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Planning a special trip across Scotland? We all have been there with the flight booking, road trips, accommodation, and a simple budget. It all looks straightforward on paper, right? But that is the concern, as for many, traveling across the country, like Scotland, can become stressful with some additional expenses catching you off guard.
Not that you will be exposed to some of the vicious scams or tricks, but traveling around Scotland demands detailed planning and understanding of essential aspects. That is exactly what we will explain to you.
Getting Around Will Not Be Cheaper In Scotland
Generally, you will not hear that often because the United Kingdom is renowned for its remarkable transport infrastructure that supports all the best tourism activities happening in the region. However, traveling around Scotland is not going to be cheap, just because the trip looks shorter on maps. The travel time and overall cost can add up quickly, especially when traveling to remote areas or during special occasions.
Last-minute trains can easily drain your budget for a large group journey. Even worse, the fuel costs with the car rentals, hiring separate drivers, and coordinating vehicles to a single destination will spin your head. That is why many travelers are learning to book smart transport options like a minibus hire company in Scotland, which operates on your exclusive routes and plans. These transport options are much cheaper than car rentals, offering the convenience of both driver and fuel in a single package.
Fuel & Parking Cost
As we said, traveling around Scotland comes with some notable hidden expenses. A good rule of thumb is to incorporate them into your overall travel budget, so you do not have to worry about it at the last moment. Fuel and parking cost is not something that is on the mind of everyone, but it is a high cost to break your budget.
You may find parking costs are much higher in rural areas like the Scottish Highlands and at different festivals with a busy scene. Some petrol stations in remote areas might charge more than the traditional prices. Similarly, the parking spots in city centres may have higher hourly rates that can add up for a long trip.
Accommodation Surprises
The fancy room that you are planning to book for your upcoming holiday with family and friends might be more expensive than the actual price tag. That is true during the peak season when most of the accommodations booked out ahead of time. That is why experts always advise on securing your accommodation several weeks or at least days in advance to get the best price that fits under the budget.
Some high-end accommodations may not also provide breakfast or complimentary meals, which also add up the cost and exceed the budget. In this case, you can go for meals at the local cafes and supermarkets, so you can save money and enjoy the trip around Scotland. Or if you are planning to travel during winter, you will be paying an extra amount for heating which is much needed for the weather situation.
Higher Food Cost In Major Cities
Scotland leaves you with a variety of food options around every city. With such a diversity in choices, no one can help but to try out everything. That eventually becomes a problem of high cost.
The tourist-heavy destinations are mostly prone to higher meal costs with fewer alternatives. Not to mention, the restaurants also add service charges of up to 10-12.5%, which are highly prone to break your budget. You should also be prepared to pay higher costs for dietary restricted restaurants and cafes at remote villages with so little choice on the price.
The best way to dodge the pricey food options is by going for a supermarket meal or street food that is prepared using fresh produce, giving the true local experience. The tourist restaurants are only good for a higher end budget and always consider tap water as it is safe and will save you money instead of purchasing bottled water.
Hidden Costs In Attractions & Activities
Here is the frustrating one: Most of Scotland’s outdoor attractions are completely free. But numerous historic houses, museums, exhibitions, castles and heritage sites may charge you an entry fee or other charges for exhibitions and local exploration. These costs exceed significantly when you are traveling with a large group of family or friends.
Some attractions in Scotland also provide guided tours which may cost an additional amount to burden your budget. However, these guided tours are often the better option compared to the higher entry fees, that is because you will get a detailed insight into the attraction.
Final Words
Traveling around Scotland on a budget is surely possible with the right strategies and tricks that will save you money to spend on the things that are more important and valuable to you. Everyone seeks a luxurious way to spend a quality time in Scotland together with groups of friends and family. But you should also keep a safe side from expensive deals, when you can get a variety of alternatives at much better prices.
So make sure to budget your trip and incorporate planning with bookings for transport and accommodation ahead of time to make the most out of your Scotland local experience.
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