Skip to main content
Destination: Scotland
Stunning Scotland: Highlands & Islands

FAQs

Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.

NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.

If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.

ABOUT THE TOUR

What is the activity level for this tour, and are there any physical considerations about which I should be aware?

Activities are generally not very strenuous, but a fair amount of walking can be expected. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to follow a guide through paved and unpaved streets of even and uneven terrain at an average pace for two hours. Guests should have the ability to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Due to the nature of some structures, handrails may not be present, and facilities for people with disabilities may be limited. Participation in itinerary activities is up to the individual.

When should I arrive and depart for my tour to take advantage of complimentary airport transfers?

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

Is a visa required for this tour, or are there any special passport requirements?

A visa is not required.

A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally.

Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. U.S. passports issued to citizens 16 years of age or older is valid for 10 years.

Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are traveling abroad for tourism purposes, you will require a passport from your country of citizenship. You may require a visa, depending upon your country of citizenship's requirements for visiting countries on this tour. Check your visa status with those countries you will visit during your travel program and obtain visas, if needed.

Should you need the assistance of a visa specialist, we recommend using G3 Global Services. Along with the cost of the visa, a fee is charged for their service. Learn more here.

What is the local currency, and how can I purchase items while on tour?

The pound sterling (GBP) is the United Kingdom's legal currency. The pound coin series is comprised of eight different denominations: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 and £2. The pound banknote series is comprised of five different denominations: £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100.

We recommend securing GBP currency in the U.S. prior to departure. Note that the value of foreign currency fluctuates based on the current exchange rate.

ATMs are available at the destination airport but otherwise may not be readily accessible during the program. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country. Carry some local currency to cover purchases with merchants who may not accept credit cards.

Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted by local merchants.

Major credit cards are widely accepted, however merchants may require a minimum purchase. Credit card purchases may be subject to a higher exchange rate versus purchases using local currency. Keep all receipts in case you have questions about the conversion rate, and as proof of purchase for any items to be shipped.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

For the optional pre-tour, the euro (EUR) is Ireland's legal currency. The euro coin series is comprised of eight denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2. The euro banknote series is comprised of seven denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500. We recommend securing euros in the U.S. prior to departure. Also, major credit cards are widely accepted.

What is the general climate/weather for this tour?

Summer temperatures in Scotland range from lows between 47-52 °F to highs between 54-70 °F. The average humidity ranges between 75-90%. The days tend to be mostly cloudy with some sunbursts.

Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.

What electricity/power is used, and how should I be prepared for this?

Scotland uses Type G electrical outlets—three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern—on a 230V system.

North American 110V or 120V appliances require a converter to operate on a 230V system. Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage.

Is phone service and/or Wi-Fi available on this tour?

While cellular service is available throughout the United Kingdom (though unreliable in more remote areas) your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at various properties throughout the tour.

What are the luggage/packing requirements for this tour?

Porterage for one piece of luggage is included in the program price. We recommend limiting luggage to one medium-sized piece and one small carry-on per person.

What clothing/accessory items are recommended for this tour?

Warm, casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for this program. It's recommended to dress according to the day's activities. Weather will vary based on location; prepare for a range of temperatures.

We recommend you dress in layers to help transition between the chilly outdoors and warmer, heated spaces.

Also consider packing:

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Rain jacket and/or windbreaker
  • Small, portable umbrella
  • Daypack to carry a camera and/or binoculars
  • Collapsible hiking poles
  • Bug repellent spray or lotion

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

ABOUT MY RESERVATION

How do I submit an update to my Guest Information Form?

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

How do I provide my passport information or photo ID?

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

How do I make a payment on my outstanding balance due?

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.