Flying to the Virgin Islands on the Cheap

The US and British Virgin Islands are the star attractions of the Caribbean. The islands' awesome mix of natural wonders, friendly atmosphere, and amazing resorts, is the reason why many tourists visit them all year-round. This is also the reason why traveling to these islands can dig deep into your pockets, however, there are some ways that you can save up on your tropical paradise vacation, by simply saving on your flight.

Many travel sites will tell you that traveling off-season is the way to go, and this is true. If you don't mind traveling without the herd, you can save serious cash in your visit to the Virgin Islands. It's just a matter of supply and demand really. The more people taking in flights, the more expensive the tickets are going to be. Peak seasons in the VIs are from November through May, while the off-season starts in the summer months to October. If you think about it, going off-season is making the most out of your summer vacation anyway, so it's a two-for-one deal.

You can also save up on the travel expenses by being a little flexible with your time. Certain airlines give cheap tickets for flight schedules that take in fewer passengers, just to fill in the seats. If you can bend your schedule for these types of flights then you're going to have more cash to spend on rum and grilled lobsters when on the islands.

Hunting for budget airlines is another way to go when flying on the cheap. With the help of the internet you can compare flight rates of different airlines that service the Caribbean. Big airlines in the US and UK usually give off deals for patrons looking to save some cash, so keep on alert for those. Also consider traveling in smaller planes; airlines such as Jet Blue, Spirit and ATA, have cheaper fares by default, and not only that, they also throw in irresistible budget deals.

Any constant traveler is quick to advise to travel light when boarding an airplane, especially if your visit is brief. The reason is not to uphold the chic traveler stereotype, but to avoid paying charges that airlines require for checked bags. Limiting your stuff and other gear to a minimum saves you from the hassle, and more importantly, save you money.

Trips from New York and Chicago to the Virgin Islands take about 3 1/2-5 hours. If you're flying within these areas, make sure you eat at home before taking your flight and bring some snacks like biscuits and crisps along, in case you get hungry. In-flight food and food sold on airport outlets are very expensive, so avoid getting hungry when flying. If you're taking a flight from California though, which takes about 7-8 hours, take a sandwich with you or buy something from outlets. They may be expensive still but they cost way less than those sold inside the plane.

Your dream vacation in the Virgin Islands waits for you, and it's not even going to cost you a fortune. If you're willing to travel during the summer break, and you're okay with bending your schedule to fit that of your chosen airline, you're pretty much there already.

Greg Hunt is a wanderer who has the knack for writing. Upon a trip to the Virgin Islands, fell in love with its hum and vibration. He currently resides in St. Thomas and works as a skipper for St Thomas Boat Rental.

Check out some of his works at Pirates Paradise Adventures.

View the original article here

Aurangabad Trip - A Trip To The Land of History

On last April 21st I went on a trip to Aurangabad, the city of history and culture, former capital of the Mughal Empire and home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Aurangabad was every bit as I expected her to be, and then some more.

Took a bus from Pune on that fateful Thursday evening and reached Aurangabad at around 11PM. Thankfully hotel booking was already done. It took around 10 minutes to reach the hotel from bus stand by Auto. And it was time to sleep as next day was going to be hectic.

We rented a car next morning with the plan to visit 5 of the most prominent spots on that very same day. They would be Panchakki, Biwi Ka Maqbara, Ghrishneswar Temple (One of the 12 Jyotirlingas situated in India), Ellora caves and last but not the least Daulatabad Fort.

We started at around 10:30 Am. There are 17 gates or "Darwajas" scattered around the Aurangabad town built in different times. Previously there were 18 but one could not bear the brunt of time any more and broke down few years back. While on the way to the main spots, you will be able to see some of them, can even get out an click a few pic as some of the gates are very nicely built and also bears the evidence of time on their bodies. One can not help but imagine ancient monarchs passing through them on their majestic elephants and horses and people standing in line saluting and greeting them. And now few centuries later, you are passing through them on a fast moving, chauffeur driven, motorized vehicle feeling the least bit enthralled. Time does pass by so fast! But thankfully such structures will always be there to remind us of times forgotten.

Shortly we reached our first destination, the Panchakki. It is near the Mahmood Darwaza, one of the 17 gates. Built mostly during the 1695, Panchakki means Water Mill. Water is kept in a large reservoir, and is made to fall on the mill from quite high. It drives the grinding stone that prepared flour to feed the pilgrims and army men. Excess water is let into the Kham river. The building houses a mosque of Baba Musafir Shah, a sufi saint. It contains some other graves as well and a there is a huge Banyan tree in the front of the entire yard. One large hall is built that uses the bottom of the reservoir as its ceiling. This keeps the hall cool during summer and Pilgrims gathered in that hall during summertime, and they still do. In a museum, some articles used by Musafir Shah and his disciples are kept. It takes around half an hour to finish the visit of Panchakki. One has to be amazed by the application civil engineering in a structure dating back almost three and a half centuries.

The next destination was Biwi ka Maqbara. A mausoleum erected by Mughal Emperor Azam Shah as a tribute to his mother. Due to its resemblance with Taj Mahal, it is often referred to as Replica Taj Mahal or Taj of the Deccan. From a distance, it looks really majestic and a lot like the Taj itself. The main structure based on a hexagonal structure while four minarets cover the angles. The canal in the front used to contain water once. Now it only does during rainy season, it is said that it enhances its beauty many times.

The way to the top and front of the main structure is accessed using narrow stairs. View of the surrounding is quite good from that height and you can easily get distracted by it for a minute or two. The main burial chamber must be entered bare feet as it houses the grave of the late empress Rabia Durrani. Upon entering the main hall, you reach a circular balcony. The grave is located at bottom center. There are beautiful designs on the walls and ceiling. Strategically created windows which let only part of the light pass, creates a dramatic ambiance at times. Some pigeons were nestled really cozily in the corners of the chamber.

There are nice ornamentation on the outside walls and doors itself. There was renovation work going on hence some parts were inaccessible. Most the structure however was open and provided some good opportunities for photo shoot. All in all the experience of Bibi ka Maqbara was good, but would have been really good if the sanctity of the mausoleum could be preserved a little more. Constant chatters and too much of crowd kind of dulled the surreal atmosphere that could grow in such a monument.

After that we had a quick lunch and was on the way to the Ellora Caves. One of the most famous series of caves that contain sculptures created by Hindu, Buddhist and Jain devotees. There are total 34 caves spanning across a 4 kilometer diameter. Among them cave no. 16 is the biggest and most popular. It houses the famous Kailashnath temple. This cave is the biggest and contains numerous sculptures along with the temple. The sculptures include that of Shiva Parvati, Ravana, Viahnu and other gods, Different animals (Mostly Elephants) etc. Observing this cave completely takes around one hour itself. Upon entry, towards the left there is balcony at the top which makes for a good photo shooting place. Since the insides are dark, flash must be used for photographs.

As you start to observe the sculptures, it does not take long before you immerse in the beauty of them. Almost fifteen centuries ago, a bunch of men equipped with only hammer and chisel, cut down hole mountains to create timeless sculptures to honor their gods. A long time has passed, but the minute details in their work are still awe inspiring. The goddesses are beautiful, the gods are sombre, the animals are beastly, the rakshasas are devilish, not one place you will find, where you can say the work was inept. The Shiva-parvati statue is one to definitely look at. Also the sculpture where 'Nrisinghavatar' is killing 'Hiranyakshipu' is breath taking. I doubt there are many such sculptures in India.

In the center of the cave yard, stairs go up to the Kailashnath temple. The Kailashnath Lingam is situated inside a dark cave while hundreds of devotees throng the place. Taking photographs is allowed but getting a clear shot may take some time due to the crowd and lack of light. Right opposite the cave temple, is a statue of Bhringi, one of Lord Shiva's two mounts. There are some pillars with beautiful carvings all around the cave. After the 16th cave, most of the other caves are smaller and some are lacking any sculptures inside them. One most notable is Ravan ki Khai (Cave no 14) which has a sculpture of Ravan trying to lift Mt. Kailash. Among others, cave no.1 (Vishvakarma Cave) is a notable Buddhist cave containing a Chaitya, and beautiful carvings on the ceiling.

After we had seen through all the caves we were on our way to the Ghrishneshwar Temple. On of the Jyotirlingas of India, Ghrishneshwar imposes some strict rules on men. First of all no photographs must be taken in and around the temple. I did manage to sneak a shot of the outside of the temple though:P Once inside we had to remove our shirts, vests and belts to be able to offer our offerings to the god.

The temple took no more than 30-45 minutes to cover, if not less. By this time, the sun was slowly moving towards the west horizon with the daylight fading. This information is critical as our next destination was the Daulatabad Fort, and we had to complete the climb and descent before dark as there are no lights in the fort or the way up. People were climbing with electronic torches but we took the challenge and decided to complete the tour before dusk.

Daulatabad fort was one of the most impregnable forts all over the world. Protected by long walls, and a moat, this fort had never seen a battle. More about the fort here. The climb to the top of the fort consists of about 930 stony steps. Just after the entrance there are 4-5 cannons kept. We decided to postpone the photo shoot till we got back. Then started the steps and ascent. Sometimes there will be long ground to cover between two steps. This gave a chance to catch our breath. However the road and steps are not well maintained and might make for a difficult trek. Some distance on the way, to the right, was Chand Minar. A minar made from red stones, was erected by Ala-Ud-Din Bahamani to celebrate his capturing the fort. It is 210m is height and gave us some shooting opportunities.

