Traveling Comfortably on Budget – If you take lots of regular trips, then its highly likely that you’ve realized the benefits of budget travel. While this is mostly about making the most out of your money, it’s not the same as accepting the worst of everything. If you understand the fundamentals of budget travel, you can definitely experience a luxurious vacation without leaving a hole in your wallet.
9 Tips for Traveling Comfortably on Budget
Honestly, few people would want to put up with an awful experience just because they are saving a few dollars. Here, you’ll learn about some hacks to help make budget travel more comfortable.
1) Don’t be too rigid when picking the travel dates
When you want to maximize the comfort of a budget vacation, it’s very important to embrace flexibility when settling on travel dates. This is because the fare can have a difference of several hundred dollars in a span of a few days.
In fact, there are travel sites that allow you to view which dates will be least expensive in terms of air tickets. At the same time, you should plan your trip around off-peak hours.
For instance, you will end up paying less if you hopped on the first flight on the daily schedule as opposed to boarding around late morning hours when everyone is trying to fly.
2) Understand the most appropriate times and ways of getting an air ticket
As soon as you are certain about the exact date of your departure, you should start shopping around for tickets. When your trip falls on a holiday, you need to book early enough to avoid the high charges.
To be more efficient, you must realize the cheapest days to book flights to begin your search, and book the flight.
Basically, searching for your flights on a Tuesday or a Wednesday will yield favorable results since a majority of the airlines are releasing airfares. In a week, flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday can help you get comfortable flights at a fraction of the normal cost.
Instead of traveling a before or after the holiday, get on the plane on the very day and you’ll end up saving some dollars. When conducting your search, don’t hesitate to grab an attractive deal because it can disappear any time and you’ll be left with tons of regrets.
3) Don’t go for the big names when you can get quality service from alternative brands
While popular travel company brands are well known in the industry, it’s not obvious that you’ll be getting the best value for your money. If you are patient, you can find a budget airline that offers better flying experience at almost half the price charged by famous brands.
Similarly, you can get accommodation from a hotel with great services but pay less. What matters most is the quality of the service offered and sometimes the prices can be deceiving. Not every high-cost service is worth the money.
However, you need to look out for service providers with great reviews from previous customers to avoid paying for something that will make life unbearable.
4) Traveling comfortably on budget tip ~ Vacation rentals can be quite comfy
When you search for vacation rental through online platforms, you can easily choose between different categories with various budget requirements. If you are keen, you will eventually get hold of a luxurious property at a bargain during the occasional flash sales that are posted online.
The good thing about vacation rentals is that you not only get to pay low prices, but you also get top-notch amenities like pools, hot bath, as well as breathtaking views. All this would cost arm and leg in a VIP hotel.
5) Traveling budget tip ~ Choose the right destination
If you want a rich experience that will stick to your memory for long, go to a destination where you are getting the most for your bucks.
This means that you might want to opt for a three-day fun filled vacation in Asia rather than spending the money on a single night in New York. Remember you are looking for a place with the best experience at a friendly cost. If you dig deeper, you will be spoiled for choice since there are tons of amazing destinations that will cost you less than you can imagine.
6) Choose slower means of transport
When you are traveling slowly, it will cost less but you get a better experience. Overcome your fear of flying
Basically, taking a high-speed train or bus will cost more and deny you the chance to enjoy the surroundings. If you have enough time, slower options will be more fulfilling in terms of savings and experience.
Hitting The Road in the UK: The Perfect Road Trip Vacation
7) Take advantage of reward cards
If you choose well, getting a travel credit card that offers free as well as discounted accommodation, flights or rentals is easy. The perks may include zero transaction charges when using the card away from your home country.
In fact, getting a hefty signup bonus with a credit card is common as well as double miles. To make the best out of the travel card, you need to determine your priorities before deciding which card you will take.
At times, you may find that your card of choice comes with an annual fee. Don’t let this discourage you. Weigh the pros and cons. If it offers the most benefits for your vacation needs, you might be able to convince the service provider to adjust or scrap the fee, and they’ll be happy to have a great customer.
As far as accommodation is concerned, you can enroll in the frequent stay program. While they charge zero joining charges, you can get perks such as free room upgrades alongside other great amenities for free. In fact, you don’t have to spend every weekend in the hotel to become eligible for the program.
