Modern Lifestyles: Tips for Travelling on a Budget

ABOUT THE BOOK

We've all read stories about adventurous travelers who backpacked across the Himalayas and slept in the wilds every night. Or perhaps you know someone who traipsed through Europe in their youth, staying in dorm-like hostels and eating only bread and cheese for months at a time.

These stories are entertaining to read about, but it's not always fun to travel this way. It's risky and can even be dangerous, especially if you're completely alone and in need of assistance at some point. In addition, most of us don't really want to experience the adventures of travel if we're going to be constantly worried about where our next meal is coming from or how we're going to be able to afford a motel room that night.

The good news is that you can have gypsy feet without living like a gypsy. Thanks to competitive pricing within the travel industry, air fares and hotel accommodations can easily be found at cut-rate prices. Discount railway tickets and car rental rates are also available for those who have the patience to do a little bargain hunting, and half-price coupons for resort attractions are featured on hundreds of websites.

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

During shoulder-season months, plane fares are discounted and hotel and motel rates are lower as well. In addition, many local restaurants offer two-for-one deals during the off-season, and tourist attractions offer discounted tickets and two-for-one passes.

Once you choose your destination, find out when the off-season is, and if possible, plan to travel during those months. You'll not only save a great deal of money; you'll also save time, and wear and tear by not having to stand in line for attractions. If the weather cooperates, resort towns can be a lot of fun during shoulder-season months because you'll get a better opportunity to experience the town in the same way that the locals do. By not having to fight high-season crowds, you'll also be able to enjoy a more peaceful, leisurely vacation.

Traveling off-season can bring some delightful surprises as well. Recently, my husband and I took a road trip to Telluride in mid-spring just after the ski resorts had closed. When we got there, we found that the lifts were still operating and providing free rides up and down the mountains all day for off-season tourists. The views were stunning, even without the snow, and we traveled up and down the beautiful mountains of Telluride for the better part of an afternoon without paying a cent…

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CHAPTER OUTLINE

Modern Lifestyles: Tips for Travelling on a Budget

+ Introduction

+ Plan Before You Go

+ Time Means Money

+ Packing Light

+ …and much more