Tips for Cheap Travel
Get away on a dime
By Kris Zelunka
Traveling, especially overseas, is not cheap. But there are many ways that you can save significant amounts by being organized. The three biggest areas that will cut into your savings are travel, accommodation and food. There are substantial savings to be made in each area by planning ahead and doing some research.
Travel There are several ways that you can save money on your travel expenses if you're willing to put the effort in:
·In order to get the best price on flights, you need to book as far in advance as possible. A ticket bought 6 months in advance is likely to be much cheaper than one bought 1 month before you leave.
·If possible, book over the internet. Fares are considerably cheaper as there is then no middle man' to pay.
·Sign up for discount travel newsletters. They often have deals that they don't advertise on their websites. Several good websites include www.bestflights.com, www.tigerairways.com and www.webjet.com.
·Where possible, choose bus or train travel. Sure, it adds on to your travel time, but is usually cheaper than air travel, and has the benefit of saving you on accommodation if you travel on overnight journeys.
Accommodation Depending on how adventurous you are, and the level of comfort you like, there are many ways you can save on accommodation:
·If you're willing to return the favor when you get home, join Couch Surfers (www.couchsurfing.com) and enjoy the benefit of living for short periods with locals in the area you are traveling.
·Nearly all countries have hostel accommodation, though the quality and cleanliness varies. Most have a range of different rooms, from 12 bed dormitories to private rooms with ensuites, at a fraction of the price of hotels. Some good websites include www.hostelbookers.com, www.hostels.com and www.hostelworld.com.
·If you do decide that you require the comfort of a hotel, book as far in advance as possible. Like airfares, hotel prices tend to rise the closer to the date you book.
·Contact any family or friends overseas and see if they'd be happy to put you up for any period of time. As long as you don't take advantage of their hospitality, most people are more than happy to do this.
Food Prices for food vary significantly depending on the country you are in, but there are ways to save, even in countries where food prices tend to be quite expensive:
·Buy food from the local markets or supermarket and eat at your hostel or hotel. Many hostels have communal kitchens, and even if they don't, there are plenty of things that don't require cooking sandwiches, salads, fresh and tinned fruit and yoghurt to name a few.
·Eat where the locals eat. Look for cozy restaurants full of people. They're likely to be much cheaper than the fancy large restaurant down the road.
With a little planning, your dream destination is closer than you think. So jump on the web and start preparing now!