You may say that cheap travel vacations are hard to come by these days, but when talking cheap travel we are also talking about wise travel. I’m thinking back to recent experiences most of all and the bottom line is just to stay out of the touristy areas if you want to save your pennies and spend more on tours.
I’ll give you one example of when I was in Tuscany I was staying in a villa and I would go to a cafe for a cappuccino every morning where all the locals used to go. They would charge me 1 euro. However, when I was in Florence I paid 4 euros and I can tell you that the little coffee shop in the village in Tuscany was 10 times better. When you convert euros to dollars you will be saving a lot more. Cheap travel in Europe is still a possibility if you are prepared to go the extra mile.
Now you might be thinking this was because Florence is in the city. There is truth to that, but if you stay away from the main tourist areas where cheap travel ins are more of a possibility you will be smiling at the end of the day. Walking towards the outskirts of the crowded areas you will be able to find cappuccinos, ice-creams and great food for half the price and often a much better quality. This is often because it is hidden away and less busy. The center is so busy that often they can’t keep up with the crowds so the quality and service does not match the price.
You really have to do your planning before you go and you find a good cheap travel deal. Travel agents are a thing of the past. Not only do they add to the bill, but they make your life complicated. With the internet you can find the best deals for flights, tours, accommodation and transport. You won’t have to stand in queues or be disappointed waiting for tours that are full. Everything can be done at a drop of a hat. Now you are your own cheap travel agency. You can even book a villa in France or Tuscany for a week for a laid back vacation.
When doing your research this is the part where you have to pay attention to. Read travel books, go through lots of web sites on the destination you aim to travel to. You will more than often be able to find some travel passes and discounts on transport and tours. Some people prefer to go off the tourist route, mixing with the locals and going off the beaten track a little, which would require extra planning and preparation. You will be able to scout out a couple of cheap travel destinations that you might have a far more relaxing time at than at any 5 star tourist hotel.
Often you will find deals for hotels rooms if you stay 2 nights you will get 1 night free or you they will give a day at a spa. It is also wise to have a look at the time of season. Everyone seems to go on a Christmas holiday in the mountains at the same time, but if you were to go a little early you would save yourself some cash.
Many travelers will spend unnecessary money on transportation from the airport, station or wherever they may be to their hotel, simply because they can’t don’t know how to get there. It may just be a 2 minute walk and you may save yourself $100 per trip.
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