After chand minar, there are few excitements until you get to the top. We had to trudge to pitch black mazes and labyrinths at some places. The steps can be very steep at times. Also crossed a draw bridge on the way. The water beneath once used teem with crocodiles, ready to gobble up any enemy or traitor thrown in. Thankfully none are kept in these modern times. The water we took with us was consumed very fast. But the climb in itself should be pretty fast and we were almost at the top in about half an hour. The Chand Minar looks like a small red candle from that height and gives you and idea how far and high you have come. The final climb to the utmost top is treacherous as the steps are narrow and steep and almost broken. Upon reaching the top, there is a big cannon, that used to protect the fort's perimeters centuries back. Now it only lies there like an aged crocodile, unable to hunt its prey, and waiting for the final moment to come.

There is also a tomb of one sage over there. The view of the town from top is not as breathtaking as we expected. In fact we were a little disappointed but it may turn greener and better during the rainy season. Chand Minar looks just a little thicker than a matchstick at this point. We took some photographs and started our descent. Still lots of daylight left and we were confident about making it down in time. On the way down we lost our way in the dark maze and went round in the same place, twice. But soon recovered and was on our track. Some photographs of the cannons at the starting were in order and we completed that in about 15 minutes. Soon our car started towards the hotel. We had hurting legs, thirsting throats, unkempt and dusty hair and cloths, but gleaming eyes telling the story of a day well spent. A day when we witnessed and touched a small part of the rich history of our beautiful country.

Next day was to be hectic as well as we had to travel to the Ajanta Caves. It is about 110 kms from Aurangabad and usually takes a whole day's plan. We booked a car from the hotel for 1600/- and left at around 11:15 in the morning. There were some more gates on the way namely, Rangin Darwaja, Delhi gate, Bhadkal gate etc. We reached Ajanta at around 1:15. upon reaching we had to take a bus of Archaeological Survey of India to the starting of the caves. There from the counter we took the tickets and started climbing towards the caves.

Ajanta is a series of 29 caves consisting Buddhist paintings and sculptures. Caves 1,2 and 16 contain the paintings and to visit them we had to take separate light passes. However flash photography is prohibited in all of the caves. Cave 1 consists the most famous paintings Padmapani and Bajrapani. Age has taken its toll on all the paintings but still the beautiful coloring and detailing created during 2nd BC is enough to spellbound any one by its magic. Those people are lucky who visited these caves during their full glory and marvelled at their grandeur.

Ajanta being Buddhist caves, contains chaityas in many of them. Also sitting sculptures of meditating Buddha, teaching Buddha, praying Buddha are also pretty common. Most of the caves have numerous small beautiful engravings and sculptures. Cave ceiling's have been cut as 'Mandaps', and pillars carved as though decorated with flowers. Sculptures of 'Kinnars' and 'Yakshas' are also abound. Cave no. 24 is the biggest but unfinished. It took us around 2 hours to complete viewing all the caves. The caves close at 5 PM so that time should be kept in mind. The beauty and somberness of the caves were breathtaking. Many of the caves would warrant revisiting them and that we did. Especially the caves containing the paintings were worth the second look.

Some of the statues convey a meaning towards life. The overhead beams carried on the back of lonely 'Yakshas' show fatigue but when they are carried by 'Kinnar' couples, they show bliss. It tells us that burden of life could be really heavy when carried alone but a jiffy when sharing it with others. The sculptures, created with Da Vinci-esque precision shows the exact body structures while carrying a load. So both design wise and meaning wise these sculptures are truly magnificent. Also the details in the painting of the queen fainting from the news of the King's death in battle, in cave no 16, is another one to savour. The minute details in dressing and body postures are unbelievable to have been done in an age so ancient. The huge Buddha statues have even their toenails created with scrupulous perfectionism. One of the pillars in a cave (might be cave no 11, can't remember) creates tabla like music when knocked with the hand. The guards should be happy to tell you the location.

We had some Vadapao after coming down and started towards the hotel. this trip concluded our journey to Aurangabad for that time. We had a great time in those two days, felt like experiencing a different era altogether. We had a bus to catch next day, but it took a long time for the marvels of Ajanta to vanish from my mind and let me sleep that night.

View the original article here

Cheap Things To Do in Rome

Landed in Rome? You don't need to be rich to enjoy Italy's capital. Rome is a beautiful, big open door museum where you can find interesting things to do on the cheap. If you are a frugal traveller, let me show you a few things you can do in the Eternal City.

Your wish comes true

If you have seen any movie set in Rome, you are probably already familiar with Rome's largest and most popular fountain: La Fontana di Trevi. There is a long-standing tradition of throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain. Why? Throw one, and you will return to Rome. A second coin will lead to a new romance, while a third coin means marriage! At least this is what the legend says...

The oldest lie detector

Another popular legend says that the Mouth of Truth will bite your hand if you lie. In the past, jealous husbands tested their wives' faithfulness and suspected criminals had trials there. If you have your hand in the Bocca, say the truth and avoid the pain!

A good view of Rome (and get fit!)

The Scalinata di Spagna (Spanish steps) was named after the Spanish Embassy and it is a great chance to get fit for free in a beautiful environment. Scale the steps to the top and get a wonderful view of the capital. There are also many designer shops and bars.

Just walk

Via del Corso is the perfect place to enjoy a walk in a suggestive street. Plus, this is THE shopping area. According to the depth of your wallet, you will be able to buy almost any kind of stuff.

Eat the tradition

Have an inexpensive dinner in Testaccio neighbourhood. This is a traditional working class area with lots of things to do on the cheap. Have you ever tried innards? No, really? Go to Agustarello restaurant and enjoy your Roman meal.

Have a chat

Many Italian people want to improve their English, so why don't you say "Hi" and start a conversation with a Roman? The response will be amazing, guaranteed. You may even learn a little Italian, or find the love of your life!

Don't get ripped off

Don't forget: before getting from the airport to the city, be aware that many cab drivers charge tourists exorbitant fees without any reason. Rome airport transfers can be tricky: always ask for a fixed rate and a good service.

Limo Tours Rome is one of the most established Rome tour and airport transfer Rome services. Providing first class service every time: http://www.limotoursrome.com/

View the original article here

Budget Travel: Money Mistakes Every Traveler Is Tempted to Make

Budget travel is about getting the lowest possible price for your vacation. Most travelers dream of big savings, but few are able to see it. Whether they know it or not, most travelers will make poor money decisions during their vacations. They'll overpay for things that they don't need to overpay for, and get slammed with "surprise costs" that they may have been able to anticipate (and plan around). By avoiding these mistakes, you'll be able to plan a much more budget friendly vacation.

They Suffer From "It's Worth It" Syndrome

How many times have you heard somebody faced with a high price say the phrase "well, it's worth it"? I've seen it a countless number of times. It's one of the most common ways people justify paying a large amount of money.

This is especially common when people are traveling. They are not only willing to pay thousands of dollars on their vacation, they anticipate it. When they're faced with the high cost of travel, they're quick to accept it. They ask themselves the wrong question. Instead of asking "how can I reduce this prie?", they ask" is this vacation worth this amount of money?". If the answer is yes, then they accept the total and move on, and if the answer is no, then they abandon the plans altogether.

Regardless of whether or not your vacation is "worth it", you should try looking for ways to reduce the total. It's a safe bet that you can get a better price. Comparison shop on other websites, look for unpublished rates, and try to find discounts that you can take advantage of. It might be the difference between a couple hundred dollars in savings.

They Don't Really Look at Alternatives

Comparison shopping is one of the best ways to save money on a vacation. But many travelers limit comparison shopping to flights and hotels. Many will ignore looking at different prices of activities, or restaurants.

Let me give you an example. Let's say you're taking a vacation to Hawaii and you really want to go SCUBA Diving. You'll probably look around for businesses that offer SCUBA diving via a search engine, and then look at a couple of different websites detailing the underwater adventure you could have. However, there are a TON of places that offer SCUBA diving in Hawaii and it's a pretty safe bet that you'll be overpaying.

In addition to your search, try looking for experts on your destination. Post questions on forums, or look for people who blog about the area you want to visit. You'll usually find some interesting opinions. Also look for tourism websites set up by the local governments. Many cities will set up websites to promote businesses in their area, and these websites are very useful tools if you're looking for more fun things to do.

They Have Poor Timing

Believe it or not, the price of a vacation will fluctuate greatly depending on when you go. As a general rule of thumb, destinations are more expensive when more people are visiting.

Think about it. Airlines will have a harder time filling their flights, and hotels will have a harder time booking rooms. In both cases, you'll usually be able to find a lower price. Try planning your vacation during a time people don't normally visit.

Best Places to Get More Budget Travel Information

If you're looking for more information on budget travel then you should definitely download a free copy of the "Budget Travel Guide". It's a great resource for saving money on a vacation because it shows you how to do things like find unpublished rates, find the best place to book a vacation, and get huge discounts on fun things to do. You can download that at WorldWidely.com and again, it's completely free.

View the original article here

The Virtues of Being Selective While Shopping for Grand Canyon Bus Tours

Covering about 1.2 million acres, Grand Canyon National Park is a huge expanse of untouched wilderness. Part of this 270-mile gash in the Earth's surface is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, while another portion is located in Kaibab National Forest. It's one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and every Las Vegas visitor should see it. I recommend booking a bus tour if a day trip like this sounds appealing, but you might want to read the following tips first.

Grand Canyon bus tours are all-day events. Most of them are all-inclusive, meaning the price includes a continental breakfast (coffee, juice and a pastry) and a simple lunch. Dinner isn't included, but you'll be able to duck into a restaurant, snack bar or convenience store for that. If you're choosy about your food, bring something that will satisfy your taste buds. Bring some of your favorite snacks, too.

