Lessons from the Highlands: What I Learned in Scotland

WOMENdontDOthat
Jul 22, 2025
4 min read

By Stephanie Mitton | July 2025

I didn’t expect a trip to Scotland for a a wedding in a Scottish castle to teach me so much about slowing down, being bold — and packing pants. But here we are.

In June 2025, my husband and I travelled to Scotland for my cousin’s destination wedding. She’s Canadian, he’s American, and they picked the most magical setting to begin their lives together. It was a no-kids event, so we turned it into a weeklong getaway with a few cousins — and honestly, it was restorative and eye-opening, in a way I never imagined.

Here's what I learned.

Understanding and Reconnecting

I was surprised how easy the Scottish accent was to understand — it reminded me of Eastern Canada.
I realized how much I missed learning history. Reconnecting with Scotland’s past reignited something I hadn’t felt in years (since before kids and University).
Despite the long days and jet lag, I came home more refreshed than I expected — not because we rested, but because I guess a change of scenery, a lot of light, new sights and fresh air does, and no work does a body good.

Travel Tips I Swear By Now

The weather shifts constantly — layers are essential.
Don’t pack dresses or shorts for early June; pants and rain gear are your friends.
Always bring an umbrella, a raincoat, and sunglasses — yes, all three.
Melatonin made jet lag much more manageable.
Ask locals where to eat — we had great food by following their advice.
You don’t have to do everything together. Split into smaller groups or go solo now and then — it makes for a better experience.
Light planning works: book the must-dos in advance, then go with the flow, especially with a group.

Personal Growth Moments

I drove on the left side of the road — and survived! Doing it in the countryside helped build my confidence for future trips, which is why I wanted to try it.
I pushed myself to try new foods like haggis and blood pudding — and it wasn’t bad!
Our last day ended up being just the two of us as a couple (thanks to a flight booking mix-up — not something I recommend). That quieter, slower ending gave the trip an unexpected sense of peace. Even then, my husband and I spent part of the day touring St. Andrews together before he went golfing and I explored on my own — and we both had a great time doing things we truly enjoyed.
This trip reminded me that you don’t need to do something earth-shattering to grow — small risks add up.

Things That Surprised Me

Scotland is even greener than I imagined — the landscape is breathtaking (assuming rain is a big part of this).
You can get tired of castles and abbeys. I didn’t expect that.
Many people assumed we were American — unlike in Italy, where people quickly recognized us as Canadian. Some locals were curious about what's happening in North America and asked thoughtful questions about life between Canada and the U.S.
Some Scottish road signs made me laugh with their bluntness (“Weak Bridge” being a favourite).
The roads are narrow or one way for two way traffic, often with no shoulders. It's not for the distracted driver!
Their history is incredibly old — walking through buildings that have stood for centuries was humbling.
It takes the same time to fly to Scotland as it does to get to B.C. from Ontario — Canada is massive.

Reflections on Travel and Time

Scotland struck a balance between familiar and different. As a Canadian, I felt both connection and curiosity.
Travel is expensive and a privilege — but it’s also a gift. If you can, do it while you’re able.
At 40, I’m reminded that some of the things I did — like hiking Arthur’s Seat — won’t always be physically possible. Don't wait if you don’t have to.
When you travel, slow down. Don’t just take the picture — take it in.

Where We Went

We stayed in the countryside near Oxton and took day trips to places like Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, and Jedburgh.
The wedding was at Borthwick Castle — it truly felt like something out of a storybook.

Final Thoughts

This trip reminded me that growth doesn’t always come in loud, obvious ways. Sometimes, it’s in a quiet walk through centuries-old stone, or a shared joke over unfamiliar food, or learning how to drive on the opposite side of the road without giving up.

If you ever get the chance to visit Scotland — take it. And if you’ve been, I’d love to hear what stayed with you.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

— Saint Augustine

I wrote about the castle wedding, juggling real life, and what it unexpectedly taught me.

If you haven’t read it yet, here it is: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/dancing-through-time-what-a-castle-wedding-in-scotland-taught-me.

I’d love to hear what you think!

Have you travelled somewhere that taught you more than you expected?

What’s one thing you’ve learned through travel that stuck with you long after you came home?

Feel free to DM me directly on Instagram @stephaniemitton or reach out through @womendontdothat. I’d love to hear your stories.