If you are really impressed by a certain brand with multiple facilities in different locations, you can definitely take advantage of their travel credit cards offers the next time you are taking a trip.
8) Travel budget tip ~ Start saving early
While budget travel is quite popular, you still need to save up some enough funds to afford a worthwhile experience. The good thing is that you won’t be needing tons of cash to accomplish your vacation goals.
If you plan the vacation early enough, you’ll have plenty of time to save the money without interrupting other financial obligations. Depending on how far the date of travel is, you can start saving small amounts for the travel. But if you feel that you need a more practical approach, you might want to take a personal loan to make the whole thing easier.
Of course, it would be wrong to spend money you’ve not earned on a vacation because you can end up ruining your financial profile. What you should do is find clever ways of using a personal loan to attract more value to the budget travel goal. For instance, you can use this option if you have a rewards card that offers greater discounts than the amount you will pay in interests.
9) Comfortable budget travel ~ Embrace cultural etiquette
It only takes a few kind words in the local language to earn you some trust and respect from the locals. While this might look like a lot of work for some people, it gives you a great level of goodwill. This implies that you will have an easier time interacting with the people around and they won’t see you as a total stranger.
Imagine the possibility of blending in with the vendors who could end up offering you fair prices when they are supposed to be ripping you off. Alternatively, the guide may decide to take you to a remarkable spot without charging anything extra just because you are friendly.
Will You Always Be a Budget Traveler?
Expert Travel Hacks – “I used to be more like you, but these days I could never travel like you do. It’s really not a lifestyle that I could do anymore. I’m too old for that, and I prefer things to be more comfortable”.
That was my mum last week. She still travels a few times a year, and when she does, it’s all in pretty comfortable ways. She prefers to spend a little extra to make things more certain, and if you can afford it, is that really a problem?
I love backpacking, and to travel around the world on a budget. You learn many things and have some crazy experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have. Right now, a different way of traveling is not an option for me, I simply can’t afford it, and since it’s not an option, I don’t usually think about it that much.
But then I meet these people who earn more money than most, and have the freedom to stay and fly anywhere – yet they’re still sleeping in hostels, eating in budget restaurants and living as cheaply as they can.
Why Be a Budget Traveler?
Does it have to do with the feeling they get from a budget lifestyle, is it more of an obsession to find the cheapest deals? Or is it something else about backpacking that attracts them, something they get out of that way of traveling that you can’t find anywhere else?
Maybe it all comes down to the people you meet – no matter who you talk to, no matter how old or young they are, they all say the same thing:
It’s not about the places you go, but the people you meet. Be A Budget Traveler? It’s the people you meet that makes the trip, they are the gems you will remember the most. And this is where backpacking comes in handy. When you backpack you simply meet and interact with more people than you normally would.
When you share the same room, same kitchen and sometimes the same shower (!) it’s hard not to talk to each other. I also think that backpacking brings some sort of feeling of freedom and excitement. With things less planned and organized, you can end up at so many strange places by traveling this way.
Perhaps this becomes the reason to why you travel – it becomes an addiction to always have that feeling of freedom and the experience of new situations.
Are You a Tourist or Are You a Traveler?
Anyone who has spent time traveling is probably already familiar with the philosophical debate concerning tourists versus travelers. There seems to be a mindset that suggests that being a traveler is somehow superior to being a tourist.
Being able to travel is such a blessing, some of us are more adventurous than others and we’re all just so different when it comes to budgets. drive and adventurous spirit. It’s truly a subjective question, and you may find yourself on different sides of the debate at various times in your life.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to this subject, none is better than the other By looking at the qualities that make up a tourist or a traveler, it becomes easier to define where you fit in. Of course, you may discover that you prefer to straddle the fence.
What Is a Tourist?
At almost any destination in the world, it’s easy to spot a tourist. There’s a camera dangling around their neck and a map or guidebook peeking out of their bag.
They have a highly detailed itinerary that includes all of the major sights in the region. If there’s a worthwhile museum or vista, the tourist is determined to take it in. They’re staying at a nice hotel that’s rated at least four stars, and they’ve got reservations at the top restaurants for each evening.
