While I may be in the minority among visitors from the US, I rarely hire a caddie. Normally playing 36 per day, I do often use a trolley, as carrying for so many consecutive rounds seems to take a toll, but mostly, I like to do as the locals do (in as many ways possible). In ~100 rounds in GB&I, I think I have taken a caddie for about 10. In some cases, I felt it would greatly benefit me to see the course for the first time with a caddie (e.g. The Old Course, Prestwick), in other cases I felt compelled to do what the trip organizer had arranged (e.g. took the same caddies for all rounds in St. Andrews first time there). Having been the organizer myself for most of my trips overseas, I always offer to book caddies for the friends with whom I am traveling, but my core group is of similar mind in this regard. I love having a caddie and have had almost all wonderful experiences with caddies, but look at it as a luxury, and not one that I require for most rounds. Give me a course guide (if available) and point me to the first tee.