Archive for the ‘Cheap travel’ Category
Gateway to the West … and free stuff
St. Louis may sound like a boring travel destination, but taking into account the rich history, cultural attractions, and free stuff … it is worth the trip. St. Louis lauds itself as having the most free attractions of any U.S. city other than the capitol. The city is very family-friendly, and many “priced” attractions are still on the cheap side.
Getting to St. Louis
The central location of the city makes it an easy trip from nearly any destination. It is near the population center of the U.S., which actually occurs closer to Kansas City. Flying into St. Louis is made easier by the fact Southwest flies direct to the city from most locations. Further, there is a metro train that runs directly from the airport to deep into the suburbs. This same train services most of the metropolitan area, making getting around once you are there very affordable.
Free Forest Park
Forest Park is among the largest city parks in the U.S. The exciting part about this park is the number of attractions packed into the area. The St. Louis Zoo is in the heart of the park, and it is 100% free. The zoo boasts more than 6,000 animals and is regarded as one of the best in the country.
Also in the park is the St. Louis Art Museum, which sits atop a stately hill. You will note the fact the city was the home of both the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games based on the unique architecture. Much of the fair was held in the art museum. The exhibits include German Expressionists and a sculpture park.
The Science Center and Planetarium is also free, no matter how many members of the family you pack in. Kids will enjoy an extensive outdoor playground and exhibits for exploring once you get inside.
The Missouri History Museum also calls Forest Park home. A unique architectural site, the Jewel Box, is a glass facade in the center of the park. You may also enjoy a visit to the Boat House restaurant to rent paddle boats for a $20 charge.
Home of Beer & Baseball
Anheuser Busch and Schlafly Bottleworks both call St. Louis home. Here, you can sample beers and take tours for a minimal fee. Sampling beer is a fun activity at the brand new Busch Stadium, home to the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. In the down town area, you will enjoy “baseball village,” a collection of shops and restaurants, the “landing” a historic area of restaurants and bars, and even get to travel up the St. Louis Arch. Underneath the Arch is a free western expansion museum to view while you wait. The trip up the arch does cost a few dollars, but the views and the experience are well-worth it for most visitors.
For Families:
- The Magic House - a donated home full of places to explore and activities for an entire family to enjoy
- The City Museum - fun for both adults and kids. An architectural work of art that serves as a giant indoor/outdoor playground
Tags: free museums, free zoos, st. louis travel
Cheap Student Travel
Students are in a unique position when it comes to traveling the world: they often have the most amount of time to do it and the least amount of money to spend. The student travel budget may not be very high, but the market is big enough that whole travel agencies are dedicated to getting students on spring break trips, European back packing adventures and semesters at sea. When you are a student considering traveling, follow a few golden rules to get the best deals.
Work with a Student Travel Agency
Travel agents may seem costly, but the savings you recoup on deals in flights and hotels often make the expense worth it. Student agents often bundle travel packages around school breaks, meaning you will be able to piggy back off of the work they have done. You will also capitalize on the other students who are taking the same trip as you, making your trip less expensive. While other travel agents may offer deals, they are often out of touch with the unique needs of students. You will find that student agencies better understand where the best places to be are for people in your situation.
Buy Student Travel Insurance
Students are often targeted for theft and crime. They also often have the highest claims for injury and illness. The crime problem follows students because they stick out in foreign countries. Foreigners know when American breaks are each year, and they know that students will be off their guard because they are taking a fun-filled vacation. Further, students are often involved in accidents because they are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Whether you plan on bungee jumping or bar hopping, insurance will cover you if something goes wrong. The worst case scenario is to end up in a foreign hospital without travel insurance.
Consider Study Abroad like a Vacation
If you are studying abroad for a semester, do not treat it as if you are moving to another country for that time. In reality, the abroad experience is more like an extended vacation. You will have the same feeling of never truly settling in to your destination. You will likely be taking advantage of weekend trips, meaning you will have to easily pack up and head out at a moment’s notice. Treating the time like a vacation will give you valuable guidelines like: travel light, pay attention to your spending, and look for the cheapest way to get from point A to point B.
