I have always believed that travel is affordable. “Where there is a will there is a way”
If you have the desire to travel you will find a way to have enough money to do so, whether it is in a compact car hauling a tent (our early travels) or if it is flying off first class to the French Riviera (I wish).
Having always been a budget traveler, you will find many of my tips throughout “In My Head, Of My Heart” and “Global Grandma It is Better to go Global than Postal.”
This summer the affordability of travel seems to be a challenge. With both gasoline prices and jet fuel sky rocketing travel will not be as reasonably priced as in previous years. Consequently we must be more resourceful and may need to do a bit more research than normal. Plus we may need to exercise some creativity with our options.
My suggestions are to subscribe to every travel web site as possible that features current travel deals (Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, Travelzoo, Dunhill Vacations.) Also subscribe to every airline and tour operators news letter that services the destination in which you plan to visit. Consider travel packages that include meals, tours and airfare, bundling options often reduces costs.
After booking at trip visit advice web sites and read community forums (Trip Advisor, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Rick Steves, Virtual Tourist) for other traveler’s recommendations for free and low cost activities in the area you wish to visit.
Be flexible with your planned destination; if you find a better deal to a different destination consider it. Be flexible with departure dates and gateways. Also consider “shoulder seasons” to travel when rates are considerably lower than during “high” season.
My absolute very best advice is to spend time on RESEARCH, knowledge is power. Time spent on research is money in your pocket.
Take the challenge…find a trip that is right for you at a price that is right also!