Creating a Travel Budget. While it might not be sexy, you’ll be much happier both during and after your holiday if you take the time to budget in advance for travel. Sometimes it is good to keep in mind that the price of paradise doesn’t come cheap.
Booking Travel. The number one tip I have for booking travel is being persistent when booking air travel. This pays back more than anything else. Also keep in mind ways to save on hotels.
Avoid Extra Travel Expenses & Delays. There are a number of different things you can do to help avoid extra expenses when travel, here is a guest post with travel tips. Also keep in mind the potential cost of travel delays. If you travel as much as I do it is good to have a bit of an emergency fund to help cover potential overruns.
Holiday Travel. Traveling home for the holidays is also more likely to have extra delays and costs given the weather and increased number of passengers. One of the most important things I’ve learned from all my travel is to pad in extra time for potential delays whenever you can, particularly weddings and other time sensitive events. Or how I managed to get some great holiday travel deals.
Frequent Flyer Miles, Rewards & Travel Deals. With prices going through the roof these days, it is more important than ever to seek out new deals. While most people have frequent flyer miles, it takes some effort to make the most of rewards. Also remember those from hotels, here is a review of hotel award programs, or direct cash back options. I’m a big fan of priceline, here are the ins and outs on how to make the most of priceline.
Travel Overseas. Traveling overseas comes with a whole additional set of challenges around finances. This includes handling foreign currency, negotiating, avoiding ‘fees’ in Africa, where being a president pays well, or you have the need to be a cash mule, and so forth. Remember that the first step to negotiations are to ask. You’ll have to get used carrying around loads of money. Remember, never nod in agreement when you don’t understand.
Living Overseas. Having a career overseas can definitely be one way to get ahead. There are certainly difficulties in dealing with a cash economy and dealing with finances from abroad. Here is also a review on credit cards that have advantages for those who live overseas. For those living in difficult places, money can also buy you kevlar.
Souvenirs. After years of travel I now have the policy of being careful of buying too much while overseas, for myself or others. I advocate a utilitarian tourist approach when it comes to buying souvenirs. Let’s face it, stuff breeds stuff. I do end up splurging on family and friends from time to time, of course it is easier to be in a place where there is nothing to buy. I tend more towards the minimalist persuasion, but I do make exceptions for cheap pearls and gold souks.
Where to Go on a Budget. Let’s face it, if you are on a budget you are much better off in Ecuador than Switzerland. Couchsurfing is another option for meeting people and finding places to stay around the world. Places in Eastern Europe like Macedonia and Ukraine are great finds.
Travel for Free. There are also a variety of different things that you can do to travel for deep discounts or for free. Consider trading your talents for travel, cruise your way around the world, get free travel guides. Plus, remember, some of the best parts of travel are free.
Travel Tidbits. As regular readers likely know, Miel travels quite a bit. Here are some fun highlights from her adventures. The fabulous Bush Market of Kabul, where goods stolen from the Army are sold on the very visible black market, or the joys of bootleg movies. Reflections on the relative value of money, and how it makes the world go round. Or the cost of corruption in Africa, dealing with a cash economy, where cash talks and billionaires are in Zimbabwe, price increases in Kabul, or the price of a Big Mac in Iceland. Or, you could check out money oddities in Singapore, Plus, you can’t miss the book Three Cups of Tea. When all else fails, pray for prosperity.
Possibly related posts:
