A resource for independent travelers
Barbara Hooker, an American educator working in Bavaria loves the Bayern ticket for families. For 28 Euros, you can book a two-day train pass for up to five people good for passage throughout the whole of Bavaria. Money-saving opportunities for vacation transport can come from the most unusual places. (See also: 5 Insider Sights to [...]
Trekking to the world’s top destinations doesn’t have to mean throwing financial responsibility to the wind. A few basic strategies can have you saving big while still enjoying world-class sightseeing opportunities. Here are a few tips to get you started. (See also: World-Class Walking Tours) Time: Extended-stay passes brought our daily rates down to a song at [...]
I arrived on Guam in the early 1990s with emergency cash, documents and an advanced shipment of necessary belongings. Unfortunately, an 8.2 earthquake destroyed my hotel and damaged the unloading docks, leaving me – at least temporarily – with just a rental car and the clothes on my back. Clearly, it was time to reevaluate [...]
It may be getting a bit cold in northern climes, but camping is still a comfortable option in many parts of the world. When paired with bargain air fares, it can make an extremely affordable accommodation option for independent travelers. As with most vacation options, organization and infrastructure can each play a critical role. Here [...]
Camping ranks high on the list of low-cost vacations. With smart planning, camping becomes even more cost-effective. Here are a few favored money-saving strategies. Cost-sharing: Workingtolive.com’s Julie Rains, a professional blogger with two kids, partners with other families to share costs on meals, supplies and site rentals. This is a strategy my family has used [...]
Bicycles are an affordable way to see the world in an up close and personal way. Syndicated television personality Judge Alex E. Ferrer agrees, pointing to wildlife spotting on a bike ride through Shark Valley in Everglades National Park as a favorite way to get back to nature while affordably enjoying Miami. Nancy Sathre-Vogel and [...]
Afraid that recent price increases in critical budget areas will cramp your warm-weather travel style? Relax. With these simple saving strategies, your summer fun is in the bag. Weekends: If taking a few weeks off isn’t in your work schedule, cheer up. Chances are you can have a wider range of travel opportunities by taking [...]
While peer-to-peer vacation rentals may provide a rock-bottom price point and the ability to whip up a bargain breakfast, their distance from main attractions and lack of amenities can sometimes result in additional costs such as mid-day restaurant tabs and rental car fees. At sought-after theme parks and world-class adventure destinations, the extra expenses tend [...]
While we were itching to try a spa getaway at the world-famous hot springs at the Tabacon resort in Costa Rica, we were not eager to pay hundreds of dollars per night for a hotel room on that property. Instead, for less than $50, we purchased day passes to the exotic landscaped pool and hot [...]
After a typhoon on Guam, I struck up a conversation with a fellow world traveler on the beach. Her itinerary? Disaster recovery as a volunteer with the Red Cross. Retired and liberated from traditional employment, she was able to respond to international disasters quickly. In exchange for assisting locals with relief paperwork every morning, her transportation [...]
When I asked professional hobo Nora Dunn how she’s stayed on the road since 2006, she revealed her biggest golden egg: Bartering. By exchanging light work for lodging, she eliminates a large portion of her expenses. On an all-expense paid trip to Spain, which included three-course meals and wine, Dunn exchanged English conversation sessions with [...]
According to a recent data study by American Express Travel, domestic excursions are on the rise. Of the 54 percent of Americans who are planning to travel in 2012, more than eight in ten of them plan to dish out more dollars on travel this year than they previously spent in 2011. And more than [...]
To enjoy as much time as possible traveling in the Middle East, I opted for an international teaching position in Kuwait. With paid utilities, complimentary housing, tax-free compensation and annual roundtrip airfare, it was a job that allowed for regional travel opportunities and additional freelance tutoring gigs for extra cash. It’s possible to make money [...]
We left the hotel room with plans for an affordable romantic dinner for two. Unfortunately, our spastic, but lovable Labrador had another agenda. When affection, toys and treats failed to stop her barking, we knew it was time to regroup. Our solution? Even more affordable in-room dining. But pet travel isn’t the only reason hotel [...]
It’s no secret that incidental vacation expenses can seriously sink a travel budget. One of the biggest culprits? Parking fees. Whether you drive your own vehicle or rely exclusively on rental cars, they comprise a significant portion of ground transportation costs, and deserve full consideration when it comes to looking for ways to reduce travel [...]
Whether you’re driving the kids to games yourself, or sending them on a bus provided by the school, coordinating sports-related teen travel itineraries can be a logistical exercise requiring military precision. Factor in frugality concerns, and you may find yourself in need of serious assistance. Use these shoestring travel tips to successfully navigate the school [...]
College students and parents of school children alike must annually consider which spring break ideas they’d like to take advantage of. Needless to say that with both categories of vacation planners, budget is an issue. Here are my top picks for money-saving spring break ideas. Pitch a tent. If you’re looking to visit someplace warm, [...]
A business trip can be as expensive as it is productive. Read on for tips on how you can control the costs while building your net worth and increasing your bottom line. Make paperwork a priority. Lost opportunities for reimbursement can derail a business trip taken in order to increase commission earnings. The costs you [...]
Seasoned vacation veterans know that the sweetest getaway deals can be obtained by planning for off-peak travel experiences. For example, my husband and I traveled from Lake Garda to Slovenia’s Lake Bled one year during what would have been Labor Day weekend back in the States. We chose this particular weekend because it allowed us [...]
