I didn’t start traveling until I was about 30 years old, so I never experienced the gap year/party hostel mode of travel. But I have always been a budget traveler, so I’ve had to learn how to balance budget strategies with making decisions that felt age and comfort-appropriate. I don’t think budget and comfort are mutually exclusive concepts, but I do think you have to know the budget travel tips and tricks that will give you a happy medium while on the road.
Sometimes my readers write to me with travel-related questions. I always do my best to help out, and sometimes share some of the questions and answers here in my blog posts. I hope you find them helpful! Feel free to add pointers of your own in the comments below, or ask me anything about travel. Who knows, maybe your question will be featured in a future blog post?
UPDATE: This issue is now available for sale in PDF format. CLICK HERE to buy it now!
This month’s issue was compiled with teachers in mind. As they return to their classrooms this month, I’d like to plant a little seed of excitement for the coming year. How about a trip abroad next summer? Not possible on a teacher’s salary, you say? I hope that the articles in this issue will convince teachers and others that not only is it possible, but as a teacher, travel can revitalize not just you but your classroom lessons as well.
As a fellow teacher, I have a special place in my heart for educators. I also have a special place in my heart for travel, because I believe that the more we learn about our world and teach others about it, the less we will fear people who are different from us, and as the young minds of today learn to appreciate, understand, and tolerate those who are different from them, the world can be transformed into a more peaceful place. Is this a trifle naïve? Perhaps, but it is my biggest dream. Continue reading
In a previous post, I talked about couchsurfing as a great way to eliminate lodging costs while traveling. When couchsurfers aren’t available or I want to do my own thing without worrying about my host’s schedule, hostels are my next best resource for reducing my travel costs considerably. Hostels are wonderful places to connect with other travelers and learn some great tips for things to see and do in the area or places to visit in the future.
Many hostels have kitchens which will help you save on food costs. (Image credit: Brian)
Most hostels have kitchen areas, so you can make your own meals and save a lot of money that way, rather than eating out several times per day. Often hostels offer other amenities as well, such as computer/internet access, free breakfasts, airport shuttle service, cheap tours, and lots of information about the area. Some have pools, hot tubs, or barbeque grills. Many offer a common area full of games, books, movies, and other things to do.