How to Travel on a Tight Budget

Karen Tan

Want to take a vacation? On a tight budget? Well, that's all right! In this website, we'll talk about the different ways that you can save money on your upcoming trip. However, keep in mind that these are all merely suggestions. Refer to guide books and other sources of information specific to your holiday destination before making any decisions.

Planes

Check discount airline ticket services on the Internet such as Travelocity, Expedia and Hotwire. These websites will have discount tickets to many destinations in America and overseas. Many of these tickets are E-tickets, so be sure to make your purchase on a credit card, in case you might need to show proof-of-purchase. If you are purchasing tickets on the Internet, you will need to print a copy of your flight itinerary as a receipt. Be sure to find out how long before the flight you need to arrive at the airport due to new security procedures. Also, remember to have proper identification, such as a drivers license or a passport to check-in.

Buses

Two major bus websites include Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. You can purchase bus tickets via the Internet, over the phone or at the bus terminal. Riding the bus is a very cheap way to travel, it also provides the opportunity to see the country. However, be sure to provide plenty of time for the journey as well as transit time because it'll be a long ride. Some tips for riding the bus include bringing a pillow and a blanket, snacks, drinks, a good book and plenty of music. Most buses are comfortable enough to sleep on for the entire journey. Be sure to always watch your luggage or have someone you trust keep an eye on your belongings.

Trains

Amtrak offers service all across the United States. Tickets can be purchased on the Internet, over the phone or at the train station. Traveling by train offers you to see the country from the comfort of your cabin or seat. Most trains have restaurant cars where food and beverages can be purchased. Traveling by train offers couples a romantic vacation. However, trains are usually more expensive than buses and sometimes, they are even a more expensive mode of transport than flying, so be sure to check out all your alternatives before giving out your credit card number.

Public Transportation

Many cities have great public transportation networks. Others don't. Find out before you leave about bus, train and subway lines. This might be an important factor when deciding on a place to stay. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I spend an average of $1.00 a day on transportation! Of course, expect to do lots of walking while on your trip. That's the #1 way to save money! When you arrive at your destination, get yourself a good map that will show you the public transportation lines as well as their operation hours. This will be your friend and guide for the length of your trip.

Hostels

Many hostels now have their own websites, complete with pictures and directions. A simple search on Google or Yahoo can provide many listings. Hostels always require payment up front, usually in cash. They never usually charge more than $25 a night. It is vital that you carry valid identification when you stay at a hostel. You will also need to bring your own sheets, blankets and towels with you. Staying at a hostel is almost an adventure in itself. Remember that you will be sharing your space with others. Kitchens, bathrooms and showers are usually common areas. Chances are, you'll be sleeping on a bunk bed in a room with other people. If you aren't ready to trade in your privacy for a budget hostel room, get a hotel room!

Dining

Avoid fancy restaurants. If the place you are staying at has kitchen facilities, make a trip over to the nearest grocery store and buy some food and cook your meals instead of eating out. Learn to scout out local cheap eats and fast food restaurants. Once you've stayed at the hostel long enough, you'll make enough friends who know where to eat cheap in the area or who will chip in on cooking dinner with you. Refer to guidebooks and tourist maps for discounts at restaurants and cafes. Another way to make sure that you don't spend too much on food is to make a strict budget for yourself. Decide early in the day or the week how much you want to spend on food. Then, decide on whether you can afford to eat out or you'll have to eat in. This way, you'll always be on track with how much you've spent on eating.

Tourist Attractions

Museums, free attractions and local events are great for a budget trip. Find out more about them on travel websites and in local newspapers. Remember, you don't need to spend a lot of money to have plenty of fun. Many museums have days when they are open for free to the public. Other free events include watching a live band at cafes and in parks, visiting famous landmarks, and others. Attractions vary with destination, so the best idea would be to check out websites such as Lonely Planet to find out more about what each city has to offer. Otherwise, when you arrive at your destination, ask your new friends what they have done in the past few days and what they recommend that you try.

Travel Companions

More simple than you'll ever imagine. Know them well and be sure that you can learn more about them and live with them for a little while without wanting to pull your hair out. Be honest and truthful to yourself along with your new travel companions. Tell them your likes, dislikes and preferences and discuss how you want to deal with problems before you leave on your trip, so that in case something arises, you'll know what to do. This is a great time to bond with friends you haven't had time to spend with and to get to know your good friends even better. At the end of your trip, you'll find that you will have plenty to talk about with your travel companions! Really can't find anyone interested in going? Put up an advertisement at your school, local cafe or newspaper. Be sure to find out a little bit about the person before leaving to a faraway land with them!

Making Friends

Why is making friends important? Well, if you make friends from all around the country and even all around the world, when you decide to visit their part of the world, you'll have friends already there and maybe even a place to stay! Also, you'll get to learn about other places and different cultures. Making new friends is one of the best parts about traveling! You'll learn more about others as well as yourself than you'll ever imagine you could!

Have a safe and fun trip!

Essential Things to Pack

• underwear
• pants
• shirts
• towels
• sheets
• blanket
• toothbrush
• toiletries
• socks
• shoes
• passport
• driver's license
• money
• contact lenses
• eyeglasses
• prescriptions
• guidebooks
• maps

Great Travel Destinations

• New York
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• Orlando
• Las Vegas
• Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur
• Sydney
• Vancouver
• Bali
• Hong Kong
• London
• Amsterdam
• Berlin
• Paris

Things to Do on Your Trip

• eat a local meal
• watch a concert
• go to a museum
• go hiking
• take a bus around town
• visit a university
• spend time at a park
• shop for bargains

BSU > ENGL3160 > How To Index > How To Travel on a Tight Budget