How old the motor coaches used by a tour company is important. You'll be on the bus for a long time, and you'll want to make sure it's safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, some tour companies cut corners, and one of the first places they try to save money involves the quality of their buses. Look for buses that have tinted windows, comfortable seats, individual air conditioning units, and pull-down window blinds. You'll also want clean restrooms, plenty of personal space and big windows for sightseeing.

Be sure to pick one of the Grand Canyon bus deals that stops at Hoover Dam to let you take photos. Don't book one of the bus tours that drive over the Hoover Dam Bypass and continue on straight to the Grand Canyon. The best tours drive over the bridge and then double back to the dam on the Arizona side, because that particular view is best for photos. Your bus will stop there in the morning because you'll be heading back to your Vegas Strip hotel late in the day.

Most Grand Canyon bus tours give you more than 3 hours at the canyon itself. Anything less than two just isn't enough because there's so much to see and do. You'll be happier with your tour if you book one that gives you the longest possible time at the canyon. Some of the points of interest you'll want to see at the West Rim are the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, the Indian Cultural Center and Hualapai Ranch. Grand Canyon Village, Yaki Point and Mather Point are must-sees at the South Rim.

If possible, reserve your bus tour before you arrive in Sin City and at least 3 days in advance. There are a few reasons for doing this. First and foremost, these tours are very popular and tickets sell out fast. Also, you probably don't want to be arranging things while you're on holiday- book ahead so you can enjoy yourself instead. Plus, you'll pay more if you buy your tickets in Las Vegas, especially if you buy them through your hotel tour desk or at a booth along the Strip.

Keep a watchful eye on fees. Some of the more common ones I see are ones related to fuel and park fees, as well as the most ridiculous one wherein the company requires travelers to pay for their meals. You should also remember the old saying: "All that glitters is not gold." If you see any unbelievably cheap Grand Canyon bus deals, they're probably too good to be true. Avoid them because they're probably loaded with extra fees. They may also have onerous cancellation policies that require you to notify the tour company you're cancelling a full day before your tour in order to receive all your money back.

Travel writer Ione Mahler is one of EzineArticles' experts on Grand Canyon tours. For the best canyon bus tours from Las Vegas, she recommends visiting this page: http://www.grandcanyonbusdeals.com/grand-canyon-bus-deals.html

View the original article here

Tips For Taking Your First Backpacking Trip

Backpacking has become one of the most popular ways to travel. It is different from traditional tourism in that it often opts for budget and more local-friendly options. In other words, backpacking is typically cheaper and it provides a more immersive experience. That said, this kind of travel requires a bit more independence and self-reliance. In general, it is not compatible with the more supportive approach of tours and package deals. In this article, we will go over some ways that you can prepare yourself for a backpacking style trip, whether it is short or long-term.

The first thing you should do is to begin some research on your destination. You can buy a guidebook - for example, something from the publisher Lonely Planet, which caters specifically to backpackers - or you can begin your search on the Internet. Whatever you do, you are going to want to have a rough idea of cost, itinerary, and things you will need to bring with you. While overplanning can be problematic, you also want to have a general idea of where you are going and what you can expect there.

After you have an idea of where you want to go and how you want to do it, you need to start thinking about packing. Backpacking gets its name from the rucksack that goes on your back. The idea is that everything you need should be able to fit into one pack. If you are lugging around three suitcases, then you are not really backpacking. Look for a a backpack that is well reviewed (try sites like Amazon or Epinions) and one that will be adequately sized. When it comes to packing, a good tip is that you generally need less than you think. I often tell people to take about half the amount of clothes they think they need and in some cases, they find that even then they end up with more than they can use on their trip

While backpacking generally shuns most aspects of conventional travel, one thing you will want to maintain from more standard forms of tourism is travel insurance. You never know when something can go wrong and you do not want to find yourself in a foreign land unprepared to deal with something like an accident or a theft. What's more, you should also plan on consulting a doctor at a travel health clinic before you go to see what immunizations you may need and if there are any specific health threats at your destination.

While planning for a backpacking trip can be stressful, all of the anxiety quickly fades away once you get on the road. If you take the above tips to heart, you will likely have an excellent trip and your mind will be at peace while you travel.

For more tips on how to get started on your trip, visit the site BackpackingTravelTips.net, which offers a variety of resources and stories and heaps of genuine advice.

View the original article here

How to Budget for a Backpacking Holiday Around the World

So your thinking of doing your yearlong round the world flight and leave the 9 to 5 life behind are you? Well that is great, there are lots of people how think of going and never make it. Thinking and worrying about what could go wrong, and the what if's in life that paralyze them in to doing nothing, like a deer in the head lights. I personally thing you should be worrying my about missing out on your chance, your opportunity, your dream; a lot more than the unlikely worst case scenarios that could happen if you ever went. But that's me. Your here now reading this which I hope it will help give you that information, the help and advice that you need to move forward in to booking the fight and just saying; "What the hell this will be great!" But who am I? What do I know? I'm just some guy at the other end of the world why should you listen to me? You have a point.

I am just a guy, there is nothing special about me but the places I have been, the things I have done, and the people I have met sure are. At 24 I left my home town of Hull in the UK to go find out what there is in the world. I'm 30 now and in them years I have been to over 30 different countries worked about 2 and a half years of it to keep me funded. I've been home to the UK a few times but never for long. At 24 I thought I couldn't do it but I did it anyway. What was there to lose? There are always jobs if you really want one. But if you're going to work to live and not live to work who cares, go and find life not the job that supports your weekend but the life that's supports your happiness.. If all goes wrong you can go back to your old career, back home, and back to the 9 to 5, and be a more interesting person, with some great stories, and a renewed loved for life. So where to start?

Have you picked where you would like to go? There are many option and not just round the world flights. They're many companies out there offering around the world flights and multi stop flight but also I would look into the normal charter and schedule flights on engines like Kayak.com and SkyScanner.net where the compare the cheapest flights. If you wanted to spend a year in South America, or Asia then this is the best way, you could easy spend a year in both if you have the budget, South East Asia being a lot cheaper. So have a look and get an idea of the cost of flights and when you want to go. I personally go where I have never been before. There is a great place on TripAdvisor.com where you can get inspiration.

Next there are the things you're going to need. How much of this stuff do you need to buy? How much are you going to spend? You could spend as little as $200 on this stuff and as much as $2000 and upwards. Check out the cost for your insurance too. For backpackers insurance check out comparethemarket.com and other comparison sites as well. Now you know about how much the flight is, how long and where you want to go. You can work out how much money you going to need what you need to make your dream come true. You could be going to multiple countries in multiple months. How do you find the cost of each country? Ask Google, the lonely planet books give you a daily budget for each place too. Now add to the totals you have the insurance, flights, any big trips (e.g. Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu... ), and add the cost of any new gear you will be needed to take with you. Now you have a cost for your holiday. Too easy I'll give an example of a typical round the world trip from the UK.

Asia; Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, China; 3 months $3,600 to $6,000

Asia; India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Indochina; 2 months $1,500 to $2,100

Australia and New Zealand; 5 months $6,000 to $10,500

North America; 1 month $1,500 to $2,100

Flights $2,000

Insurance $200

Tours $500

Extras $300

Backpack $100

Clothing $200

Totals

Number of Months 12

Total Low Budget $15,600

Total High budget $23,700

Now as you can see there are two very big jumps here, I would aim for the high-end if you can but you can easily do it with the low-end budget but you're going to miss out on a few things. Also the Idea of going to Australia for 5 months would be to work a bit. They're lots of jobs there and they pay well. Say you work for 4 months of the 5 at about $15 per hour 40 hours a week that's at extra $9,600 which you can take off the budget meaning your round the world trip could cost you as little as $6,000 for the year. $15 an hour was the wage in Australia when I was there 2007 for chefs, plus we got tips. Bar staff is $10 - $15, in the mines you're going to get more. Fruit picking if you want, but the point is with this plan you also get 1 month holiday in Australia as well as experience of working and living in a different country.

Asia is very cheap so you could just swap out the time in Australia down to a month and have more time in South East Asia and have the full year off. What else is there to say on budgeting? Be smart about. If you run out of money or you don't get the job in Australia you can change your flight and go home early or ask for money from friend family, you would not be the first or the last to do it. You could just get a return flight to Asia and spend the year living cheap and traveling around there, as there are lots of places to go and see. I have never done around the world flight I have always flown to one part of the world and then just got a buses, flights, and trains from there. There is no greater feeling of freedom in the world. You might now be thinking that maybe your too old, too scared, too timid, and the too whatever's that stop you going. Well if you have read all this way and are still making up reasons (excuses) why not to go. Well why did you keep reading? You want to go!

We do a lot of things in life that we have to do, that we should do. Well isn't for filling your wants and needs in life something we should... NO, HAVE TO DO! Doesn't matter if your 18. 60. Boy. Girl. Going with 5 friends. Going alone. Straight. Gay. Black. White. Brown eyes. Blue eyes. Wheel chair user. Have tourrette syndrome. Introvert. Extrovert. If you have the want and the drive you can do it. I've seen people from all walks of life in my years of backpacking, and they are following their own dreams of travel, some to see the lost temples of Anchor Watt, Some to see the lost city of Machu Picchu, some to find the perfect beaches, some to find the best parties, some to find inner peace, and some just to find them self's.

Now you know that money is not the thing to stop you doing it so what else could stop you? Follow the suggestions below and see if it is really a reason to stop you didn't what you want to do or if it is a way you have justified to yourself not to go.

