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Budget Travel

Tips to Visit Hawaii on a Budget

January 7, 2022

 

Many of you might dream of traveling to Hawaii, but you might be putting off the planning due to high expenses. Most of you are mesmerized by the sight of the blue seas, endless coastlines, and the beaches on magazine covers. Additionally, there are some of the best resorts and a rich local culture to enjoy now.

Get to convert all those dreams into reality. You can book a cheap deal on a flight if you plan. Over a million people visit the destination annually. In this article, you will be reading about the various aspects of traveling to Hawaii. Now, you can flaunt those postcard-perfect photos in front of your friends and family. Plan a journey that you’ll cherish for life.

Book Cheap Flights

The cost of a flight to Hawaii depends on the time you choose to fly and the source, mainly. Additionally, you can choose to fly to any of the five islands that tourists most frequent. Oahu is one of the most popular tourist sites on the island. It has the top attractions, and thus flights to this destination may be pretty expensive as demand is high. Waikiki is another island with sprawling resorts and never-ending beaches. Moreover, the Big Island, Kona, and Hilo are the other islands. You will find cultural as well as tourist attractions throughout the place.

Honolulu International Airport is the main entry point for most tourists. You will find the most deals when you book flights to Honolulu, while the smaller airports at Kona and Hilo follow closely. September to November is the least crowded. So you might get a few cheap deals on flights around this time. You can avoid peak seasons to save on flights. However, if you want to enjoy the festivities and whale watching periods, you should leave the savings for another time.

Find Cheap Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest challenges that you might face in Hawaii. It is especially true for backpackers, though families have a bigger budget. You might get B&B at the Big Island. It is likely cheaper than other islands. You will find these places just the right ones to intermingle with the local crowd.

Additionally, you can get camping permits quickly in Hawaii, so you can save a neat sum while enjoying the best of Mother Nature. If you are a backpacker reading this, Oahu will be the cheapest for you. Moreover, there you will be able to avail yourself of many free activities.

You should avoid staying at prominent tourist locations to save on high hotel prices. It is best to choose the secluded areas a short driving distance away from the main tourist spots. Book a little in advance, say around three months beforehand, to get reasonable offers. Apart from that, you can try visiting the place in the off-season to get good hotel deals. It has to be the period between September to November.

Buy Presents and Souvenirs

If you go to Hawaii for a holiday, no one will spare you back home if you return without a present. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Waikele Premium Outlets, and Duke’s Marketplace are the best places to find the cheapest presents. Coffee is one of Hawaii’s excellent produce. Get a coffee bean gift set from Hawaii for your friends and family back home. You can buy the world-famous Kona variety. You can buy combos that come with beans, a brewing machine, and a cup. It is a great bargain and will impress all coffee-loving friends and family.

Furthermore, you can also buy Macadamia nuts and Hawaiian quilts. They are trendy items you can find in Hawaii. Additionally, you can buy Aloha shirts and Tropical fruit jams. Their delicious taste will swoon your near and dear ones for sure.

Travel by Local Commute

The most inexpensive way to get around Hawaii is on a bus. No matter what you want it for, it is the cheapest option. Travel by public buses to various attractions and junctions. If you are looking for a more personalized experience, get a moped. However, they can be expensive. Another option that you can avail yourself of is rental cars. If you are traveling in a group of four to five, then these suffice. Moreover, the cost gets divided. So, it turns out to be cheaper.

Experience What’s Great about Hawaii

Oahu is an excellent option for trekking and hiking if you want free things to do. Surfing is free too, and you only need to rent a surfboard for that. But don’t forget to keep yourself safe. With Hawaii’s seafloor, you might need to wear a helmet. Although a rarity in surfing, helmets can help protect your head, especially with Hawaii’s tumultuous waves. Other than these, you can avail yourself of some cheap activities like a boat trip from Waikiki, a half-day tour of Oahu, or the Polynesia show. You can also take a free walking tour of the place. Hula shows at Kuhio Beach Park are also free.

These are a few ways to travel on a budget in Hawaii. So follow these tips and make the most of your Tropical trip to the United States.

Filed Under: Budget Travel

Budgeting More Effectively With a Hotel Credit Card

December 20, 2021

If you’re interested in investing into a travel credit card, there are many ways you can get better savings when you have one. A hotel credit card can be a great tool for you to use if you’re looking to save money on your traveling purchases, but not everyone knows how to use hotel credit cards in the most effective way possible. If you’re thinking about how to budget more effectively, here are four ways to use a hotel credit card while getting more out of it.

