Travel Cheap Ideas by Darren Goodman

19 Feb Travel Cheap Ideas by Darren Goodman

You don’t need to be rich to travel… Just be thrifty! There are many travel sites beckoning for your ticket purchase. But take on the 007 James Bond approach. Investigate all your options before you zap that credit card. Many times you can get a Discount Package Deal on the airfare, car rental and hotel. But what if you have a tight budget and empty wallet? Can you still have that adventurous Get-Away on a shoe-string budget? Smart shopper, yes, you can…

If you can Getty-Up and Go in a moment’s notice, you might find some very low last-minute airfares. Don’t rule out One-Way Tickets… Just book two Discount One-Ways! Sometimes this strategy works in your favor and put hundreds back into your wallet. Maybe book a flight to a cheaper destination in Europe and then hop on the Euro Rail to your final destination.  You’ll arrive with more bucks in your pocket. At the end of the day, your goal is Big Dollar Savings!

When you arrive, don’t get caught in the tourist traps. Restaurants off the beaten path can offer nice meals on a nano budget. Oh, watch out for museums, sightseeing tours, street vendors and taxi drivers. They’re all after one thing only… YOUR MONEY! Go it alone and follow your instincts. Use Google Maps on your smart phone . Google sightseeing is cool and offers many insights into villages or townships. You’ll have fun designing your own personal 007 James Bond adventure.

Now for the real savings ideas… Wait, there’s more! Extend your stay and pay for it by doing side jobs. Teach a small group English class or bartend part-time. Waiters and waitresses are in high demand if you’re bilingual. Or better yet, go and help out on a farm for a couple of days. Surf wwoofing.org to find the farms asking for help. If that doesn’t fluff your fancy., try housekeeping at a hostel or small bed-and-breakfast. Remember the goal, adventure on a shoe-string budget!

Wait, there’s even more… Couchsurf is a service that connects travelers with locals who will let you stay in their home for FREE. This site will never charge you for accommodations.

Free Walking Tours… Look up New Europe Walking Tours at neweuropetours.eu; other sites also offer these types of tours. You never know who you’ll meet. Sometimes travelers will to split the check for a car rental, hotel room or villa rental.

And last, remember student discounts if under 26. They get huge discounts, up to 50% off major attractions, public transportation and many times FREE.

So when you get that itch to go abroad…  Use these simple Penny-Pinching Ideas and travel where your NAV will lead you. Enjoy your travels and, remember, all travel ideas are welcome in comments below. Bon voyage!