Travel Kat Tours

If you are heading to the land of ice and fire over the winter, this list will cover all the things you should bring. I have been blessed to have visited the country a couple of times over the winter season, in fact I got married there in the November 2023. I have included practical items that you will actually use.

If are travelling to the UK soon, these are the mobile apps I would recommend you download prior to your trip. I have also included helpful, practical websites you might need to use.

If you're visiting Scotland add these items to your packing list. My top tip - be prepared for the ever changing weather!

If you're visiting the UK for the first time read this post. I always recommend a minimum of three nights in London and three nights in Edinburgh. Getting around the UK is easy and there is a lot to take in.

As a Scottish tour guide and Edinburgh resident these are my suggestions of where to go in Edinburgh that are completely free!

As an Edinburgh local and tour guide, I feel qualified to mention what you should see and do in Edinburgh over a weekend. I have included accommodation, restaurants and attractions.

If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes and exploring different foods then this is the list for you. I trained at Culinary school for nine months and have come across a plethora of cookery books, some are overly complicated and pretentious - this list is not. It contains a collection of cookery books you will actually use and enjoy.

A collection of different story books for younger children. All of these books are beautifully illustrated and showcase Scotland, it's landscape and people. Some of these are nostalgic to me as a Scots lass and are very well loved here in Scotland.

If you are thinking about travelling the world like a backpacker, firstly do it! Secondly this list has all the essential and practical items that come in handy when you are traveling on the road. I have been lucky enough to backpack across the globe and these are things I would take with me.

As a small business owner myself I wanted to showcase the best indie shops, local businesses that are perfect for gift ideas. I have tried to include places that has an offline presence and bricks and mortar shop.

A mix of true crime stories, from the really gruesome and disturbing to a selection of crime fiction books all set in Scotland. Tartan Noir is a genre worthy of tapping into and this list showcases some to get you started. My favourite tends to centre around Edinburgh and its dark side but there are some set elsewhere in Scotland.

At the time of writing, Halloween 2025 is around the creepy corner. London has a dark side with rich history and is the perfect place for a spooky weekend. I have included guided tours, attractions, foodie reccys and some independent shops.London might be famous for the Jack The Ripper serial killer case and there are dedicated tours, but there are also other things I recommend you see!

Edinburgh is blessed with many ice-cream and gelato places and I wanted to write a Benable list. In this guide there are six locations mentioned. It should be said that ice-cream can be enjoyed all year round and in Scotland it is eaten even in the depths of a rainy, cold winter. As with any of my blog posts, I have visited these locations and wholeheartedly recommend them. The majority of these locations are within the city centre area and the majority of them are local businesses.

Your Edinburgh guide on all things luxury and VIP. From unique experiences, boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants this list has you covered. Edinburgh is blessed with many boutique historic hotels, these are my top picks.

Scotland is blessed with over 2000 castles and historic ruins, steeped with rich history and stories. As a Scottish tour guide these are my top picks that you should visit on your trip to Scotland.

A curated list of accommodation in Edinburgh. I have tried to include different budgets and different “vibes” across the city. Personally, I would opt for an apartment in Edinburgh for a more authentic local experience. All of these below are centrally located and a good base to explore the city.

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander book and TV series has created a huge influx of visitors to Scotland. Come to Scotland and see for yourself some dramatic castles, ancient standing stones and bonnie landscapes. This post contains locations used in the filming production and other locations in Scotland that are “outlander inspired” alongside the real historical locations mentioned in the series. *I can't guarantee you'll run into Jamie Fraser though!

Your guide to all things haunted, witchy and paranormal in Edinburgh. I have included reputable guided tours, attractions, hotels and stores.

Did you know that a bottle of Scottish whisky is sold every 14 seconds? It is a huge industry here and you can visit these locations yourself on a trip to Scotland. As a lass who was born and brought up in the Speyside region, in fact my late father was a distiller for the famous Chivas Regal distillery, Strathisla and latterly Longmorn. I have tried to include whiskies of all price points.

A curated gift idea's list for the person who loves coffee, whether they are at home barista or someone who loves to grab a coffee on the go, this guide will have some great ideas.

A collection of Scottish businesses that sell beautifully crafted jewellery. These would be great gift ideas too! All of these designs are sold on Etsy.

Scottish heritage brands that you can wear, whether you're visiting Scotland or just want an outfit inspired by this bonnie land. ✨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A list of books that I recommend if you're interested in Scottish history & culture and food.

As an Edinburgh Tour guide and historian, these are my recommendations for book on the history of Scottish witchcraft.

A selection of non-fiction books if you're seeking a Scottish history hit.