Save Money Traveling: Groceries

Not to fulfill the Scottish stereotype, but to help you keep your vacation within budget I recommend a few tips. Here's a couple of ideas that may save you money, or allow you to put more money into other things such as purchasing souvenirs or something else.

Self-catering saves you money but it may limit your mobility. If you pick a central location and stay in one place, you can fill up your shelves and refrigerator with stuff. At the same time, you can experience living in Scotland like a local. The grocery store experience puts you in the same circles of the locals.

Instead of buying expensive soda buy this unique product. Fruit Squash.


It is concentrated fruit juice. Mix it with bottled water and you can make it last and spend pennies a day. You can carry it with you as you travel. If you plan to go hiking it is something to think about.

Breakfast is a must, as it fuels you up for a vigorous day of travel. You can buy breakfast foods at the grocery store, experience a good Scottish breakfast and save money as well. Most restaurants are not open for breakfast. I have found the breakfast restaurant is an American thing. The B&B provides a great breakfast, as well as hotels provide something to nibble on in the morning but you may have to wait until lunch to get any food on the road. So if you self-cater, you will need to load up on breakfast goods. You can get a pack (see picture) of good Scottish breakfast staples. I do not like black pudding and you may as well. It is basically pig or lamb blood. Yuck. But some love it.


You can get breakfast cereal easily and it is the same stuff as in the States. Sometimes they put it in different packaging, but you will figure it out.

If you don't want to spend much for dinner, I recommend the margherta pizzas. You can get a two for one pizza deal in any of the grocery stores pretty easily. They are pretty good for frozen pizzas. I would have one every Friday night.

The strongest suggestion to you is to enjoy one really good meal. The lunch menu is usually good until 5pm...so if you eat early you will also save money. But if you take care of getting a good breakfast in the morning, you can have a few extra pounds for a good dinner out. Maybe an extra pint or two.

Hidden Gem: Loch Ericht

Loch Ericht is a hidden gem, nestled off the train station at Dalwhinnie. It is easy to get to by train and requires no car. If you can walk, you can enjoy the loch. I suggest you pick a nice day, however, so you can sit on the shore and take in the scenery.




The estate at the Dalwhinnie side of the loch offers lodging.



Click on the picture of the Lodge and get a booking form and see the costs of a stay.

















Click the map to see the location of the loch and get directions as well.





To get a good view of the loch, play the video below. It is a remote place you will enjoy for a good day of contemplation, relaxation and reflection.



There is a very nice pub near the loch with a fine restaurant inside. You can rent bikes at the pub. I suggest you get there at the beginning of the day and make the rental fee worth the price.






This is a picture of the pub and restaurant.

Avoid Heathrow Airport

Flying through Heathrow is a headache.

Okay, your travel agent says the flight is cheaper if you fly into or through Heathrow Airport. Yes, probably it is cheaper. However, you are flying into England to go to Scotland. That's a bit like flying into Canada to get to the United States. If your vacation is in Scotland, you're wasting your time, money and eventually you will avoid headaches and anxiety.

It is timely to mention this little travel tip because yesterday they had a bit of an accident at the airport. A plane landed short of the runway and belly flopped onto the grass. No one was hurt. However it brings up a timely issue.



Weird things happen at Heathrow

Heathrow is a magnet for weird things and security issues. It is the largest airport in England and with it brings all the issues of a high profile place. Of course, Glasgow Airport had the weirdness of two guys wanting to burn themselves up by slamming their SUV into the entrance, so I can't single out Heathrow for weirdness. However, when I traveled through Heathrow here is what I learned.

Watch the monitors for gate departures closely. They will change on you without telling you or you want here the change. The airport is huge. Unbelievably big and thus getting from one gate to another can take a very long time. They will put you on a bus to move you from one terminal to the next and I swear the bus ride was an hour long.

Just be aware of what you are getting into when you buy a ticket. Traveling through Heathrow may seem like a cost saving but I would not recommend it. You'd be better off flying to Glasgow. Also, if you are flying to Edinburgh know that it is more expensive to fly to Edinburgh than Glasgow. And if you fly to Glasgow you can take the train to Edinburgh quite easily. The costs might offset, so be wise about what you plan to do. I find Glasgow airport very easy to get around. For New Yorkers, it's like going to the Albany airport. Not that big but big enough to host international flights.

The Ultimate Scottish Vacation: Day One

Okay, so you want to go to Scotland. In the next ten days of this site, I will take you through the vacation you could plan if you had ten days to spend in Scotland. I think this vacation in Scotland is one that will give you the best overview of the country, give you a wonderful time and a chance to experience the culture.

The only thing I would change in this vacation is the car rental. I would not have picked up a car in Glasgow but take the train for most of the journey. In fact, I would not pick up a rental car until I got to Inverness and then traveled the highlands. You don't need a car anywhere but in Skye and Loch Ness. The trains don't run in Skye and it is difficult to get to Loch Ness without a car.

