Taking the Low Road

Scots who claim they have shallow sporrans have nothing on us. Though our Scottish ancestors came to the New World seven, eight, and nine generations ago and we’re thoroughly American by now, the thrift gene is deeply encoded in our DNA – for all time – apparently. The Scots who claim “shallow sporrans”? Rank amateurs.

Our goal when visiting the British Isles is to get the most we can – of the culture, history, and art of our ancestors – for the least amount of money. We don’t go to shop; we live in the U.S. – one gigantic shopping mall – for Pete’s sake. If we can’t buy it here, we’re not trying hard enough. We also don’t travel abroad with the intent of eating our way through a country; we’re watching our svelte figures.

If shopping and eating are your main reasons for touring Scotland – or any other country – stop right here and go do something else. You don’t want to hear what I have to say. If doing things – anything – on the cheap is an affront to your sensibilities and basic nature, you, too, need to find something else to read.

But if you’re dying to see The Mother Land and are wanting (or needing) to do it as inexpensively as possible, read on. I’ll tell you what we’ve done to shave costs and get the most from our trips abroad. Who knows? You might just decide that if we can do it, you can too, meaning you can take that trip you’ve dreamed about but never thought you could afford.

Yes – even in the middle of the world’s economic meltdown. The favorable exchange rate helps a ton. And so does the fact that many people are deciding that being thrifty is the new, cool way to be. You won’t feel sheepish while schlepping your own luggage and eating your sack lunches.

Whoo-hoo! Our DNA-encoded thriftiness is finally in style!