Carry a Student ID
Most everywhere you go on a vacation will offer student discounts. Museums, theaters, and even transit companies have reduced fares for students on a budget. You will need to have your student ID to receive these reductions at most locations. You can consider purchasing a “student pass” up front in some locations. For example, historical societies in whole cities or countries will offer you a pass to visit a multitude of locations on the cheap if you purchase a student pass through their headquarters.
Tags: student travel, student travel insurance, Travel insurance
Finding Cheap Hotels: 8 Tips
The cost of your lodging is going to be the most expensive thing you purchase on a vacation after airfare. If you can find a better hotel deal, you will be able to splurge more on other aspects of the vacation. Start with the basics when you are looking for a good rate.
1) Ask the hotel
Just asking the hotel directly can easily get you hundreds of dollars in savings. Ask about promotions, deals for AAA members or seniors, and how the hotel would recommend saving money. Especially in a recession, hotels want your business. If you tell them you need a better deal, they may just work with you to make that happen.
2) Shop around and track quotes
The Internet makes it very easy to track and compare quotes from a number of hotels. You can check sites like Hotels.com and Expedia.com daily, and you can even set up alerts for when the price of a hotel drops below your budget. If you’re not willing to do this, consider contacting a travel agent. Often, the fees you pay to book through an agent will be only a fraction of your savings.
3) Make price a priority
If you are flexible on all points but price, you will save the most money. Don’t get set on a specific hotel property. Instead, set your budget, and make this your only criterion. You may have to rough it a little more than you would like. But, its worth it when you can enjoy a better dinner each evening.
4) Skip the 800 number
Look for the contact information on a hotel’s actual site. The 800 number that you may be using through the hotel owner (aka Hilton, Hyatt, etc) is often to an agent who does not have the most information. You can call the branch of the hotel to speak with a local manager and usually find a better deal.
5) Book last minute
If you’re willing to wait until the last minute to book you’ll find the prices go down. This is only really a priority if you are driving to your destination. Otherwise, you may find yourself very stressed come the day before your expensive plane flight. Making your booking options really flexible helps you keep price as the #1 criterion.
6) Celebrate flexibility
Don’t go when you want to go, go when the price is low. You may have to travel in the off season to do this. Most locations have a lot of advantages in the off-season though, not the least of which is less crowds and cheaper air fare.
7) Book your hotel with your plane ticket or rental car
Travel agents and booking agents are happy to offer incentives for you to package your purchase. These companies have usually negotiated these deals with the hotel. They have done the legwork for you, and you can take advantage of this if you are willing to book all at once.
Buy local
Avoiding large hotel chains can save you money and add charm to your trip. You may find better service and accommodations at a local inn than you will at a large hotel. Read reviews online to determine which location is most in line with what you need. Remember: hostels are a great option for budget travelers.
Cheap Travel Rules to Live By
When you are trying to save money, it is critical to make rules and stick to them. It is easy to to set rules aside on a whim when you find a great restaurant, a long line at the bus stop, or a deal on designer clothing while you are traveling Europe. Even with the best of intentions, though, a cheap traveler will be thrown off course if there are not strict rules about when and how money can be spent. These are some rules cheap travelers live by.
Take Public Transit
City buses and trains are simply the cheapest way to get around, whether you are in New York or New Delhi. When you opt for a private cab you are agreeing to spend a 200% to 300% mark up just to avoid sitting with other people. Cabs are often more direct, cleaner, and more convenient. However, when you take the indirect bus route as an adventure, you will see this option is no worse than taking a taxi cab. Using public transit will give you a good feel for the city or countryside, wherever you happen to be traveling. It will also often save you from getting swindled by local taxi cab drivers who take advantage of unknowing tourists.
