Sunday, March 18, 2012

Nontraditional Ways To Save On Travel Costs

Được đăng bởi Travel - Leisure
By George Talbert


Usually, when people go on vacation, they enjoy all the amenities of the popular tourist destination they visit - the food, the hotel reservation, the attractions, the activities - and return home via car or plane with a camera full of memories and stories to tell the folks back home. Don't misconstrue this as something to avoid. And for some, maybe even twice a year.

However, you may want to try something different for a change and get away from the usual crowded tourist spots. If you research your options, you'll be surprised to know that there are many alternative vacation spots to explore and different ways to enjoy your vacation. And, most of these excursions are less expensive than the accustomed trip.

The first tip would be to swap with another family's home while on vacation - or staycation. This is particularly feasible if you live in a tourist destination. Search on line and newspapers for people willing to do this. Details are easily worked out via email or phone and often no money changes hands If a trade can't be worked out offer to rent the property. Look for your best option and do your research.

Instead of reserving your lodging at a hotel, you can drop by a Bed and Breakfast and enjoy a full breakfast each day you stay at the place. Prices will vary, you may have to share a bath and a deposit will probably be required. Many people say this is the only way to travel and savor the culture.

Travelers 55 and above can get great discounts by reserving at elderhostels. Nearly 100 countries and all 50 states have at least one elderhostel - all in all about 8,000 worldwide. For a very low cost, travelers 55 and up can get together and exchange valuable ideas and learn new things through educational tours offered at elderhostels. Once again, prices may vary. You get to deal with tour guides and teachers who are well-versed with the culture of the country or state they're from.

Try volunteering while on vacation. If you enjoy helping out in the community, you can do volunteer work while traveling at the same time. Most of the time you travel in groups making discounts easier to obtain.

At home and abroad you spend time volunteering on various projects such as rebuilding homes in New Orleans or planting trees in the Amazon jungle. Still, the opportunities for fun and adventure are many. Organizations such as the Red Cross and United Way will fill you in with more.

Instead of reserving at a hotel, how about traveling on your RV? This may not be too feasible due to the increase in gas prices, but more and more younger people are opting for RVs, which were once considered as solely for senior citizens.

The larger the family and the longer the trip the more you can save by foregoing hotels and preparing your own meals in the RV or at the camp site. The work you do can offset the gas cost. You can visit a car rental to rent an RV if you can't buy one for yourself.

A lot of us need some time to reflect and meditate - you may want to rent a room at a monastery or attend a spiritual retreat in this case. Most are inexpensive, some only require a donation. You may also be asked to participate in some of their activities and help with chores but it's not necessary to share their beliefs. Experience the quiet amid beautiful settings. Hotel reservations are well and good, but there are many other things to do to save money. So give these nontraditional vacation options a chance and you just might enjoy yourself.




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