If you still want more convincing then why not do this; Write out the very worst case scenario of what could happen, and then give it a 1-10 of how bad that would be to your life one for going and one for not going. Then give it a 1-10 sore of chance of that happening. Now do best case scenario same thing. Then do a most likely case scenario, the same again. Write out the scenario and score it.

What was your score? Convinced?

Simon Blurton

Free Backpacking Budgeting Calculator A website with a Free Backpacking Budgeting Calculator and lots more for backpackers, and adventurers.

View the original article here

Fun Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur Without Spending Too Much

Travelling around Malaysia can be fun but very challenging, especially if you only have enough funds to pay for your accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, in particular, round-trip airline tickets, and sustenance for the whole trip. Luckily, there are still things that you can do here that can bring you and your friends great memories without spending too much money.

Here are some of them:

Conquer Petronas Towers

Pay a visit to the Petronas Towers, the world's tallest twin towers and Kuala Lumpur's most famous landmark. The amazing architecture is a must-see, especially at night. Experience a breathtaking panoramic view of KL and see the different buildings, parks, schools, and hotels in the city for just MYR 3 to MYR 10, or just pose for a snapshot with your friends at the base if you are terrified of heights.

Spend an Afternoon in Lake Garden Park

Found just 10 minutes from Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown and Merdeka Square, Lake Garden Park is a very attractive spot with many trees and features a placid lake. Many people come here to exercise, have picnics, or just hang out. Rent a bike, climb the monkey bars, and try the local street treats. You can also watch how locals go about their day while sitting under the shade or play Frisbee with your friends. There are many things you can do here but try to avoid visiting during the weekend. Wait out Saturdays and Sundays in your budget accommodation in Kuala Lumpur or go window-shopping in Bukit Bintang instead.

Hunt for Cheap and Rare Finds

Check out KL's local Chinatown and you will be greeted by many shops and stalls that offer various stuff. From cheap accessories to the best street food in the city, it has everything here. You can also head to Pasar Seni (or Central Market), a big blue building filled with a variety of Malaysian clothing, arts, handicrafts, souvenirs, and food options. Even for a small budget, you will surely find something in both these places.

Visit Temples and Mosques

Join the locals in prayer or just observe the locals' spiritual beliefs and rituals. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and religions. Visitors are welcome to explore the Buddhist and Hindi temples, and even the Mosques as well. Just be mindful of your manners and attire, and be respectful of their practices. This is a good chance for you to learn more about the diversity of this city.

These are just some of the many practical activities you can do in Malaysia while still keeping expenses at a minimum. Save enough money for your airline and hotel accommodation in Kuala Lumpur and discover that being cheap can be great fun.

Rich Caramat is a blogger with 3 years of experience creating content for different websites and publications. He mostly writes about music, fashion, events, and adventures about new places and people.

View the original article here

Several Ways To Save Your Vacations Budget

It can be mighty difficult to arrange travel when you are hurting for money. You want to reduce your expenses as much as you can so that you are able to boost your available money for vacation amenities. Read on for more on how to do just this.

Think about driving instead of flying. Unless you get your tickets months in advance, the seat prices can cost you an arm and a leg. Also, depending on where you are going, the flight might actually take longer. Destinations less than ten driving hours away are sometimes faster to get to by road, once you factor in parking, security, flight and boarding times. Bus routes are also an economical option if your destination is near a stop.

If you are visiting another country, be aware of their currency situation. While your electronic debit and credit cards are probably going to work, the rates and fees might not make them worth it, whereas cash could be cheaper. Get your currency converted before you leave home so you do not pay excess service charges at borders. This is not always legal, but it does happen. Also, see if your home currency is just okay where you are going. Many countries use the American dollar as their currency, and other nations take American dollars because their own local currency is pegged one to one in value, like the Bahamas.

If you travel at night, ticket prices are cheaper. This applies to flights, trains and even some bus rides. Sleeping in your seat might not seem like the most comfortable way to go, but it can mean cheaper travel and spare you a hotel room.

Consider a simple jaunt to the next closest city. It has sights and activities you do not see in your everyday life, but getting there will not take a lot of time or money. You might even know a friend or family member you can stay with.

Get a bundle deal on your trip. Combination deals are increasingly popular through online websites and email offers. Take advantage of these deals when they pop up, as the window of opportunity is usually limited. You can also create your own, saving on everything from flights to hotels and car rentals.

Price bidding is still a way to save money on travel online. You can get sweet deals on both your accommodations and your travel arrangements.

You can still enjoy your romantic vacations with your loved one, although you don't have enough money to afford it. There are many ways to save your money during your trip. Come to this website to see some other affordable getaways ideas for your vacations. Have fun!

View the original article here

5 Important Travel Tips for South America

Keep your belongings in site at all times
When I first arrived in South America I was robbed 5 times in the first year. Since then I haven't been robbed once. What changed? I still hear stories of people losing their belongings here on a daily basis so the continent surely has not changed. Clearly I've learned and stopped making the same mistakes I was making before. Never ever take your eyes off your belongings, always use the lockers in hostels and don't let yourself be distracted by locals. If you follow these rules you should be fine.

Bargain for the correct items
This one takes a little while to learn but believe me it will pay off to get it right. If you're in a market buying a t-shirt then don't hesitate to bargain. If you're in a restaurant or buying a cooked meal then don't bargain. If you are getting on a bus don't bargain. If you're at an internet cafe don't bargain. If you're buying lots of items from a street vendor then do bargain. It won't take you long to figure this one out.

Always tell a joke, be happy and show interest
South Americans love to smile, in all countries. If you open with a joke then your chance of good service will increase 10 fold. When speaking to someone ask their name and smile. Ask them a personal question perhaps, i.e. do they have any kids or a non-personal question that shows you confide in them, i.e. where is a nice restaurant nearby. You will be surprised at how different they will treat you if you treat them this way.

Respect their culture
Many countries in South America are very conservative and this should be respected. If you're invited out to dinner then don't wear board shorts and a singlet, a collared shirt and jeans are usually fine. Don't start ranting about your political ideologies to someone you've just met and be very careful discussing their history, i.e. Pablo Escobar and Che Guevara. It is very easy to offend people who are as patriotic as most South Americans. Talking about football can lead to an argument, as can the subject of money. If speaking Spanish or Portuguese then address taxi drivers and generally people you've just met in the formal tone.

Have a good time
Relax, have a siesta, do the stuff you can't do at home. Enjoy a beer with some locals, make sure to socialize. Put the lonely planet away and make your own adventure. Por fin, be South American for a while and enjoy life.

For more information regarding South America please visit my blog at http://www.southamericapundit.com/

View the original article here

Money Tips for the Frequent Traveler

ATMs and credit cards have made it easier for us to withdraw and exchange money whenever we go to trips abroad and it is also quite safe compared through other means. Although this may be true most of the time, it is still a possible to find ourselves stuck in a country where our plastic cards are not being accepted by the machine we are transacting with.

This may seem like bad news but fortunately, there are American banks that have started issuing credit cards that are now more accepted widely around the globe. Below are some tips on how you can manage your money and cards abroad.

Check for Foreign Transaction Fees
This is one of the things that you should consider as this can be very frustrating if it catches you off guard. Find out whether the issuer of your credit card charges you for every foreign transaction that you make. This is usually between 1% to 3% of the purchase and an additional 1% MasterCard or Visa fee in which the banks will be sending towards the customers they have. There have been some companies who have gotten rid of this feature as the government has started to require the card issuers to put a stop on these fees.

There are many finance websites in mobile broadband which provides a list of credit cards that do not charge their clients with transaction fees. One of the best credit card issuers out there that is a good example of this is from Capital One, which has started this trend a long time ago before other banks gotten into it.

Yet there are many of the credit cards being used by travelers that still impose this charge such as the American Express Delta SkyMiles card for frequent flier miles. There are also those that do not have big fees annually such as the Chase British Airways Visa which ranks at $95 per year. This type of annual fee is not really worth taking unless a person will be frequently traveling abroad or will be spending much using their credit card.

Find Out the Exchange Rate Beforehand
It can be daunting to think that each time you travel abroad, you find an ATM in the airport and then get stuck when the machine asks you how much money in the country you are looking to withdraw. This is not easy to ponder if you have no idea about the exchange rate. You cannot just tell the machine to give you an equivalent of the dollar amount you have in mind.

To save yourself from the hassle of panicking in an airport abroad, visit currency conversion websites in the Internet or learn about the exchange rate before the trip. Have it written down including the calculation of the amount you wish to withdraw before landing.

It is also recommended for travelers to check out the section about money in a guidebook of the country to see if there are any financial quirks going on. One example is that of many ATMs in Japan that do not accept foreign bank cards while those that do accept are only rare.

Go for a Credit Card That Has a Chip
There are many American credit cards toady that have outdated magnetic stripes, and a lot of people find out when they start using them from places around the world. Nowadays, these are no longer accepted as cards are shifting from those that have a smart chip instead. Although there are many merchants in Europe and Asia who accept vintage plastic swipe cards, there are many automated kiosks which no longer allow this and can be a problem when trying to travel through train subways and stations.

Stephen Will X Kim is connected with top of the line technology companies for over 12 years. He is an expert on finding and assessing the latest trend in broadband and mobile broadband to keep readers updated with what's hot and what's antiquated. Boosting your internet connection at home is something that can be done without calling in a professional. To learn more about high speed internet, see the Broadband Expert

View the original article here

How To Save For A Family Holiday

There is nothing quite like a great family holiday, but great family holidays come at a cost. You need to know how to save money for your family holiday if you ever want to be able to afford one. This article provides you with a 5 step process for saving enough money for your next trip.

Where you go on your next trip and how long you go for doesn't matter these tips can work for anyone. They are not the be all and end of of travel saving advice but they give you a good starting point and framework from which to base your savings plan on.