1. Put More of Your Daily Purchases on the Credit Card

The more you spend on a travel credit card, the better your benefits. That means if you’re able to put a significant amount of your daily purchases on your travel credit card, you’ll be more likely to earn enough points that you can get free nights. If you can, you may want to pay attention to what categories give you extra rewards points so you can get as many extra points as possible.

2. Make Sure You Can Achieve the Sign-On Bonus

Sign-on bonuses are extremely common with credit cards, but they typically require that you spend a certain dollar amount. The World of Hyatt credit card bonus, for example, gives you 30,000 extra points, but requires that you spend $3,000 within the first three months to access it. If you’re able to do that, you’ll get more benefits from your credit card than if you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to meet that requirement.

3. See If a Card With an Annual Fee Will Give You Better Benefits

It can be tempting to go with a card that has a $0 annual fee just because it seems like the $0 annual fee is lighter on your bank account. However, if you choose to upgrade to a card that has an affordable annual fee, you may be able to get a significantly better selection of rewards. Those extra benefits may be more than enough to offset the annual fee.

4. Utilize as Many of the General Bonuses as Possible

There are many general bonuses that often come along with a hotel credit card. You may get purchase protection, extra travel insurance, and more. However, these types of bonuses only come into play if you actually talk to the company and request coverage when you need it. Make sure you’re using your general bonuses if they’re applicable so you get the most out of your card.

Conclusion

A hotel credit card can be a great investment if you’re the type of person who really loves traveling. However, even if you love traveling, you still need to know how you can utilize your travel credit card in the best ways possible. The best way to get more out of your hotel credit cards is to make sure that you take these four tips into consideration, as they’re a great way to save even more on your general budget.

 

Filed Under: Budget Travel

What You Need to Look Out for When Looking for Affordable Hotels

November 18, 2021

It is a known fact that almost everyone enjoys traveling. Getting to move around and experiencing new cultures and environment is a great way to get a thrill out of the simple pleasures of life. It is known that traveling, especially for vacation purposes, can be quite expensive which ends up being discouraging for multiple people. If you are not careful, the travel costs, living expenses, and the money you will need to explore and tour the city might end up leaving a huge dent in your wallet. Luckily, there are a few budgeting tips you can try out, especially when it comes to hotels. When you spend less money on where you are staying, you will end up having more for trying out new things in the city.

Here are a few tips on getting good deals on hotels while traveling.

Compare prices online before booking a hotel

Thanks to the internet, you now have the advantage of doing your research when looking for places to stay during traveling. With this, we are now able to check and compare the difference in cost of staying in multiple hotels, and what facilities they have to offer to back up their prices. Here you will be able to see which options will fit within your budget and whether you will be getting your value for money. You will also be able to see what benefits customers get from each hotel such as free taxis from airports, laundry services, and others.

Look up hotels that do not appear on major search sites

Just because some hotels do not appear in the top ten hotels in the area does not mean that they are not worth consideration. It is possible to find multiple hidden gems that offer top-notch services and are considerably cheaper than most four or five-star hotels. An interesting tip is to look up the aesthetic that the hotel is providing, such as vinyl vs laminate flooring, which will be able to give you a bit of insight into the quality the hotels are offering.

Stay within your budget

It is important to set up a budget when traveling, and this is especially important when it comes to booking hotels. This will be able to show you the maximum amount of money you can spend, and prevent you from tapping into your savings due to extra expenses you incur. It is also important that you set up some expectations for yourself and the company you are with when traveling, to avoid using money carelessly due to guilt.

Vacation during off-season

We all know how crazy hotel prices can get especially during holidays and summer breaks. Hotels are bound to charge more when the demand is overwhelmingly high. This is why you should consider traveling during the off-season so that you can save yourself some money. You will find that these rewards usually extend beyond hotel prices, as flights are seen to cost much less as well as popular tourist sites.

Look for packages and discounts

It is possible to find some hotels offering packages that are workable and suited to fit your situation. They usually have discounts that can save you some money, especially if you are traveling in a large group. A lot of packages bundle their services by offering several services under one discounted price, which helps in saving in the long run. You can also find some coupons which will be able to help you reap rewards as you save money during hotel bookings. However, you should make sure you read the fine print to ensure you book your hotel during the time frame mentioned and avoid cancellation fees.

