Budget Travel Tips ( Written by Guest Blogger Marlana Salmon Letelier)

Have you ever found yourself using the excuse, “I don’t have money to travel!”  Worse….have you ever found yourself actually believing it?

Think again.  Traveling does not have to be an expensive extravaganza.   I actually spend less when I travel than I do when I’m home! 

After traveling to over 27 countries on a student and teacher budget, here are my tips for keeping travel affordable:

1.      Credit card points and airline alliance numbers

We all spend money, right?  You might as well get airline points for it!  I have already gotten two free international round-trip flights, two free domestic round-trip flights, and two free international one-way flights this year by using the United Airlines Mileage Plus Mastercard and the Southwest Airlines Visa.  Just by opening the credit cards, you will earn a huge chunk of points.  You will continue to earn points as you use the card.  In addition to this, I am a member of their loyalty programs so that when I fly on either one of these airlines or any airline in alliance with them I earn additional points. These points all add up to free flights!  Do be sure to pay your credit cards off on time so as not to incur interest fees, which would defeat the purpose of saving money.  To learn more about airline alliances, go to the following link: http://www.lowfares.com/blog/2010/05/07/understanding-airline-alliances-can-save-you-money/

2.      Affordable accommodation

The best deal I’ve ever had was a private room with homemade breakfast and transport from the train station included for $6! Try the following websites:

·         Hostelworld.com

·         Hostels.com

·         Airbnb.com (If you aren’t up for staying in a hostel, you can find a cheap apartment to rent and split with other people.  My best deal with this website so far has been a $13 stay/per night in Paris.  You can also go as luxurious or as cheap as you want with this page.  Highly recommend.)

·         Couchsurfing.org (For the VERY adventurous, this is your free option.   Get ready to open up your couch too and to meet some great people!)

3.      Grocery stores

Why go out to eat every day when you can grab something cheap at a local grocery store or market?  You can either get something easy to make like bread and peanut butter or get more creative and use your accommodation’s kitchen (often available).

4.      Research scams/prices before traveling

Be aware of common scams in the area where you are traveling so you don’t fall into them!  Also, know the exchange rates, tipping info, and typical pricing information BEFORE you end up in a new place.  Being informed can help you avoid being ripped off.

5.      Public transport and walking!

Why pay for expensive transportation when you could just figure out the metro/bus system and/or walk?  I see the best parts of cities by walking all around them, and I save a ton of money in the meantime.  If you are in good shape and limited on time, you can also do a running tour.  My husband and I have done this in Thailand and were able to run from tourist site to tourist site rather than pay for expensive transportation.  We were able to see a LOT, enjoy the city, and get some good exercise!

6.      Don’t get caught in tourist traps

Do you really need to pay for that tour guide?  Sometimes it IS worth it, and sometimes it is just as useful to use a good guidebook or print some information off the Internet before you go.  Research this and use your money wisely. 

7.      Bank ATM’s and international credit cards without fees

Check with your bank to see if it partners with banks in the countries you are visiting.  With Bank of America, I often have options for ATM’s where I can take out money without a fee and with a direct exchange rate.  Also, you can use an international credit card such as the United Mileage Plus card and the Southwest Visa previously mentioned.  Neither one charges an international fee.  You will also get a direct exchange rate when you use them around the world.  Just be sure that the store where you are using it doesn’t tack on an extra charge for credit cards.

8.      Sleeping while in transit

Want to save a night in a hotel and take full advantage of your travel time during the day?  Take overnight bus/train/airplane transportation and skip a night in a hotel.  Just be sure to sleep!

9.      Set a budget per day

If you are really tight on money, calculate how much you have to spend the entire trip, set a budget per-day and stick to it!

10.  Save free food for later

That airplane food that you think you don’t want at the time….SAVE IT!  You might need a snack later.  IT’S FREE FOOD….  And if you don’t want it later, give it to a homeless person you pass on the street. 

11.  Discounts (it never hurts to ask!)

Always be sure to ask for discounts at museum’s and tourist sites!  And always remember to bring your student card if applicable. 

12.  Refillable water bottle

In countries where tap water is safe to drink, I save SO much money by bringing my stainless steel water bottle and refilling it everywhere I go.  No $3 waters for me.

13.  Rent out your apartment/house while you are gone

You can also use airbnb.com to rent out your apartment/house while you are traveling.  You can pay your rent that way and get some extra travel money while you’re gone! 

Most importantly, just remember that extravagant does not equal memorable.  You can travel cheaply and simply and make some incredible memories.  There really is something magical about a dirt cheap backpacking trip!  Happy travels everyone!

 

Bio:

Marlana Salmon Letelier is an EdD student in the field of international educational development at Teachers College, Columbia University.  Her research focuses on post-conflict curriculum development and policy, cultural and religious presentations in curriculum, and peace and human rights education. She holds an MTS from Harvard University in Multiculturalism and Religion with a focus in Education.  Previously she has served as a Teach for America Corps Member working as a high school math teacher in an inner city school in Bridgeport, CT, USA.

She loves to travel and has been to over 27 countries including around the Middle East, Europe, South America, Central America, Africa and Asia.  Her favorite type of traveling involves adventure, cultural immersion, learning about history, genuine interaction with locals, time in nature and simplicity.  Traveling brings out the best in her, and each trip reenergizes her and gives her the space and experiences to grow.  She loves to see others experience the joy of traveling throughout their lives and discourages people from waiting to travel only after retiring.  Her motto is, “If you want to do something, do it as soon as possible….otherwise you may never have the chance.”