First thing: Cabs are awesome in Scotland. Make sure your cell phone can work overseas or pick up a pay as you go when you arrive. You will need it for many things; safety, taxis, lodgings, etc. It is worth picking one up at the airport or at a store on your first day. If you have an AT&T phone, you can easily go to an ORANGE store in Scotland and get a pay as you go chip for your phone. It should be an easy conversion and you can use your phone in Scotland. My phone works in both countries and I use a separate chip for each country. It saves lots of money for me.

Now if you plan a flight...go into Glasgow not Edinburgh. You will save a couple hundred dollars and depending on how many are flying with you, a lot of money. Also, if you live near Canada try driving up to Toronto and flying out of that airport. The airport has been upgraded and it very easy to get around. We got a good fare with Air Canada and flew out of Toronto. We saved hundreds of dollars but you do have the hassle of going into another country to fly to another country. We didn't find it a problem in 2003.

Don't get any British currency until you get to Scotland. Go to the ATM at the airport and take out enough for a few days. Don't take too much because you don't want to be walking around with all that cash. Then go to the Starbucks on the first level and get a cup of coffee, pay with a 10 pound note and ask for change in pound coins. You will need the coins for train and bus travel. Bus drivers can get pissy if you give them big bills.

Take the bus that will bring you to Queens Street station. The bus you want is easily marked. If you are confused just ask, people are friendly and it's not New York. You won't be mugged after asking a question.

Once you get to Queens Street, go to the middle of the terminal. You can purchase your tickets from the vending machine...but it might be too confusing for you. Near the Buchanan Street side of the terminal there are ticket counters. They can help you out and make sure you get the right ticket. What you want is a cheap day return...it is a two way ticket but cheaper than a one way. A cheap day return to Edinburgh. However, depending on what time of day it is you may have limitations. IF it is rush hour, you won't be able to use the ticket until after 10am. If you arrive before 10am and need to go right away, ask for a single day return. I'd go with the cheap day, and sit in the terminal or take a walk on Buchanan while waiting for the appropriate train...hey, you are on vacation what's the hurry?

Get to Edinburgh Waverly Station and then find a cab to take you to your hotel. I recommend two days in Edinburgh because you will be tired, there is lots to do and it is an expensive city. Know that once you get out of the city, prices come down incredibly so plan your vacation accordingly.

Once you've settled into your hotel. Taken a shower, etc...get another cab and go straight to the Royal Mile. You can shop there, eat, get a pint or two and soak in the Scottish flavor. Don't worry about getting a cab in Edinburgh.

Our first day, we planned on one tourist stop and kept the day light. We learned our first lesson that Scots eat later. We arrived at the restaurant at 5pm and they asked us if we wanted lunch. It works in your favor to eat early as the costs are less as well. A pub is a necessity at night. You will want to stay awake as long as possible the first day to adjust to the time change. You will collapse at 8pm, as I did.

Watch the video below of our first day in Scotland in 2003. This was our first trip and one that changed my life. I will put each day on this site for you to help you plan your trip. I would do the same itnerary anyday because it gave me the best experience of the country. It helped me later when I moved there to understand the geography. Speaking of geography, get a map, and study it. Know where the main cities are because it will help you as you travel.

Check out the video below of Day One:

TRAVEL TIP: Weather

Scottish weather is the most maligned weather in the world. I swear it is due to the Floridians who travel there and think 50 degrees is freezing temperatures. My experience in Scotland taught me this. The weather in Cleveland, Syracuse and Western Michigan is worse than Scotland weather. In the winter of '06-'07 it snowed three days. The ground was covered for one day and that was it. It rained heavily in January but for the most part this is how a day in Scotland works. You get rain everyday, but for only an hour or so on most days. The sun does come out even in the winter time, unlike the three places in the US that I mentioned. And the night time is brilliant. I rarely recalled cloudy evenings and so the air was clear and the stars shone bright. I now sit in Cleveland and lament at the constant hazy darkness.

If you click on to the picture it will take you right to the BBC weather center to get an idea of temperatures. If I were going to plan a vacation, the summer would be the best time to go to Scotland, however the past summer was not as good as usually. I found that September and October were brilliant. You don't go to Scotland to surf or sun worship. If you go to hike, sightsee and experience a great country, the weather is perfect. It is not too hot and not too cold. For a northerner like me, it was great.

A tip: The western side of Scotland gets more rain...kind of like the lake effect that we experience in the US. So your travels on the east coast may not be as threatened by rain.


Other links: Click the picture to get the most recent forecast!











Click this picture for a live webcam:

TRAVEL TIP: Loch Ness

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO WIN A FREE TRIP TO SCOTLAND!





















Loch Ness is worth a stop in your travels. Make sure you take one of the guide boats. It is a pleasant trip and educational as well.

Urquhart Castle is on the shore of Loch Ness and provides one of the best history presentations of any castle. You've probably have glimpsed the castle in one of the many Nessie "sighting" pictures or films.

Drumnadrochit is the nearby town and has two Nessie museums. A touristy rip off really but if you just want a laugh or two it is worth the visit. We found it educational but a bit lite.

One thing that will stand out in your journey of Scotland are the World War I memorials. Drumandrochit has one. We don't see many of them in the United States. After your visit you will appreciate the sacrifices made in Europe during the first Great War. It is unfathomable today that so many could lose their lives on a battlefield in one day.

