12 HOURS IN EDINBURGH | BLACK FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL 🧳 | ROYAL MILE | RAINY DAY | ST. GILES | EXPLORING

[@jimreid4367]

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to Scotland , i'm from Glasgow but i think you should revisit Edinburgh again in the future as the city has a lot to offer visitors . but you need a week there to really explore everything . Most of the public buildings are FREE ENTRY like the Museums & Library's etc . Edinburgh Library is actually the biggest in Europe . The best time of the year to visit Edinburgh is probably August , during this month the weather is normally dry and The Edinburgh Fringe is on with hundreds of street performers , art & book festivals . At the castle The ROYAL MILITARY TATTOO is on each evening which is spectacular (but tickets have got to be booked in advance for this show ) . Tickets also have to be booked online to visit the castle during the day . If your a Harry Potter Fan there are HP tour guides to take you too places of interest , as JK Rowling lives & wrote her books in Edinburgh . Edinburgh was the final resting place in Scotland for The QUEEN before her coffin travelled to London , She lay in St Giles Cathedral where you visited for mourners in Scotland to pay their last respect too then she was taken from there to Holyrood Palace right at the very bottom of The Royal Mile . Visitors like to get a great view of the city by climbing Arthurs Seat which is an extinct volcano . Many AMERICANS come to Scotland and they fall in love with Edinburgh , Scotland is a beautiful fairytale country and Edinburgh is just a small part of it . Also our NATIONAL ANIMAL is the UNICORN how cool is that ? xx

[@TaylorsJourney]

The unicorn being the national animal is literally beyond cool! I had no idea and it definitely feeds even more into my love for the genre fantasy. I should have done my research! In the states, museums are rarely free, and sometimes the cost can be exorbitant, so I didn’t realize this is something the UK offered. I HATE that I didnt know the library in Edinburgh is the largest in Europe! Like HATE I didn’t know this prior. The next video im working on, I visited the british library in London, so the fact I didnt visit the Edinburgh library I am now filled with so much regret! Now I HAVE to come back. I will plan to visit in the summer. A commenter on my other video suggested beaches and things to see around the Glasgow area. Also the fact the days are longer in the summer sounds like heaven on earth. I had no clue the queen rested in the church I was in. I was just casually in there and didnt realize how much religious importance the church held. Also I have heard about the Edinburgh Fringe so I agree with you, I should definitely make summer my priority. I totally planned to climb arthurs seat but the weather was really rainy the time I was there, but I will aim to Give Edinburgh the time and love it deserves. As an American, I fell in love with Scotland, not just when I was there but afterwards. Interacting with you all and you guys sharing all of this information to enrich my next visit. Has been honestly my favorite part. The people were so nice to me when I was there, but I have been overwhelmed with all of the education, love, and support through the comments. Im just a girl an ocean away, and you taking the time out of your day to share all this information, means the entire WORLD to me and I can only hope I repay you, by creating a video that does your city proud. 💖

[@londonqueen6210]

You go girl! Look at you doing up solo travel in the UK! 👏🏾🙌🏾 I’ve been to Scotland once (my husbands origin) and as a black woman I was surprised that NO ONE looked at me funny or US funny. I went in the supermarket expecting looks and no one was phased by me being there. The streets were clean and yea I did see some minor drama but the people were so…. Nice. That’s all I can say. I’m heavily considering moving from London to Scotland. Well done sis

[@TaylorsJourney]

literally this is my favorite thing about the UK. I can just exist. I remember my first visit last year, and on my 5th day, I realized no one treated me differently. In that moment immediately fell in love. I know no place is perfect, but the UK is the first place I truly felt accepted as a human. I would 100% move there and I am heavily considering it! Thank you so much for your comment. It warmed my day and I am glad you had such a similar experience on your visit! ✨

[@krisssmith78]

Omg! I'm a black female in Florida planning a solo trip to Scotland in October. It's so good to find your video! I feel so drawn to this place and I don't understand why? The landscapes, architecture and the history haunts me. Thanks for confirming what so many feel n experience, magic!

[@cookiemonster1409]

Apart from the centre of the city, there are a few places outside which are worth a visit Portobello beach Craigmillar Castle Musselburgh You'll miss out on seeing the Gala day celebrations as they are at the end of the school year and are definitely outside the main cities and are a mix of graduation and celebration, in Loanhead, at least, the members of the "royal court" build some beautiful, unique and sometimes really incredible displays in their front gardens, with prizes for the best decorations

[@TaylorsJourney]

@krisssmith78, @cookiemonster1409 's comment is why i LOVE Edinburgh. The people are hands down my favorite part about the city (and the water lolol). All jokes aside, the people. You will love Edinburgh, and will be blown away by the architectural charm this city offers. I am JEALOUS you are going in October. That is my favorite month of the year so I do hope you enjoy every moment. If you have the time please comb through my comments on my Edinburgh videos. The natives have left so so soooooo much knowledge and recommendations for food, bookstores, historical landmarks, other cities to visit, best time to visit, lodging and so much more. I cannot recommend my comment section enough for you to get a true authentic experience during your time in Scotland. Best of luck to you and I please do let me know how much you loved it! Once you return from your trip.

