Travel is a coveted adventure for most people, and if you have itchy feet, you know just how big of a chunk from your budget it can take. Even if you are not that pressed for money, it is reasonable not to overspend on a travel, to save up for future adventures. Great Britain, and Scotland in particular, can turn out to be on the pricey side of things, so you will probably want to pink some pounds here and there.
Dining
Food and drink are one of the major things that can help you save up quite a lot. Moreover, if you opt for a self-drive type of vacation, then it is even more so. You can pack some of the essentials, like water and snacks in the back of your car and then save quite a bit in the long run.
Moreover, try to choose the establishments that are frequented and liked by the locals, that can guarantee you a fair price for a delicious meal. There are many reviews online, so you can check and find a suitable café or restaurant in the vicinity, and even if you are not up to it, then you should steer clear of the international cuisine, since it is usually tailored to tourists and thus overpriced. It might seem minor, but all in all the expenses can accumulate and add up to a huge sum.
Transportation
You have to be reasonable about the transportation, and it is particularly important to evaluate the expenses and costs involved in each kind of transportation. Even though trains and buses are cheaper in the short term, however, the inconveniences might add up, and thus it might be better to spend a bit more upfront. Dundee van hire is an ideal option for a family, but if you are to save up a bit, do check the prices of petrol ahead of time and find suitable insurance.
Accommodation
Ideally, if you are planning to see most of Scotland, then you should set up a base in one of the cities or towns and then venture out to see the other locations. Dundee is the perfect choice to find some accommodation, since it is cheaper than other big cities, and especially if you are not intent on staying in the centre of the city, you might save up a decent amount. Besides if you hire a van in Dundee, you can easily reach other big cities, like Glasgow and Edinburgh. Since the accommodation is rather cheaper here and the drive to some of the sights will take you 2 hours or less, it makes sense to stop in a smaller city, find a van hire and save a huge chunk of your budget.
Tours and tickets
If you are not the one to do research, then you might feel overwhelmed with all the options online. However, if you spend a minute searching through the options available, then you could map out a great agenda by selecting sights that spark your interests. Moreover, tours usually cost a pretty penny, but if you have hired a car, then you could set out on a journey of your own accord and save money in the process. Furthermore, if you prefer the comfort of exploring Scotland as part of an organized tour, then at least look into booking the tickets online, as this way lets you get a better deal. Furthermore, you can think about getting a National Trust for Scotland Membership, in order to get a deal on the tickets and even free admissions to some places, so even if it is an expense upfront, it will save you money in the long tome.
Be reasonable
Budgeting is an acquired skill and the more you practice the better you get. However it is crucial not to forget that you are traveling to have fun, and if you feel that budgeting totally spoils the trip, then you might let loose for a bit and do not be too strict on yourself. If you do need to pamper yourself, then set aside a small sum in the budget to do just that.
Overall, Scotland is an excellent destination for a family, it has nature, history, and plenty of sights. It can offer lots for a tourist and explore and thus should definitely be on your list.