These steps are steps that I am taking myself to save for our next family holiday.

1. Decide How Much Money You Need

This is the first obvious step. Before you begin saving you first need to decide how much money you will need for your trip. Holidays can vary in expenses extremely. Obviously if you want to be staying in 5 star resorts having massages on a daily basis then it is going to cost you a lot more than free camping in the bush.

Decide what kind of holiday you want and do some research to find out exactly how much your holiday will cost. You now have your goal savings figure.

2. Create an Automatic Savings Plan

This tip could also be titled 'start saving'. The goal here is to 'pay yourself first' and to save money before it goes into your living expenses. My family has a certain amount of money each month that we save regardless. We then try and live off the rest.

Save the money you need first and then get creative as to how you are going to survive off the remaining amount. You will find it isn't as difficult as you first imagined.

3. Sell Any Unwanted Items

To ramp up your savings quickly sell any unwanted items lying around the house. Use eBay to sell old furniture and tech items for some extra cash.

4. Look To Create Extra Sources Of Income

Look for ways to create extra sources of income that you can save. Maybe you can get a second job, work extra hours or even start a business on the side. Make sure that every extra dollar that you earn you put towards your holiday. Don't go spending that extra income you make or you will find you are working extra hard with very little to show for it.

5. Spend Less and Save More

If you every get an opportunity to spend less then save the excess. Say you shopped at a discount supermarket and as a result you only spent $70 on the shopping when usually you would have spent $100. You can now save that $30 towards your holiday to speed up the process.

6. BONUS TIP: Have a working holiday

Some families even choose to have working holidays. For more tips check out these families that are travelling Australia because they took the time and saved up.

View the original article here

Harness the Benefits of Cheap Domestic Flights in India

Ever since airlines have been privatized, people of India are having a field day. A lot of people have shifted to flying rather than taking the train, which takes a lot of time to reach if the destination is far off. People of India also seem to have realized the numerous benefits of flying. Here are five major benefits.

Firstly, you save time and when you are on a holiday, nothing is more precious than time. Every place in India has so many things to do and see that holidays seem to melt away very quickly. Usually, travelling a distance of nearly 1100 kilometers from Chennai to Mumbai takes more than twenty four hours. If you choose Mumbai to Chennai flights, it takes around less than one and a half hours. So, you get almost four additional days to spend on your vacations.

Secondly, train journey has a major flaw with regard to frequency of trains. Direct long distance trains are not available everyday from all stations. There are a lot of weekly and bi-weekly trains which might not coincide with your vacation time. On the other hand, flights to Mumbai from Chennai are many. What is more, since there are many airline services, you are sure to find a place in one of the Mumbai to Chennai flights.

You also need to consider the fact that many hill stations, owing to their rough hilly terrains, do not have a railway station at all. A few hill stations such as Shimla do have a railway line but it is a narrow gauge and unsuitable for regular passenger trains. If you choose train journey, you have to take a train to the nearest railway station and then take a bus or taxi to the spot. You not only have to spend a lot of time, but also experience a lot of discomfort of lengthy travel, especially if you are travelling with kids. In order to compensate for the absence of a regular railway line, important hill stations have small airport facility which can accommodate small flights. The small Mumbai flights of the low cost airlines can fly into these airports.

The fourth factor is ease of travel. Indian trains are crowded all the time. Major stations in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai or other major cities are a beehive of activity. Added to the rush and crowd is the fact that trains seldom run on time. When you consider all these factors, Mumbai flights or air travel to any destination seems like god sent. Mumbai to Chennai flights are much more comfortable when compared to train travel. More importantly, flights to Mumbai are safer than train travel. The incidents of thefts which are reported on trains do not happen on aircrafts. In case your luggage in misplaced on Mumbai flights, the airline officials ensure that the luggage reaches your home safely because once you check in the luggage and it goes into the cargo box, it is the responsibility of the flight to ensure its safety.

Finally, the cost matters a lot. Low cost flights to Mumbai are sometimes cheaper than air conditioned train travel. So, on the whole, it works out well.

Mumbai to Chennai flights, flights to Mumbai and Mumbai flights offer amazing convenience of travel. So, if you are travelling to your favorite tourist destination, book a low cost air ticket. You save time, money and the journey is more convenient. Your travel agent can arrange a low cost flight for you.

View the original article here

Enjoy Your Affordable Getaways With Your Family

With the modern technology, such as internet or smart phone, it is easy to figure out how to travel on a budget. A lot of people still think that it costs a lot of money to travel, but the truth is that it does not cost as much money as you think anymore. By following the tips below, you should be able to learn how to save money on traveling.

Pay off your credit cards and then use your credit to pay for a trip. This will buy you time to figure out how to pay for your trip. You can travel now, and then pay off your credit debt in the future over an extended period of time. There is nothing wrong with taking out a credit card if it is going to help you gain a new life experience. Just make sure that you have all the intentions to pay back your credit cards.

Look up coupon discounts online to see what you can find discounts on. You will be surprised at how much money you can save by doing a bit of research online. Too many people do not realize how much money they can save by finding coupons online.

Take out a loan from a bank to go on your travels. Go down to your local bank and see what they say about lending you a bit of money. Be honest with your bank and let them know that you are planning on using that money to go on a trip. They will be thrilled to know that you plan on getting a new experience in life, and this will want them to give you the money to borrow to go on a trip. Inform them that you have every intention of paying the money back, but you need a little time to borrow some money.

You can go anywhere in the world. You should always plan your things ahead. Figuring out where to go is another step in the process. Once you have the money to invest on going on a trip then you are set for a whole new life experience ahead. Life is so precious, so you have to take every opportunity that you have to enjoy your life. There are many people who do not take advantage of the opportunities they have in life. They let opportunities pass them up all the time. You should not do the same thing. Those tips above will allow you to have your vacation with your loved ones.

Visit our website to get more affordable getaways ideas for you and your family. By following our advice above, you will be able to have your inexpensive getaways with your family

View the original article here

Budget Travel: Simple Tips to Help You Save Hundreds

Not many people think about saving money on a vacation. For many people, a vacation is a time to splurge, not save. What many people don't realize is that there are a ton of opportunities to save on your vacation. In fact, people don't even think about these opportunities. They just let them pass by.

But what if I told you that you could potentially save hundreds of dollars on your vacation by using some of these tips? Would that change anything for you? I really hope that it does. Just by using a couple of these tips, you'll be able to save hundreds of dollars.

Try taking advantage of unpublished rates. Many hotels will offer unpublished rates on their rooms if they're having trouble filling them. It's common for these unpublished rates to be $30-$40 lower than the regular rates (per night). You won't find these listed on the hotel's website, but you can sometimes find these on price comparison websites. When you're booking your trip, check to see what unpublished rates are available.Plan a Groupon vacation. If you're traveling within the United States and Canada, then Groupon is a very useful tool. Not only will you be able to get the enormous discounts that Groupon is known for offering, you're also able to get different ideas for fun things to do during your vacation.Always use a website that offers a best price guarantee. Websites with best price guarantees will refund the difference if you're able to find lower rates elsewhere. Many of them also give you other rewards in addition to the refund. Be careful though and make sure you read the stipulations that apply.Do a little bit of research on when the best time to visit your destination is. Prices are usually higher when there are a lot of people at the destination. If you can find a time of the year where people don't normally visit you'll be able to avoid the larger crowds as well as benefit from lower rates.If you're trying to save money on airfare, then it might help to be flexible with your vacation days. The prices of airline tickets are somewhat volatile and can differ a fair amount from one day to the next. Try booking your flight during the middle of the week when less people travel. You might be able to save $20-$30 per airline ticket.

But what if you want to save more money? Here's a free 28 page ebook that can help you save even more money on your next vacation. Click here to get your download.

View the original article here

How to Get the Best Possible Online Travel Deal

Over the past decade, price comparison websites have become increasingly popular. They make it very easy for people to compare the prices on different flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities. They help you compare the prices of your different options, and avoid overpaying on different aspects of a vacation.

Many times, these price comparison websites will help you save even more money by taking advantage of unpublished rates. They use their influence to help you get additional discounts that you probably wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

However, you need to use them the right way to save the most money. In this article, I'll go over some of that tactics that you can use to help get the best vacation deal possible.

The Truth About Price Comparison Websites

Like I mentioned before, price comparison websites are great for comparing prices on many different aspects of your vacation. However, there are a couple of things that you need to be aware of.

First, the prices shown on different websites are going to vary, and they're only going to compare the prices that they can find. The price that you might find on one website will be different than the price that you might find on another website. Some websites are simply going to show better results than others.

To make things even more complicated, there's no one website that's going to show you the best deal 100% of the time. The price largely depends on what the website can find, or work out with the hotel/airline its dealing with.

How to Find the Best Deal

If you want to find the best vacation deal possible, then you need to do some research. It's best if you look through a couple of different websites and see what deals they have to offer.

In addition, you should also look for websites that have a "Best Price Guarantee". Websites that guarantee that they're giving the best price will usually refund the different if you're able to find a lower offer somewhere else. Most of the time, you'll also receive additional rewards for finding that lower offer.

However, that situation is rare. Usually the websites with the "Best Price Guarantees" are going to have the lowest prices. They wouldn't feel comfortable offering that guarantee if they didn't.

Another option you have is to look for unpublished rates. Many price comparison websites will actually act as platforms for discounts. Many hotels, for example, will use these price comparison websites to fill extra rooms that they weren't able to sell. By using one of these websites, you'll be able to get large discounts that you wouldn't get to take advantage of normally.

