5 Tips For Traveling On A Budget


by John Woellner - Date: 2006-11-28 - Word Count: 545 Share This!

1. Arm yourself with lots of information regarding your destination of choice.

Write to obtain information from a variety of sources like the tourism boards, local chamber of commerce and tourist information centers. They all offer and share information gladly with would-be travelers. Best of all, it costs you only the time and maybe the phone call or postage required on a self-addressed stamped envelope, to access this treasure-trove of information. Sometimes the information is even online, at your fingertips, readily accessible and without any associated costs. Knowledge is power! It will save you money. Avoid being taken advantage of, exploited or extorted by excessive prices and/or misrepresentation by arming yourself with the facts! Ensuring that you are familiar with as much background and localized, relevant, up-to-date travel, general information, will better prepare you for the details of your trip, assist in planning your event schedule more effectively, and being a smart and informed tourist never hurt anyone! On the contrary, you will maximize your trip, from departure, during to your safe return.

2. Financial and currency exchange information.

Always be informed, prudent and curious about foreign currency exchange, rates and related subjects that could affect your travel dollar and cash on hand. There are numerous sources of this information handy to travelers. You can find out any of the current exchange rates in real-time, from the worldwide Web, stock exchange websites, your own bank, and or by contacting private currency exchange businesses like Thomas Cook and others, offering this financial service.

3. Verify medical conditions, travel and health advisories.

Once you have picked your destination, it will serve you well to explore all health matters, including medical insurance and travel coverage you have and need. Visit your medical practitioner/doctor prior to your trip to ask about immunizations prescriptions and more. Find out what basic and special medicines to take along. Ensure you know what to do in case of an emergency. Have the numbers and all insurance information handy.

4. One of the most commonly made mistakes made by travelers is packing too much of everything.

Except for the inconvenience, there are also charges and fees for overages. You have to deal with having to ship personal belongings home, leaving some items at the airport, packing and unpacking bags, removing items and more! All these actions are responsive and costly options. Pack and travel light. Think minimalism when packing. Pick items that will suit and serve you well, multi-purpose, functional, mix and match well, are durable and easy-care. Essentials rather than outfit and accessory, fashion and color-coded planning dictating the bulging suitcase.

5. When budgeting for any type of travel, package deal, or even your family vacation, find out about all costs associated with your trip.

Confirm with the agent, location or provider you have chosen or listed on the flashy brochure or website you just visited. Read the fine print and avoid any surprises. Ask about alternatives, package deals, discounts, coupons and special offers - if you do not ask, you will never know. And also, no one is going to necessarily "advertise" a cheaper price or offer you the lowest, cheapest fare right away. There is always room for negotiation and or innovative ways to cut costs and still have a memorable trip to an exotic destination.


Related Tags: money, travel, vacation, hotel, budget, luggage, suitcase, trip, saving, packing, itinerary

John Woellner - The Demystifier
http://www.DreamVacationOnABudget.com
Demystifying The World One Report At A Time!
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