HGTV star Erin Napier is back in the U.S. after a whirlwind trip to Scotland with her family, and she’s got plenty to say about it—from midges and missing ranch dressing to magical Highland resorts and the mystery of Nessie.
In a candid Instagram post on July 18, Napier offered a refreshingly honest take on international travel. Equal parts funny, heartfelt, and slightly delirious from jet lag, her reflections resonated with fans who know that traveling abroad—especially with kids—is no joke.
An Honest Take on Jet Lag and Transatlantic Travel
Right out the gate, Napier didn’t sugarcoat how she was feeling: “Can you die from jet lag?” she asked. If you’ve ever flown long-haul with toddlers or just bad luck with airplane seats, you probably nodded a tired “yes” in agreement.
That question set the tone for the rest of her list—thoughtful, funny, and occasionally chaotic. It wasn’t a perfectly curated travel diary. It was real.
She added, “It is a long flight across the ocean.” Simple, but somehow that understatement captured the collective mood of every traveler who’s ever tried to keep a preschooler entertained over the Atlantic.
One-sentence break here.
Napier also joked that she felt like “last year’s bird nest” after getting off the plane. Fans knew exactly what she meant.
Culture Clashes, Flip Tops, and Ranch Dressing Withdrawal
Napier’s post was less about landmarks and more about the little things you notice when you’re far from home.
She mused about food dyes, U.K. laundry detergent, and most importantly: ranch dressing. “Is there a reason they don’t have ranch in the UK?” she asked. “I mean, have they tasted it?”
Her lighthearted gripe struck a chord with fellow Americans who’ve spent time abroad missing home comforts. But it wasn’t just about what she missed.
Napier praised the U.K.’s cleaner food options, admired their bottle tops, and clearly appreciated the slower pace and thoughtful hospitality. Her family’s resort, she said, “thought of EVERYTHING.”
Just one sentence again.
And even their mosquitoes (well, midges) were preferable to the ones back home. “I like their midges more than our mosquitoes,” she wrote. That’s… quite a compliment.
Nessie, Toilets, and the Magic of Scotland
Napier didn’t spot the Loch Ness Monster on this trip. But that didn’t stop her from weighing in: “I didn’t see her, but I still think Nessie is real.”
It’s a sentiment that captures the enchantment many feel when visiting the Scottish Highlands. There’s something timeless, almost mystical, in the air—especially for someone used to Mississippi heat and Southern charm.
The Home Town host also noticed something every tourist eventually experiences: toilet trouble. “I like our toilets that flush reliably,” she confessed.
Her post jumped between musings like a tired mind sorting through souvenirs. There was no clear narrative—just impressions, moments, and travel-weary honesty.
And yet it worked. People loved it.
Instagram Reactions: Fans Embrace the Chaos
Within minutes of posting, Napier’s comment section started filling up. Fans were thrilled to see a slice of her vacation life—and even more delighted by the quirky thoughts she shared.
Here are just a few of the reactions:
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“What a wonderful experience for you and your family, welcome home.”
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“Looks like an amazing trip. Glad you made it home safely.”
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“I thought I saw you on my flight yesterday! If I wasn’t so exhausted myself, I would have said hello!”
Napier, ever the relatable mom, replied to the last comment: “I was feeling like last year’s bird nest.” A reply so good, it got more likes than some entire influencer accounts get on a post.
Fans weren’t just happy to see their favorite HGTV star post-trip. They felt seen. Traveling is wonderful, but it’s also weird, tiring, and full of tiny annoyances. Napier managed to bottle that feeling in one post.
Highlights: House of Bruar and The Northern Gate
Not all of Napier’s Scotland commentary was about toilets and jet lag. She also gave glowing mentions to two standout locations that clearly left an impression.
“House of Bruar was like a fever dream. IYKYK,” she wrote, referring to the luxury Scottish country shopping destination nestled near Pitlochry. For the uninitiated, it’s a mix of food hall, fashion, and Highland aesthetics—all wrapped up in tweed.
She also tagged another favorite: “@houseofthenortherngate is my favorite place.” That’s a more secluded, stylish retreat in the north of Scotland, known for its dramatic coastal views and serene atmosphere.
Both spots reflect Napier’s appreciation for design, hospitality, and places with character.
Travel with Kids: Chaos, Charm, and “Indestructible” Children
Perhaps the most heartfelt part of Napier’s post came when she talked about her kids. “Travel makes your kids flexible and indestructible!” she wrote, reflecting on how children adapt to strange beds, long flights, and rainy weather without missing a beat.
That line seemed to strike a deeper chord with parents who know just how chaotic traveling with children can be. Napier didn’t present a perfect vacation. She showed the messy, tiring, magical reality of seeing the world through your children’s eyes.
There was no influencer pretense. No filters hiding the bags under her eyes. Just a tired mom, full of love, recounting the best and worst of a big trip.