With these tips, it is clear that you can ensure you are getting true value for worth when it comes to booking hotels without having to break your bank. Enjoying your time while on vacation is possible, especially when it comes to looking for places to stay. Do not rush in deciding where to stay because of the brand a specific hotel offers.

 

Filed Under: Budget Travel

Budgeting for Travel and Pitfalls to Avoid

October 15, 2021

Almost everyone likes to travel. There is a lot of the world out there for us to see, and plenty of adventure to be had. Traveling broadens our horizons, literally as well as figuratively, by exposing us to different cultures and points of view while also giving us unique life experiences. It’s an all-around wonderful thing but can get pretty pricy pretty fast. With that in mind, there are certainly ways to mitigate costs and maximize benefits.

Simple Accounting and Investment

Bookkeeping and accounting can be very difficult. It involves meticulous record-keeping, complex mathematics, requires intense organizational skills, as well as a very specific skill set. By tracking data relevant to your financial portfolio with a calculator for dividends, you can plot out your path far more specifically. Dividend calculators will also enable you to track the values of various portions of your stock portfolio at a glance, which is crucial information if you’re planning to travel on a budget.

By using organizational tools like a dividend calculator and keeping an eye on your financial portfolio, you can still trade stocks effectively from anywhere in the world. It’s one of the biggest benefits of our now inextricably interconnected world.

Income on the Go

Another way to finance and save for traveling is by, quite literally, working your way across the world. There are many such options these days. Positions teaching English as a second language are very common the world over, and much of that work can be done remotely as well. With the prevalence of the gig economy, there are opportunities to make a little extra cash pretty much everywhere you look. Taking advantage of these sorts of “odd jobs” and maintaining at least some kind of revenue stream while traveling will greatly reduce any stress about potential financial hardship while also just padding your pocketbook in general.

The job itself doesn’t necessarily need to include travel either. With the pandemic still raging on, remote work has become a necessity for so many of us. It may sound a little silly and perhaps even redundant, but bringing a laptop from which you can maintain a work schedule and acceptable output level is a great way to ensure that your travel plans and finances are in perfect economic harmony.

Flexibility and Tempered Expectations

Everyone wants their vacations to be perfect. That is totally natural, however, reality often takes a more grounded stance. Flying long distances can be prohibitively expensive, particularly if you’re bringing lots of luggage or companions. Traveling by ground, however, is often makes for a more economically viable alternative.

Uber, Lyft, taxi cabs, and even horse-drawn carriages all cost quite a bit of money. It doesn’t take long for those costs to begin eating into your actual vacation fund. By utilizing long bus rides or even carpooling, not only are you saving yourself money, but you’re also exposing yourself to a side of the country less scene by the public. It may not be quite as glamorous as having a personal chauffeur for your entire vacation, but learning to bend with the winds of change will make your traveling experience all the greater for it.

Research and Planning

So while the ability to bend with the wind and go with the flow is inherently important when traveling, the value of a good plan can never be understated. It’s important to not only be able to control our own expectations but to also have real ones. Having realistic expectations does involve a certain amount of work, but it’s also our due diligence as guests in foreign lands. By studying the cultures one intends to visit, we can help lower the odds of making some kind of social faux pas while guaranteeing that we respect the cultural norms of a given area.

Research doesn’t necessarily begin and end with culture, though. Plotting out and checking alternate lodgings can help mitigate any potential double booking disasters. It also gives you advanced notice of a particular establishment’s rules and costs.

Traveling is really a sort of teaching experience. It teaches us about different cultures, about people of different backgrounds, different languages, but above all, it teaches us about ourselves. It gives us a lens with which we can view ourselves from a different, and perhaps even elevated or enlightened, perspective.

Filed Under: Budget Travel

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Family Cruises

March 29, 2021

With spring break almost upon us, it’s never too early to start planning a fun-filled vacation. You can pack up your things and head to the beach, or unwind with a relaxing cruise.

Many people find cruises expensive, but it’s not that bad. Meals, lodging, drinks, and entertainment are all included once you buy your tickets. You can’t beat that!

There’s only the matter of choosing family cruises that are right for your group. You need to pick a good location and there should be plenty of things on the boat for your kids to do.

If you fail to account for these factors, traveling with your family can become a nightmare.