[@tima.478]

Just got back yesterday from an 9 day trip. I usually always go in October, just the time that I like it there the most. Only rained one day, overcast for 3 the rest were gorgeous. You picked a great time to go. 👍 Make sure to eat at "The Witchery," but make a reservation...you're welcome, lol.

[@mairimaguire227]

If you thought St Giles was lovely, you should really visit Roslyn Chapel just on the outskirts of edinburgh. It’s gorgeous - and features in Dan Brown’s book. Just right for a bookworm!

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you for this recommendation! I will definitely check this place out when I come back in December during the Christmas season. Especially it being a place a bookworm would love. Thank you for taking the time to recommend this to me! ❤

[@morebaileyskim]

It was so much fun seeing my home city through your eyes. I have been in the states now for almost 20 years (most in NYC and now the last 5 years in Chicago) and occasionally I will come across a video like yours that makes me feel so homesick. Also it was really nice to see someone who travels like I do - you know what you really like (books) and you want to just take it as it comes and feel the vibe of the place more than try to check off every "required" tourist attraction. And that is the way you get to have awesome random evenings like your dinner chatting with the restaurant owner. I am all about your style of travel!!! Thanks again for taking us on this journey with you and I hope you do get to visit Edinburgh again soon :) (I hope I get to also ha ha)

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you for your comment! You had no idea how much I needed this. I was starting to second guess myself a bit. I thank you for your kind words. I am going to continue to stay true to myself the next time I am in Edinburgh, I will say I have so many things to do because of the natives they gave me a travel plan, surrounding books. ❤️💕. I am very excited. I get to live an authentic experience as a local with their advice so I am super thrilled. Thank you again for uplifting me on my little corner of the internet. I am glad my video gave you some joy as you gave me some reading this. 🌺🌸💐

[@DMCDObidon]

Refreshing to see a book lover come to Edinburgh for more than just Harry Potter. Glad you loved our city . Blackwell used to be James Thin, it's been a bookshop since 1848.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Oh wow 1848! Its almost 200 years old. Thats wild to think about. Things like that are so rare in America. I am always fascinated by the history of Europe, because my native country is so new.

[@fraser-b3494]

I really enjoyed watching your three Edinburgh videos, it's always nice seeing your local city through someone else's eyes. Sorry about the weather, but it adds a bit atmosphere to the city I think :) Someone commented that you should visit Roslyn Chapel in the little village called Roslyn, great little place made more famous by the book The Da Vanci Code by Dan Brown (very good book, well worth a read, was later made a film with Tom Hanks). If you want to visit that in December with whomever you are over with, I'd be more than happy to take you all. Or there are fairly regular buses that go to that village from Edinburgh and probably takes about 45 minutes. Edinburgh is very pretty in December (more rain though), we have a Christmas market at Princess Street that's very popular. I'll definitely check out more of your trips, maybe get some inspiration for myself. Although the idea of travelling alone fills me with fear, probably once I did it once I would be fine :)

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you for this comment! I didn't realize Roslyn chapel is the chapel from the Da Vinci Code. I loved these films! I definitely have to go now. I might have to take you up on the tour of the chapel! I honestly do not mind the rain. I am an avid reader so it doesn't bother me much. It definitely adds to the setting for sure. I totally want to visit the Christmas market. I have heard beautiful things about it so I am super excited for this as well. Lastly, in regards to solo travel. It can be scary at first. My first solo trip I was 25 and I went to Denver, Colorado. This trip changed my life. I would recommend a place within the UK that you haven't been too, that you want to go to, and you would feel comfortable and safe going to alone. After that first trip, you will be ready for more trips outside of the UK. I believe in you! I look forward to hearing about your future travels. ❤️

[@WeeGrahamsaccount]

Please return to Edinburgh but please stay in Scotland for a few weeks. Its wonderful to see your enjoyment.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you! I am planning a quick trip in December but i believe next June, I potentially will be able to make the much longer trip since I have to be there for work i can tag on more time 😇

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

Sorry it rained. I swear the U.K. has had more rain in the last year than I can ever remember. And I’m old

[@TaylorsJourney]

Please dont be! I love the U.K. I also really, really enjoy the rain. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I read like 350 pages on this trip. 💖 So I Truly had the best time! You cant go to the UK and not expect rain. Lol so it didnt bother me one bit.

