Traveling can be expensive, it's true, but once you've got the travel bug, there's no way you'll be happy staying home in order to save money. Savvy travelling addicts know that there are bargains to be uncovered if you do your fact-finding and follow a few simple guidelines on how to reach your destination in the smallest expensive way possible.
To start, don't go somewhere when everybody else is going there. You'll only end up paying much more for all things, including airfare and accommodation, as well as battling the crowds. Perhaps you've always wanted to see India in monsoon season or Scotland in the winter? Now is the time to let your adventurous spirit rise. Don't forget that the southern hemisphere is experiencing winter during the loftier hemisphere's summer. Perhaps you can save your skiing vacation for your next summer vacation.
Even if you can't travel off-season, do everything you can to lessen the price of transportation. Air travel, for example, can burn a hefty fraction of your budget, and bargain seekers are always looking for a way to fly cheap. Search the internet for airline consolidators or auction sites. Now and then fares go down after midnight on these sights, so look for a good price at various times of the day. Fly in the mid of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), in the middle of the day, and on holidays when less individuals are likely to be flying. Also, research bargain budget airlines instead of commercial carriers or out-of-the-way airports for discount fares. At last, some people even discover ways to travel for free by allowing airplanes to bump them off of overbooked flights, by using a credit card to earn frequent flier miles, or by acting as an international courier.
While airplanes can be quick, suitable, and almost a necessity for international travel, it's time to get creative when traveling on a budget and study airplane alternatives. Cruise ships and cargo ships propose one method of travelling across the sea and some exciting deals can be found online and through travel agents for water journeys. When traveling within the United States, taking a Greyhound bus is a surprisingly inexpensive, if time-consuming, way to travel, and you're sure to meet a lot of fascinating people on your journey. Finally, rail passes in Europe and North America can be purchased before your trip to save cash if you decide to stay in multiple locations.
Many individuals also turn to airlines because of the skyrocketing fuel prices, but automobiles can still be an inexpensive way to travel within the United States if you understand all the different ways to conserve cash. First, carefully plan out when and where you must go to fill up your gas tanks. Various states have different fuel prices. Georgia, for example, is typically much cheaper than Tennessee, so stop and refuel before or after you cross state lines. Also, never let yourself get trapped into price-gouging in rural areas where a gas station will try to charge as much as 50 cents per gallon extra because it's the only station around for fifty miles. Other expenses incurred by driving involve minor or major repairs. Have your car serviced before planning a road trip, including an oil change. Have someone check your tires, belts, hoses, and fluid levels. Be certain that your windshield wipers are working properly, as poor weather conditions coupled with improper maintenance could cause a safety hazard on the highways.
Finally, once you've flown, driven, or sailed to your destination, you'll need a place to spend the nights. Extended stays at hotels at weekly rates are one affordable option. Even if you're staying for only one night, however, don't be afraid to bargain with hotels for cheaper rates. Empty rooms aren't making hotels any cash at all, so they are looking to fill their rooms, even if it's at a lesser cheaper price. Pricy business hotels, for instance, will likely often propose deals on the weekend when they are more likely to have vacancies. In costly cities, a Bed and Breakfast is likely to be less expensive and more charming than a hotel. Other cheap accommodation alternatives for adventurous souls contain timeshares, residence exchanges, house sitting, dormitories at universities (when school is out), retreat centers and monasteries, national parks, RV campgrounds, and hostels. Every alternative has its own specific advantages and disadvantages, so choose based on your own needs and budget requirements. Just remember that traveling doesn't have to be cost-prohibitive if you do your research and are willing to be flexible and creative. |