1. Location, Location, Location

Even popular cruise destinations might not be right for you depending on your situation. You need to pick out a location that everyone will enjoy.

There should be plenty of things for both you and your children to do. To this end, beach locations are a pretty safe bet because there are so many activities that you can plan around it.

2. Keep the Kids Occupied

When you book a cruise, there’s no end to the fun things to do! You only need to make sure that some of these things include activities for children. The last thing you want is for them to get bored.

Some cruises have kid’s clubs. These clubs offer countless fun things that children can participate in. Call and ask about these before you book your trip.

3. Babysitting Services

We’re not saying that you should drop your kids off with the cruise staff and forget about them. Traveling with your family is all about spending time together.

There are some times when you might want to spend a little alone time with your spouse or hang out with the adults in your group, though. It’s hard to do that and watch your kids at the same time.

Ask if your cruise liner offers babysitting services. Again, you shouldn’t expect the staff to take care of your kids the entire time, but you can utilize them when you need them.

4. Speak to an Experienced Travel Agent

The best way to plan a fun vacation is to talk to an experienced travel agent. It will take some of the work away from you, so you can focus on booking the trip and packing your bags.

All you have to do is tell them that you want to go on a family cruise. They’ll be able to help you find the best rates and show you a list of cruises that your entire group may enjoy.

Choosing Family Cruises That’s Right for Your Group

Choosing family cruises doesn’t have to be complicated. You need to find one that has plenty of activities for the kids to do. While you want to spend time with your children, there are times when you want some alone time. Babysitting services will have you covered there.

If you’re having trouble finding a cruise that fits all your criteria, a travel agent might be able to help you. Before you start booking, it might be a good idea for you to set your budget. Check out the Budget Travel section of our blog to learn more.

Filed Under: Budget Travel

Fund your gap year with these easy travel fund boosters

September 16, 2020

So you’ve decided to go travelling. You’re not alone, millions of people from all walks of life, ages and various stages of their lives decide to head off across the globe and find out what the rest of the world has to offer.

There’s a lot to organise, however, you won’t get far without a travel fund and a budget. It’s not always easy to figure out how much money you’re going to need to get the most of out of your travels, however, with a little bit of forward-thinking and these clever travel fund hints, you’ll be able to give your current travel fun a much-needed boost.

Ask friends and family

You don’t have to go cap in hand and beg for money of course. However, if you have a birthday coming up or a holiday is just around the corner, consider asking for donations to your travel fund. Also, if friends or family want to send you money whilst you’re overseas then they can do so via international money transfer – click the link to discover how to transfer money to UK. This is also incredibly useful if you find yourself in need of a little financial boost whilst on the other side of the world.

Sell, sell, sell

Ok, so you’re probably not going to purchase your flight tickets with the contents of your closet, however, selling as many items as possible could fund your ticket for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb or the world-famous tour around Niagara Falls. It might even contribute to your travel snacks and food budget. When you’re saving, a little can go a long way. So, go through your stuff and decide what can be donated to your travel fund.

Work abroad

If you already have a job, is it possible for you to work remotely? If you can still complete your daily tasks and even join online meetings from your laptop, you can do it anywhere in the world. Speak with your boss about the possibility of being a remote worker.

Alternatively, consider looking for a job overseas to help keep your finances afloat. Holiday resorts, hotels, cleaning staff, bar work… a quick search online can help you find a job overseas, just make sure you have a working visa.

And finally, bye, bye expensive habits

That double chocolate muffin you grab from your favourite coffee shop on the way to work, a new pair of shoes every month, face and skin care products, subscriptions you don’t really use and of course, your unused gym membership – all of the money you spend on these things could be used to boost your travel fund and get you where you want to be.

Even if you do utilise some of your expensive habits and you don’t consider them a waste of money, think about giving them up for a few months while you get you finances in order – your bank balance will appreciate it!

 

Filed Under: Budget Travel

Cheap Big Bear Cabins Rental Tips

January 31, 2020

Big Bear Lake is an all-season adventure destination. Whether you love nature walks, outdoor adventure, family fun time, or any other thrilling activities, you will get all within a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles.

The place is crowded by thousands of visitors every season who don’t want to miss the beauty of nature that Big Bear presents. For a comfortable stay, there are lovely cabins that you can rent. But don’t worry if you have a limited budget because the following tips will help you find cheap Big Bear cabins.