TRAVEL TIP: Take the Tea...avoid the Coffee

I strongly recommend that when you travel to Scotland that you avoid the coffee. Unless of course you like very strong coffee. But the tea in the U.K. is tops. The tea is better than what you will find in the US by a long shot. I was not a tea drinker until I went to Scotland and now I start each day with a cup of tea...I have coffee later but to start the day with tea is kinder to the body. Ty-phoo is my favorite and can be found in the United States. Click on the logo and go to their site.

If you do insist to have coffee over there...here's a tip. Order the White Coffee. It is a milder version of the normal stuff. You can also ask for an Americano, which is like a latte but not quite.

There are Starbucks and they supply the same types of coffee as US shops but if you are in a restaurant I offer the above advice. The coffee shops will give you what you want, but if you want coffee with your meal or with breakfast...be prepared.

Costa coffee is very popular. Click on the logo to learn more.

MEET REAL SCOTS: Travel tips

Go to Church

If you really want to experience the real Scotland and not just the touristy places...I mean, would you go to Williamsburg and say you understood America? Maybe the past. Or if you just visited New York City, would that tell you all you need to know about the United States? No way.

So go to a local church service on Sunday. They won't throw you out. If you are a gent, wear a tie...but it won't matter if you don't. You will learn more in that hour about the people that live in the country than any other place but the pub. The secret to being a good tourist is listening. It's not about you, it's about learning about them. Unless of course, you want it to be about you and then I'd ask you stay away from me, you give Americans a bad rep. Click on the picture to learn about the Logie Kirk in Stirling. A fine place to go and meet real Scots.

TRAVEL TIP: Go Self-Catering if you can.

Americans sometimes are surprised to hear there are "real" grocery stores in Scotland. There are many but there are three prominent ones. Tesco is the best for price and quality. Sommerfield's prices are about the same but the produce is poor quality. So, if you are afraid to go find them, they will find you. Click on the TESCO logo and see what they offer. You can also learn how to get your groceries delivered to you while you are in Scotland.

Sainbury's has the best quality produce but their prices are quite a bit higher. So if you don't like the food at TESCO go to Sainbury's but be ready to pay an extra 50p or so (that's a buck to you Yank). Click on the SAINSBURY'S Logo and take a look a their stuff.

TRAVEL TIP: Pound Coins and Exchange Rates

If you travel to Scotland remember there are ATMs all around the world. What I do is wait until I get to Glasgow and then withdraw the money from the ATM right there. I get a much better rate than if I was to get money from a US Bank or Currency Exchange shops. The Currency Exchange shops will rip you off. Don't think about it. Use the ATMs and withdraw, however, let your bank know you are traveling overseas or else they could stop your card from being used and then you will spend a day on the phone trying to solve that problem.

Now another suggestion is once you get your money, go to the Starbucks at the airport and get a coffee. Ask for as much change in pound coins you can get. You'll need the coins for buses and pretty much a lot of things. Just a suggestion, but if you are going on a bus any time soon you need to stock up on the coins.

TRAVEL TIP: Fly Continental out of Newark

Use Orbitz and find the best fares. Usually if you fly in January and February you can get good prices. If you go in the summer you will pay a lot more. My suggestion if you want decent weather and less crowds go in April or May. September is another good time. Avoid July and August if you are on a limited budget.

Check Orbitz for the best deals. I use Orbitz for every flight. Recently, I checked a flight from Newark to Glasgow in January and I found one for $585 round trip. Flying into Glasgow is cheaper than Edinburgh. Avoid Heathrow as best as you can. It is like flying to Charlotte to go to New York. Yeah, it's cheaper but you still are a long way from your destination.

Aer Lingus was the most disappointing airline I have ever taken. My luggage was lost both times I used the airline and one time it was left out in the rain and soaked everything inside.

Continental has the best flights by comfort and by price.

TRAVEL TIP: Go to Oban

Go to Oban! One of the places I truly recommend to you is Oban. It is a quaint little town on the coast, looking out at the Island of Mull. From Oban, you can take a ferry to Mull and Iona. Two other places you must go to.

Click on the picture of Oban Bay and see live pictures from Oban.

If you do go to Oban, don't go to McTavish's Kitchen. It is a tourist trap and the food is horrible. You will come back like all the rest saying Scottish food is crap if you got to places like McTavish's. Instead, check out my favorite

seafood restaurant, The Waterfront. Click on the Waterfront logo to go to their website.

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And I challenge anyone to go to Oban and leave thinking that food in Scotland is lousy.

Click on the boat and wine bottles to get a listing of the restaurants in Oban. Go and eat well. Tell your friends that yes, Scotland does have some good food.

TRAVEL TIP: Don't talk and Drive

Nearly 10,000 fines have been issued to drivers in Scotland for using their mobile phones.
It became illegal earlier this year - with motorists who are caught being fined £60 and given three points on their licence.
A major awareness campaign on the issue is being launched tomorrow to highlight the dangers.
The country's police forces will also begin a crackdown against those who continue to flout the law.