Travel advice - Scotland

**Graham** · 8th December 08, 02:28 PM

Hi all, she-who-must-be-obeyed and I are traveling to Scotland next May and were thinking of hiring a small campervan to avoid the high accommodation costs.
Has anyone done this? Was it a cost saving?

Given that we plan to island hop (Islay, arran, Mull maybe) is this a good idea?

Any wisdom from those who know appreciated.

**sydnie7** · 8th December 08, 02:41 PM

Don't know what size camper you are contemplating, but I would hate to try to drive one on some of the "neat" roads there. I've done it in a standard minivan (Toyota Sienna and Ford Galaxie/Windstar) and it was tight.

Our favorite UK travel plan is self-catering cottages. Spend a week in one location, make day trips all around, then move on to the next central spot. You always know where you are coming home to, so can take longer day trips without worrying about where you will bed down that night. Breakfast and dinner at "home," pub lunches or pack your own lunch if you wish. You can get by with a smaller car that way, lower fuel costs and able to poke around on the smallest of roads/tightest of little villages/easy to park!!

There are tons of resources online for self-catering rentals -- many portals are drawing from the same database of rentals and you'll recognize that quickly. www.slowtrav.com has reviews and referrals. We had good service from a company called (I think) Stillwell but not sure if they go into Scotland, IIRC seemed to specialize more in Cornwall.

I can post some more links if you're interested in this idea. Whatever you choose, have a great time!

**JS Sanders** · 8th December 08, 03:10 PM

Ditto what Sydnie said.

B&B's are usually very reasonable with the same accommodations standards as many 4 star hotels. I've been pleasantly surprised many times.

Self-catering is another viable alternative, though you'd better start securing these now.

A larger vehicle will be substantially more to rent and the fuel costs.... Also, some car rental firms don't permit taking their vehicles off the mainland. Check 1st, 'cause you'll be uninsured if'n you do.

Good on yall for touring w/o a group. You'll see far more and not be forced to go places you'd prefer to avoid when locked into a scheduled tour.

Slan,
steve

**vmac3205** · 10th December 08, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

Ditto what Sydnie said.

B&B's are usually very reasonable with the same accommodations standards as many 4 star hotels. I've been pleasantly surprised many times.

Self-catering is another viable alternative, though you'd better start securing these now.

A larger vehicle will be substantially more to rent and the fuel costs.... Also, some car rental firms don't permit taking their vehicles off the mainland. Check 1st, 'cause you'll be uninsured if'n you do.

Good on yall for touring w/o a group. You'll see far more and not be forced to go places you'd prefer to avoid when locked into a scheduled tour.

Slan,
steve

The only problem we had with B&B's is that you need to be out of the facility from about 1000 until about 16t00 hrs, so if you are staying more than one day, and the weather is bad or you just want to lay in for the day, it is problematic. Other than that, they are great. I really like the self-catering plan.

**BEEDEE** · 8th December 08, 03:10 PM

We took a two berth two years ago. Diesel engine, stick shift! We had a great time. Rented from a company in Glasgow near the airport but don't have a record now. We stayed in campsites but I understand you can just pull up on the side of the road if you are prepared to 'go it alone'. We had two weeks all over the Highlands. Would do it again in a heart beat. We estimated the costs were about the same as staying in budget hotels and a rental car, probably less for meals. We felt we had more freedom, especially being able to prepare some meals (usually breakfast and lunch) in the van.

Brian

**cessna152towser** · 8th December 08, 03:30 PM

Campervan should give you the flexibility to meet up with a few of us while you are in Scotland.

**Jock Scot** · 8th December 08, 07:11 PM

I am delighted that you are visiting Scotland. If you think that I may be able to help, then, please just ask.

**george7** · 8th December 08, 08:07 PM

You should also consider the fact that fuel costs are quite a bit higher in the UK than the US. You may also consider a pull-behind.

**Beertigger** · 8th December 08, 08:15 PM

I don't think B&B's are all that unreasonable - even more attractive now that the pound's come down a bit.

A comfortable bed, a fortifying breakfast, someone who can point you to the sights (or even serve you a dram or two) - my wife asked, not two seconds ago, "When are we going back?"

**Jock Scot** · 9th December 08, 03:25 AM

If it were me and I was travelling to Scotland on a reasonable budget this is what I would do. I am not talking about the expensive hotel route,we have more than a few of those and I am not talking about hiking and camping.I would hire a small car, @£250 per week, stay in B&B's about @£18/£25 per double room per night,plan on using about 6/10 gallons of fuel a day,as of today petrol is just under £1 a litre, and allow say £25/£40 per person a day for meals and sundry expenses.You can up or down these figures to suit your personal tastes ,but I have tried to steer a middle route on costs.

What to see? Only you can answer that,but allow a lot of extra time for stopping to see the views on the way to wherever you are going! Also the Highland roads do not allow for quick passage and always,always,always fill up your petrol tank when the gauge says half full.

Basically,plan,plan,plan!Oh and keep your eyes open whilst you are driving around you never know what interesting gem is lurking nearby.