Travel in Budget

Stuart S. Travel asked:


Yes – and no. As with any traveling and staying in an unknown spot, there will be some dangers. Most of them you can avoid. If you know the risks before you travel, you can be prepared for any situation.

 

If you decide camping is the accommodation style for you, you should have a good knowledge of the area you are going to camp in. Will you be staying in a public campsite or will you be camping wherever you feel the need to pitch your ten? If it is the latter, make sure it is legal to camp in the spot you have chosen. Check whether you need to provide your own drinking water. Camp grounds in remote places may require you take in water. If you are using water from streams or creeks, boil it first to get rid of bacteria.

 

Animals can provide a source of danger in campsites. If you are camping in bear country you will need to take special precautions. Take care of how you store your food and where you pitch your tent. You will need to either store all your food in a bear proof box or hang it from a tree. Check the area before you camp to make sure there are no signs of recent bear activity. If there are, move on to another site. Other dangerous animals that you need to be aware of when camping are snakes and spiders. These beasts like to get in and under things so always check before you put on any clothes and shoes.

 

Camping is a good way to meet fellow travelers, but you can not always be sure your possessions will be safe from unscrupulous people. Ensure all valuables are locked in the car or stowed safely when you are not at your campsite.

 

Hostels are a good, safe way to travel, but like any public place, you still need to take precautions. Hostels that are members of a network may provide a safer option as they are well controlled. You can take safety measures by locking up your valuables in lockers if they are provided. Or ask the manager if they have a safe you can lock your valuables in. Sleep with your money and passport at night if you are sharing a room with strangers. Most hostels have bunk rooms segregated by gender. But some don’t. If you are a female traveling alone, it might be wise to stay in a hostel that has only same sex rooms.

 

Staying in private homes with the owners living there as well, (charging you for board), is probably the least safe option when traveling. This is because you don’t know the people you are staying with and in some countries it is actually illegal for residents to hire out their rooms to travelers. If this option is one you want to pursue, try and book your room through the local tourist office or through an agency. At least if there is a problem, you will have someone to lodge your complaint with. In some countries this is a very popular form of accommodation and a cheap one. Make sure you negotiate your price before you agree to stay. Take the same precautions as you would in other styles of accommodations and be prepared to move on if it is not satisfactory or you feel unsafe.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com



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Kelley Falgout asked:


When considering when, where, how, for how long and what type of vacation, trip or holiday venture to undertake, we all get caught up in the anticipation, excitement and exhilaration. Sometimes we let the more important financial side of things slip a little. After all, for most of us, taking a vacation may only happen once a year, for some, even more infrequently. We tend to indulge and forget about our pocket book a little.

There are many ways to save money, avoid unnecessary cost, ensure you take care of details end up a smart and perceptive traveler. Budget travel planning is easier that you might think. Here are a few handy travel tips for making your travel dollar go further!

• Cushion your budget – When considering a trip or planning budget travel, it is important to plan for the unexpected and consider the financial side of things early on. This ensures affordability, liquidity and having the resources to enjoy it to the fullest! Plan for the worst-case financial scenario and prepare for things to cost a little more than you expected. Allow up to 20% increase in cost to be on the safe side of things.

• Emergency money: Carrying some spare cash somewhere can also be a lifesaver. The rule of thumb seems to be around $50-$100 in small bills. This can be used for incidentals, ground-transportation like cab fare and/or your return home, tips and more.

• Set your priorities: Set some spending priorities and criteria in advance, like eating at a special restaurant or attending a concert, even if this means sacrificing a bit on lodgings or visa versa, depending on what is more important to you.

• Keep an eye on your credit cards: It is extremely easy these days to have access to your financial resources through ATM’s and credit cards. Just remember that it is just as easy to overspend because of it being so readily available. A little discipline will go a long way to protect your financial interest and help you stick to your travel budget.

• Maximize gas mileage and efficiency: If you’re planning a road trip, make sure that your car has been serviced at least a week before your trip. A well-maintained vehicle will go a long way to ensure carefree driving. If your budget allows, you may consider renting a vehicle to save wear and tear on your own. Small economy cars are better on gas and are much more comfortable than they used to be. Minivans and sport utility vehicles are practical only if you have to transport a large family with a lot of equipment or luggage.

• Gas fill-ups: For filling up your car en route, avoid pushing to the limit until the gas runs out. Gas will obviously be more expensive when filling up in remote locations. If you miscalculated and the light on the dashboard indicates that you are really in need, opt for filling just half a tank until you reach the next more densely or major populated destination, where gas might be a little cheaper.

• Pack-a-snack: Bring your own refreshments and snacks. Gas station prices on drinks and snack food are high. Avoid these during a pit stop, if you are counting your travel dollars. A cooler packed with lots of cool drinks, water and ice and/or a thermos of coffee or hot water for tea, some fruit, granola bars, or a sandwich, goes a long way to still the hunger and save you money by avoiding all high priced stops en route.

• Travel necessities: It is advisable to travel with basic necessities, like a cell phone and a first aid kit, since both can prove to be essential in emergencies. Most people have cell phones at their disposal, but in the event that you are not one of them, a prepaid cell phone may be the answer for your trip. The peace of mind it offers is worth the small investment. Cell phones can also save on hefty surcharges and higher long distance rates that hotels and resorts often charge.

Budget travel requires close attention to all things financial before and during your trip. Planning a trip or vacation can be a little time consuming but following these travel tips will hopefully save you a lot of headaches as well as some unnecessary interest charges on your credit card balances later! You will thank yourself for your fiscal restraint and spending discipline, upfront planning, foresight and forward thinking!



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