Make your bookings early

Big Bear is crowded by locals and tourists all year round. More than half of these people rent cabins, meaning that they are in high demand. However, you can still find cheap Big Bear cabins if you make early reservations.

Booking early will give you a chance to negotiate the prices, get the best picks, and have enough time to check available discounts. This also means you will not have limited options and heightened costs that come with the last-minute rush.

Book during the off-season

Big Bear is mostly crowded by people during the peak season even though off-seasons still receive a good number of visitors. Like any other off-season, things are cheaper, and cabins are not exceptional.

Besides, you’re guaranteed maximum fun even if you choose to visit when a few people are on vacation. You have a lot of space, and you’ll not scramble for things. So, if you wish to enjoy yourself to the fullest without straining your pockets, the off-season is the best time to visit Big Bear.

Forego the things you don’t need

Cabins come with plenty of amenities, all geared towards making your stay a fun one. However, there are some that you won’t use, and you can do without them. For instance, if the weather is not cold, you can do away with a heating system. Or better yet, opt for firewood instead of a heating system and save some cash. Of course, there are specific amenities that you won’t do without.

Search Online

If you take your search online, you stand higher chances of finding cheap Big Bear cabins. Several travel websites have good cabins for your vacation at affordable prices.

The best thing about an online search is that you get plenty of options. You also get all the information you need on the cabins, including amenities, additional services, facilities and all the information you need about picking the best cabin.

Share a Cabin

Sharing a cabin with a group of friends is a great way to save money. This is also a fantastic way of making friends and killing boredom. Bigger cabins are always less expensive as compared to smaller ones, which are more personal. You can, therefore, rent a cheap Big Bear cabin without sacrificing your comfort or amenities if you choose to share with a trusted individual.

Saving on your accommodation gives you a chance to enjoy other things such as food and activities. If you do your search right, you will find cheap Big Bear cabins and still enjoy your stay. If it’s hard to find an affordable cabin, you can trust a highly rated vacation rental company such as Destination Big Bear to help you with the search.

Filed Under: Budget Travel

How to Go Glamping on a Budget

January 16, 2020

The word glamping is a combination of the English terms “glamor” and “camping” and describes a luxurious variant of a simple camping holiday. It was born from the idea of ​​combining a luxurious and natural vacation. The trend started in the USA and England. Many celebrities, such as Ashton Kutcher, Kate Moss, and Jamie Oliver, are glamping fans. Glamping accommodations can be very different. From the safari tents and tree houses to fully furnished rental caravans, everything is included. And whoever thinks that glamping is unaffordable for the regular campers, is wrong. Prices vary from campsite to campsite and from accommodation to accommodation.

Plan your trip

Whether you are traveling solo or through an agency depends largely on your resourcefulness, but also the time you are willing to invest to arrange the trip. You can arrange most of your trip more conveniently on your own than agencies can do.

Bring your own gear

It is better to bring your gear or buy what you are missing while you are home, then to pay for it on your vacation. There are various Glamping destinations and accommodations. It will be cheaper if you opt-out for those that don’t have absolutely everything. Why? Because those tools that your accommodation is missing you can bring from home. Or you can buy it cheaper and have it forever which is better than to pay a more expensive accommodation in order to use those tools and gear just for one trip. If you are not sure where you can find affordable and quality equipment, you can always find your inspiration at GearWeAre.

Close to home

It may seem trivial, but the first thing to put in black and white is precisely the choice of travel destination. We know that all over the world there are an infinite number of places to visit, each with its own customs and culture, and choosing is certainly not easy.

Therefore, to select the right travel destination, we recommend putting personal desires and tastes first. Then, try to find that perfect destination as close to your home as you can. This will save you money and time so your vacation can start sooner. One of the tips for traveling cheap and having a good time is to travel to places you hardly hear about. Because those destinations are not living on tourism, the prices will be affordable.

Choose the date wisely

The calendar makes the difference when you book a flight or pick your holiday destination. For example, flying to Greece in August costs you more than at any other time of the year. But even the days of the week can save you money: by booking on the websites of low-cost airlines if you leave on Tuesday or Thursday you will spend even less than half compared to Saturday and Sunday.

Plan your budget

To better plan your trip, you must also consider the budget aspect. Get organized in such a way that you never run out of money and, above all, always have a credit card with you, just in case.

Book early

More than focusing on the last minute, if you want to get better prices on flights and accommodations, you should plan your vacation as soon as possible.

