DREAMS OF TRAVELLING

The world of budget travel can be filled with excitement and appeal, and in our expensive world today traveling on a budget is becoming more necessary if you want to travel at all.  It is important to keep costs low when traveling, whether you are traveling solo seeing a foreign country for the first time or a family with your car filled with kids and luggage heading for the beach or an amusement park.

If you want to go the lower cost route while traveling, it is definitely a good plan to generate a travel budget.  Determine the approximate costs and prioritize the different portions of your trip, such as hotel, airfare, car rental, visiting attractions and sights, food, and gasoline.  Once you have a good idea of what you want to spend on each part of your trip, then you need to begin shopping around for the best deals.

When it comes time for you to formulate a budget for travel, you should first prioritize by deciding what is most important to you and what you can cut back on.  For example, while some travelers would rather spend a more on a higher class of accommodations, others would rather save money by staying at lower priced hotels or motels splurge on sightseeing or their food budget for the family.

Once you have prioritized the elements of your trip, begin researching what the best deals are.  Often, discounted admission rates on area attractions are the most common and easiest to find, since many theme parks, museums and other attractions run specials to draw tourists.

To get big discounts on local attractions, the best place to start is the Internet, specifically the web site of whatever attraction you want to visit.  Often you will find great deals online, such as two-for-one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, even discounts on food and lodging.  

There are other ways to get great discounts.  If you are in the military, a senior citizen or a member of an organization such as AAA, you will find that there are many discounts available to you.  Most AAA offices sell discounted tickets for theme parks, museums and other attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted tickets to popular destinations like the Walt Disney World Resort, too.  The secret to making the most of your travel budget is to research and take advantage of any discounts available.

If you plan to drive your car on your trip, make sure you get it services so that it is in good condition before you leave.  Something small like under-inflated tires or worn spark plugs or brake pads can affect your gas mileage and increase your fuel budget.

A good tip for keeping your fuel spending under control is to invest in a map of your destination.  It will keep you from getting lost and therefore wasting gas.  Being able to find your way to and from the hotel or other destinations without trouble will make your vacation less stressful and less costly.

No matter how work to save money on your next vacation, planning a budget and adhering to it will let you enjoy your vacation more, and worry about the costs less.

Morocco is one of Africa’s most mysterious and interesting destinations, bringing to mind all the old world glamour and mystical charm of Casablanca and Rick’s American Cafe. For travellers on a budget, overland tours offer the best way to experience this country’s wide range of attractions at affordable prices.
Situated in North Africa, Morocco is just a boat trip away from both the Middle East and Spain. Famous for its romantic and rather mysterious city of Casablanca, the country offers a heady mixture of exotic markets, fascinating Arabic culture, delicious cuisine and ancient Roman ruins – not to mention beautiful desert and mountain landscapes.

Morocco budget travel is unlike anything you have experienced and a visit to this country gives you the chance to learn more about some of the top attractions and landmarks that can be found here.
Top destinations that you can visit on a Morocco overland tour include the following:

- Tangier
Tangier is a beautiful and fascinating city that is a vivid mix of Africa, Spain, and France. As the northern most city of Morocco this is a popular port for travel between Africa and Spain and has a distinct Mediterranean vibe, alongside the mysterious allure of exotic Morocco. Vibrant markets, ancient cultures, heady aromas and mystery, unspoiled beaches and friendly people go hand in hand with a fascinating history, making this a highly rewarding stop on any overland tour. Key highlights in Tangier include the Kasbah, the tomb of Ibn Battouta, Teatro Cervantes, the Tangier American Legation Museum, Musée d’Art Contemporain de la Ville de Tanger and the Ave Mohamed VI beach.

- Fez
Fez (also called Fès in the native French) is an ancient walled city, one of the only medieval cities in Africa. This is a highly important stop on any Morocco budget travel adventure, offering a riveting glimpse into an ancient culture, with incredible artefacts and strong sense of history. Highlights include the Bou Inania madersa, which is a breathtaking 14th-century religious college; the Borj Nord fortress for its amazing armaments; Merenid Tombs for the panoramic views over the medina and city; the Moulay Idriss II shrine, the tomb of Fez’s founder; the Qaraouyine library and mosque and the al-Tijani mosque to name but a few.

- Todra Gorge
Morocco’s version of the Grand Canyon is a must-see on any Morocco overland tour. The canyon is situated on the remote east side of the High Atlas Mountains and is a popular hiking spot with a well-maintained dirt road to walk along. The views and scenery here are incredible with excellent photographic opportunities as you take in the towering mountains which change colour as the sun moves across the gorge.

