Budget Travel Tips
 

I'm putting together a workshop on how to travel on the cheap and would love input on any/all aspects of the topic. Thanks for sharing what you've learned along the way!

Research the areas you want to visit

Don't fear asking questions of others with experience to impart of the regions you want to visit

If you don't have a specific timeframe in which to travel from place to place, travel from the hip, but have up to date information on hoels and guesthouses and have a backup plan if your first choice is unavailable.

If you have a set timeframe, research guide for the areas being visited and check on their availability. Keep in mind though, that a private guide will increase the cost of the trip. Still, you can usually build a trip itinerary on your own cheaper than a tour package, BUT it will require a lot of research time, so give yourself plenty of time to arrange everything.

Mark-

one thing that i have learned is to keep checking back on price....they change all the time: airlines, hotels, etc..

lately i have done much better, esp in usa, by calling the hotel directly for reservations...

rely on fodors.com to help you out with everything...

usually travel agents are not all that great...

Hi piptech. Some of our tips include:-

1. Don't stay in air cond rooms if fan rooms are available. Tariff is sometimes double in SE Asia, for hot water & air cond. In Thailand you rarely need air cond near the sea.

2. Travel in the cheapest class on the train. i.e. in India SL class is quite comfortable if you request the side berths. Keep passport & valuables in a holster or neck wallet under your clothes. Take a chain & use it to secure luggage, don the eye masks, earplugs & a sheet and hit the zzzzzz's.

3. Eat where office workers or local transport drivers eat. Eat main meal lunches (which are usually cheaper than dinner menu).

4. Take a plate, knife & spoon & eat yoghurt & local fruit in your room.

r. Network, network, talk to other travellers. You meet some of the most interesting people in budget digs. Most share their favourite places & travel tips with each other! Not everyone needs to blow a fortune to have a great time!

Lyndie...excellent suggestions, especially the budget accomodations...After all, we're not visiting these places to stay in our hotel rooms all day are we!


Mark-

Hi Mark. Ain't that the truth! Sometimes we are so exhausted after 10-15 kms of walking around a city that a safe comfy hotel with a clean bed, and a clean shower & toilet, a fan over our bed, if it's hot & a warm rug if it's cold, is all we need!! Our new bungalow in Thailand has no hot water, no air cond, no tv but it is paradise with a short 5 mins downhill stroll to our fave beach! We are blessed!

Have fun!

most of us require a/c in sea.....even in budget situations....fans don't cut it, imo....

Taking public transportation to and from the airport can knock $20 off the one way trip. Do some research before you leave. Most budget travellers don't take the obscene amount of luggage that budget travellers take so it is not a problem on public transport.

Start conversations with locals, even if there is a language barrier! I have been invited to lunches, dinners and parties just by being friendly with the locals. This saves on meal costs and is a fascinating way to spend a few hours!

Pay in cash if possible. Discounts are often given for cash payment.

Staying in a private room with a shared bath will save $$. If you don't mind sharing a room with a bunch of strangers stay in a dorm.

Check out Home Stays. Many host families will put you up and include breakfast and local travel tips for just a few dollars. This is available in many countries.

Join www.couchsurfing.com or www.hospitalityclub.org. These are great organizations with memebers from around the world who will welcome you into their home and expect nothing except a show of respect for them and maybe a parting gift of a bottle of wine.

I agree that you can get by on fan cooled accomodations during the "cool" months in SE Asia except for in Bangkok. I have stayed in fan cooled rooms in Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao, Kanchanaburi and on Ko Phi Phi with no problem at all.

In SE Asia, prior to taking a long distance bus or flight, buy a take away baggie of noodles, some fruit and snacks and eat them in the airport or on the train.

Stay in places with a book exchange. When you finish one, leave it and take one from the bookcase.

Rather than do a tour, take some time to research if you can do it on your own.

There may be more to come...

I'm currently in Thailand travelling. As you all know, we have to buy bottled water. I go to a supermarket or wherever i can get it and buy the big 10 litre bottles. I then go back to my room and fill individual bottles smaller bottles full of water and either put them in the fridge (if i have one) or i just drink themwithout be refridgerated. Admittadly, i am staying in aircon rooms. It also doesnt worry me at all that the water isnt cold. Sometimes i prefer it not to be too cold so i can skull it.

:-? What does "skull it" mean when referring to drinking water?

Sounds like an Aussie to me!

"Skulling it" means gulping it down quickly; the verb usually referring to the amber liquid most Aussie men hold dear to their hearts, namely beer! Funny way to drink water! There's no buzz with water!! Unless of course there is whisky or similar in the water then skulling it would be a practical thing to do if one wanted to gain the effect of the liquid, as quickly as possible!

Buy your souveniers at local grocery stores. Food items from other countries are great gifts and much cheaper at the local supermarket than in tourist shops.

Good observation Lyndie. Yeah, i am an aussie. I took it for granted that everyone used the word "skull". Skull basically means to drink very quickly or to gulp it down. You are somewhat right as far as the use of the term with regards to alcohol. We have all grown up playing drinking games where you have to "skull" your beer or if you are in a hurry, you can quickly skull your beer. On the other hand, it is not confined to just beer. You can "skull" any sort of drink, water, soft drink etc. It is a verb meaning to drink quickly.

Therefore, water that is not chilled or really cold is a lot easier to skull.

brenhur-odviously you are a "skull" expert! Pleased to meet you-I'm married to a fellow "skuller". Becomes a bit expensive when he gets a "taste" for the amber stuff! Have fun!

Assume we are not talking Europe here - and assume we are talking about travelling independently.

As others have said - do your research - this does not mean booking everything in advance! Travel on public transport; eat in local eateries.

In countries where there is a vibrant economy (India, China, much of SEA) stay where the local businessmen stay when they travel. You do not need anywhere with a tour desk, or a swimming pool, or a/c - YOU DO NEED to be in an area that has a community feel (eateries, shops) and with good transport links.

Travel light - that way you CAN always take public transport.

I you would care to define what you see as "Budget" then I could ramble on.

Would also really like to know who the workshop is for.

Please??????

sincere thanks for all your helpful budget travel tips - I really appreciate them!