Organize your “travel diary”

We advise you to create a text document, or simply a notebook, in which you will write any type of information relating to the destination, the places you want to visit or the activities you want to do. For each activity, we also recommend adding the price in order to have everything under control so you can fully enjoy your vacation days!

Fill the car

Are you going on a long drive? Consider how many free places are in your car. You can offer that space in exchange for sharing the cost of petrol and any other expenses. You can use BlaBlaCar, the car-sharing site, and app that will save you some money.

Make the most out of your smartphone

Maps, guides, travel tips, etc. – prepare your phone. Today you can find numerous useful apps, not only to organize the trip but also to help you during your stay.

Filed Under: Budget Travel

Helpful Travel Tips for Campers Beginners

October 26, 2019

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If you belong to a group of nature worshipers who have never ventured into an adventure called camping, it is never too late to go on an outdoor vacation. Staying outdoor has many benefits for both the physical and mental health of people, which you can read more about at this link.

But whatever enthusiasm you have for going on camping, as a first-timer in nature, there is plenty of information to know. Although some things seem simple, you may encounter many unexpected situations that can ruin your stay in nature.

Plan in Advance

The reason why people love camping is the freedom this type of vacation provides. That relates primarily to the locations where you will be staying and the free-time activities. Travel arrangements and hotel accommodations do not allow you so much flexibility. Preparations for camping are no less extensive than going for an all-inclusive vacation or winter break, but they are more relaxed in terms of arranging everything before you leave.

As much as you love the spontaneity of camping, some things need to be planned and researched well in advance. For example, you have to make a reservation for some of the most popular campsites several days in advance. You only want to camp in a tent in warmer months and if you are planning a vacation during Christmas, cabin rentals are a better alternative for the cold. You should also plan your meals, in order to know how much food to bring (unless you plan on eating fast food and snack throughout your camping trip).

Think of the Clothing

As seen on Travel TMI – the #1 guide for travel tips & ideas, it’s good to know the weather forecast for the next couple of days. This information is of great importance to the clothing you will wear. Don’t bring too many clothes, as you probably won’t wear most of them.

Camping clothing should be comfortable and warm, so don’t think about wearing high heels and short skirts. It is about being in nature; not going on fancy clubs and bars. For any type of outdoor activity, you need cozy clothes and footwear, especially if you plan to walk a lot.

The nights in nature are much colder than in the city, so bring warm clothes; extra blankets won’t hurt either. Whether you are staying in an RV or a tent, prepare bug and mosquito sprays and protective webs. These are necessary, especially during the summer nights. Keep makeup, scented cosmetics, jewelry, and other fashion accessories at home.

Make Your Own Comfort

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As soon as you decide on camping, you probably realize it doesn’t include luxury accommodation and top-notch room service. Going camping is an adventure, an opportunity to experience something special. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to live like a savage for those few days. Connection with nature is possible without a complete renunciation of the modern way of life.

One of the main advantages of camping is that you choose the location you will be staying at, i.e., the location of your ‘hotel on wheels.’ Even the smallest of things can make your stay in nature easier and more pleasant.

For example, if you bring a lighter and a small gas bottle, you won’t have to wander through the woods during the day and look for the woodpile. Treat yourself with an extra pillow or blanket; bring portable TV to entertain in long, sleepless nights in the tent. These ‘luxuries’ will make your camping experience much more enjoyable.

Keep to the Route

The main tip for camping first-timers is to stick with the itinerary. It is a new and exciting experience, but don’t risk things you still don’t know. You can easily get lost, or your camper may break down in the middle of nowhere.

Don’t explore alternative routes or go to unknown places for the first time. Leave that for another time, when you have a camper experience. Even then, it is best to stick to the main roads. You can always find a gas station, a shop, a phone, or a towing service there.

But in case you lost in nature, check below what to do:

http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/act/hiking/lost.htm.

You never know what to expect during vacation, so prepare yourself for as many circumstances as possible. An emergency kit is a must, so as medications and protective sprays and lotions. Be sure to bring a portable toolbox. You may not need any of this, but better safe than sorry.

 

Filed Under: Budget Travel, World Travel

7 Steps to Plan an Unforgettable Trip on a Student Budget

September 20, 2019

You wish to get away from your daily routine and academical pressure and enjoy some beautiful place of the globe. Before you see the Statue of Liberty, the Niagara Falls or Eiffel Tower, there are essential things to do.