- Marrakech
One of the better-known towns of Morocco, Marrakech is divided into two parts: the Medina (the historical city) and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina has a blend of ancient markets and culture, with old architecture to be found, while the new district has modern shops and fast-food chains, with a more European feel. There are plenty of markets (souks) and attractions to explore, especially in the Medina – with historical sites and plenty more on offer during your Morocco overland tour in this city.

If you’re visiting a big city, hotels tend to be expensive the closer in you stay to the city center. Even the budget hotels might strain your budget. Consider staying in a suburb or the next small town over. Take a 15-20 minute bus or train ride into the city. Hotels and restaurants will be cheaper, and it may even be a cuter area to stay in.

Home swaps are becoming more popular as a way to save while on holiday. They’re good for families or small groups traveling together to share the expense.

As an even more frugal alternative to a hotel, if you’re young and adventurous, you might even want to give “couch surfing” a try. It’s a system where you register, then are referred to strangers who are willing to let you sleep on their couch. Sign up to host or be a couch surfer with an organization like Couch Surfing. They will connect you with others who are interested in letting you flop on their sofa. You can also sign up to host travelers yourself.

There are house swaps and couches to flop on all over the world. You have to be willing to give up a little of your privacy, but you can save a lot of money…. and make new friends while you’re saving.

Consider booking a fly/drive bundle or hotels bundled with flights. You might be an independent traveler who likes to find your own accommodations, but you might find you can save a bundle with that bundle.

If you want to go to a play or the opera look for half-off, same day sales booths. Many cities have these. In London and New York where everyone wants to see a play, these booths can save you a bunch. The only downside is you might not be able to see the latest plays. You may have to stand in a long line, and you might have to pay cash.

Are there any budget travel tips when you’re renting a car? Get the smallest car that you and your group can fit in. Car companies love to say they can “upgrade” you for only a little more…. but why do you want to pay more if you don’t need the space. Bigger cars take more gas… gas is expensive. (And, the driver in our team reminds me, they’re harder to park.)

Don’t get the “gas package” where you can return the rental car empty… you’ll never get it to empty…. You’ll be too afraid of running out of gas on your way back to the airport, so you’ll lose money on that half tank that’s left. Just fill it up near the airport and save money.

Think about your budget… and the environment when you leave for your holiday. Your house can save you money if you unplug all those appliances that say in “ready mode” and suck electricity while you’re gone. Unplugging them saves the environment too. Lower the hot water heater temperature to “vacation”. Make sure the heater or the air-conditioner are at money saving settings. The house doesn’t need to be heated or cooled as much while you’re gone.

All these little budget travel tips could add up to more travel time… so watch all those little things carefully.

We all should know that travel insurance is a must when on holiday or vacation. Medical emergencies can cost up to $100,000 or more if an evacuation is required. Cancellations to plan, cruise or tour tickers can also cost a lot of money and sometimes there is nothing you can do it avoid it. Even loss of luggage can be costly now that more people travel with laptops and mobile phones.

Travel insurance can be expensive and you may be tempted to skip it for your holiday. For long trips it may actually cost more for insurance than it does for airfares. This is especially true of budget holidays through places like South East Asia or Europe. Also backpackers may not have costly tour packages or baggage to be worried about. The normal comprehensive level of travel insurance is often a waste for these people.

Many holiday insurance providers offer plans suited to the budget traveller and backpackers. These plans tend to cover general medical expenses such as hospital visits, doctor and surgical fees, dental costs, and medical evacuation. Sometimes these will also offer minimal cover in other areas such as baggage, credit card and passport replacement. It is up to you to decide if you want this as it will raise the price.

Some companies in Australia that offer budget and backpacker travel insurance are: iTrek Travel Insurance, Downunder Insurance, 1Cover Direct Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, and Travel Insurance Direct. Reading travel insurance reviews can help determine the best insurance for you.

Watch out for the excess. The normal excess tends to be $100 but some providers charge a higher excess in order to offer lower premiums. It is usually best to avoid high excesses as it discourages claiming. However, this tends to not be a problem on backpacker travel insurance as it really only covers costly medical expenses which means that the excess will only be a small percentage of the overall bill.

Since each policy offers a different level of cover with its own terms and conditions it is wise to review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). In Australia it is required that a company provides with a PDS prior to purchase as it details all the conditions, exclusions and limits of the policy.

