Pinching Pennies on the Road
By Josh | May 13, 2008
With prices at the pump and at the ticket counter getting out of hand, many travelers are resorting to the unthinkable, calling off their trips. That’s too bad, but it has happened from time to time when the economy enters a downturn. Most are content to stow their backpacks and Larium pills and wait for a better time to travel.
For those who say “to hell with in,” and hit the road anyway, here are a few penny pinching tips that might come in handy in scarce times.
Topics: Budget Travel Tips | 1 Comment »
Should You Visit China?
By Josh | May 6, 2008
With the Olympics coming, China’s travel industry is about to get loads upon loads of promotion. NBC will undoubtedly feature Beijing-related pieces in between events. Bob Costas (or is it his writers?) will have some humorous monologues about the cultural differences between China and the U.S.
As long as anti-government protests don’t rage in the streets of Beijing, the games will be a boon for China’s tourism business.
That raises a question: will China’s newfound popularity make it into a giant over-visited Asian theme park? Will soccer moms toss around the words: “going to China this summer?” The same casual way that they now refer to Italy or The Bahamas or Hawaii. Most of all, will the games make China a more expensive place to visit?
Fear not!
Topics: Asia, Budget Travel Tips, Destinations | 1 Comment »
Say What? Learning Languages on the Road (For Free)
By Josh | April 29, 2008
Every traveler has had a “wish I could speak the local language” moment. More often than not, communication with non-Anglophiles in a foreign land is reduced to gestures and grins (unless you paid especially good attention in French class). Communicating without relying on words is part of the travel experience. So is overusing the two local expressions that you happen to remember from that phrasebook you thumbed through at Barnes and Nobles.
Is going beyond the basics in foreign language a realistic goal for one who has a limited amount of time and money to travel?
Topics: Budget Travel Tips, Travel Websites | 1 Comment »
Traveling on the Rail
By Josh | April 22, 2008
Rail travel is often not an option for U.S. based travelers. Well, thanks to Amtrak, it is an option, but train travel in the US is nowhere near as popular as it is in most other parts of the world. Why would I spend $200 on a road trip to Chicago with Amtrak when I can book a round trip flight for half that much and save seven hours on each end of the trip? If I want to go dirt cheap, I’d go Greyhound. Why bother with rail travel, then? Here’s why:
Topics: Budget Globe Trotting News, Budget Travel Tips | 1 Comment »
How to Travel Around the World (Literally)
By Josh | April 15, 2008
A hundred years ago, around the world travel was best undertaken by a combination of hot air balloon, steam train, and ocean liner. Thanks to The Brothers Wright, those days have long since past. However, with airline prices on the rise and cancellations becoming more commonplace, it might seem like a traveler is undertaking something just as substantial as Phileas Fogg did.
The advent of internet travel sites like Travelocity and Expedia has made it easier to organize your own trip around the globe. However, these sites are not likely to uncover the best deals.
Some travel agencies specialize in around the world airfares. Though prices may fluctuate depending on where travelers decide to stop, an around the world package is, in general, cheaper than anything you could piece together yourself. If you let the company choose your destinations, prices can get even cheaper. (As of this writing, a set itinerary from Air Brokers International was $1099 from New York to LA the long way around, with stops in London, Berlin, Bangkok, and Hong Kong). For $2000, travelers can stop over on each continent (save Antarctica).
The catch?
Topics: Budget Airfare and Airlines, Budget Travel Tips, Online Travel Booking | 1 Comment »
Are Thailand’s Islands Still #1?
By Josh | April 8, 2008
Backpackers, budget travelers, and those simply seeking unique experiences have long been traveling to islands off Thailand’s west coast. Alex Garland’s cult classic, The Beach, gave the eastern Andaman Sea a wider audience. But these islands have always had appeal.
What’s not appealing about sitting on a beach all day taking in the near perfect balance of sand, surf, sun, and tropical foliage? What’s not to love about partying with like minded tourists and fun-loving locals before returning to a pleasant but spartan bungalow that’s so cheap it might as well be free? For the same as it would cost to stay in Cancun for a week, you could stay on Koh Phi Phi for six. Maybe 8 if you decided to forgo the banana pancakes and eat local food.
Thailand’s islands WERE the budget island Mecca. But are they still? Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Asia, Backpacking, Budget Accommodations | 2 Comments »
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