Eat Street Food
Street food has culture and flair; it is often the truest indication of a country’s culinary heritage. Street food is not for the weak of stomach, however. If you have specific dietary needs, be sure to travel with trail mix, granola bars and other high energy snacks. Even candy bars can be a life saver. The last thing you want to do is spend a high price for a bottled water and some chips at a news stand. It is best to avoid sitting down at a table, as well, where tips and drink costs, even for soft drinks, can add to the price of the bill.
Rely on Cash
Take out only the cash you will need each day from a local ATM. If you are traveling abroad and afraid there will not be ATMs or will be high ATM fees, take travelers checks. Carry only the amount you intend on spending that day plus a little extra for emergency. Using a credit card can put you easily into the rhythm of spending too much on the trip and intending on paying it off later. If you are in the US, most banks will have ATMs throughout the city you are traveling to. You may even want to take out a small amount of cash before dinner to keep yourself from splurging on a pricey meal.
Practice Patience
If you are patient when you travel, you will save big. This means everything from watching plane ticket prices to waiting in line for free attractions. Going on vacation with a set schedule will make you subject to the swings of the prices at the attractions you are visiting at any given time. By maintaining your flexibility, you can allow prices to dictate everything from when you travel to where you go.
Tags: cheap travel advice, cheap travel rules, traveling with cash
Cheap Travel to England
For the past year, travelling to England meant facing a terrible exchange rate with the pound. The rate has changed, and it is less expensive to travel to the UK with dollars today. Saving on hotels and travel will allow you to enjoy more of the fine dining England has to offer.
Budget Hotels
Seek hotel chains that are based in the U.S. if you are not opposed to “buying American” even though you are abroad. Booking rooms at a Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, or Premier Inn will put you right in the thick of a lot of tourist destinations without paying for the historic or local flavor of other accommodations. Booking early will save you money on all accounts as these hotels do tend to get full.
Apartment Exchange
Nearly every city in the UK has apartments available for rent. If you live in a desirable location, you can seek out a home exchange to save on any money spent at all. Otherwise, inexpensive apartments can still be a bargain. You will likely have the flexibility and space to cook meals at home and stay in on occasion, saving you money over hotel options.
Hostels
If you are not concerned over privacy of your accommodations, staying in a hostel may allow you to enjoy many benefits while keeping your expenses low. Foremost, you will have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and engage in more community activities. Hostels are also often close to transportation and major attractions, making them very convenient.
Bus and Coach Travel
Taking the bus or National Express Coach will likely save you money over the railways. You can also seek out seasonal offers for discounted rates. These sell-out very quickly and are typically not offered year round. If you find a good rate, booking in advance is the best way to assure you will get the rate in the future. Travelling by bus means travelling light. Expect to have to walk a mile or more from the bus station to your ultimate destination. Skip out on toiletries and luxury items and opt for the essentials to make it easier on yourself.
Railways and Trains
Rail tickets are generally inexpensive if you book in advance. Like plane tickets, the prices can go up and down tremendously as the date approaches. By watching prices closely and booking when rates are low, you have a good chance at getting a ticket for as low as bus ticket prices. You will certainly save money over other forms of transit.
Money exchange tip: You may save from using an ATM in the UK over using a currency exchange service. The rates charged at currency kiosks in the airport tend to be higher than the foreign ATM fee, and ATMs are accessible throughout the UK. Bring travelers checks and some pounds for emergency, but plan on doing a lot of your exchanging once you get there.
Tags: cheap England travel, cheap european travel, Cheap travel
Ireland on a Budget
Ireland is extremely friendly to travelers and has a number of completely free day trips for you to take in. We will concentrate our conversation on a few locations, as Ireland is vast and spread between Northern and Southern Ireland.
Dublin
You can get a free walking tour of Dublin for your iPod from VisitDublin. The 12 guides also offer maps for you to print and take as you go. Much less expensive than paying for a tour, and you have the freedom to go at your own pace, lengthening time at the places you’d like to view longer.
