Archive for August, 2011
Ever since our childhood we have weird fantasies of travelling to almost all places in the world. And for some fortunate ones, they do travel the world. But for the rest who cannot travel the world, but can travel even half of it, this becomes as exciting as travelling the world. What constrains the others from travelling the globe is quite obviousyeah you guessed it right, it is the money that makes all the difference in going for a vacation to a place or around the world.
But no worries, everybody has their own pocket and can spend as per their wallet strength. And to make your travel a budget travel, we have some suggestions for you. From the time you start planning your trip to booking your tickets and hotels, you can make great use of your profession. In case you area a journalist or in some kind of government job, you can hail loads of discounts. (No offences to any profession, but these discounts are in positive spirit). After all these two professions are the ones, which gets the maximum number of gifts and vouchers from all over. After all your position does matter.
In case you do not belong to this genre, no issues. You still have an alternative to hail the maximum of discounts. How? Simple! Just prevail the luxuries of your friends in these professions and enjoy your trip to the maximum and make it a perfect budget trip. And if you do not like taking favours, just do some of their work or take them out for dinner in return or do it when they have some work related to your profession. So you do not have that guilt that you had a blast on the head of your friend’s contacts.
Also if you are not comfortable with the above ideas, you can do a little calculation on your own part. Starting from booking your tickets, you can plan your vacation two-three months in advance so that you get cheap tickets and also discounts on your bookings. On the other hand, you can start saving some amount in the name of vacation by cutting a little on your weekly parties and other miscellaneous expenses and unnecessary shopping. This would help you increase your budget’ for your trip.
When you reach there, do not spend on things that you can get at a cheap rate in your hometown. If you are purchasing just for the sake that you have to take something back home as a token for your friends and family that you went for a vacation, do not make this mistake. First this would increase your luggage and spoil the fun and on the other hand will add to your cost unnecessarily. The best alternative for this, better purchase it from your home town and gift them (of course without telling them). Also, do not just over spend in the fun of enjoying to the fullest, for you have to come back and get back to normal living. And remember fun is not about how much you spend, but it is always counted as how much you actually enjoyed even from a small amount spent. After all it is the feelings that matter. Right?
Here are some of the favorite tips for budget travel in Europe. Actually, these budget travel tips apply to any country that you want to visit!
Budget Travel Tip # 1
Eating with the locals instead of the tourists. This way, you will save some money and enjoy the local food at the same time. Restaurants or eateries that are popular with local residents tend to be the ones with the best meals at a low or reasonable price.
Budget Travel Tip # 2
For a quick and economical breakfast, pick up a roll, some fresh cold cuts and a piece of fruit from the local market. Then enjoy a delicious sandwich and a cup of coffee in the local park. Take in the view and local life around you. You may end up with some great photos while at it.
Budget Travel Tip # 3
When eating out, choose the fixed price menu and the house wine for the best value. These dishes are often a good way to sample the local cuisine.
Budget Travel Tip # 4
Overnight trains are a great way to get from place-to-place and rest or sleep. During your budget travel in Europe, be sure to bring a meal, bottle of water and snack along. That way, you can save money and enjoy your packed meal.
Budget Travel Tip # 5
Snap away! Take loads of pictures of the people you meet during your budget travel in Europe. If you are using film camera, develop them when you get back home as developing at tourist locations can be expensive. Of course, if you are using a digital camera, you can take as many shots and print only your favorite ones.
Budget Travel Tip # 6
Find a website that offers some photographs of local attractions or upload your own from your digital camera. Personalize these shots with an epostcard and email them back to family and friends at home.
Budget Travel Tip # 7
Learn a few basic words of the local language. It will be easier and cheaper to buy things.
Budget Travel Tip # 8
When making large purchases, it is always best to use a credit card. That way you cash lasts longer.
Budget Travel Tip # 9
Like credit cards, ATM cash transactions provide the best exchange rates. You will avoid the sometimes costly fees charged by hotels and currency services when you need cash.
Budget Travel Tip # 10
Many travel locations provide student discounts, senior discounts, etc. If you are not sure a, always ask.
Budget Travel Tip # 11
Plan your budget travel wisely. There are some inexpensive souvenirs that you can get from your budget travel in Europe. For example, stickers, fridge magnets or postcards. For more expensive purchases, remember that the further you go from the tourist attraction, the less expensive the souvenirs will be.
Budget Travel Tip # 12
Go on a tour of the city. A bus pass or subway token is a great avenue for meeting the local people and sightseeing. The public transportation service of most European cites is efficient, clean, safe and easy to navigate.