India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in world. It is visited by millions and millions of tourists every year. India has something for all people and for all pockets. You can also have enjoyable and comfortable travel in India in your budget. It is famous for colorful and contrasting culture and tradition. India experiences different climatic and geographic culture. It is rich in flora and fauna. Somewhere it has long coastline and somewhere it has vast desert. You can see all facet of nature in India. It is also rich in historical heritage and monuments. If you are looking for budge tour in Indian terrain, you can visit under mentioned destination to make your travel a great experience in India.

Delhi: Delhi is the capital city of independent India. It is very rich in historical heritage. Popular heritage of the city are Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus temple, Tughlaqabad Fort, Old Fort, etc. Delhi is also rich in modern tourist attraction sites. Some of them are Akshardham Temple, numerous amusements parks, shopping malls, gaming spots, etc. Tourists can also visit various museums spread across the city. Delhi has good public transport system. You can travel cheaply and make your tour great in your limited budget.

Agra: Agra is one of the most visited cities in India by both domestic and alien tourists. Taj Mahal is the pride of the city. It is major attraction of the city and is must visit destination of holiday in India. Taj Mahal is wonderful monument and is one of the Seven Wonders of World. Taj Mahal is the focal point of tourism in India. Agra is famous for some more attraction spots like Agra Red Fort, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Akbar’s Tomb, etc.

Rajasthan: Rajasthan is very popular tourism corner in India. It is famous for its forts & palaces and flora & fauna. If you want budget travel in India, then Rajasthan is perfect destination for you. You can explore best of India tour in Rajasthan. Rajasthan represent the true and eternal culture and tradition of India. You can travel in Rajasthan in your limited budget. Some pf the must see forts and palaces of Rajasthan are Amber Fort, Junagarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, City Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Golden Fort, etc.

Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh is called as land of hill stations. There are more than 15 hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is one of the most preferred destinations to celebrate India holiday. Shimla is very picturesque hill station. Some other popular hill stations are Manali, Kullu Valley, Kufri, Chail, Dharamshala, etc.

Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand is famous for Jim Corbett National Park and numerous hill stations. You can visit the place in your budget. You can enjoy traveling in low budget here.

You can visit all these places with an Indian holiday package that fall in your budget. Package with these destinations come in very low budget. So, you can make your travel comfortable and great in India.

Scotland is best for everything and so for a traveller who looks for a budget travel into the country. With hundreds of excellent hostels, hotels, B&B’s, vibrant cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, quaint villages and small towns and offshore islands with a unique Scottish culture and much more to offer, a day or two is not enough to tour the entire places in Scotland. If you are planning a trip to Scotland with family, group of friends, as couple or all alone, there are plenty of budget tour packages as well as other ones. If you have decided no to waste money on any packages and have just decided to go on all by yourself (unless you are confident that you can manage all alone), read through the below paragraphs that will help you to enjoy a budget travel in Scotland.

Scotland has wonderful public transportation, both within its major cities and connecting them. For buses to almost anywhere in the UK go to St. Andrews bus station in Edinburgh or Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow. You can also get a bus at the Glasgow Airport that goes directly to Edinburgh (and vice versa). For trains, Edinburgh’s major station is Waverly and in Glasgow it’s the Queens Street Station (only five hours by train from London’s Euston Station). Check at these stations for all kinds of travel bargains like the “Day Tripper” fare which allows one day’s unlimited travel on ScotRail, Glasgow Underground and most bus services in the Glasgow area. There are lots of package deals such as this in the major cities as well as with the rail and bus systems that cover the entire country. The Backpacker’s Buses are a great option for one who look for a budget travel around the country. These buses can reach you at the doorsteps of any budget hostels of your preference. While the experienced tour guides will explain you about each sites of historical importance and interests. This is a great and inexpensive way to see Scotland at your own pace.

The standard hotel chains like Holiday Inn, Hilton and many exist in Scotland, but they’re not meant for a budget traveller. There are, however, tons of Bed and Breakfast Hotels that are very reasonable in rates. You can find very decent rooms for reasonable prices per night and that includes a hearty breakfast the following morning. Hostels are very safe and affordable lodging alternative. There are so many hostels scattered throughout Scotland, so that you never need to stay in a hotel or B&B. You do not have to be a student to stay in a hostel, all ages are welcome. Hostels are a wonderful way for people travelling alone to make new friends as the dorm style rooms and communal areas really encourage socialization. Loch Lomond and Carbisdale are two of Scotland’s hostels are converted castles. If you’re a privacy freak, then hostels probably aren’t for you.