A walking tour of Dublin is not complete without tours through famous garden grounds in Phoenix Park, which is the largest green space in Europe. The National Botanical Gardens are additionally free to visitors. Because Dublin weather is moderate year round, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the parks no matter when you travel. A whole day of family fun for zero dollars.
Speaking of zero dollars, all of Ireland’s National Museums are free to the public. The list includes the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art.
Belfast
A walking tour of Belfast will reveal the complexity of its residential quarters. Similar to townships or neighborhoods, the quarters each have their own theme. For example, Queen’s Quarter is famous for its student-friendly living complete with universities and museums.
St. Anne’s Cathedral is open to the public for sweeping views of the Roman architecture. The cathedral has a rich history to provide plenty of opportunities to dive into Irish culture. The new “Spire of Hope” is 100 meters tall and a feat of modern engineering placed marvelously with the antiquity of St. Anne’s.
Complete your Belfast tour with a trip to St. George’s Market. This location boasts year-round Friday farmer’s markets since 1604. The history of the landscape mixed with the jazz and music of the modern culture set in a picturesque Victorian neighborhood. Fridays and Saturdays are both great days to visit, and the market will not disappoint in terms of culture and fun.
Quick Tips
There are a few sites in Ireland which are not offered for free to the public. If you are looking for ways to save, try the Ireland Visitor Discount Pass, which reduces prices to historic scenes throughout Ireland. You can print a pass from the Culture and Heritage Ireland site and enjoy the discounts year round.
Dublin has a similar discount offer, called The Dublin Pass, which comes at a small fee of $20 each day. This pass then admits you to over 30 attractions. The pass is sold in blocks up to 6 days, and you will be required to have one for each person.
The Heritage Card will get you in free to any site maintained by the Office of Public Works. The price varies, but it is around $30, and you will make up those discounts likely in the first day of usage.
Cheap European Travel: Part II – Enjoying Your Stay
Going on a group tour of Europe is one of the cheapest ways to see major destinations in a condensed amount of time. Many of these tours are frequented by Spring Breakers and college students, so if you intend on taking a family, choose wisely. For younger crowds, Contiki Tours cannot be beat. However, families should consider Intrepid Travel, winner of the Best Tour Operator Award in the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2006.
Family Friendly
Intrepid Tours hosts much smaller groups, which means you will feel like you are travelling with friends and family by the end. The tours allow for more independent excursions than many tour lines to accommodate the desire of most families to set off on their own. In fact, one of their small group tours is geared toward young families. The best part about travelling Europe is there is as much for adults to do as there is for children. Without the stress of deciding where to go, figuring out how to get there, and wondering which destinations are safe for families, parents can fully relax and leave the stress to the tour guides. Safety is a primary concern for all families. Tour guides have scouted the areas prior to sending you. In large cities in Europe, one wrong turn can put you in the wrong area, and the provision of your tour guides allows this concern to be lifted.
Intrepid Tour Options
Swiss Family Adventure
§ Length: 8 days
§ Route: Geneva to Morgins
§ Attractions: While enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps, visit small villages of chalets and dairy farms, stop at a goat farm and enjoy a challenging Alpine ropes and ladders course. When you head to Montreaux, you can tour the Chateau de Chillon for a history of knights and princesses sure to enchant and young child. Paddle boating through Lake Geneva is family fun among one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine cities. Educational activities include learning how Swiss cheese is made and visiting a local chocolate factory. Finally, there is a day trip to see glaciers.
