Jaunted

The book was based on oral traditions from the 9th to 12th centuries, and while the tales of "Skottish" savagery represent a mix of fact and fable, it has proven to be surprisingly accurate as a map of Medieval Europe and the Middle East. Reykjavik University historian Gisli Sigurdsson, who has studied the text, says its stark warnings to Viking sailors shows that they weren't always the fearless pirates of legend, and preferred to pillage soft targets like monasteries.

Among the book's more notable tourist tips: "Icelanders who want to practice robbery are advised to go to [Scotland], but it may cost them their life." Another passage recounts a particularly ornery Scot named Grjotgard giving a group of Norse merchants an offer they couldn't refuse: "You can go ashore and we will take all your property, or we'll attack you and kill every man we lay our hands on." Uh, what was the first option again?

Scotland is a lot more welcoming to visitors these days, but it's still advisable to watch your manners. And if you absolutely must pillage something, hit a monastery. They're always good for some gold.

Related Stories:
· Vikings Were Warned To Avoid Scotland [Telegraph.co.uk]
· Excerpts from Europe on 5 Dollars a Day [msnbc.com]
· Travel Guides [Jaunted]