[@beadot8629]

We’ve all said that this year. It’s been the worst continuous spell of wet and cold weather we’ve known. And we’re old too! Typical, all that Global warming and Scotland just gets wetter!!

[@alistairthow1384]

​@@beadot8629the hot dry places will get hotter, and Scotland will conversley get wetter😢

[@glr2051]

You are most welcome. There's definitely so much more to see in Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole, I hope you come back to experience it. And thank you for pronouncing the city name correctly!

[@glr2051]

Oh, and visit Armchair Books in Edinburgh, it's the most traditional bookstore with real 1800s vibes, have a look on Google

[@TaylorsJourney]

I am so excited to see more! I will be back in December and will be spending my Christmas holiday in Scotland. I will be returning to Edinburgh but also will be taking a stop in Glasgow because so many of the commenters mentioned I should go there next. I am fortunate enough to have a work conference in Glasgow next June, so I will prolong that trip and visit even more cities. I have definitely fallen in love your country. Thank you for your kind words and finding my corner of the internet! I cannot wait for the many more memories to make. 💕🌸🌺💐

[@TaylorsJourney]

Ohh emmm geee. I just googled it! You are totally right this looks beautiful. I could probably spend the whole entire day there. I will definitely try to visit the next time I am in town. Thank you for providing this recommendation!

[@neilmorrison7356]

You have to o come to the Highlands and the Orkney Islands🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄

[@TaylorsJourney]

I just googled those places and OMG. They are breathtaking. I had no idea something like this existed in Scotland. I loveee to read, but what I love even more is water. Also the cliffs from what I googled are a perfect blend of the ocean, mountains, and nature. I have to place this on my list the next time I am in Scotland. How close are these two places you mentioned to Edinburgh. I was also talking to other subscriber about visiting Glasgow as well on my next trip, so if they are close to Glasgow as it might be easier to go when I travel there.

[@gilbertmoyes2918]

@@TaylorsJourney, But don't forget The Shetland's. 😉

[@davidmartin3947]

@@TaylorsJourney If you are visiting Scotland in the winter, do NOT plan on doing any road tripping further north! The days are way too short! Conversely, in the summer they are incredibly long, as most Americans do not really get just how far north the UK, and Scotland in particular, are. There are wonderful midwinter festivals in the Orkneys, and the Up Hella Aa in the Shetlands, but the days are dark and short, so on a brief visit travelling there is a bit problematic. As a bookworm, you would love checking out the history of the road to Skye in particular, where at Glencoe the infamous massacre took place. As a Taylor, you should also check up on your tartans, and maybe buy one! I speak as a Martin, who in fact has zero connections with Scotland, with my ancestors being of the West country branch, but hey, I have a tartan no matter how meritriciously! ;-) And of course the present tartans and their mythology are pretty much an invention of Walter Scott anyway..... But fun!

[@russellnewton6660]

I’ve lived in Edinburgh for 17 years and love it. Where in the states do you live Taylor ? I’m just wondering if I’ve been to your part of the world.

[@TaylorsJourney]

So envious this is your home. I literally loved my time there. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. But most I have also lived in Miami, Florida and I spend a great deal of time in New York City. Like I call NYC my second home.

[@russellnewton6660]

@@TaylorsJourney thanks very much, yes I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to all the cities you have mentioned. Enjoy your travels Taylor 👋

[@ppbton]

Hi!this couldn’t have come at a better time, I’m a black single mama who’s planning to bring my mixed race toddler to Edinburgh. I’ll be travelling just the two of us and was soo worried about travelling. I’m planning a day trip with my daughter who’ll be 18months when we come to Edinburgh in April 25, I was wondering if Scotland is easy to travel around via public transports. I’m planning on getting the coach from London, arriving early morning. First stop getting breakfast at going to Calton Hill, then strolling through the town before heading to the zoo then back to the city for ice cream and dinner before our coach back to London at 9:30pm If you have any other child/toddler friendly ideas I’d love to hear!

[@TaylorsJourney]

I am actually going back before your visit in April! I am going to be spending Christmas there and I am bringing my son with me this time! It will just be me and him! So I will have a much more robust answer in a couple of months. In the meantime, Edinburgh transport system is pretty easy to navigate. I think a big thing that helps is the fact it is in English. lol Most Museums in the UK are free, so you can go to any museum you want free of charge. My comment section in this video has soooooooo many gems. The Scottish people in my comment section have gone above and beyond to open up their home to me. If you have time I would totally scroll through. I am building my itinerary the next time I am there off their recommendations. Lastly, the thing to keep in mind. Edinburgh is HILLLLLYYYY. I would totally recommend a stroller to make things easier. I know as a solo traveler, traveling with a stroller and a baby can be a little tough, but if you are only traveling to Edinburgh and going no where else, I would totally travel with one. I would try to purchase the lightest stroller you can find. Just so its one that can easily collapse and go through public transport. Something like this: www.kolcraft.com/product/kolcraft-cloud-umbrella-stroller/ Your little one might not be able to withstand the hills if she has to walk without a stroller, and you might be too tired to carry her. Also a thing that helps is to plan your trip beforehand. So you arent walking up and down hill, multiple times a day. It helps to do everything up hill at first then move to down hill. There are also some areas that have a lot of steps as the fastest route, so it might not be as walkable with a stroller, so a light weight one is super helpful in case no one is around to help you can easily collapse it and carry the stroller and the baby down the steps. I hope this helps! I can try to follow-up once I go with my son for a more kid-friendly experience! I hope you enjoy Edinburgh as much as I did! Thank you for commenting and finding my side of the internet.