Swiss Family Adventure
§ Length: 8 days
§ Route: Prague, Czech Republic to Budapest, Hungary
§ Attractions: In this culturally rich area of eastern Europe, you will enjoy architecture like no other place on Earth. A highlight for most guests is a walk across Praque’s famous Karlsbruck, Charles Bridge, which includes statures of the Saints from nearly 400 years ago. The Prague castle is a magnificent site for the entire family; even children who do not understand the historical significance will be in awe of its beauty and detail. A puppet show with Czech marionettes is a family favorite. You will have the opportunity to go for a bike ride through a rural town of Cesky Krumlov, founded in the 13th century. River rafting near Vienna offers more breathtaking landscapes and family fun. The Prater Amusement Park in Vienna is more commercial, but a visit to the palace of the Hapsburgs brings the whole family right back to the rich culture of Hungary and Austria.
Tags: All-inclusive, cheap european travel, cheap family travel, european travel tours
Cheap European Travel: Part I – Getting There
Many people are looking to cut travel expenses to Europe because of the weak dollar against the euro. While the exchange rate does not lead itself to inexpensive travel, the cost of travel has dropped dramatically. Everything from plane tickets to local subway fares may be lower because of the global recession and the decrease in travelers heading to Europe. Here are some quick tips on how you can save in your travel and accommodations on a European trip before too late.
Cheap Plane Tickets
The cheapest plane tickets to Europe are available if you are willing to have multiple layovers. Depending on where you are flying from in the US, this most likely means a stop over on the east coast. The longer the layover, the better chance your ticket price will drop. The same goes for getting to Europe; if you can stop in London, Madrid or Paris before heading to your ultimate destination, you will save money over tickets directly to smaller cities. Travelling midweek will also drop your plane ticket drastically. Summer months tend to be heavy for European travel, but the end of the summer sees a slightly lower volume of travelers, meaning better deals for you. Try signing up for alerts from airlines to watch ticket priced if your travel dates are flexible.
Cheap Hotels
If you are renting a car, you will find many hotels outside of major cities that have great deals. Driving in Europe is not easy. You will have a very compact car with a number of differences, the least of which is you are on the wrong side of the car. Roads are extremely narrow, very crowded and most cities are not planned. However, thousands of travelers navigate these conditions each year. Renting a car should be reserved for the experienced traveler. If you can stay outside of the city, you will find budget hotels all over. For example, The Hotel Formule 1 has about 300 hotels in France. While there is a sink in each room, there is a shared toilet and shower. Sacrificing a private toilet can save you tremendously with rates starting at under $40 a night. For a step up, try Premiere Classe which has a private toilet and shower in each room. Be prepared to spend closer to $60 a night in Première Class hotels.
Cheap Rail Tickets
One of the best ways to get around Europe once you are there is by rail. In fact, you may consider flying into a large city and taking a train to your ultimate destination to save money. EuroCheapo has a full list of rail schedules and prices to assist you in planning your trip. Anytime you are planning to travel a significant amount by train, remember to pack light. You will be carrying your luggage on foot to most of your destinations from the train; some times, you may be walking multiple miles. Packing light is key to all European travel, but do not pack too casually. Jeans and t-shirts are a dead giveaway for American tourists.
Tags: cheap european travel, cheap tickets to europe, cheap trains in europe, Cheap travel
Mexico is Still a Bargain
The H1N1 flu virus has taken a bite out of Mexico’s tourism dollars, and this is making an already cheap vacation even cheaper. Forbes recently stated “you can still find cheap, safe vacations” in Mexico. Mexico has always opened its arms to American tourists. If you are looking for good destinations, stick to the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta that are less affected by violence and corruption than the more congested, native cities. There are a number of factors that make Mexico a good option for those looking for an inexpensive alternative to a Caribbean island vacation.
Ease of Travel
Direct flights are available to many cities in Mexico from most South and Southwestern cities in the US. Because Mexico is situated in an almost direct line south of the US, there is not a large difference in time zone as there may be for some more Eastern countries in Central and South America. This means your travel time and jet lag are cut back significantly. It also means your flights are generally less expensive, easily around $400. Be wary of tickets that are too cheap, as you may be purchasing in the off season. More than just cold weather, the off season at many Mexican destinations can be rainy.