No matter how exhausting it may be, they’re determined to complete every item on their “must do” list, and they love every minute of it. They return home tired with a memory card full of photos and the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve “done” that destination.
What Is a Traveler?
Travelers are more difficult to pick out of a crowd. In fact, a true traveler can sometimes be mistaken for a local. That’s because travelers are seeking an authentic experience. You won’t catch them at a tourist trap. Instead, they’re interested in life as it is lived by the local population. They want to discover the hole in the wall restaurant that serves amazing food but isn’t listed in any of the guidebooks.
You’ll see them talking to the locals, trying their hand at the native tongue, and finding out the secrets of the local marketplace. They have no itinerary or agenda. Rather than seeing sights, they are interested in experiences. They dress like the locals do.
When they return home, they feel that they’ve completed a journey of the body and the spirit.
Which Are You?
Whether you consider yourself a tourist or a traveler doesn’t have to be an either or question. On some trips, the tourist profile may suit your goals while you may feel more like a traveler in another destination.
One of the beautiful things about travel is that there are no right or wrong answers. There are only experiences, and each one is valuable in its own right. Whether you choose to be a tourist or a traveler on your next journey, make the most of it.
Is there an age, or financial situation when budget travel needs to end for a traveler?
Traveling On a Budget Crowd Source It
Traveling on a Budget Hacks – If you have wanderlust, and you are itching to take to the road, air or seas, what are you waiting for? Where is your next destination? Well, if you are like most people, you probably have the desire and drive to travel, but not the finances.
Fortunately, there are solutions for traveling on a budget that will allow you to leave as soon as possible.
Ready for some budget travel advice? Read on: What to Do When You Fall Sick
See the world right now ~ Ask Mom and Dad
The easiest way to finance a vacation, of course, is to ask your parents or another family member for a loan. You might be surprised by the outcome, and according to the advice of experts, asking a family member for money to finance a trip is a smarter choice than considering putting it all on a credit card.
Interest on a credit card can really build up and even a relatively small amount, such as a thousand dollars, can take many years to finally pay off if you only make the minimum payment.
Speaking of family, you might want to extend your circle a bit further when it comes to financing your travel and include your extended family and friends.
The best way to do this is to crowd source it. There are plenty of companies out that that provide easy no cost fundraising that can get you the money you need to hit the road.
To use them, simply set up an account, share your personal link and ask friends and family to donate to your travel fund. Even $5 can help, so don’t be shy sharing it with acquaintances, too.
Consider Layaway
You have likely heard of, or even used, layaway to buy something at a store, but you can also use layaway to finance a trip.
By making a purchase for a vacation, and then putting a bit of money towards it each week or month, you can pay for your vacation over time.
Once you have paid for your trip, you can take off into the great, blue yonder.
Take Out a Vacation Loan
Another piece of advice for financing your travel is to take out a vacation loan.
There are specific companies out there that offer vacation loans.
Keep in mind, however, that you will need to have fairly good credit to obtain these loans, and as with credit cards, taking out a vacation loan can take awhile to pay off after you get home.
Some of these companies have special financing, too, just make sure you pay it off before the financing expires, as the interest will add onto the balance if you don’t.
Credit Cards
As a last resort, you can always put your vacation on a credit card, but make sure you have a plan to pay it off.
You can easily get into trouble if you don’t pay off your credit cards, and as mentioned above, it can take many years to pay off a relatively small amount.
Using travel credit cards to accumulate points and reward for travel is an excellent way to help off set your travel budget.
Study Abroad
If you are a student, a great way to travel is to participate in a study exchange program.
Work on your college degree, experience new locations, and learn a new language while you are there.
Traveling is something that many people love, but it isn’t cheap, either.
Hopefully, with this advice, you can find a way to pay for the vacation of your dreams without going totally broke.
Family Budgeting for Travel – Go last minute
Planning the Family Budgeting for Travel holiday or to go travel can be hard to do if you do not have a very large budget to spare.
If you have a large family then planning something that you can reasonably afford that everyone will enjoy can be a tall order.
Family Budgeting for Travel does not have to be stressful.
Here are some tips that you could try and use to find a cheap but enjoyable holiday for all the family.
While doing things last minute may not be the ideal way to do things in and among the hustle and bustle of family life, it can sometimes help you save quite a bit of money that you could put towards spending on activities while you are there.
