landscapes.

Some users suggest careful planning regarding the time of day and season to capture the best light for photography, particularly in places like Skye and Glencoe. They also recommend reading up on local driving etiquette, especially for navigating single-track roads, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

According to forum posts, ScotRail is the primary operator for train services within Scotland, handling most journeys that start and terminate within the region. For example, it operates the West Highland Line, renowned for its scenic views, and provides connections between major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness.

Some travelers mentioned the advantages of using travel passes like the Spirit of Scotland, which offers unlimited train travel on specified days and includes some bus and ferry connections. This pass is particularly useful for tourists looking to explore multiple destinations in Scotland. Additionally, ScotRail's advance ticket purchases can offer significant savings, and special railcards can provide discounts of up to one-third on rail fares.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning, noting that while major routes have frequent services, rural or scenic routes like the West Highland Line might have limited daily services. Therefore, careful scheduling is necessary to avoid inconveniences.

For comprehensive travel planning, users recommended utilizing resources like the Traveline Scotland website, which integrates train, bus, and coach options across Scotland, streamlining the process of route planning and ticket booking.

According to forum posts, Edinburgh offers reliable bus and tram services that cover the city extensively. Travelers have noted the Airlink 100 bus and the tram as effective options for traveling from Edinburgh airport to the city center. These services are appreciated for their frequency and comprehensive coverage of the city.

Some travelers mentioned the convenience of using a contactless bank card for paying fares on buses and trams. This method automatically caps the cost at a daily maximum, making it economical without needing to purchase day or multi-day tickets.

For many users, Edinburgh's central areas are highly walkable, which reduces the need for frequent use of public transport. However, for longer distances or when visiting attractions further out, the bus and tram services are recommended. Travelers specifically pointed out that the Lothian Buses app is very useful for planning trips and checking schedules.

Many travelers recommend Arnold Clark for car rentals in Scotland, often citing it as reliable and well-respected locally. Celtic Legend is frequently mentioned as Arnold Clark's agent, providing competitive prices and good service. For those interested in specific car models, such as a Mini Cooper, Arnold Clark is suggested as a potential rental source, though availability may vary.

Travelers have advised against using third-party booking sites for car rentals to avoid potential customer service issues. Direct booking with rental companies like Arnold Clark is recommended for a more straightforward and reliable experience.

In more remote areas such as Fort William or the Scottish islands, major rental companies might be absent, leaving local rental services as the only option. These local services generally require the car to be returned to the pickup location, potentially increasing costs if dropping off elsewhere.

For driving in Scotland, most vehicles available for rent are manual, though automatics can be found if preferred. Travelers have shared that smaller or familiar car models, like the Mini Cooper, are suitable for Scotland's roads, offering comfort and maneuverability.

Some travelers recommended Glencoe for its breathtaking scenery, highlighting it as an excellent location for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities and the natural beauty of the Highlands. Glencoe offers a range of accommodations, though options might be limited compared to larger towns.

According to forum posts, Oban is another favored spot, particularly for its charm and variety of activities in the area. It serves as a practical base for exploring nearby attractions and provides a good selection of places to stay and eat.

Travelers have called out Inverness as a functional base despite its modernity, mainly due to its proximity to various Highland attractions, including Loch Ness. However, opinions on Inverness vary, with some finding it less characteristic of the Highland experience they seek.

For those keen on walks and less commercialized settings, the Cairngorms National Park area is frequently mentioned. Places like Aviemore are highlighted for their access to excellent hiking trails and a more relaxed atmosphere, suitable for visitors with pets or those looking for a quieter stay.