How To Travel Scotland On A Budget – Scotland is famous for Braveheart and Highland Coos, but many people wonder, is Scotland expensive? So, if you are also looking for how much does it cost to travel to Scotland, if you are planning a trip to Scotland, don’t worry. I went to Scotland for 9 days and wrote down all the expenses so you can plan your own trip based on Scotland’s special prices!!
Here is a table of percentages, but keep reading for more information about each section.
How To Travel Scotland On A Budget
Can you make it easier? Yes! I booked the hotel much later than usual so I think that increased the price. Also, since I went in the summer, I believe the prices also went up because it was “high” season.
Scotland Road Trip: 19 Unmissable Places For Your Itinerary (with Map!)
I’ve included links in the table above for all the hotels if you’re interested, but I wanted to highlight a few special places. I enjoyed all my accommodations on this trip and recommend them all, but some require more information. I also wanted to add that if I had time between Edinburgh and Inverness I would absolutely stay at this cool glamping pod.
This was my favorite hotel of the trip and definitely worth the price of a holiday in Scotland! It’s really long, yassssssss. It was close to Drummond Castle and it’s a very nice area and I’d recommend getting there by car. It had an excellent dining room for dinner, an elegant bar with great cocktails (see the Alcohol section) and a spa! I didn’t have enough time to go to the actual spa, but they had a giant egg massage room which I used 100%! This is very important to consider when planning a trip to Scotland.
I went to Falkland because of its connection to the Outlander show, but I still think it’s worth a visit if you have the time. It looks like the small town where Mary Queen of Scots grew up (which she joined for the Reign show).
So why Covenant? Well, because it’s the same hotel that Frank and Claire stayed at on their honeymoon in the pilot episode of Outlander! I didn’t just rent a room, I rented the whole house! I had a bedroom, a kitchen, a living room, a second bed, a bathroom and a staircase! It was also across the street from Bruce Springs where Jamie was waiting for Claire.
Things To Do In Edinburgh On A Small Budget
Sligachan is on the Isle of Skye and it was in a small area. I chose this hotel because it was close to several places I wanted to see and the rooms were nice. When I got there, I saw an amazing view of the hotel! Next to this dreamy bridge and river, we headed towards the stunning mountains. I saw it in my bedroom window too! There was also a small bar and restaurant on the ground floor. I like it!
I walked into that room a few years ago when I went to Ireland. I lived in an empty dorm over the summer when the kids were on vacation. It’s great because the price is usually the same as a hotel, but the facilities are better and I still have my own room like a hotel! And every time you get a kitchen, whether in the room or sharing 4 rooms with a private bathroom! I stayed in 2 on this trip. One in Edinburgh and one in Inverness. I haven’t stayed in Edinburgh too long since going to the Falklands (I’ve been to Edinburgh before) but for a better view of things to do in Edinburgh this is a good list.
Keep in mind: I used my rental car when traveling around the country, but when I got to Edinburgh at the end of my trip, I gave it up and relied on the bus. Also note that I got a hybrid (I didn’t ask, it just happened so I’m lucky).
Can you make it easier? If you have a manual! I got an automatic because I don’t want to worry about going in reverse and with a manual!
Scottish Budget 2020 21
The most important part of the cost of traveling to Scotland is car hire! I’ve loved Skyscanner for over a decade when looking for my flight deals, but did you know you can find great deals on car hire too? It uses the same search engine philosophy as for flights, where it searches for the cheapest price. You can still change some settings like automatic vs. manual, unlimited miles or not etc.
Pro Tip: Read more tips on how to save money on flights with Skyscanner! How to find a cheap car rental!
When people ask me “How much does it cost to go to Scotland” they usually ask about the price of petrol (and if it’s worth it!) But renting a car is a good idea as it allows you to park wherever you want and you can stop and take beautiful pictures of the landscape that you can’t get if you go on a tour. Definitely worth it.
Keep in mind: I didn’t eat breakfast until it was included, and a wonderful person bought my food. Not to mention I had bread and made PBJ with some meals. So this is just a sample!
How To Visit England & Scotland On A Budget
Can you make it easier? Making your own food really helps with the cost of food in Scotland! I made my own PBJ but some hotels had kitchens so I could cook.
I have to start with my favorite food of the trip! It’s basically a Philly Cheesesteak, but it’s a really good steak. I got it at the Claunie Inn on the Isle of Skye. It must have been a good thing because I was cold from the rain and desperately trying to find a place to stay. I was afraid I wouldn’t find a place to fill my bins and stomach when the inn emerged from the fog with sheep, expensive gas and expensive food. I was happy to pay. They are literally on their way and they deserve it!
I had to try their Fish and Chips in Oban because (at least according to the sign) they were famous for it! I agree they were very good and had a wide range of seafood as Oban is a fishing town!
In the Falklands I decided to eat in a hotel because it’s a small town and most places are closed. I chose the comfort food of Mac and Cheese and yasssssss. Sooooo good. Adding comfort food to your trip to Scotland is essential.
Of The Best Things To Do In The Highlands
I’m not a big eater, but if you are, here’s a route for Scottish food lovers.
I have to tell you about this deal in Edinburgh! There I was wandering alone in Edinburgh when I came across a stall of sorts. I was drawn to a place called McCowan’s. Look, they exchanged a bottle of wine, 10 kilos! You don’t mind if I do! I had a short and safe journey back to the hostel so why not 🙂
There was also a Putt-Putt park in the complex! Since I was in Scotland I had to play golf lol. But since there was also a bar at the start and middle of the course, I decided to grab a drink and play Putt-Putt with my new Scottish friend.
In Crieff at the Knock Hotel and Spa I decided I was in for a nice refreshment. I want to experience the wonderful atmosphere of a bar in the safety and comfort of a wonderful hotel! It was such a fun evening, especially since I was driving a lot!
Scottish Castles: Best Places To Stay Like Royalty On Any Budget
I enjoyed a late night beer in a hotel in Sligachan while editing the photos. It was nice to be with people even though I wasn’t talking to anyone. And it gave me a chance to watch a woman chase her dog, which was hilarious!
Keep in mind: I always wanted to maximize my experience with fun activities, so I always did it when I wanted to!
I don’t want to say that the Loch Ness Cruise was the number one reason I had to come back to Scotland, but it was up there. Not only was it on my bucket list, but I was so sad I didn’t get there the first time in 2003!
The three island cruise I did in Oban was a last minute addition but WOW