Travel in Budget

Paul Hata asked:


Packing properly is an important consideration for the budget traveler. Traveling on a budget means traveling light. The more unencumbered you are by junk you don’t need, the more chances you will have and the less expensive your travel will be.

For instance, while the traveler with only one bag is free to hop on the inexpensive city bus and pay as little as one dollar to get into town, if that same traveler is loaded down with three or four bulky suitcases, it is likely that an expensive taxi, and a potential fare of $50 or more, may be the only option.

This is just one example of how packing light can help you keep your travel budget under control, but there are many more examples, all borne of experience. In addition to saving money, traveling light makes sense on so many levels.

For one thing, you will enjoy your trip much more if you can just head straight out of the airport, without that long wait at the baggage claim.

Traveling light also makes getting around town, from the airport and to the hotel, much easier. Carting a lot of luggage around unnecessarily is a waste of time, money and energy, and most seasoned travelers have learned not to pack too much.

Over packing, however, is a frequent mistake for the first time or inexperienced, traveler, and we are presenting the following list of tips for keeping your packing, and your budget, under control.

- As you are laying out all the things you want to take on your trip, separate them into three different piles the essential pile, the maybe pile and the non essential pile. Then put the non essential, and half of the maybe pile, back in the closet.

- If you possibly can, try to get everything that remains into one bag that can be carried on to the airplane. If you are unsure what constitutes a carry on bag, be sure to check with the airline.

- Do not pack any items that can be purchased inexpensively once you have reached your destination. Be sure, however to pack items that may be more expensive in a tourist area. One example of this, of course, is camera film. Film is often two or three times as costly in a tourist area, so if you have extra film at home bring it along.

- Keep the amount of clothing you pack to an absolute minimum. Choose clothes that can be combined into a variety of different outfits. Keeping the clothes you pack to a minimum is especially smart if you know you will be dong a lot of shopping, and buying a lot of clothes, once you arrive at your destination. Why cart your old clothes halfway around the world if you can wear your snazzy new clothes instead?

- If your vacation is a long one, do laundry while you are away instead of bringing a suitcase full of extra clothes.

- Always pack some versatile clothes. For instance, a pair of swim trunks or shorts can double as sleeping attire. T-shirts are equally versatile and comfortable.

- Pack a collapsible bag in your suitcase. This bag can be used to carry souvenirs and other purchases on the return trip.

- Be sure that all your luggage is clearly labeled with your contact information and name. Avoid putting your street address on luggage tags, however. It is best to use a post office box or a work address.

- Always place any items you need and cannot immediately replace, such as prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and important documents, into your carryon or purse.

- Place all travel documents, maps and printed itineraries on the top of the suitcase, or in a separate zippered compartment, so they will be easy to find.

- If you have an extra pair of eyeglasses at home in a drawer, you may want to bring them along, especially if you need glasses to read signs, find your way around, etc.

- Pack them in a hard sided case and place them either in a purse or a separate compartment of the suitcase. Eyeglasses can be difficult, time consuming and expensive to replace while on vacation.

- And finally, consider packing an extra wallet, with one or two credit cards but no cash, into a separate compartment in your suitcase.

- The purpose of doing this is so you will have emergency funds in the event your regular wallet is lost or stolen. If the credit cards in the suitcase are lost or stolen, they can be cancelled immediately and you will not be liable for any fraudulent charges.



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Lizzie Scott asked:


One great way to begin your budget travel is to get free flights (without collecting frequent flier miles) is to get yourself bumped off of the flight that you are booked on. Yes, that means that you won’t get your current flight for free, but you can get a free travel ticket to use for a later date.

You may not be the only person on your flight hoping to get bumped. So try to follow these guidelines to increase your chances of a free flights or budget travel.

- Book your flight with the intention of getting bumped. Select one of the first or earlier flights. So if you are successful in getting bumped, you will still be able to get on a later flight and still get to your travel destination.

- Always ask if the flight is overbooked. Call your travel agent the night before to ask. On the day of the flight, ask the gate agent if the flight is overbooked and tell him/her that you volunteer to be bumped.

- Always get a schedule that includes all airlines, not just the one on which you are booked.

- Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Being the first in line will increase your chances, especially if you are the first few (or better yet, the first) on the list of volunteers to be bumped.

- Before you agree to be bumped, ensure that the airline will offer a free ticket or other significant compensation. Before accepting your free ticket or travel voucher, make sure you are holding a confirmed/guaranteed reservation and boarding pass for a later flight.

- If there are no guaranteed seats on the next flight of your choice, inform the agent that you want a guaranteed seat on another airline. Use the flight schedule and select an alternative flight and airline.

- If you have to wait more than two hours for the next flight, ask the gate agent for meal vouchers. Most airlines have these vouchers, but they may not offer them without being asked.

- If you get bumped from your next free flight, you may just get another free ticket. Well, it may be a little inconvenient but if you want free or budget travel, you will need to be more flexible with your timing.

- There are some regulations, but each airline has its own bumping and compensation policy. Bumping policies may also be different for international flights. Make sure you ask before volunteering to be bumped.



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Lizzie Scott asked:


Europe travel is a dream for some budget travelers. Even though the costs of Europe travel have increased these few years, European travel can still be affordable, for budget travelers, independent travelers, college students and families.

One of the most popular budget travel tip for your Europe travel is to get a rail pass that matches your budget and travel requirements. When choosing between rail passes, always consider your travel destinations even before you leave to go for your Europe travel.

Some rail passes are only valid for one country, while some other rail passes can be used for all European countries (for a specific period of time). If your budget travel only covers one country, then get the single country pass.

If you plan to spend a considerable amount of time in Europe, you will probably want to visit many different locations. So check out the rail pass that is valid for a longer period of time. It will be much cheaper for your Europe travel if you get those extended-length rail passes if you plan to stay in Europe for quite a while.

It is a good idea to get the European rail passes before leaving home. Most travel agents can help you buy European rail passes, as well as providing advice on which type of rail pass best suits your needs. AAA provides valuable information on European rail passes. You can get the passes from them and may even score some discounts. You’d never know!

European rail passes are also available on the Internet from a number of sources. You may opt to purchase a European rail pass directly from these sources. Double check to make sure that you get your rail passes before you leave for your budget travel to Europe. It may take longer than expected to reach you, so be sure to get this done promptly.

Another important point is that many trains in Europe require a reservation. Holding a rail pass does not mean that you have a reservation. You must make a reservation on the train you want as soon as possible after arriving in Europe, or ask about making one before you leave home.

It is also important to remember that many overnight trains will require an additional reservation, and extra money for sleeping compartments. This is very important especially if you are boarding a long distance train. Always ask about the sleeping facilities that are available when making your reservation.

Europe travel by train is hugely popular within Europe. It is comfortable, fast, safe and most importantly, at a reasonable cost. Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to be stressful on your wallet. You can still travel without blowing your set budget.



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