Trip Planning

Whether you’re looking for supplies for a picnic lunch or unique (and affordable) souvenirs to bring home, you’re sure to find them at one an outdoor European market. The market scene (food markets, flea markets, craft markets, etc.) is as diverse as the cities in which they are located. Here are overviews of some of the most famous markets in Europe and what you can expect to find there.

If you’re looking for a frugal, stress-free getaway surrounded by nature, consider a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Whether you choose to spend your time dining on the cheap in delicious local eateries, sampling local beers, hiking along the miles of inland trail, kayaking, surfing (no joke!) or simply strolling the shore of Lake Superior, a visit to the North Shore is sure to be a relaxing escape from the realities of everyday life.

Media and communication have become an integral part of our daily lives, and that doesn’t change when you are miles away. In order to stay on budget, frugal travelers don’t have to forgo these “necessities,” they just have to be savvier about how they approach them. Here are some tips for continuing to indulge in your daily communication rituals while traveling without breaking the bank.

Planning any trip can be complicated, but details become even more important when trying to organize a longer (multi-week, multi-month) voyage (and doing it on the cheap!). While this proposition can seem overwhelming at first, remember that the end result will be worth all of the work up front. It’s important to keep in mind that laying the groundwork by doing a bit of researching and planning will provide for a much more satisfying (and budget-friendly) travel experience. Use these tips to avoid becoming overwhelmed and exhausted during the planning process (after all, you’ll still need plenty of energy for the trip itself!).

One of the most expensive aspects of travel is lodging. Hotel stays can really start to add up after a week or two. There are many alternative lodging options available to help frugal travelers cut costs. Of course, one of the cheapest of these is staying with an acquaintance, friend or family member (because it is usually free). It’s true that host/guest expectations can vary widely depending on relationships, work schedules, and numerous other variables. Here are some general tips to assure that your stay goes smoothly and improve your chances of being invited to come stay again.

It can safely be said that using public transportation (subway, buses, trains, etc.) is cheaper than taking a cab in any city in the world. However, many frugal travelers become confused or intimidated by public transportation systems for a variety of reasons including navigation skills and language barriers or end up spending too much money on public transportation tickets because they are unaware of other more cost-effective options. Here are some tips for making the most out of your public transportation experience as you travel through several European cities.

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely planning on doing some frugal travel in 2011. There’s nothing worse than shelling out most of your travel budget on flights (I prefer to have a bit of cash to enjoy all the my destination has to offer. If you’re also planning to travel in 2011, here are some tips for finding inexpensive flights. It may take a bit more effort than just booking the first flight you come across to your destination, but the money you save will be worth it in the end.

It’s no secret that the City of Lights is also one of the most expensive in the world. Never fear, frugal travelers. With a bit of creativity, it’s possible experience all of what Paris has to offer on the cheap. Here are some suggestions.

A large part of traveling frugally is making your dollars stretch further and identifying alternative modes of travel that allow you to get where you want to go at reasonable rates. Here are some suggestions for ways to wisely spend your hard-earned dollars to get the most out of your travel. By following just a few basic guidelines, savvy frugal travelers are often able to go on trips they never dreamed they could afford.

Puerto Rico offers rich culture, tantalizing cuisine and beautiful beaches at reasonable prices.