Cheap Travel Ideas

When the global economy takes a downturn, learn a few tricks to stretch your travel budget.

If your Dollar or Euro doesn’t seem like it goes as far, should you just forget traveling?  We don’t think so.  Travel gives you a boost.  You just have to travel a little smarter.  You might cut a few corners so you can eat and sleep cheaper, but you can still have a great trip.  How can you travel more frugally?

To stretch your travel budget in Europe, stay in a bed-and-breakfast.  It will probably cost you less than even the cheapest hotel … read more

Lisbon is an overlooked European capital. Tourists tend to flock to Paris, Rome, London, but that little country on the edge of Europe? Portugal is not always on major tourist routes, but there is plenty to see there.

If you’re looking for a trip to Europe, but you’re hoping to stick to a tight travel budget, you might want to give Lisbon a look. Portugal has always cost less than other destinations in Europe.

So what is there to see in Portugal’s capital city? Well, to start with, the city itself. It is compact … read more

Let’s say your budget really only allows for you to stay in cheap hotels. Does that mean you should stay home until you can afford more luxurious digs? NO…. At least we don’t think so.

We prefer to look at these options as inexpensive… not cheap. Makes it sound a whole lot better doesn’t it? If you want to be a frugal traveler, no matter what your budget, these little places can be a great option.

If you plan to be out and about seeing that new country you’re visiting, you’re not going … read more

Why would you want to holiday at home?  We’re into travel… adventure!  But with the world economy the way it’s been lately, you might find that your budget just won’t take a big international trip.  In the U.S., the press has even come up with a new word for this… “staycation” instead of vacation.
You still need a break from work, so…. you can find fun and adventure close to home.  Plan something a little less ambitious this year and save money to get back out into the world next year.I don’t know about you, but there … read more

Are museum and city passes worth it? When we’re talking about visiting many of these great cities around the world, we sometimes mention that there is a city pass, or a museum pass or a transit pass available that may save you money.

These city passes will usually get you into many of the city’s museums or attractions. Sometimes they will be bundled with the city’s public transportation system. They may be for a group of museums only or for transport only.

In most cities these are available for different lengths of time like … read more

You need to consider home exchange details for any vacation house swap to be successful.

You want to be trusting, but you also need to protect yourself. The first thing you need to consider is which exchange club to use. You need to see what they specialize in, because most do specialize. Do you need a club that caters to families, or seniors, or people with pets?

Home Exchange clubs are based in countries all over the world; they may list houses mostly their own country, but most have international listings as well. If you have … read more

One way to travel within your budget is to consider a home exchange.

Have you heard about it? Home exchanges have been around for decades, but they’ve really gotten easier to arrange with the internet. They’ve become popular with families, seniors and boomers.

You basically arrange to trade your house for someone else’s house from another city, state, or country during your vacation. You get to spend a week or two in… say London… while that London family gets a beach vacation in, oh, San Diego. With hotel rates in popular areas so high, swapping houses can be … read more

If you’re interested in adding a little budget travel to your itinerary, and who isn’t once in a while, think about getting out into the countryside instead of spending all of your time in the big cities. No matter where you’re traveling in the world, the countryside will almost always be cheaper than cities.

To maximize the benefit of this formula, you have to refine it even more, and plan when you’ll be in the city and when you should spend time in the countryside.

If you’re on a driving trip in your home country or one next … read more

London is expensive, so how can you save money? Look for things to enjoy in London for free! Those ticket prices add up in a hurry when you have to pay admission.

Remember whenever it costs you 10 Pounds, that’s really about 14.00 US Dollars and 11 Euros — give or take — with today’s exchange rate…. And you’ll find plenty of admissions that are 10 or 15 Pounds and more. You will want to see the Tower of London… and you should, but the admission fee is 17 Pounds… that’s $25.00 or 20 Euros!

So what can … read more