MINIFIED Posted 15 hours ago Report Posted 15 hours ago (edited) As most of you know, I've been part of the MINI Community in the states since 2008; I have traversed the country from north to south, east to west, coast to coast, track to track, with MINI USA and on shorter events with different regional clubs. An international MINI drive has been on my bucket list since I first read about them years ago and this was finally my year – I signed up for a two-week MINI driving tour of Scotland. I was not sure exactly what to expect but knew the following: I have never been to Scotland, I love driving MINIs, and other MINI club members took a trip with the same host several years ago and raved it was “the best vacation they ever had” That was almost an understatement. This trip far exceeded even my preconceived high expectations. For as many times as our MINI community roots out the best of local flavor – the MINI version of diners, dives, and drive-ins – and economy hotels (after all, it’s just a place to sleep before the next road calls) this was an indulgence. Spending the night in castles and historical hotels – not just a night or two, but *every* night. Two course breakfast and three course dinners – not occasionally, but every night (because the package included the lodging and two meals daily, it was suggested to budget for lunch. I’m not sure if “budget for lunch” meant money or calories, but we never needed a lunch budget for either!) .. since it was basically an all-inclusive package, I *never* felt compelled to save a few dollars on meals or lodging. (Not at all disparaging our stateside more budget friendly events, just remarking on the stress-free-ness of having someone else make all the arrangements.) As much of the US as one may have seen, there's a whole world to explore and what a fantastic way to do so. Knowledgeable tour guides with a comprehensive itinerary, outstanding accommodations and meals, many memories made with new friends professionally captured by the tour videographer / photographer. Highly recommended experience for those who love MINIs and those who love travel; I am personally looking forward to another trip with Ultimate Driving Adventures in the future. FB Link is here (the trip we just finished is the first pages under "Posts" (not under Featured): https://www.facebook.com/UltimateDrivingAdventures PS It was my goal to wear a different one of my MINI event / club shirts each day of this trip .. I am sure you will see that I did represent DC Metro MINIs .. and a couple of different shots Like Comment Send Edited 15 hours ago by MINIFIED 2
STXMINI Posted 8 hours ago Report Posted 8 hours ago What an incredible experience Susan! Glad you got to do this, sounds like a once in a life time adventure. I did two weeks in Scotland back in 2016 but in a Mini van not a MINI Cooper
MINIFIED Posted 4 hours ago Author Report Posted 4 hours ago Yes it would have been an incredible experience even in a MINI van (tho those oversized vehicle gummed up the works on the single track roads ... but that was part of the experience -- drivers *having* to co-operate to get anywhere) but the MINIs were bonus ... I am giving strong consideration to doing the Ireland trip next May -- will depend a bit on the MTTS plan for next year - have you been to Ireland also? Is it different enough from Scotland or too similar?