Traveling on a student’s budget may be a challenging task, and you may be lost on how to plan a trip. Follow our simple seven steps for trip preparation and make the best out of your adventure.

Plan Your Trip Dates and Transportation Options

Here can be a few factors to take into account while deciding on the dates:

  • Yours and your friends’ free dates should match;
  • Choose the lowest season for your desired destination;
  • Compare the ticket prices, agree on dates and country with travel companions, and book online.

Check International Conferences Your School Participates In

There should be plenty of propositions from your college or university for an international conference to attend. In this case, most likely, your school or an inviting side will sponsor an attendant’s trip.

It may be a fully financially covered option, or they will provide you only with a place to stay, or the tickets to the destination. That way you will be able to stay in another city for cheap or even free for a few days.

The scientific conference will most likely take only part of the time you’ll stay in a new place. The rest of the time you can simply enjoy the location. Anyways, additional plus to this option is that you will have a publication on the event’s website or in a scientific magazine. Most of the schools require such writings to finish one’s Bachelor’s or Master’s education.

You might not be sure which topic to choose for such work or how to complete it. Besides, it should be original papers relevant to the conference agenda. In case you want to travel and do not feel confident enough, turn to a professional writing service for help. There are tons of these if you start searching, and all you need to do is send a write my essay without plagiarism request on-site and start packing for your trip right away!

Book a Shared Accommodation

If you have decided to travel independently with no obligations like conferences or other university events, finding accommodation will be your next task. Cooperating with other students for a trip would be a good idea, as it might save some cash for each person.

Consider renting a shared place on one of the biggest vacation rental sites such as Airbnb.com, Tripping.com, HomeToGo, or HomeAway. The best group would be the size of a 3-4 people maximum.

Make an International Student Card

Most European and North American universities inform their students about international students’ identity cards. If you still do not have one, order it from the ISIC website.

This is the most significant internationally-recognized student ID, which also can be your banking card while you travel around the globe.

This card allows you to show official student status everywhere in the world and have discounts in 125,000 locations.

Those include:

  • public transportation;
  • flight, train and bus tickets;
  • museums;
  • attractions;
  • tours around the cities;
  • clubs/bars and many more.

Make an Itinerary for Must-See Places

Creating a trip itinerary may be both interesting and overwhelming. Which tourist attractions are an absolute must-see, and which ones could be skipped? Some trip planner apps help make your trip itinerary.

The most well-known is TripAdvisor. You can search by destination, rating of places, read other travelers’ reviews. Make your list clear and not very long. Include only the spots you are interested in and plan the time you may spend there.

Consider Renting a Car

Now that you have already booked your tickets, found accommodation, ordered international student ID, and made your dream list of places to visit, it’s finally time to think about transportation within the country you are going to.

Consider renting a car with the tripmates. The international student’s ID card will help to get up to 20% discount, depending on the car rental company. For example, Europcar, Europe’s leading rental company, offers 15% off by making an online reservation or in their rental stations.

Calculate the Budget

Now when you already know all the main trip expenses, write them down in Notes or create an Excel sheet. Even better, download a free financial budgeting template and use that! Of course, additionally to things we’ve already talked about, count the food cost in the country of your destination. If you’re budget isn’t covering everything you need on your trip, or if you’re concerned about funding in case of an emergency, see if title loans could be a good backup plan.

Be realistic, it is a trip to a new place, and you will be thrilled to try some new dishes. Maybe your group will go to a cafe or a pub, so don’t set this part of your budget too low. Make some space for souvenirs and other small presents for your friends and family back home as well.

Final Words

After all the planning and preparations, you are finally good to go! Pack up only necessary and appropriate to the season clothes and other necessities.

One backpack will be perfect for the short trip and won’t spoil your baggage allowance. Take your friend with you and finally, go enjoy your unforgettable and affordable trip!

 

Filed Under: Budget Travel

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Hey :) I'm Markus, the youngest of the Beekman brothers. My camera shy brother is Jeff Beekman. I tend to do the writing and he does the photography. We grew up in the United States and have been traveling around the world for about 2 years now. Read More…

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About Us

Hey :) I'm Markus, the youngest of the Beekman brothers. My camera shy brother is Jeff Beekman. I tend to do the writing and he does the photography. We grew up in the United States and have been traveling around the world for about 2 years now. Read More…

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