The chances are that if you have kids, you will want to take your holiday when school is not in session, so you may have already booked the time of work in advance to be with them.
As you will have a set date in mind, know to start looking (and maybe packing) a few weeks in advance so you are not so rushed.
Get inspiration from other families
Take inspiration from other families that you know about how they save money on the costs of holidays.
Looking on family lifestyle blogs can be a great way to get ideas that you haven’t thought of.
Some, like Family Budgeting may know of some places that you could go to get a good holiday, or good places that you can go for activities and things to do.
Be flexible on the days
If you are planning on going aboard for your family holiday, then be flexible on the day that you fly out and return home, as the day that you choose might change the cost of the flight.
Put some thought into your accommodation
Budgeting for Travel
Choosing your accommodation is a big part of a budget family holiday.
But it is worth considering that choosing accommodation is a key factor in making your holiday a pleasant experience but also affordable.
Holiday and RV Rental companies are the ideal alternative accommodation that provides a full family package as well as great accommodation that are affordable for the average family.
These resorts are geared toward families in every sense.
They provide the perfect accommodation for your vacation.
Other options like staying in hostels can also help you to save some money if you are willing to try it.
Try and split the cost
Why not see if some of your other family members or other friends fancy coming on the holiday with you so that you can split the costs of accommodation and any food that you buy to keep in wherever you are staying for when you are not eating out.
Remember that many of us go on holidays to relax and recharge our batteries and worrying about the amount of money that you spend while you are there could make it harder to do that.
Traveling comfortably on Budget – Weigh up the pros and cons of how desperately you need a holiday ‘this year’ and see if you think that you would rather spend a couple of years saving up for a bigger and better holiday in a few years time when you have more finances to spend on it. Family Budgeting for Travel
Traveling the World on a Budget
To travel around the world and how to Travelling the World on a Budget – this is perhaps one of the things that most people wish to do.
It is in their bucket lists, but there is often one hindrance – budget.
From airfare to accommodations, food to other daily expenses, financial resources will be required.
With this, below are some of the tips that you should keep in mind to make it possible to explore the world without the need to spend a fortune.
Travelling the World on a Budget
Book Early
Take advantage of early bird discounts that are available, especially for airfare and accommodations.
Some may prefer to be spontaneous, but the latter can hurt your pocket.
Start planning as early as possible.
This will give you time to evaluate your choices and of course, to save money for your travel.
Eat Street Food
When travelling, food can eat up a chunk of your budget.
Forget about dining in high-end restaurants or those that are run by celebrity chefs.
Live like a local and have a gastronomic feast of cheap street foods.
They are not only delicious, but also an authentic way of experiencing local culture.
Travel by Camper van
It would be best to travel by camper van as you will be able to save a lot from your airfares and accommodation costs.
The best thing is that you can take it slow and travel at your own pace.
You can stop wherever you want to and go when you are ready.
This gives you the complete freedom to plan your travel…Full-Time RV Traveling Hacks
Stay in a Hostel
Your accommodation will also be a big fraction of your budget as you travel around the world.
Do not stay in lavish hotels.
Instead, consider hostels.
The latter will allow you to stay in dorms where you can meet other people and share stories about your travels.
It is a good way to be social while also being able to save a lot.
Here are some tips and tricks for hostel travel.
Travel as a Group
There is a certain kind of liberation and happiness from traveling solo.
However, it can also be expensive.
Accommodation can take a large part of your budget when traveling.
Traveling with a group circumvents these costs.
It’s very easy to find safe, spacious and affordable lodgings with a group– from vacation rentals to hotels, splitting that cost will save a lot in the long run.
Use City Passes
As soon as you arrive in your destination, look for a city pass.
They can appear expensive at first, but when you think about all the things you want to see and do, you will realize that the perks will be worth it.
They can provide you with restaurant discounts, special promotions for accommodations, and cheap tours.
Ditch the Shopping
Forget about the idea of shopping when you travel the world.
It can consume a lot of your budget.
From the occasional splurging like a ref magnet to luxury shopping like a designer bag, it would be best to forget for a while that you are shopaholic.
Use your money wisely, and sadly, shopping is not a part of wise spending.
