The frugal out-of-country travel planning guide to make the most of every vacation day and dollar
Even in today's economy, there are dedicated travelers who squirrel away a few bucks out of every paycheck to fund their next trip. The challenge facing today's overseas traveler is cutting expenses while not cutting enjoyment. While you may have to trim a few days off your usual vacation, frugal travel planning allows you to squeeze those dollars for all they're worth! Here we take a look at how experienced frugal travelers make it happen.
The up side to the current economic conditions is that airlines, hotels and travel related businesses are all hungry for business. This gives you a definite edge. You'll find hoteliers with empty rooms, even in the high season. Your airfare will probably be your biggest expense, but with a little travel planning research done well ahead of your departure, you can find some great deals.
Passports have been taking longer to process than in years past, so obtaining or renewing your passport is one of your first orders of business for travel planning. Ditto for visas.
The truly frugal traveler opts for developing their own itinerary. While travel agents can save you time, there are costs involved. If you don't have much experience traveling out of country, going with a travel agent is probably your best bet. They are experts who can help you avoid not well known, but common pitfalls which can mar your trip enjoyment. However, if you have the experience, or just that adventurous spirit, as well as the time to do your own research, you can shave significant dollars off your expenses, thus allowing you to enjoy a few more activities during your vacation.
Travel forums, travel tour package reviews and travel newsletters are valuable assets in your travel planning. Travel forums have many experienced travelers as members, who can provide those inside tips. Tour package reviews can turn you on to the best values, written by independent sources. Subscribe to several travel newsletters, well ahead of your trip. You'll find some great deals on airfares and accommodations, as well as useful tidbits and occasional freebies.
A good travel book is well worth the expense. In fact, one general guide and a few other specialty guides may serve your travel planning objectives handsomely, paying big dividends in making the absolute most of your time. You'll find travel guides which focus entirely on museums, hotels and shopping, so you can plan ahead to work those hot spots into your itinerary. Phrase books, language software and a currency converter might also be good investments. Travel guides with a focus on hotels provide detailed reviews, describing the rooms of each with respect to furnishing style, amenities and services. You're sure to find several which suit your style. This one travel planning tip can save you lots of money, by booking your room direct.
Now that your travel arrangements are made, there are still a few details you'll want to take care of before you head for the airport. Get a money belt to carry a day's worth of ready cash, a copy of your passport and traveler's checks, if you're using them. Pack light!
Prepare to avoid the jet lag syndrome. Do drink plenty of water in flight. Don't indulge in alcoholic beverages. Jet lag is mainly a result of dehydration. Take a few individual packs of ginger tea in your bag to stave off headaches and nausea.
When you arrive at check-in, set your watch to your destination's local time. Check your watch frequently during your flight and you'll have an easier time adjusting to the time change.
So there you have the frugal travel planning guide in a nutshell, saving you time and money, while making the most of every day abroad!
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