How I travel On A Budget
/I always get a lot of questions as to how I travel the way I do, try all the foods I do, and still have a positive bank account. I wanted to write this blog entry to give you all a little more insight on how it can be done, and what tips to know that may help you for your next trip. Please take into consideration these are just a few of the basics. Feel free to contact me on my social networks and in my email if you have any additional questions.
1. Booking your flight
I usually try to book my flights about 2-3 months in advance. There have been a couple of times where I just got the luck of the Irish (Dominican) and got it a month before, with a kick ass price. Another thing to be mindful of the cookies in your computer or phones. Technology is getting smarter than we think. Every time you visit a site, and search the same flight for the same day, the company now knows you will probably pay any price to go to this location. So this means you have to outsmart them, clean your cookies out from anything with shared WiFi, ask a friend in a different state to search it for you, or simply book right when you think you see a good deal. Side note, make sure you are reading baggage fees of the airlines you are searching as well, sometimes you end up paying more just to get the bags on. My favorite site to use is www.gogle.com/flights they give you all the airlines, and detailed days and prices.
2. Where will you stay?
Ideally when you travel your best bet is to scroll through your contacts, and see if you may have any old friends who live in the city. Crash in their guest room or on a couch. If you are a true traveler you will not be spending too much time in your sleeping space. Another good thing to look into are friends or family members whom may have discounts for hotels. My way is the infamous Airbnb.com it is the BEST. You go on a website where people either rent you a room in their house, or their whole house. Now depending on how private you are or how many people are traveling, will probably determine how much you will be paying. I usually pay between $30-$50 per night for a room, and I can use everything in their house and usually have my own bathroom. I do not stay in hole in the wall looking places, or with straight creepy people. Like anything else that you buy on the internet, they have reviews and ratings. I recommend to never stay with anyone who is always canceling on their guests, also only stay with people who have 40+ reviews, and 4.5 stars or more. You need people to be able to vouch for them.
3. How will you get around?
Some people are strictly car rental or no go. And that is okay, lots of car rental companies are affordable and worth it. If you are under 25, it may be a little more but nothing too expensive if you are splitting it up with some friends. I usually go the route of good ol' fashion feet and public transportation. My favorites are always walking, bus and Uber. I don't do taxis because they are usually overpriced. If you have Uber send out your promo code to different people in your email and social networks. From your Uber code they get a free ride, and you do too. If you can accumulate at least 5-6 people to sign up and use your code those are a few free rides already. Also if you are taking buses or trains, look into weekly passes. Sometimes it's better to pay $30 for the time you will be there and ride as many times as you'd like. Do not underestimate a bike either, good exercise and inexpensive transportation are able to go hand in hand.
3. What will you do in the city?
The internet and locals will be your best friends for this. If you are not an amicable person, then lean more towards the internet and visa-versa. I am (for the most part) internet savvy, and super good with people. From your plane ride to your location ask people what they know of the city their recommendations on favorites and live places. Apps like Tinder, Instagram and Twitter, to articles on the city will all be helpful. Once you settle into your hotel, or Air bnb continue to ask around, what do the locals do? Where is the party located? I am big on pre planning my trip outings. 50% are places I already had anticipated to visit, the other 50% are just places I walked into, or someone told me about while there.
5. Where's the free Sh**?
If you have been following my blog for a while, you know I always manage to find something free somewhere to enjoy. Some places do free concerts, or galleries, or winery's and distilleries. It is all about finding out what is up in the city you will be visiting. You have to view different websites of the places you'd like to visit. See if they hold events on certain days and times so you can free your schedule for that day and fit that activity in. Same thing with inexpensive things, I am a huge budget Betty. I love to save some money and have a kick ass time, sometimes the hole in the wall food places have the best food. Obviously if the Chef is scratching his ass, and fixing my French toast I just may reconsider.
I hope this helped some of you out if even just a little. Like told up top I basically covered the basics that I am always being asked on. If you are wanting to know anything else in detail, please feel free to email me or hit my social network sites up. All my contact info in at the tab up top where it says "contact". I want to thank you all for continuing your support towards me. I look forward to always hearing feedback. If I could hug all of you that show me love towrds my craft, believe me I WOULD. Remember to always "Love and allow to be loved" Wm.