There’s lots of eating and drinking options for a budget traveller in Scotland. Some of the best bargains are the local pubs, which serve hearty fare: soups, stews, sandwiches, fish and chips and the ever popular national dish: haggis (which has a vegetarian as well as a non-veg version). Give one of them a try as it’s part of the Scottish Experience.

Glasgow and Edinburgh- Scotland’s two major cities, have a lot to offer tourists. The chances are that you’ll be spending some time in at least one of them. Tour buses are a best option to see the major sites in either of these cities in an economical way. Guided tours are offcourse offer you tons of freedom. You just hop on any tour bus and pay the driver a minimal sum and you’ve got transportation for the day. The buses have set routes with stops at all the major tourist areas and attractions. You can hop on and off the bus as much as you like and be secure that there will always be another bus along in about 15-30 minutes. You can spend as much time as you like exploring the things that interests you. There’s a running commentary about the city’s historical sites while on the bus. You can find the buses lined up around Waverly Station in Edinburgh or Queen’s Street Station in Glasgow. Edinburgh also has a variety of interesting, inexpensive walking tours available that will appeal to a variety of tastes. There are historic tours, literary tours and a variety of ghost tours.

A short ride from either of Scotland’s major cities is Stirling, home of Stirling Castle and Stirling Bridge. Travelling on from Stirling, you’ll soon come to Loch Lomond, of the legendary song fame. Loch Lomond is a wonderful place for nature lovers as there’s lots of hiking, biking and fishing as well as cruises on the beautiful lake. Loch Ness and the nearby areas have plenty of attractions to be visited. Clynelish Distillery makes scotch whiskey for some of the world’s largest brands (Johnnie Walker, Mac Donald’s and Cutty Sark) as well as a very nice single malt under their own label. If you happen to be anywhere near Brora, it’s worth the trip to pick up a bottle. To go beyond the main cities and attractions it will take you a week or two to finally just see through the important attractions.

A budget travel in Scotland is possible with a thorough planning so that you can avoid any unforeseen expense. So plan your tour well and have fun with a budget travel in Scotland!

There are many things for the budget minded traveler to remember, since getting the best deal on a vacation is so important. Most workers spend the entire year working just to be able to afford a one or two week break from their workaday routine, so it is easy to see why finding the best deal is so vital.

The world of budget travel is one of the most exciting and interesting, and in today’s world traveling on a budget is becoming more and more of a necessity.

There is no doubt that airfare is one of the biggest expenses of any vacation. Airfare costs can easily represent at leas half of the total cost of a vacation, and if you do not get the best possible deal on airfare it is easy to go over budget.

The following tips are a great way to get started on making your valuable vacation dollars stretch farther than ever.

- Be sure to shop around, whether you are shopping on the internet or visiting local travel agents. Different web sites, and different travel agencies, often have access to different specials and sales, so be sure to shop around for these hidden deals.

- Consider traveling in the off season or shoulder season. The same hotels that are overbooked and expensive in the high season are often available at excellent prices once the high season has passed. In addition, off season travel offers the advantage of smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

- Think about group travel. Many airlines and hotels offer discounts to groups, so if you can travel with your friends and family you may be able to save some money

- Don’t forget about last minute travel. Retirees, and those with flexible employment, are often able to take advantage of some spectacular last minute deals. Cruise lines, airlines and hotels often discount their offerings significantly to avoid the expense and lost revenue of an empty cabin, airline seat or hotel bed.

- Look into package deals. For many destinations, especially exotic locations to which airfare tends to be expensive, package deals can be significantly less expensive than making your own arrangements. Many travelers also like the safety and security of traveling with a group.

Being on a tight budget does not mean you have to forgo the excitement and adventure of a great vacation. There are numerous opportunities waiting for budget travelers willing to put in the time and effort to seek them out.

Copyright (c) 2008 Kaye Dennan

If you are planning to travel on a budget and have the holiday of a lifetime, there is no reason why you cannot. Budget travel still makes exotic locations available and affordable.

Budget travel is more than just booking a cheap fare somewhere, it is also about the best value for your dollar. Budget travel is about compromising certain parts of your travel to get a better deal, about selecting one particular offer over another, depending what the package is and similar decisions like this.

You can only make these decisions if you thoroughly research your destinations. As we all know it is a great big, big world out there and to catch the tourist, operators have to be inventive in their promotions and at certain times will lower costs or add in extras to get the customers. These are the little things that can make a difference when travelling on a budget.

Your research will help you find these facts and figures and when you have the answers you are searching for, then you can go ahead and book.

