Travel That is Uniquely Yours
Scotland + Switzerland Packing List
August 5-14, 2026 | Scotland Wedding • Swiss Alps
Pack light, repeat outfits, and rely on smart layers for Highland weather, a coastal wedding, Swiss train travel, and alpine temperatures.
This trip combines two very different kinds of travel: a coastal Scotland wedding with Highland weather, followed by Switzerland, where train travel and alpine weather call for a few smart additions.
The good news: you still do not need a large wardrobe. The goal is to pack light, repeat outfits, and rely on layers. If possible, I would still aim for one carry-on suitcase and one personal item per person, plus an optional foldable duffel packed inside for the trip home.
Typical August Weather
Scotland
- Highs often around 60-70°F (15-21°C)
- Lows often around 50-55°F (10-13°C)
- Expect wind, mist, and the possibility of rain even on otherwise nice days
Switzerland
- Town temperatures may still feel mild and comfortable during the day
- Mountain areas and scenic train days can feel noticeably cooler, especially in the morning, evening, or at higher elevation
- Rain is still possible, so waterproof layers are worth having
Luggage Recommendation
- 1 carry-on suitcase
- 1 personal item (backpack, tote, or purse)
- Optional: foldable duffel packed inside your luggage for souvenirs or overflow on the flight home
Switzerland is very manageable by train, but that also means you want luggage you can comfortably roll, lift, and keep up with on your own.
The Everyday Outfit Formula
Most days in both countries, you'll wear some version of:
T-shirt or lightweight top → optional sweater or fleece → waterproof jacket
Scotland will likely be the windier and damper portion of the trip, while Switzerland may feel a bit more polished and relaxed day-to-day. The base wardrobe can still stay very similar for both.
Most Important - a rain jacket is still the single most important item you will bring.
- Waterproof rain jacket with hood
- Women's Suggestion: Rain Jacket
- Men's Suggestion: Rain Jacket
- 1 lightweight sweater, fleece, or pullover
- 1 extra warm layer for Switzerland if you tend to get cold - another sweater/fleece or a very light insulated jacket
Tip: Do NOT rely on umbrellas alone.
6-8 total
- 4-5 lightweight short sleeve shirts/tops
- 1-2 light long sleeve shirts
- 1-2 lightweight sweaters, pullovers, or fleeces
- 1 comfortable lounge or sleep shirt
Tip: Quick-dry or merino fabrics are especially nice for travel and easy re-wearing.
About 4 total
- Comfortable walking / hiking pants
- Women's Suggestion: Travel Pant
- Men's Suggestion: Travel Pant
- Comfortable leggings, joggers, or lounge/travel pants
- One nicer outfit option
- 1 pair of shorts (optional)
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots, highly recommended - these are your main shoes for both Scotland and Switzerland
Women's Suggestions
Men's Suggestions
- Comfortable secondary shoes only if they fit easily in your bag
- Wedding shoes
Tip: One reliable waterproof pair plus wedding shoes is usually enough.
Recommended
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit (if you're adventurous)
- Insect Repellent (Recommended)
Highland midges can occasionally be present during summer, especially near water and at dawn/dusk. Avon Skin So Soft works well if you can find or make a travel-friendly size. - Travel umbrella - not essential but can come in handy
- Foldable duffle/tote for souvenirs
Foldable Bag Suggestions
- Medications (original containers for prescriptions if possible)
- Solid toiletries if possible (easy travel): Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
- Motion sickness tablets if winding Highland roads bother you: Dramamine, Boiron
- Blister Band-Aids: Waterproof blister bandaids
- Travel laundry soap: Laundry Sheets, Sink Suds liquid laundry detergent
- Hair ties (wind destroys hairstyles immediately)
- Hotels may or may not have wash cloths; I use these: Travel compressed washcloth
- Vacuum travel bags, extremely helpful in saving space: Vacbird
Scotland and Switzerland both use 230V electricity, but the plug type is not the same.
- Scotland / UK: Type G outlet
- Switzerland: Type J Switzerland Adapter
- Please check whether your tool is dual voltage before travel.
If your hair tool is not clearly labeled 100-240V, either leave it at home or purchase a dual-voltage travel version if it's important to you:
Bring a small backpack every day - you'll use it constantly in both countries, and especially during the Switzerland portion if you're moving through train stations or taking scenic rail journeys.
Inside
- Reusable water bottle - brands I like: Brumate, Hydrojug Sport, Hydrojug Ease20
- Medications
- Lip balm
- Tissues
- Sunglasses
- Portable battery pack
- Phone charging cable
- Mini sunscreen - Badger Sunscreen / Thinksport
- Small bag for trash
- Dry bag or ziplocks for electronics/wet clothes
- Passport & wallet
- Foldable tote bag
- Insect repellant
- Bandaids - blister bandaids
- Hair ties, pins, etc.
- UK outlet adapter (Type G)
- Switzerland outlet adapter (Type J) or a universal adapter that specifically covers Switzerland
- Phone charging cable
- Portable battery bank
- Camera (optional)
- AirPods/headphones
Achmelvich Bay Wedding
The ceremony will take place outdoors on the beach, so please dress with the setting in mind. It may be windy, cool, or damp, and the walk to the ceremony may involve sand, grass, or uneven ground.
Women
- Dress, jumpsuit, skirt/blouse, or other wedding-appropriate attire
- Flats, wedges, sandals, or dress shoes suitable for sand and grass
- Shawl, cardigan, wrap, or light jacket for warmth
Men
- Dress shirt and slacks
- Suit jacket optional
- Tie optional
- Kilt welcome if you have one
- Shoes you can walk in comfortably outdoors
- Large checked suitcases if you can avoid them
- Too many 'just in case' outfits
- Multiple bulky sweaters or heavy coats
- High heels or delicate dress shoes for the beach wedding
- Several pairs of extra shoes you probably won't wear
- Hair tools unless you know they are dual voltage
- Anything you would be upset to lose, break, or get wet