[@kyukito]

( I ask because you have quite a ' considered ', very analytical commentary ). Firstly, the church is St. Giles. Taylor? Are you an academic/ writer?

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you, you are so kind! I write for my work a lot. For my day job I work in academic research, so it requires tons of writing. This is such a nice compliment. You have made my day. ❤

[@kyukito]

@@TaylorsJourney I K.N.E.W. you were academic bright!!!! Your intelligence just pours-out of your eyes!!

[@TaylorsJourney]

@@kyukitoomgosh thank you! 🙏 like i hardly get this. Are you in academia as well? Usually the people that notice work in a similar field. 😊

[@neilmorrison7356]

Glad you loved Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄

[@TaylorsJourney]

You have no idea how much I did! Your city was something out of a legit fairytale.

[@danielsbooks4093]

I’m going in October we’re staying in Edinburgh and Inverness. We’re also going to ilse of skye

[@TaylorsJourney]

I have never heard of Inverness, or the Isle of Skye! How close are they in proximity to Edinburgh. Also how long is your trip!? As an Avid reader... I am so jealous you are going in October. October is my favorite month of the year, so I hope you have the bestttt trip

[@fraser-b3494]

@@TaylorsJourney You can get a train from Edinburgh to Inverness, but I think its 4-5 hours so if you are over for another long weekend it would take up a lot of your time. The Isle of Skye is beautiful, big mountains, beautiful scenery. One of the main attractions is the old man of storr which I saw for the first time a few years ago, bit of a steep hike to get to but well worth it. Both Inverness and the Isle of Skye are a bit far to travel on a long weekend trip if your main plan is to explore more of Edinburgh.

[@gordonbrown4927]

Great video , I’m Scottish just stumbled across this , well done come back sometime

[@TaylorsJourney]

I am totally coming back! I loved it so much, I cant seem to stay away. I am coming this winter during the Christmas season. Commenters told me that the christmas season with the markets and the summer with the festivals are two times I must return, so this year, im Going during the Christmas season. 🥰

[@gordonbrown4927]

Yea Christmas market time is nice , it’s a bit Dickensian and atmospheric, festival time is exciting too personally I find it a bit over busy with tourist/ acting students at this time but it is a buzz

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thats good to know! My birthday is around the time the summer festivals are held so i might make it a birthday trip. 🤗

[@peggybrunache8782]

Consider coming back and meet up with a Black American who lives here. 😊

[@TaylorsJourney]

I would absolutely LOVE that. Thats sounds like so much fun! I am planning to come back in December!

[@kareno6986]

Glad you enjoyed our beautiful city. I hope you come back as there’s so much more to see and do in the city. The rest of Scotland also has so much more to offer. Haste ye back as we say over here 😊

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you so much you are too kind! I also just learned about Wigtown and I am obsessed. One of the commenters told me its scotland’s booktown with over 20 bookstores so when i come back this holiday season im going to try and spend a day or two there!

[@kareno6986]

@@TaylorsJourney I’ve never been there but I understand it has annual book festival, so it sounds like a place you’ll enjoy 😊

[@TimesFM4532]

Come back for the festival, mean don’t I hate it which a passion buts it’s a experience

[@TaylorsJourney]

Lolol this tickled me. 🥰 Yay, okay I will try to make it a plan in the next couple of years. That sounds like a perfect way to spend my birthday. Do you recommend coming earlier or later in the festival for the book related events? If I am going to go, I want to be sure I get to maximize on the literature events. 😇

[@TimesFM4532]

@@TaylorsJourney Tbf with the book festival unless they’ve an author you really want to see anytime is good. I’d recommend picking a few random ones if you can since you always learn something

[@TaylorsJourney]

Okay awesome! I will plan the best time for my work schedule to attend. I really appreciate your advice. Thank you for your guidance! 💕

[@Stxmuso]

The tap water is better than the bottled in general. You wasted your money there.

[@TaylorsJourney]

I know I am so sad! I have told my other subscribers this is what I am the most excited for when I come back to experience. ❤️