Travelling in Scotland can be exciting and unforgettable. No matter what your budget, every traveller wants to save money without sacrificing comfort. Here are nine ways to help you cut costs while still enjoying great service and amenities.

Plan Your Trip in Advance and Outside of Peak Season

Travelling in the off-peak seasons (spring or autumn) can significantly reduce the cost of accommodation and tickets. There are also fewer tourists during these times, allowing you to enjoy attractions in a more relaxed atmosphere. However, if you want to travel in the summer, plan your trip well in advance. Early booking of hotels, tickets, and tours allows you to get good discounts and avoid overpaying.

Choose Cheap Chain Hotels or B&Bs

Instead of staying at boutique or expensive chain hotels, consider staying at hotels like Premier Inn, Holiday Inn or cozy B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast). These often offer more competitive prices and a unique atmosphere with personalised service.

Use Local Restaurants or Pubs

Scotland is famous for its cuisine, and you don’t always have to go to expensive restaurants to enjoy it. Local gastropubs and restaurants can offer fine dining at reasonable prices. For example, the Stack Dim Sum Bar in Edinburgh offers delicious and totally authentic Chinese cuisine, while the Kishorn seafood bar in the tiny village of Kishorn near Lochcarron provides a taste of authentic Scottish cuisine at an affordable price.

Attend Free Cultural Events

Many museums and galleries in Scotland are free to visit. For example, the National Gallery of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland offer free admission. Also, look out for local festivals and cultural events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, which sometimes have free events, spontaneous street performances or events which charge just a nominal fee.

Use Tourist Discount Cards

Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow offer tourist cards that include discounts on attractions, restaurants, and shops. For example, the Edinburgh City Passes (The Edinburgh Pass and the Royal Edinburgh Card) can save you money on admission to major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and more. These cards often include public transport, making them even more of a bargain.

Buy Quality Local Souvenirs

Souvenirs can be a significant expense. Instead of purchasing standard souvenirs from tourist shops, look for products from local artisans. Scotland is famous for its textiles, jewellery and food and drink products such as whisky and Scottish sweets. Visit places like Highland Stoneware Pottery in Lochinver or some of the Open Studios art events for getting unique and authentic souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Rent a Car

For families or groups, renting a car often more economical and convenient than using public transport (if you are not using your own car or motorhome). A car allows you to travel on your own schedule and opens up the possibility of visiting remote places that are not accessible by train or bus. Compare offers from different companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise, and book your car in advance to get the best price. Note it is usually most expensive to hire at airports, so always bear this in mind.

Get a Local SIM Card

Using a local SIM card will help you save on mobile communication and internet access. Companies like EE, O2, and Vodafone offer great deals on travel plans. A local SIM card will give access to the internet and phone calls without high roaming costs, which is especially important for navigation and communication while travelling.

Get Great Currency Exchange and Card Payments Deals

To avoid losing money on currency exchange and card payments, follow these recommendations:

• Avoid exchange points at airports and tourist areas: The exchange rates at such locations are usually much less favourable. It is better to use ATMs of local banks such as the Royal Bank of Scotland or Clydesdale Bank than to exchange at an airport. But first be sure your bank does not charge high fees for international transactions. Best of all for exchange rates is usually a large Post Office branch, or sometimes a travel agent office.
• Use cards with low or no international transaction fees: Some banks and credit card companies offer cards specifically designed for travel with low or no fees for international transactions. Examples include the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Revolut.
• Choose to pay in local currency: When paying by card, you are often given the option to select the currency for the transaction: local or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid additional hidden conversion fees, which may be higher if you choose your home currency.
• Use prepaid cards or multi-currency accounts: Companies like Revolut or Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer multi-currency accounts and prepaid cards that let you hold and spend money in different currencies with minimal conversion fees.
• Check your bank’s exchange rates and fees: Before your trip, contact your bank to find out the latest exchange rates and fees for international transactions. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and choose the most profitable payment method.

For travellers with any budget, my Grand Scottish Driving Tour is an excellent option, combining comfort, savings, and the opportunity to see all the major attractions of Scotland at a pace that suits you.

If you have any questions or would like to know more tips about saving money, please contact me directly. Share this article with your friends and save it for your festival planning.