Checkout our Round The World Travel Guide eBook
Amazing Vacation Rentals around the World
Traveling has become more pleasing and wonderful with so many amazing vacation rentals around the world in most popular travel destinations around the world.
Some destinations have gained huge reputation for having some really unique and amazing vacation rentals.
Following are 7 places with amazing vacation rentals:
The Cotswolds in the UK
The Cotswolds is one of the most popular travel destinations in UK for its atmospheric churches, old mansions of honey-colored stone in its glorious villages.
It is a perfect for a family holiday, or a romantic weekend away with some amazing vacation rentals including cottages, houses, farmhouses, luxury caravans, and apartments.
The Costa del Sol in Spain
Costa del Sol is known for its wonderful shores that stretch 150 km, the aqua parks in Torremolinos and Mijas and Tivoli World theme park.
It is arguably Spain’s most popular travel destination.
The resorts that you can find in the Costa del Sol are unique and you can’t find such wonderful resorts elsewhere in Europe.
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Thailand is surely one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia.
And Phi Phi Islands are always among the most visited places in Thailand.
You can find amazing villas, resorts, bungalows, apartments, suites, and so on.
You can expect to have all the luxury amenities in these vacation rentals and enjoy some wonderful days in Thailand.
The Greek Islands
Greek islands are known for their stunning beaches, delectable food and wine, 360 degree views.
Although there are more than 2000 islands, only a few are most known to tourists.
These popular Greek islands boast of amazing vacation rentals that include stunning villas, Santorinian houses, and executive suites.
Most Santorini villa comes with an amazing balcony, and a small pool.
Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a must do for your bucket list.
It is a tropical paradise that is known for its white sandy beach backed by naturally sculpted granite boulders.
At the high tide, the beach virtually disappears.
When the beach is visible, it is completely safe for swimming due to its shallow water.
You can find some wonderful villas, resorts, colorful cottages, guesthouses and holiday apartments around the beach.
Hawaii Islands
The US state of Hawaii boasts of some stunning islands.
These islands are known for volcanoes beckoning adventurous spirits, Technicolor coral reefs and sugary beaches.
Hawaii has become a synonym of Paradise.
With some of the most luxurious vacation rentals in the world, it is surely a place that every avid traveler will love to spend some days.
The Hawaii vacation rentals include stunning resorts, beach park houses, villas, private cottages, condo and so on.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is known for its spectacular coastline with balmy breezes, jade-green water and confectioner-sugar sands.
You can find some wonderful Maya ruins around as well.
You can find some amazing villas, bungalows, houses, apartments, and guesthouses around the popular tourist places in Tulum.
How to Plan Family Holidays on a Budget
Jetting off on a family holiday is an incredibly exciting time, for both parents and children alike.
From pre-planning the itinerary to finally packing up the suitcases, family holidays are a fantastic way to bring everyone together.
However with multiple heads to take care of, things can soon get quite expensive.
To help you plan a family friendly getaway without breaking the bank, we’ve put together this handy guide that talks you through everything you need to consider when booking a family holiday on a budget.
However with multiple heads to take care of, things can soon get quite expensive.
To help you plan a family friendly getaway without breaking the bank, we’ve put together this handy guide that talks you through everything you need to consider when booking a family holiday on a budget:
Family holidays Flights
Planning Family Holidays Flights
Depending on your destination, flights could be one of your biggest expenses.
The sting is bad enough for one person however when you’re booking three or more seats, things can really add up!
As such, it always pays to source the best possible deals.
As a rule of thumb, booking in advance is generally the most effective way to secure the cheapest prices.
If you’ve got any babies or very young children, it always pays to check with the airline whether or not kids under a certain age are eligible to fly for free.
If they are small enough to spend the flight sitting on your lap or in your arms, you could save a significant amount of cash.
You can also go through an online travel agent that will help you find flight deals at prices that aren’t advertised anywhere else.
An even smarter choice is to look at booking an all-inclusive package holiday.
When you bundle together flights, accommodation and even activities, there are some amazing savings to be had! How To Beat Jet Lag
Planning Family Holidays Destination
While it’s important to be thrifty when planning big expenses such as flights and accommodation, it’s also advisable to think about the cost of the actual destination itself.