Try Downloading "A Guide to a Cheaper Vacation"

If you're serious about saving money on your vacation, then you might want to check out "A Guide to a Cheaper Vacation". It's completely free to download and it will go much more in depth about getting the lowest possible price. You can download a free copy at the WorldWidely.com homepage.

View the original article here

Getting To Lombok From Bali

The island of Lombok is one of the main constituents of the Lesser Sunda Islands and lies in West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. According to the regional geographical pattern, it is somewhat similar in density and size with the neighboring Bali Island that lies to the west of Lombok. The two are separated by the Lombok Strait. Lombok has a number of smaller islands called the Gilli Islands. Tourism is one of the biggest income earners for Bali and Lombok. Majority of travelers visit Bali-Lombok region to view the different hot spots in the region. Each has something to offer and this generates better and luxurious transport systems.

Transport between Bali-Lombok-Gili Islands is mostly based on sea and air. By air, travelers can go to Lombok International Airport which lies on the south western part of the city of Lombok. It is currently the only international-class operational airport within the region. In Bali, there is the Ngurah Rai International Airport which located near Jimbaran in the southern part of the island which offer air travel to a number of local and international destinations. Daily flights are available from Bali and Lombok. Travelers can also choose a wide variety of airlines services in the spot.

Alternatively, travelers can reach Lombok from Bali through sea transport that is easy to access. The cheapest is via public ferries. The ferries depart from Padang Bai on the eastern part of Bali to Lembar on the western part of Lombok at 2-hours intervals with a 24-hours transport system, carrying goods, passengers and vehicles. The ferries are quite basic and slow, with a time span of between 4-5 hours per trip.

Fast boats are another option under sea transport and operate along Bali to Lombok to Gili Islands. Private fast boat are available for hire at Serangan Harbour and Benoa Harbour in South Bali, and Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali. Those fast boats are equipped with standard safety measures for passengers, making transportation very safe and efficient. Charges are quite expensive when compared with ferries and air transport to Lombok. However, you will reach Lombok and the Gilis within 2 hours.

The region around Bali, Lombok and Gili islands has much to offer. Each transport option should be chosen based on travelers budget. Fast boats with a special offer are considered the best for budget travelers. Travelers can take a sunbath on the boat roof during the trip and get chance to see swimming dolphins.

There are many budget fast boat from Bali to Lombok. One things that travelers should do is examine whether a fast boat have passenger insurance or not. Visit each company website for Bali Gili Islands special offer.

View the original article here

How to Save Money on Travel: Techniques to Save Hundreds

Every year families all over the world make vacation plans. For many, it's a quick weekend getaway to a family resort, while for others it's an international adventure. Thousands of families take vacations that create lifelong memories. But have you ever thought about how many people want to take a vacation, but can't afford it? Or those families that overpay for a vacation, and never know it?

Those are the stories that I'm interested in. I'm passionate about finding affordable ways to travel. What I've discovered is that it's actually pretty simple to shave $500 off of a vacation. In this article I'm going to go over some of the simple things that you can do to save money on your next vacation.

Try planning your vacation through Groupon. I've found that Groupon is a very useful tool for creating the perfect vacation. Not only are you able to get discounts off of the regular price of admission, you're also able to find fun activities that you might not have seen otherwise.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with unpublished rates. Unpublished rates are prices that hotels offer that aren't really promoted. You have to know about them to take advantage of them. You can find unpublished rates by looking through select price comparison websites.
Don't underestimate the importance of timing your vacation. Prices on flights and hotels will fluctuate greatly depending on the season. A vacation during one month of the year may be a lot cheaper than a vacation during a different time of the year.
Make sure to get off the beaten track. Don't visit a destination and do the same things that thousands of other people have done. Places that are heavily visited by tourists are usually a lot more expensive. When you're taking your vacation, you want to be creative. Find (safe) places that other travelers don't usually think about visiting.
Figure out how expensive the destination is. If you still haven't found a destination, then try to pick something that's a little closer to home. Not every vacation needs to be a cross-country adventure. Some of my most memorable trips have been inside my own state. See what attractions are close to your home and plan a weekend around them.
Make time to do nothing. To me, the worst vacations are the ones where everything is planned out to the millisecond. By relaxing and creating downtime, you're not only getting a break, you're also saving money in the process.

But where can you find the best vacation deals? Finding the best deals on flights and hotels can save you a ton of money. WorldWidely.com has an article that helps you find the best websites to do that. Click here to check it out.

View the original article here

Pakse - Champasak - 4000 Islands by Bus or Boat

There are plenty of transport options available from Pakse heading south to Champasak and the 4000 Islands. Most tourists will arrive on the overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane or by flight to Pakse.

If one is arriving from Vientiane by overnight sleeper bus you will find yourself in one of two bus stations depending on which bus company you use. Freedom Pass works with Chitparsong Bus company rather than Kieng Kai or Sengchaleun. Their bus station is near the river and only around a 100m from the centre of town. With this in mind if your final destination is Pakse you will not need to get on one of the tuk tuks waiting at the bus station. If you are arriving on the morning flight from Vientiane with prior arrangement Xplore-Laos can arrange a pick up and transfer to the minivan departing south to the 4000 Islands.

If you are travelling on our southern pass there will be a representative minivan from Xplore-Laos to meet you. From the bus station you will be transferred to the Xplore-Laos office in Pakse where you will have a chance to relax before you continue your departure. For those of you not travelling on the same day. Your onward departure will still be from the Xplore-Laos office in Pakse (just turn up 30 minutes before your scheduled departure). Normal departures south leave by Minivan at 8:00am. There are several possible routes available when heading south.

1). Pakse - Champasak by boat

Departing from the pier at around 8:30am the boat to Champasak has effectively become a tourist boat as with the development of the road locals do not use the river much any more. The distance is around 35km and it takes around 1 hour and a half down stream this all of course depends on the time of year. At the height of the rainy season the time could take under an hour. It is a nice scenic way to get to Champasak. You can spend the day at Wat Phu and then either spend one night in Champasak or even come back in the afternoon by boat or by car to Pakse.

2). Pakse - Champasak by minivan

Departing at 08:00am you will travel with the clients travelling down to the 4000 Islands the distance by road is also around 35km the turn off is at km 30 on the Route 13 and then it is another 4 km to Ban Muang this is the ferry port on the other side of the Mekong river to Champasak. You will need to cross the river by boat to arrive in the town of Champasak. Doing the trip this way you will probably arrive also at around the same time of 09:00 - 09:30am.

For those of you departing from Champasak in the morning the minivan will be waiting at the pier so you will have to cross over the Mekong by yourself and wait where they dropped you off the day before!!. Again with the Freedom Pass all you do is book this sector online! Alternatively tickets from Pakse - Champasak - the 4000 Islands can be bought at the Xplore-Laos office in Pakse.

3). Pakse - Don Khong / Don Det / Don Khone

After a short detour to drop off / pick up clients in Ban Muang your minivan will head directly to Don Khong from Pakse the distance is 128 Km the road is all in good condition and paved. Normal arrival time would be around 10:00 in Hat Xai Khun. Hat Xai Khun is again the ferry port opposite Don Khong and a short 5 minute boat ride will bring you to the largest of the 4000 Islands Don Khong! The turn off from route 13 to the Hat Xai Khun is around 800m.

The next stop is Nakasang this is the ferry point for the boats to Don Det / Don Khone. It is around 20 km from Hat Xai Khun to Nakasang back south along route 13. Once you have made the turn off it is 3km from the turn off to Nakasang. Normally the minivan arrives in Nakasang around 11:00am. The ferry crossing takes around 20 minutes to Don Det and a little longer to Don Khone. The boat service is run by the village and can sometimes get a little unorganized leading to un-necessary delays.

The minivan then waits at the drop off point before returning to Pakse at 12pm arriving back at Pakse at around 14:30 if their are customers departing to Champasak or to be picked up a quick stop will be made to drop of / pick up customers at Ban Muang Pier.

For more information or to buy Passes contact Freedom Pass Asia or Xplore-Laos

View the original article here

Best Hostel Websites

Finding a place to stay abroad as a budget traveler can be a very frustrating process. While Vicky and I plan to turn to couch surfers as our main source, you can't guarantee that someone will be available, no matter how many people you mail or how much notice you give. In most cases, the next step will be to turn to a hostel or an apartment share. Where then, are the best websites to go about this, and how do they stack up against each other?

Let's start by considering some of the top hostel websites and see how they handle a fabricated request.

The websites we're going to review are regarded as some of the best in their industry:

HostelWorld
HostelBookers
Hostels
Hostelz
The (fake) Request

Location: Berlin, Germany
Dates: Sept 6th - Sept 9th 2012
Guests: 2

HostelWorld

Results: 167

Lowest Total Price: $46.89 ***after $2 booking fee*** (Ranked 3 in returned results)

When you sort by price it displays the lowest per guest/per night price for all options covering the days you asked. One thing to be careful of is the first night may often be cheaper than say, the second or third, so that it ranks higher in the search engines. For example, the first two hostels that came up were actually $50 MORE EXPENSIVE than what I found by trying a few more farther down...

TIP: If you sign up for Nomadic Matt's Newsletter you can get the gold card for free which allows for 6 months of no booking fee.

Functionality: There's a lot about the functionality that I really liked. First, the search filters allow you to select which features you want, which is clutch if you need a place with internet, for example. Moreover, the map view functionality is extremely helpful if you're looking for certain areas or distances to public transportation. Berlin is a big city and this gets right to the point. In general, review metrics are nice but I don't pay too much attention to anything outside of the overall, unless something stands out as being particularly bad (like cleanliness). Lastly, when you click on a place to view its information, it has some nice summary tables highlighting the features, rates (including days before and after your possible selection) and map in a clear and coherent manner.

