Cheap Tricks

One question I am always asked is, how can I afford to travel so much. Additionally a comment is "travel is so expensive" I cannot afford it. Or traveling alone is so expenisive. Of course traveling can be expensive. But, compare it to your spending at home in relation to other people. Some people are more consumer oriented and others live a more simple life style. Their are many ways to travel that are fun, safe and inexpensi

1. Use ATM cards to get local currency. They are available almost all over the world. The exchange rates are much better than traveler's cheques. The transactions fees are $3 to $5 per transaction. I take out about $400 every time which usually lasts about two weeks (depending on the country) which generally covers accommodation and food and basic transportation and sightseeing.

2. Buy local food and drinks. Shop in the local markets, and buy local food and beverages. Wine is generally more expensive in Asia, but is very reasonable in Europe and South Africa. I drink the local water if it is safe. Many countries have safe drinking water, even in Africa many countries have treated water.

3. Travel Off-Season. I usually travel in the shoulder season. The weather is still comfortable, and the crowds are fewer. it also takes the pressure off having to make reservations for accommodation. Also, lineups are fewer and transportation is more available and less crowded. In many countries the shoulder season is a great time to travel. For example, I have been to Thailand in every season and I have enjoyed it every time.

4. Discounts. Ask for discounts, especially in the shoulder or off season. Often hotels have promotions and just by asking a discount is often available.

5. Hook up. Hook up with other travelers along the way to share transportation or accommodation. I took a two week road trip in North Zambia with two twenty year old males and a forty year old female. We split all the costs and had a great trip and I made some wonderful new friends.

6. Budget Airlines: Fly into a major hub such as London or Frankfurt and then book the budget air carriers to other centers. The flights are generally at different airports so that needs to be factored into the mix. One example is to fly to Hong Kong and then a budget carrier will take you to Bangkok from Macau. This does require some planning, but you can make it part of the adventure.

7.Fly Open Jaw: Fly into one city and out of another city. Make a circuit by flying into one city and out of another city. For example, I flew into Istanbul and out of Cairo. The difference in price was about $100 then a return ticket to either city and I did not have to back track.

8. Shop in Countries for Inexpensive Local Products. In Egypt I bought Pashmina shawls for a few dollars and kilos of great coffee and dates for pennies. Since this was the last stop of my trip I could easily carry it home and I had lots of gifts for friends and family.

9. Public Transport. I am a big believer in public transport. Most pensions will know how to get to popular places with local tranport as they usually use public transport. If the language is one you are not familiar with or if a different script is used (Arabic or Mandarin) get the person at the front desk to write out your destination and the origin to show to the driver or to other people so they can help you get the correct bus or metro. I also take public transport from the airport or at least the Air Port bus which usually drops you off at major hotels in the centre of town. I always locate the drop off that is closest to my hotel and then can take a taxi from there.

10 Local Restaurants and Markets. When I cook I frequent local markets for products such as cheese, vegetables, fruit and bread. When I eat out I go to out of the way places which have a local clientele. In countries where the restauarant meals are expensive I cook and sample the local food at the markets or for lunch, snacks or less expensive meals. If I have met others to travel with I often will share a meal. This way I can sample the local food and maintain my budget. Other times, I will order an appetizer to enjoy the local food and ambience of a local restaurant.

11.Communication. Internet cafes are inexpensive. In Europe Inernet can cost up to $4 per hour (or portion of). In Asia Internet an be as inexpensive as 25 cents or 50 cents an hour. Some hostels will offer fee internet if you stay a minimum of several nights. I always keep my eye open for internet cafes in the local neighborshoods, especially in developing countries. In the Business hotel you can pay $12 per hour and just a few blocks around the corner it is 50 cents an hour. If internet is cheap I will email every day. If it is more expensive such as in Europe I will email once or twice a week. I use Yahoo and have emails lists so that an email can be quicky sent to a group of people. I also prepare what I am going to write before I go to the Internet Cafe. I also buy a phone card which can be used at most public phones for making reservations or the quick call home to let every one know I am safe.

12. Accommodation. When I travel by myself to more expensive countries such as Europe I usually stay in Hostels. Hostels can by private or HI (Hostel International). When staying in HI hostels a hostel card is often required or an additional fee may be levied. See the section on Websites for accommodation options. Hostels attract a wide range of guests including all ages and from all countries and walks of life. Recently, when I was in a private hostel in Beirut I shared the room with two doctors and a graduate student. In a room in Istanbul I had a room with a PHD student from Brazil who had presented at an international economic conference in Ankara and Jewish women from New York who had been monitoring the Israli Palestine turbulence. In developing countries I stay at guest houses. For less than $20 dollars you can generally get a nice room with a private bathroom and if you are willing to share a bathroom the price can be even less. My rule of thumb for accommodation is around $20 to $25 dollars per night. If I can get my own room for that I will, otherwise I will stay in a hostel.

13. Research and Information. Knowledge is the key to traveling smart and cost effective. Knowing the going rates will make certain you are charged a fare price. For example, taxi driver all over the world can take advantage of you if you do not know the currency and the rates. I always know the currency exchange rate before I enter a country and the rates for basics such as transportation from the airport. I have a cheat sheet and can quickly convert the currency into my own currency. This is where guidebooks and online sites such a ThornTree are invaluable.