After all, there’s no point in securing fantastic deals on flights and accommodation if the activities, restaurants and entertainment options blow the budget!
To help you choose, we’ve come up with three of our favorite budget destinations that your family is guaranteed to love.
Lapland
For a budget friendly holiday with a difference, why not whisk your family away to the wintry delights of Lapland?
Located in the heart of the Arctic Circle, the magical destination is home to the fantastic winter resorts of Levi Fell and Olos.
With husky sledding, reindeer petting and Santa sightings galore, you’ll be giving your family a holiday that they’ll never forget.
For cheap holidays to Lapland departing from Gatwick and Manchester, check out the fantastic deals on offer from Cosmos.
Orlando
If your family is all about adventure, a trip to Orlando is sure to have the kids squealing with delight!
The fun filled Florida city boasts world famous attractions, including Universal Orlando, Sea World, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
While the US isn’t well known as a budget holiday destination, if you book with a leading travel agent you can pick up some incredible deals on flights and accommodations.
Compared to the UK, eating out and entertainment is also very reasonable.
If you prepare for your holidays, you can get the best deals.
Lanzarote
With sun kissed beaches, wonderfully warm weather and an abundance of resorts that won’t break the bank, Lanzarote is the budget holiday destination of choice for a huge number of British families.
Flights are cheap, food is affordable and activities are surprisingly inexpensive.
Planning Family Holidays Insurance
Some nomads like to take the risk of omitting the expense of insurance, but if you’re travelling with your family, insurance really is an absolute must.
The easiest way to find the best deal is to jump onto a quote compare site, enter your details and let their search engines trawl the database for the best possible prices.
Baggage allowance
When booking your flights, it’s essential to read the small print and determine whether or not you’re going to be slapped with extra baggage fees.
Some budget airlines may look like they are offering an amazing deal however most of the time they won’t include baggage costs.
This means that you’ll be forced to add on luggage fees at the airport which often comes with an extortionate price tag!
Pre-book entertainment
If you’re really organised, there are some great savings to take advantage of when it comes to entertainment and attractions.
For example, if you’re heading off to Orlando, booking early bird tickets to some of the premier theme parks could save you a lot of cash!
Whether you’re planning a close-to-home European getaway or have your heart set on somewhere further afield, these handy tips will help you organise a fabulous family friendly getaway that’s easy on the bank account.
How to Pack Light Save Money and Travel Stress-free
Pack Light Save Money ~ The life of a world traveler can be filled with obstacles that you must learn from and overcome.
There are problems on every trip that you cannot plan for, but there is a way you can make your trips run more smoothly and more enjoyable.
Packing wisely means less luggage trouble, allowing you to focus on creating memories instead of lugging around heavy suitcases. Affordable Luggage You Should Travel With
This is a must-have list of the top 15 tips that every backpacker and traveler should keep in mind when preparing for globe trotting adventure.
Our biggest recommendation is staying hostels!
Hostels are great choices for the budget-conscious traveler, but you must pack wisely…our Pro Travel Tips
Pack a Fraction of What You Think You Need
It is human nature to try to pack everything that fits in your bag instead of trying to pack only what you need.
Most people try to plan for “what-ifs” and end up bringing superfluous clothes that never end up being touched.
Bring only enough clothes for one week, and only staples that you know you will wear all the time.
Buy Things Along the Way
It can be intimidating to imagine trying to search local markets for necessities like shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste, but these extra items can take up a lot of space in your bag, and are actually easily purchased no matter where you go, often cheaper than in the US.
Bring only things you definitely cannot get abroad, like prescription lenses, dental care items like retainers, and any special medications.
When it comes to clothing, towels, or blankets — especially bulkier items — a great habit to get into is to visit secondhand shops in the areas that you visit.
This way, you will still be able to pack light but still have what you need.
Leave the Entertainment Items at Home
Items like books and laptops can be something that most people wish to have with them while traveling, but they add unnecessary bulk and are often easily replaced.
If using a travel guide, it is better to photocopy the pages that you need the most and pack them instead of lugging around a book.
Laptops can be useful but heavy, and almost everywhere in the world has wi-fi and computers for public use now.
If you must bring some technology, bring an iPod that you can load audio books onto and use to relax when en route to places or hanging out in the hotel room.