By researching everything in the area you are planning to go to, you can establish if there are any special events on at the time you are arriving, which of course will elevate the cost of accommodation and blow out any idea of budget travel. Such changes can cost you extra money that you had not allowed for.

Be careful when booking ahead and read the fine print on anything that you are paying. It is often in the fine print that there are extra charges. Examples that I can think of are, being charged extra for a room with a balcony, extra costs for toiletries or car parking, to name just a few.

In certain places like Aspen for example, you are going there for the snow and the fun, so you could probably have just as much fun living in cheaper accommodation, whereas if you were going to a place like Ibiza you may wish to be able to have a room with a view and cut back on other costs.

It is all relative as what sort of holiday you are looking for, and what your travel budget is at the time.

With any travel that you are going to do overseas, don’t forget to check what visas, documents or other costs you may run into when entering different countries. These are all costs that you need to have allowed for when making decisions.

It is very important to check that the information you are reading is current. This is most important because if it is a couple of years old, anything could have changed in the meantime.

Budget travel can be just as much fun for you as for someone with an open check book. In fact you will probably meet more locals and have a greater experience by mixing with them. Locals make a trip. Beautiful views and clear blue oceans are one thing, but interacting with the locals is another. With budget travel you can experience both.

Here are some of the favorite tips for budget travel in Europe. Actually, these budget travel tips apply to any country that you want to visit!

Budget Travel Tip # 1
Eating with the locals instead of the tourists. This way, you will save some money and enjoy the local food at the same time. Restaurants or eateries that are popular with local residents tend to be the ones with the best meals at a low or reasonable price.

Budget Travel Tip # 2
For a quick and economical breakfast, pick up a roll, some fresh cold cuts and a piece of fruit from the local market. Then enjoy a delicious sandwich and a cup of coffee in the local park. Take in the view and local life around you. You may end up with some great photos while at it.

Budget Travel Tip # 3
When eating out, choose the fixed price menu and the house wine for the best value. These dishes are often a good way to sample the local cuisine.

Budget Travel Tip # 4
Overnight trains are a great way to get from place-to-place and rest or sleep. During your budget travel in Europe, be sure to bring a meal, bottle of water and snack along. That way, you can save money and enjoy your packed meal.

Budget Travel Tip # 5
Snap away! Take loads of pictures of the people you meet during your budget travel in Europe. If you are using film camera, develop them when you get back home as developing at tourist locations can be expensive. Of course, if you are using a digital camera, you can take as many shots and print only your favorite ones.

Budget Travel Tip # 6
Find a website that offers some photographs of local attractions or upload your own from your digital camera. Personalize these shots with an epostcard and email them back to family and friends at home.

Budget Travel Tip # 7
Learn a few basic words of the local language. It will be easier and cheaper to buy things.

Budget Travel Tip # 8
When making large purchases, it is always best to use a credit card. That way you cash lasts longer.

Budget Travel Tip # 9
Like credit cards, ATM cash transactions provide the best exchange rates. You will avoid the sometimes costly fees charged by hotels and currency services when you need cash.

Budget Travel Tip # 10
Many travel locations provide student discounts, senior discounts, etc. If you are not sure a, always ask.

Budget Travel Tip # 11
Plan your budget travel wisely. There are some inexpensive souvenirs that you can get from your budget travel in Europe. For example, stickers, fridge magnets or postcards. For more expensive purchases, remember that the further you go from the tourist attraction, the less expensive the souvenirs will be.

Budget Travel Tip # 12
Go on a tour of the city. A bus pass or subway token is a great avenue for meeting the local people and sightseeing. The public transportation service of most European cites is efficient, clean, safe and easy to navigate.

When many people picture a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus.

However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most exciting the cruise ship.

Cruise ship vacations are actually one of the most affordable ways to travel almost anywhere in the world, from the glaciers of Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

One of the things that make cruise ships so attractive to budget travelers is the fact that the price of the cruise typically includes everything that happens onboard the ship.

This includes, of course, the room, which is often less costly than a typical hotel room in many locations. In many instances, it would be impossible to book a good hotel room for less than the daily cost of the cruise.

In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the food on cruise ships is often superior to those in all but the best land locked restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price.

After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise also typically includes unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and the sports locations.

While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise it is generally included.

The cost of a cruise also includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options on a cruise are often one of the best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such things as movie nights, theatres, spas, night clubs, discos, and even casinos.

There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are included in the price you pay for the cruise.

Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions.Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras.

If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line.

Just be sure, however that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time.

For all these reasons, cruises can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy a week or two week vacation at one low price is one more reason to love cruising.