HostelBookers

Results: 113

Lowest Total Price: $42.72 ***NO booking fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

It's important to call out a few things here. The first is that the hostel I found here is the same as what I found on HostelWorld, but it was $4 cheaper (that's 10%). The second is that there is no booking fee, which, if you travel a lot, honestly could result in hundreds of dollars saved. Lastly, while with HostelWorld I had some issues in that I felt the price displayed was somewhat misleading (it only represented the cheapest night which was often 50% lower than subsequent nights), I did not run into this problem with HostelBookers. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, I'm just saying I found this site to be more consistent. This is why what ranked #1 in their search results only ranked 3 in HostelWorld, because in HostelWorld, the first two slots were occupied by hostels that had very cheap nights but expensive subsequent nights (resulting in double the overall price).

Functionality: This site and HostelWorld have pretty similar functionality with some minor differences. The first that I liked about HostelBookers is the ability to not only sort by price but by whether or not that price was a shared room or a private room as I can definitely see that being a major decision by someone. The second is that they had some nice extras about the hostel called out that I didn't see in HostelWorld, such as the check in/out time, purchasable extras, and what's included. Outside of that I found everything to be pretty much the same.

Hostels

Results: 163

Lowest Total Price: $46.89 ***after $2 booking fee*** (Ranked 3 in returned results)

This essentially returned the same results as hostel world, and as a result also had the same "issues" with pricing. There is a booking fee as well.

TIP: Register for monthly money saving offers from Hostels.com and pay no more booking fees.

Functionality: In terms of pricing and results this site is very similar to HostelWorld but frankly hasn't come as far a way in its functionality. It's missing some really key search filters (features for example). Lastly, it doesn't have quite as many extras as the aforementioned websites.

Hostelz

Results: 100+ (Didn't call out specifically)

Lowest Total Price: $42.72 ***NO booking fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

Hostelz actually combines search results from Hostel World, HostelBookers, Hostel Club, Student Universe and shows you the price of booking on each. You can literally see, for example, that HostelWorld charges more for the same place. By booking through HostelBookers you got the best deal. It's a cool way to right off the bat get a comparison of them both.

Functionality: Slightly less appealing to use because it includes some of the extras in the description instead of calling them out separately like HostelBookers and HostelWorld. That said, I give it credit for comparing reviews and prices on the websites that it includes (HostelWorld, HostelBookers, HostelClub, Student Universe)

Recommendation: Hostel Booker

Although HostelBooker returned significantly less results than some of the other websites, I still prefer this one for several reasons.

Overall better deal and more upfront about the prices. With Hostel World if you didn't do you research properly you could end up spending not just 10% more but 100% more.

It's important to note that this was only one case studies and results may vary. Given enough time, I would probably check several of these websites to really make sure I was getting the best deal, but I think Hostel Booker is my first choice going forward.

Dave Schneider runs a travel blog at
http://www.acoupletravelers.com/ which specializes in providing budget travel tips to readers.

View the original article here

South Rim Bus Tours Give You a Terrific Way to See the Grand Canyon

The fabulous Grand Canyon, located in the scenic American Southwest, is known for delivering a terrific experience to travelers of all ages. But canyon visitors who take a South Rim bus tour out of Las Vegas have an especially good time. These motor coach trips are affordable and comfortable, and they're packed with so much value that you'll want to bring your family or entire traveling party.

Modern motor coaches are luxurious and comfortable, with recliner-style seating and individual climate controls for each passenger - a great amenity in the summer, when the desert heat soars over one-hundred degrees. The tinted, oversized windows each have a blind that can be rolled down to any length.

South Rim bus tours usually head out of Las Vegas around seven a.m. Boulder City (where gaming is banned) is the first town along the way. After passing through a valley with Lake Mead in its center, you'll ride through Black Canyon and over the new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Almost every bus trip will stop on the bridge's Arizona side to give you a chance to photograph the dam.

Your first break is Kingman, Arizona, but you'll have plenty of others. Renowned Route 66 is near, but you won't see it unless you stray off the beaten path. From Kingman you'll ride to Williams, Arizona - the home of the Grand Canyon Railroad. The final sixty miles of your ride passes through the high desert of the Kaibab Plateau.

Covering more than a million acres, Grand Canyon National Park has staggering proportions. The canyon itself is almost 300 miles long, a mile deep and about ten miles wide. The mighty Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon and still snakes its way along the canyon floor.

The hub of the canyon's South Rim is Grand Canyon Village, a historic place full of beautiful old turn-of-the-last-century stone buildings. Most of these buildings, including Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar Hotel, are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Grand Canyon Village is colorful and historic, but the views are what make the South Rim such a popular tourist destination. Hopi Point, Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Yaki Point are the South Rim's top lookout points, but Mather Point is the most famous as well as the busiest lookout. This particular feature lets you step onto a rocky outcropping to look into the great abyss. You should also go to Hopi Point, but make sure you spend a few minutes on the "Walk of Time" (the Rim Top Trail).

You'll have a great time during your South Rim motor coach trip if you're a souvenir hunter. Grand Canyon Village has some terrific gift shops, but some of the best are Kolb Studio, Verkamp's and the shop inside Bright Angel Lodge. If you're looking for authentic Native American handicrafts, you won't do better than the Hopi House.

South Rim motor coach trips include almost everything you'll need - complementary hotel pickup and drop-off at all hotels on the Vegas Strip, continental breakfast with coffee, a box lunch and a professional tour guide. Because South Rim bus tours last all day, I recommend bringing some snacks and wearing comfortable clothes.

You'll find the best prices for these motor coach trips online. Don't bother with websites like Hotwire or Priceline; instead, go straight to the tour operator's website. Recently, I've been able to book South Rim bus tours at up to a twenty percent discount. Buying your tickets on the website is the only requirement to qualify for the discount.

Travel writer Ione Mahler is an EzineArticles expert writer on Grand Canyon National Park. When it comes to canyon bus tours, she strongly recommends that readers visit this website: http://grandcanyonbustours.org/coupons.html

View the original article here

Grand Canyon Bus Tours Can Add an Exciting Twist to Your Vegas Vacation

An excursion to the Grand Canyon is an exciting twist on any Las Vegas vacation, and bus tours give you a great way to experience this glorious region. More than five million people are drawn to the National Park annually, and many of them don't like to fly or are on a limited budget. Fortunately, these travelers can take one of the many coach trips that are available.

The fabulous Vegas Strip is the starting point for most Grand Canyon motor coach tours. Typically, they offer complimentary pickup and drop-off service for passengers staying at the Vegas Strip hotels. This is a terrific perk, because traffic can get nasty in Vegas and letting someone else drive can prevent a lot of stress. Don't worry if your hotel isn't on the Strip - you can always take a cab to the designated pickup spot.

You'll see some amazing sights during your Grand Canyon motor coach tour. The closest rim to Las Vegas is the West Rim, about 120 miles away. There you'll have wonderful views of the Colorado River, Eagle Point and Guano Point, among other highlights. The Grand Canyon Skywalk (the "Glass Bridge") is also at the West Rim and gives canyon visitors the opportunity to walk 70 feet out beyond the rim. If you want to experience this unique thrill, add a Skywalk pass to your tour package. You'll save money by including your pass in your tour instead of buying it after you arrive at the park.

Grand Canyon coaches can also take you to the South Rim, more than 275 miles from Vegas. The drive takes 5 ½ hours each way, but it's time well spent. You'll see the same views of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead that you'd see on a West Rim tour, but then you'll head off to the Kaibab Plateau of Northern Arizona. After you reach the park, you'll see Grand Canyon Village (the location of El Tovar Hotel and the Bright Angel Lodge) along with several key lookouts like Mather Point.

Personally, I think one of the best things about Grand Canyon bus tours is that they're all-inclusive - they include everything you'll need to truly enjoy the experience. In addition to the Strip hotel pickup and drop-off service I mentioned earlier, your bus tour will include lunch. If you'd rather eat at one of the West or South Rim restaurants or snack bars, the prices are reasonable.

Your tour will last all day, no matter which rim you visit. The drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim takes 2 ½ hours. To the South Rim, the drive is 5 ½ hours and you won't get back to the Strip until 9:00 p.m. Don't make any show or dinner reservations for that evening. You'll be too tired to do much even if you get back in time. Believe me - you'll sleep like a rock after this trip!

Grand Canyon coaches give you a great way to see the canyon with your friends and family. Choppers only seat 6, and airplanes 19, but you probably won't know everyone on the aircraft. Grand Canyon coaches are different - they can handle large groups of people traveling together. They're comfortable, too. These are deluxe motor coaches with reclining seats, personal climate controls, plasma televisions, food trays and an onboard restroom. If that sounds good, I'll see you on the drive from Vegas to the canyon, because bus tours are the way to go!

Grand Canyon tours are travel reviewer Ione Mahler's area of expertise. So when it involves canyon bus tours, she highly recommends this website: http://www.grandcanyonbustours.org/

View the original article here

Best Time to Visit Agra

Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is famous for The Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Apart from Taj mahal, the place which is rich in culture, history and heritage offers other places as well. Some of the famous places that Agra offers are the Agra fort, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and many more.

