Budget Travel
March 1, 2010
We all would love to travel given an opportunity, with an unending supply of money, without a care in the world for anyone’s feelings or responsibilities. Unfortunately, not all of us have been entitled to this kind of luxury and good fortune.
Earning a decent income, fulfilling the basic requirements, managing a family takes a toll from the one source of income. Saving from that income to go for a luxurious vacation is unimaginable. But the desire to go for a holiday still lingers and that has given rise to alternate means of traveling.
Budget travel to Europe has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. While budget travel to India too has its charm but most international visitors tend to be skeptical. Backpacking is also an alternate way to travel if you have an adventurous bone in your body.
A lot of budget travel magazines offer a variety of destinations with exciting offers. Budget airlines, budget hotels and budget travel online websites surely lure a lot of stressed customers but the key is to find the right one.
Many people get cheated each year when they land at the destination and find out that things are not what it seems to be. What was shown in the brochure was not a reality and at times it is impossible to get a refund of the money.
Budget Travel Tips
1) Find out the background of the tour operator and their operation procedure.
2) Check with reviews online about the company and the number of happy customers.
3) Read about the destination that you wish to travel. If the package tour operator is taking you off season at a low price, understand what the reasons are. Most of the time, they plan winter packages which is not always a feasible option. You could be stranded at the airport due to bad weather and will lose out on days of the tour.
4) Always have a backup option if the tour operator has decided to call it quits. Surviving in a new city with strangers and not speaking the language can be difficult. Running out of money or political events can also pose a grave danger especially if you are traveling alone or accompanied with children.
5) Compare the prices and benefits of every budget holiday plan that a tour operator offers.
6) You may not always require a tour package to enjoy a budget holiday. You can use their facilities to get the visa done and book your flight but the hotel stay and sightseeing can be done on your own. For that a little bit of time should be taken to research and gather relevant information.
We all want to take a break from our mundane, hectic life but selecting the right means to enjoy the vacation within a limited budget is most crucial. A holiday should not be a nightmare but a journey to be cherished and shared with your loved ones.
©Nayna, 2007-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Planning A Road Trip
February 6, 2009
Road trip is a quaint way to explore your adventurous side. It is affordable, flexible, stress-free and leaves in you in-charge of your dreams and pleasures. Sounds divine doesn’t it? It truly is but you need to do a little bit of planning so that you don’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere, where your cell phone doesn’t get any network.
Personally, I enjoy road trips and add it to my chores list. If I don’t, I can never get away from the daily drag and seek out new thrills. So what do you need for a road trip? A good running car and a road map. If you have a GPS system in your car then you don’t need anything else, other than gas money.
Road Trip Essentials:
1) Decide whether you want to travel alone or want some friends along. Having someone along is relaxing as he or she can drive while you rest.
2) If you plan to go alone then make sure you have a list of all the motels, highway inns and hotels on the way so you can stop and rest for the night. Driving alone at night is not the best way to enjoy a road trip.
3) If you plan to go across states then make sure you have the necessary paperwork.
4) Carry plenty of snacks, energy bars and juices. You can refill as you go along.
5) Make sure you have a duplicate set of keys of the car. Very often people lock the car leaving the keys inside. To avoid such a hassle, keep an extra set in your jacket or purse.
6) Carry a first-aid kit and keep fire extinguisher handy.
7) You can throw in some blankets and pillows in case you are required to sleep in the car.
8) Avoid picking up hitchhikers. I am sure you don’t need to be warned about them.
9) Make sure you drive within the speed limit and not go overboard with deserted highways.
10) Stay in your lane and avoid taking unnecessary risk of overtaking on freeways and mountainous terrains. If you plan your trip in the monsoons or icy winters then be wary of your speed as roads tend to get slippery.
11) Avoid talking on the cell phone, listening to loud music and drinking alcohol while driving.
12) Make sure you inform your friends and family of your road trip and the pit stops that you will be encountering during your journey.
13) Avoid giving away too much personal information or getting involved with strangers.
14) Free your mind and experience the luxury of simple living.
Road trips are the best way to see the scenic side of the world. It is most economical way to travel without the hassle of booking agents and fixed itinerary. But some precautions should be taken to make the road trip memorable.
©Nayna, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Suvarn Bhoomi, Thailand
October 7, 2008
The new international airport Suvarn Bhoomi in Thailand captivates every onlooker. Read its details on our previous post Samudra Manthan, Thailand.