Condense Your Items
When traveling through airports, the hassle of checking luggage and claiming it at baggage claim can take hours of adventuring off of a trip.
Instead, make sure that everything you pack fits in one carry-on bag so that you can quickly make a getaway and begin your travels when you land.
Portable Travel Digital Luggage Scale Product Review VIDEO
Prepare for Security
No matter where you go, in this new security-heightened world your items will definitely be inspected, and you want to make it as quick and painless as possible.
Keep all suspicious items such as nail clippers and the like in a smaller removable bag so that you can send it through the x-ray machines separate from everything else.
This will allow officials to find these items faster and keep you moving through security.
Prepare for your holidays, and learn in advance what you can to minimize your wait time.
Use the Snail-Mail Systems
Buying souvenirs can be a great way to remember that once-in-a-lifetime trip, but carrying them all around as you travel from country to country can be a pain on your back and slow you down on your adventure time.
Instead, mail the items home as often as you can.
Mailing items is often cheaper in foreign countries, and the items will be waiting for you when you arrive home from your travels.
Lose the Tourist Image
Nothing will scream tourist more than wheeling around huge bags of luggage.
This will make you easy to identify as someone who does not belong in the area, making it easier for them to take advantage of you.
You can be overcharged by locals who know you will pay the prices, especially for cabs and porters, and you can also become a target for robberies if they know you are foreign.
Be smart, and carry only a lightweight bag.
Reuse So You Can Reduce
When at home, you don’t want to wear most things more than one day in a row.
This is often because you see the same people every day.
However, on a trip you will be surrounded by strangers, and it is ok to wear the same things for a few days in a row, or to mix and match so that you can use a few items longer than packing a change of clothes for every day.
Sinks are a Traveler’s Best Friend
Many of the items that a traveler pack’s that DO get dirty are often lightweight articles.
These include those worn closer to the body, like t-shirts, underwear, and socks.
The good thing about these items is that they dry quickly.
You can wash them in a hotel sink.
Simply set out to dry.
This also reduces the changes of clothes you have to bring.
Layer Away
It is better to bring a few lighter items.
You can roll them into a smaller shape unlike a bulky heavyweight coat.
This allows for space saving.
It also lets you change your outfits as you travel to different climates.
You won’t need to rely on one coat for all weather conditions.
Ditch the Sleeping Bag
No matter how cheap the place you’re going is, chances are that there is going to be bedding there.
A sleeping bag is similar to a heavy coat in that it’s bulky and won’t get much use.
Everywhere from hostels to hotels has bedding, if not free than for a very nominal price, and it is worth it to save your back from lugging around the extra weight.
Or what I do, is opt for a sleeping bag liner that is very lightweight and has many other uses…checkout my sleeping bag liner article here
Forget the Formal Wear
Back to the human instinct to prepare for every situation.
Unless you are traveling for black-tie events and business dinners, it isn’t necessary to pack formal clothes.
Have one outfit that could work if you choose to go to a nice restaurant or show.
Make sure you can mix and match it with other things.
Remember the Local Culture
It is important to remember that not all places dress the same as Americans do.
Most religious places have modest dress codes.
Therefore, it is important to remember to pack a few items that are modest.
Alternatively, you can take inspiration from the locals.
Purchase outfits from a new country and support their economy.
This will also add cultural flair to your wardrobe.
Divide and Conquer
Separate your items into sections in your backpack.
Buy a few plastic bags, or recycle them from market.
Keep everything divided so that you can find something quickly if you need it.
Organization is key when using such limited space to carry all of your belongings.
It is better to have everything divided up than jumbled into a mishmash in your bag.
Footwear Faux Pas
Keep in mind that you do not need to bring a lot of shoes.
Nor do you need specific clothing for every event.
A good sturdy pair of shoes is a must for a traveler who will be trekking across countries.
Make sure that they are waterproof, comfortable, and warm.
Cheap rubber sandals can be purchased almost anywhere and disposed of when leaving for use in showers and such.
Follow these tips and you will have a much easier and smarter journey!
Enjoy your travels, and remember: PACK LIGHT!
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(Photo credit: 1 – 2 – 3 – matt murf – ecastro – kokorowashinjin – mynameisharsha)