The best time to visit Agra is during the months of November to march as the weather of India becomes very pleasant and if this is the time of visit then one can enjoy to the full. This is the time when one can escape the scorching heat of the city. And also the weather is at its best during this time. This time period apart from the pleasant weather offers a lot of festivals as this time many festivals coincide. The festive season includes the Taj Mahotsav which is the 10 day long famous festival celebrated during the month of February each year. This festival presents a variety of arts, crafts and cultural activities including classical dance performances and other events. A visit to this fair is a must for the art, craft and culture admirers. Shilpgram is the crafts village which is chosen as the site for the fair. The festival welcomes spring with zeal and a fiesta of Indian cuisines, exhibition of arts and crafts and many more. The 'Mela' which means the fair lures the tourists to visit the city during this time. The food festival has its own charm. The Taj mahotsav showcases the rich heritage of India.

Apart from the huge Taj Mahotsav, there are other festivals too which are celebrated throughout the city. Ram Barat, Kailash Fair and Bateshwar Fair are the other major eye grabbing festivals. Bateshwar is a city very near to Agra which includes around 108 temples and the Bateshwar fair is conducted during the months of October and November in honour of lord Shiva. And during this time thousand of devotees visit the place and also take holy dips in river Yamuna.

Ram barat is a three day festival, in which the city is totally decorated as a bride. 'Barat' is marriage procession and ram barat is the marriage procession of lord Rama. The barat leaves from the Mankameshwar temple and the procession leads towards Janakpuri which is said to be the place where Sita, daughter of king Janak, used to live before marriage. During the procession a huge crowd gathers in the two side of the road to see the decoration of the barat. Thousands of people visit the venue to attend the fair and the royal wedding of the divine deities. The last day of the festival conducts the 'Vidaai' where after taking the blessings of all lord Ram takes away goddess Sita. The decoration is the actual attraction of the people.

So, the best time to visit Agra are the months where one can admire the beauty of the white marble symbol of love as well as enjoy the festivals.

Great discount offer on travel Delhi and Visit Agra booking. Limited time offer.

View the original article here

Ferries To France From Dover - A Recent History

There are many ways to get to France from England, you can use the tunnel (either by rail or in your own car), fly, go by hovercraft or take a ferry. Ferries sail from numerous places to the North of France, but as someone who has spent the last 12 years going between England and France, my preferred method is the ferries to France from Dover. Even over the 12 years that I have been doing this, things have changed a lot, so let us have a look at the recent history of ferries to France.

The shortest ferry route from England to France is Dover to Calais, which is served by P&O and also, since 2012, DFDS Seaways who have acquired the route in addition to their famous Dover Dunkirk route.

Until early 2012 SeaFrance also operated a Dover Calais service, but the company went into liquidation in January 2012. There were many attempts to save SeaFrance, since the company was put into receivership in November 2010 and managed to make a loss of a staggering €240,000,000. None of these attempts worked and SeaFrance are no longer in existence. SeaFrance operated with a fleet of four ships, SeaFrance Rodin, SeaFrance Berlioz, SeaFrance Nord Pas-de-Calais and the SeaFrance Molière. After the collapse of the company in 2012 the SeaFrance Rodin and SeaFrance Berlioz were docked in Calais, and SeaFrance Molière and SeaFrance Nord Pas-de-Calais we docked in Dunkirk.

On 11 June 2012 a bid by Eurotunnel was accepted for the acquisition of three of the ships from the SeaFrance fleet. It is believed that the company that operate the Channel Tunnel obtained these three ships so that they could be leased by another operator. Having travelled on the DFDS Dover Calais route in June 2012, I am almost certain that the 'new' ship DFDS has, is actually the SeaFrance Molière which is now called The Norman Spirit. So I can only presume that the other three ships will be operated by P&O, being leased from Eurotunnel. I don't know these facts for certain, so if anyone knows anything different please get in touch and I will update this article.

SeaFrance wasn't the only cross channel ferry company to go bust in recent years, I used to always use the service provided by Speedferries, who ceased to operate in 2008. Speedferries had just one vessel, called SpeedOne which operated between Dover and Boulogne Sur Mer. This was an ex Royal Australian Navy vessel, originally launched in 1997, which was acquired by Speedferries in 2004 and used until their demise in 2008. SpeedOne was a catamaran, which was capable of an impressive 48 knots or 55 mph. SpeedOne operated on this Dover Boulogne route until the vessel was impounded, by the French authorities at the end of 2008, as the company had failed to pay taxes. SpeedFerries was placed into administration shortly after. Speedferries are no more, but SpeedOne still continues to service the Guernsey St Malo and the Jersey St Malo routes for Condor Ferries. The vessel is now known as the Condor Rapide.

So what are your choices now for ferries from Dover to France? Well at the moment it is just between P&O and DFDS. On the Dover to Calais route P&O do have more sailings each day, but DFDS tend to be cheaper. My own personal preference is to use the less hectic, more luxurious and cheapest route which is the DFDS Dover Dunkirk route. My normal route, once in France, is to head South either towards The Alps or South West towards the Pyrenees and Spain. Either way the first autoroute I am looking for is the A26, which you can either pick up at Dunkirk, or you can get a feel for driving on the right by 'cutting the corner off' and joining the autoroute at junction 3. If you look on a map you will see what I mean, you go through some very strange named places like Watten and Tatinghem. To be honest though it is probably just as quick to jump on the autoroute at Dunkirk and a lot easier at night for certain.

I've written this article in the summer of 2012 and, as you can imagine things are always changing with the ferry business in the English Channel. The Channel is the World's busiest seaway, with over 500 ships per day using it. As the UK's main connection with the rest of Europe this has always been and will always be big business for ferry companies and all the related industries. I still find it amazing that you can take a car, or even a motorhome with five people onboard, over to France for less than the cost of a restaurant meal for two.

I believe that travelling in Europe, taking your time and absorbing local cultures and traditions is one of the best things you can do. If you live in the UK, don't ever feel that you are a long way away from your European neighbours, you really are not. From Dover you can be in very much in rural France or Belgium in about two hours and at the moment this can be done very cheaply. Travel safely and enjoy.

Rick Lomas spends most of his time in France, Spain and England and has done so for the past 12 years. A consequence of this is that he has taken many ferries from Dover to France and is knowledgeable about the services available. As a consequence of this he is a major contributor to a site about cross channel ferries that you can find at http://www.cheapferrytofrance.com/ where you can find useful information as well as a free guide to 'Driving in Europe'.

View the original article here

Study Languages Abroad on the Cheap

If you are in any way interested in learning a language abroad you need to read this article before you pay for a class. This method is not for everyone, but if you are the type of person that dreads sitting in a classroom for hours, or you learn better through practice than book study you will want to pay very close attention. The biggest benefit of attending a language school abroad for the casual language learner is the fact that you are immersed in the language and the culture. If you think about it you can do this all by yourself as long as you have the motivation and the will to actually study and practice instead of reverting to your native language. As we all know, nothing in life is completely free, (you still have to get there), but with this method and the things I'm about to introduce you to will help to greatly cut your costs and up your experience.

Getting There

Though you won't be paying for a language school you still need to get to your destination and flights can be quite expensive these days. You need to be aggressive, flexible, and patient in your airfare search in order to get the best price for you. I have found Wednesday to be the best day of the week to fly though 9 times out of 10 you will find your cheapest fares any day Tuesday through Thursday. Another little trick is to search the same flights at different times of the day. The same flight that cost eight hundred dollars at two in the afternoon may be found for half the price at two in the morning. Try interchanging nearby cities and with no set date to start a language course you can be quite flexible in your dates as well. Here's an example for you: I wanted a flight to Europe, (preferably Italy), but I did not want to spend very much money at all (I'm a real bargain hunter). Flight search number one turned up fares from eight hundred up into the thousands of dollars. Flight search number two turned up results in the five to six hundred range. Flight search number three turned up airfares higher than the first two results. With aggressive searching and interchanging my cities and dates I eventually found a flight for $397 round trip from Newark, NJ to Geneva, Switzerland. As you can imagine I was extremely happy with that and began to plan the rest of my five weeks in Europe.

Where to Stay

I will say that I was in a bit of a unique situation when it comes to accommodation, but I'm sure you can tailor some of this to your own needs. I managed to save quite a bit by combining staying with friends, couchsurfing, hostels, and one random stay of eight days with a newly found friend (more about that another time). I must emphasize that staying with friends or strangers should never be looked upon as a free ride and you should be willing to share your culture and indulge in theirs. When using services such as Couchsurfing, or renting a room from a local, you need to do as much research as possible before you walk through a strangers' door. Check out any references they may have, start a conversation with them well before you go, and talk to other travelers that have stayed with them. For the purpose of practicing your chosen language you should also try to find families or hosts that are willing to help you out with a language exchange. Most cities on Couchsurfing have a language exchange group or night scheduled into their activities. If you have plenty of time to be away you may want to look at being an Au Pair or mothers' helper. A lot of families want someone to help their child with English language skills and in return you get accommodation, a small salary, and a chance to be immersed in the day-to-day family life of your chosen country. On some occasions you may receive help with your travel expenses or have them taken care of completely. Taking on an Au pair job is a great way to learn and give back as well.

What Now?

Congratulations! You found a great price on a flight, arranged your accommodation to suit your budget and now you're sitting back with your feet up wondering what to do next. What you do next is completely up to you and your own personal style. If you haven't booked accommodation with the thought of language exchange in mind you can approach it from many different angles. You can set up language exchange dates with local students, or arrange a meeting with a partner from an online language exchange site like mylanguageexchange.com or conversationexchange.com. Practice every chance you get... at the supermarket, the local bar or cafe, to strangers on the street, or the receptionist at your hostel.

Whichever way you choose to study be sure to make the most of your time and above all have fun. You will come out of this experience with more than just a deeper understanding of the language you are studying. A lifetime of memories will follow you everywhere you go from here.

Visit Love 4 Language for more language study abroad information.

View the original article here