Backpackers have a reputation for being smelly, loudmouthed layabouts. Outsiders might assume that there are no rules in these frugal accommodation establishments, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, no one wants to be painted with this very wide brush, or risk infuriating their fellow hostel dwellers. By following these simple tips […]
Trip Planning
Venice has a reputation as one of Italy’s most expensive cities, but frugal travelers needn’t steer clear of The Floating City. With a little research you needn’t bust your budget in this European hotspot. Firstly you’ll need to find a place to rest your head. You’ll discover some great travel deals if you visit Venice […]
Traveling the world for free sounds too good to be true, but if you’re prepared to do a little hard work and forgo some luxuries it’s possible to find accommodation around the globe for nothing, or close to it. If you’ve got an open mind and a limited budget there are endless opportunities for free […]
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a college student to be able to study a language abroad. There are many short and long term programs designed for adults looking for personal enrichment and intellectual stimulation. Some of these programs even offer scholarships, so it’s worth it to inquire to see if you might qualify for one of these. Here is an overview of the benefits of studying a foreign language as well as some options for programs around the world.
In the world of digital media in which most of us live, some may have forgotten about the power of a good old-fashioned book. Some of the best frugal travel advice I’ve collected over the years has been found between the covers of the six books listed here, all published within the last 10 years (and yes, you can get some of them on your Kindle, Nook or iPad). All six would make great additions to your travel library.
The Great Lakes are some of the most impressive U.S. natural wonders. However, they are usually only considered a “destination” for people who live nearby. Here is an overview of each lake and reasons why you should venture to one of their shores for your next frugal adventure.
I am an advocate of U.S. road trips as a cost-effective and adventurous way to spend one’s summer vacation. One of my favorite things to do while I’m on the road is to enjoy the variety of “natural wonders” the U.S. has to offer. Here are some of my top picks for you to check out the next time you find yourself on the road and in search of some natural beauty. Many lodgings in these areas fill up quickly for the summer months, so I recommend planning your natural getaway in advance
When planning a trip to Spain, many travelers focus on well-known cities like Madrid, Seville or Barcelona. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my travels in each of those places, when it comes to visiting Spain, my heart belongs to the Basque region. The Basque region of Spain (France has one, too) is located on the northwestern coast along the Bay of Biscay. Here are some reasons why you should check it out.
There’s nothing worse than getting sick while on vacation. Not only does it eat into your relaxation and discovery time, it can also be a drain on your budget. Depending on how severe your illness is, you could end up spending a large portion of your travel budget on medication and/or hospital fees. Of course, there are much better ways to spend your hard earned cash while traveling! Here are some suggestions for staying healthy while traveling.
n past posts, I’ve given advice on packing and avoiding luggage fees. Now it’s time to take a look at the gear you’ll need to get the rest of your gear where it needs to go. When deciding whether to use a suitcase or a backpack, it’s important to think through multiple issues. In addition to giving you some general criteria to think about, I’ll offer suggestions on some of “best practices” for using each type of luggage.
