10 Things You Should Pack for Your Rabbie's Tour

Phil
Posted on 27 Jan 2017

So you’ve planned your holiday and booked with Rabbie’s; but now you’re wondering what to pack to ensure you’re fully prepared for your tour.

A tour can be tricky to pack for, especially if you are deciding between an autumn or fall tour vs a sunnier summer tour, so here are my top ten recommendations of what you need and what you don’t need.

10. Footwear

Image by Driver / Guide Jamie

Rabbie’s love getting off the beaten track, and always try to get you to the places you want to see. So make sure you can get to the best photo points by bringing good footwear.

You don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds on professional hiking equipment; simply wear shoes that keep your feet dry and are practical for exploring both historic towns and wandering loch side.

9. USB charger suitable for UK

As much as we all need a digital detox we understand you may need to get online. And there’s nothing worse than running out of power just when you want to post the perfect picture. Chargers come in all shapes and sizes but one with a USB connection is great, just make sure you have a three pin British adapter.

Extra tip - many of Rabbie’s buses have USB charger points built in so you can charge as you travel!

8. A padlock

Image by Driver / Guide Jamie F

A padlock is handy if you’re staying in a hostel dorm rather than B&B or hotel accommodation. To save you taking everything on the bus with you, you can often use the hostel’s lockers to secure your belongings with your own padlock. Everywhere we visit is safe, but you can’t be too careful.

7. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes

Image by Driver / Gill B

There’s no escaping the fact that the weather in the UK can be a little wet: sometimes you experience four seasons in just a few hours. It makes packing harder but, as long as you think ahead, you can pack light and pack clever.

You’ll not be climbing Everest, but warm and dry layers will help you adapt to the conditions and make your trip much more enjoyable.

And kilts aren’t mandatory!

6. Water

This seems silly and obvious but it does make a difference. If you’re on a Rabbie’s tour, then you’re going to spend time on their lovely mini-coaches. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for comfort breaks and rest stops, but staying hydrated will help make the trip much more enjoyable. Tap water is perfectly drinkable so just keep filling up your water bottle!

5. Don’t bring the kitchen sink

Image by Driver / Gill B

The temptation when you travel is to pack for every single eventuality - a great idea.

But sadly Rabbie’s can only let you bring one medium sized bag (maximum 15 kilos) and one carry-on bag per person.

Although you’ll be off the beaten track you’ll still be in the civilised world, so there’s no need to bring loads of food or a ball gown in case you meet the Queen!

Pack for the days you’re away with warm layers and waterproofs in case the sun doesn’t make an appearance. As for meeting the queen, a coo is far more likely!

4. Bring a little cash

Not everywhere you visit will accept debit and credit cards; including your accommodation. Bringing a little cash with you means you don’t have to try and find an ATM to pay for a gift or a night’s stay.

If you do need one, mention it to your Driver / Guide and they’ll be happy to help you find one.

3. A good book

Image by Driver / Gill B

You won’t need this on tour as Rabbie’s lovely driver / guides have enough enthusiasm, stories and chat to keep you entertained! But staying in new places can sometimes mean a restless night, so grab a book set in the area you’re exploring and add to your experience.

2. Plastic sandwich bags.

Ok this one is a little weird, but when you have a small bag it pays to put liquids in plastic bags so leaks don’t affect the rest of your clothes and electrics. It’s a boringly practical life saver!

1. Assumptions

Image by Driver / Gill B

This is the hardest one to leave at home; but it’s worth it.

A Rabbie’s tour will take you to places you’ve never been but always dreamed of. Pre-conceived ideas and assumptions often mean you don’t enjoy your actual experience as much as you could.

The communities, people, and sights we visit are what make the tours special so relish discovering them.

The joy of a tour and travel is finding yourself in a place you never quite believed you’d see but will remember forever.

So try not to make your memories in advance, just let them happen.

Hopefully this handful of suggestions will help make packing for your time on your Rabbie’s tour a little easier.