Travel photography isn’t just big business in its own right, it’s a great way to collect free souvenirs, embrace the travel decorating scheme at home and begin to attract even more visitors to your travel blog. It’s also true that travel pictures can help you sell quite a bit more of your work if you’re [...]
Vegan road trips can be challenging for those new to the lifestyle. Ordering meals with meat-eating friends, avoiding hidden milk products and finding healthy snacks at remote gas stations are just a few of the hurdles you’ll need to handle. Here are a few frugal tips for successfully navigating the experience. Snacks: For car trips, [...]
Let’s face it. One of the most expensive line items in any vacation budget – after air fare – is nightly accommodation. Finding easy and trusted ways to reduce costs in this area is literally the ticket to being able to afford long term travel. Here are seven of my personal favorites. Home Exchanges Got [...]
Trade show travel and industry conferences may be your ticket to networking success, but the behind-the-scenes logistics can mean large expenses and tons of travel stress. Here’s how to come out on top. Planning: Early booking can score savings on everything from airline tickets and ground transportation to hotel accommodation expenses. According to human resources [...]
Sports enthusiasts, food fans and culture lovers flock to Boston for fun, excitement and fabulous dining. Failing to plan however, can result in serious sticker shock. Follow these thrifty travel tips to experience Beantown on a budget. Fees: Driving in Boston can be tedious to say the least, and relying on taxis can rapidly run [...]
Beach vacations are popular with travelers at any time of year, but often come with a prohibitive price tag. Snorkeling, shelling and reading are some of my favorite ways to unwind at the seashore, and I always make sure I’m getting the best rate for my getaway. Enjoy frugal waterfront fun with these simple strategies. [...]
It’s certainly no secret to scuba diving enthusiasts that seeing the spectacular sights beneath the ocean’s surface isn’t typically considered a shoestring endeavor. If you’re willing to consider some minor tweaks to the typical dive vacation however, spotting more underwater scenery for your money is definitely possible. Try these thrifty travel tips to experience a [...]
Public transportation is certainly a money saver when it’s available, but there are times when your preferred destination requires an actual automobile. Follow these savvy rental tips to get the best deal possible. Taxes: International taxes on rental cars can be steep. Do your homework to determine the best rental car deals for your destination. [...]
Loretta Henderson, founder of the Skalatitude travel blog, has been biking to Africa to raise money and awareness of the need for bicycle ambulances – bikes attached to towable stretcher carts – to help combat infant mortality in rural Africa. After traveling through 16 countries, she’s learned the perks and quirks of bicycle touring, along [...]
Using credit cards abroad to balance the risk of carrying cash is a popular strategy. It isn’t an issue-free solution however, so having a few travel tricks up your sleeve is a good idea. Consider these spending tips for international credit card use during your next vacation. Location: If you haven’t used an American credit [...]
Known for its chocolate, waffles and beer as well as its lace and in-season mussels, Belgium brings a wealth of old-world charm to the European tour experience. Those who fear it’s out of financial reach should be pleasantly surprised to learn just how affordable the country can be for the budget traveler. Follow these thrifty [...]
Sights like the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the floating islands of the Uros tribe are just some of the reasons Peru makes a picture-perfect vacation destination. Other hot attractions include the world-famous Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, the ruins at Pachacamac and the Peruvian National Museum in Lima. While it can [...]
When winter sets in and your soul craves sand and surf, booking a trip to the Bahamas might be just what the doctor ordered. These travel tips will help keep budget concerns at bay while still allowing you to enjoy a bit of luxury. Experiences: Dinner guests at Graycliff – an antique Bahamian mansion that’s [...]
Dreaming of a snow-draped destination wedding this winter, but fear it’s out of financial reach? With proper planning and savvy shopping, it can be more affordable than you might think. Follow these tips to save without skimping on your magical day. Activities: By arranging to have your winter destination wedding at a location loaded with [...]
Fireside views of snow-draped slopes and dreams of brisk trail runs tempt many travelers to hit the slopes during the winter season. The price tag doesn’t have to be prohibitive, however. Here are four savvy strategies to have a stylish ski getaway for less. Freebies: Many ski venues offer no-cost lift tickets to entice travelers. [...]
This view was photographed from a castle wall near Bolzano, Italy. There are many castles in the area, as well as wineries, farm stays, ecological experiences and cultural performances. The area is also a popular destination for ski holidays in the winter.
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This Andean woman takes a break from selling her wares to socialize with tourists in Peru's Sacred Valley.
The ancient Nabatean city of Petra, Jordan provides a peek into ancient civilization and also into the local Bedouin culture, which values the social experience of drinking tea highly.
This stand of palm trees against a blue sky is located in Florida's Longboat Key, one of the islands of Sarasota. It's a popular getaway with tourists and Florida residents alike, when one wants a taste of forgotten Florida.
Exploring the world-famous archeological site of Machu Picchu takes some time. In order to make the most of your visit, it's best to arrive at Aguas Calientes an afternoon ahead of schedule and head up the mountain first thing the next morning.
This command module is part of the Saturn V rocket display at the Kennedy Space Center, which is a must-see exhibit if you only have one day at the KSC. The entire venue is right down the road from the Astronaut Hall of Fame, another fun family attraction on Florida's space coast.
This abandoned mosque in Israel lies along the shores of Lake Tiberius, otherwise known as the sea of Galilea. The view of the ancient stones and overgrown plants struck me as sort of an Indiana Jones image with a bit of Middle Eastern flair.
This resort cottage photograph was taken at the thermal hot springs resort of Papallacta, located in the mountains of Ecuador. The mist rising off of the thermal pools brings a bit of a mystical quality to the image.