Westernized Culture
In most of the tourist destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, you will find a highly Western culture. Most vendors and wait staff will speak English, and most restaurants and bars will have American brands. This may take away slightly from the cultural influx you may be seeking, but you can still find culture on day trips to ruins or remote beaches. It is best to stay on resort or in more tourist filled areas at night. While there is some risk of petty crime, these areas tend to have higher security and be well-policed.
Friendly to Tourists
Mexico cities rely heavily on tourist from the US. Beyond this, many Mexican natives have friends and family residing in the US. This means they are generally friendly to American tourists and welcome the influx of dollars each year. Unlike some remote communities that dislike the resorts and hotels brought by Western tourism, Mexican cities embrace this as a multi-billion dollar industry. You will find street vendors, hotel staff and local musicians welcome your family and your travel dollars. The dollar remains strong against the Peso, making this less expensive than many European options.
Protect Your Health and Safety
RE/MAX Investment Properties compiles reports on crime rates in Mexico. Recently, they found major tourist zones in Mexico are up to 26 times safer than some tourist zones in the US. Nonetheless, there are many slums in Mexico that are in close proximity to tourist areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, and always travel in groups. Carry some extra cash, but do not wear expensive jewelry or carry pricey cameras. You may opt for a disposable camera for the trip. Bringing your own toiletries and washing hands frequently can reduce the risk of infectious disease.
Tags: Cheap travel, hotel deals, mexico travel, travel safety
Cheap Disney Vacations
Once you get inside an airport or a sports stadium, prices on simple items skyrocket. Waters, sodas and bags of popcorn become high-priced goods. This is because you are in a bubble where no outside vendors are permitted. Disneyworld is the biggest “bubble” in the United States. All vendors, including hotels and transportation, are paying a premium to be located on the grounds. This means family fun comes at a very high price most times of the year. From dining to just getting around, you will be paying for the experience. There are little ways to cut fees though, making your dollars go further to get even more happiness from the happiest place on Earth.
Passes through Travel Agents
Disney offers a variety of group tickets. All of them are better deals than buying each park pass independently, but they also require you purchase tickets to a huge amount of activities. If you are looking for more flexibility, Disney travel agents may be able to supply this for you. Small World Vacations, an exclusive Disney agency, does not charge a fee for services. This agency provides custom packages, such as “Magic Your Way,” that allow you to start with the basics and add on from there. There are even options to add on for just a few of the tickets instead of the whole family. This means the adults can add a dining package, and the kids and babysitter can eat on the cheap. Taking a babysitter may allow you to enjoy many of the new additions to the family of Disney activities that are geared toward adults. Beyond the mouse ears, Disney has added many high end restaurants, night clubs, and even a Cirque de Soliel show. Ask a travel agent about enjoying these activities while your kids get the most of the children’s focus.
Discounts, Discounts, Discounts
If you are clever with selecting discounts, there are many to be found. For example, Disney passes are free on your birthday. If you plan your vacation around even one family birthday, you will receive nearly $100 in discounts. Plan to stay during a week when there is more than one birthday, and the savings will continue to rise. Disney also offers free passes with a military ID. That’s right: if you are home on leave, heading to Disneyworld, or Disneyland for that matter, is a great way to reconnect with your family.
Free Sightseeing
While not many activities are free: there are some things you can enjoy without a pass. In Orlando, Disney’s boardwalk has street performers, shops, a dance hall, a dueling piano bars and many other fun sights. Downtown Disney has fountain displays, a play area with thousands of Legos, and magic demonstrations. The hotels themselves can provide hours of sightseeing for the whole family as you gape at the execution of complex themes. Finally, about 20 miles south of Orlando, the Disney Wilderness Reserve has very inexpensive tours of a wildlife reservation. These activities will not dent your pocket.
Tags: cheap disney vacations, Cheap travel, disney vacations, hotel deals
