Monday, May 15, 2006

Budget Travel - 11 Backpacking Tips

11 Tips For Hassle-free & Safe Backpacking Trips

One of the best option for a fulfilling and exciting budget travel is camping and backpacking. Hiking at one of the national parks or the wilderness of a state park is a fantastic way to get in touch with nature and your friends or family.

Budget travel such as backpacking takes very little to get started. Your backpacking budget travel checklist - quality backpack, a top quality tent and maybe a camp stove or other similar appliance. Here are some budget travel tips for backpackers.

Budget Travel Tip #1- Invest in a good quality hiking map. When estimating the time it will take to hike to your destination, always overestimate.

Budget Travel Tip #2 - Obtain all necessary permits, and reserve the campsite you want, in advance of your budget travel.

Budget Travel Tip #3 - Adhere to local regulations on campfires, smoking, cleanup, etc. to avoid paying fines.

Budget Travel Tip #4 - Do your reserach on the weather patterns of the area and be prepared for the worst weather.

Budget Travel Tip #5 - Pack clothing that allows you to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature or weather.

Budget Travel Tip #6 - Learn how to operate your backpacking equipment before you travel. Try setting up your tent at least once at home.

Budget Travel Tip #7 - The weight of the backpack should be no more than one quarter of your weight. Carry only what you need.

Budget Travel Tip #8 - Eat enough high quality foods during your budget travel. The best foods to pack are those that are high in carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Budget Travel Tip #9 - Know the water sources. Keep your water bottles filled always. Drink plenty of water, even when the weather is cool.

Budget Travel Tip #10 - Cook your meal before it gets too dark. Store any extra food in a bag and hang from a tree limb at night to prevent local wildlife from getting to it.

Budget Travel Tip #11 - Pack a first aid kit and be prepared with some basic first aid training. Carry a GPS system or satellite phone and leave a schedule with the local trail ranger and friends at home.

During your budget travels or cheap travels, there are definitely lots of stories that you can share. Learn how to be a successful travel writer and get paid to travel the world! Click here for details.

Packin' light,
Budget Travel

Budget Travel - Funny Travel Quotes

Funny Travel Quotes

Here are some travel quotes, just for laughs.

Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.
- Steven Wright, American comic

There are two classes of travel - first class, and with children.
- Robert Benchley, Pluck and Luck, 1925

It is easier to find a traveling companion than to get rid of one.
- Art Buchwald, Vogue, 1954

I will be on the lookout for more funny travel quotes... in the mean time enjoy your cheap travels. Hey, do you have any travel quotes to share?

Smiles always,
Budget Travel

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Budget Travel - Travel 'n' Drive

Handy Tips For Your Budget On-The-Road Travels

For budget travellers that who are into driving, be sure to check that the car is in a good condition. If you do not know how to, just bring it into the auto workshop for a quick check. Small things such as under-inflated tires, spark plugs can add considerably to your budget travel if it is not performing as it should.

If the travel book you purchased do not have map included, be sure to purchase a map and plan your budget travel route beforehand. A few mistakes on the road is alright. But imagine if you were to drive around in circles hour upon hour before finally reaching your destination. You would have probably clocked so much mileage that your budget travel may just end up being more costly.

The rule of thumb for your budget travel is to stick to the planned budget. That way, you will know that you are always within your budget. Afterall, a vacation should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, without you having to worry at cost at every step of the way.

When you are on the road, there are lots of sights, people and things that you will definitely find interesting. Just by documenting these fantastic experiences and sharing it with the world, you can possibly travel for free. Learn how to be a successful travel writer and get paid to travel the world! Click here for details.

Drive safe,
Budget Travel

Budget Travel - Affordable Cruises

A Cheap Cruise = A Great Budget Travel

Cruise ship vacations are one of the most affordable ways to travel almost anywhere - from the glaciers of Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

There are many types of cruises – from luxury cruises to the budget cruise that provides value for very little money. One advantage of going on a cruise is the variety of entertainment. It ranges from cinema, bowling alley, swimming pool, casino, volleyball, basketball, gymnasium, golf and many more.

Most advertised cruise prices are based on double occupancy. There are less cheap cruise deals for solo travelers, since the single supplements can add quite a bit to the price of the cruise. It is always a good idea to inquire about special single rates if you are traveling alone.

The location of the cabin is another important consideration when booking a cruise. The interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive. If you have never taken a cruise before, it is a good idea to get advice from those who have experienced this sort of budget travel. They can provide valuable insights on the best balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise.

Just like its many options, the excitement and adventure on cheap cruise holidays are boundless too. Many cruise passengers love the off-ship excursions that are offered at every port. Water sports lovers will revel at the opportunity to water ski, jet-ski and scuba dive. For instance, guests on a Mediterranean cruise may enjoy a night at the opera or a day at a local soccer game, while visitors to Caribbean ports of call may enjoy diving and enjoying the local coral reefs.

These cheap cruises also offer a wide range of dining options. From buffet to fine dining, all you need to do is pick one that suits your palate. And best of all, many cruises’ buffet are open day and night. Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the higher priced cruises may include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure that the excursion you booked will get you back to the ship on time.

And when night arrives, you can select from discos and bars to casinos and theatres. Some cruise ships even offer classes such as poker or ballroom dancing. These cruises are often popular for those who are looking for a budget travel. After all, lodging, meals and entertainment costs are included on the cruise. Check the Internet or local travel agent to get the best cheap cruise available.

Getting the best on cheap travels such as a cruise requires time, planning, perseverance and research. Shop as early as possible especially for popular destinations like the Caribbean or Mexico in the high season.

It is always possible to save money when you travel during the off-season. This is often a great budget travel strategy. For instance, even though it is the middle of the winter and most people are not thinking about vacations where you are, it may be warm and inviting in many tropical cruise destinations. It is important to check out the local weather and to avoid the rainy season in the destinations you are considering.

Cruise lines have been know to offer some cheap cruise deals at the last minute to move unsold cabins or avoid leaving with a less than full passenger load. There are many last minute travel newsletters with these sort of budget travel deals. So be on the lookout for it.

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Cruising The Waves,
Budget Travel

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Budget Travel - Eating Well

Don’t Skimp On Food! Eat Well On Your Budget Travel!

"The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a star."
- Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, Physiologie du Gout (1826)

There are numerous ways to enjoy delicious and healthy meals on your budget travel. Here are some budget tips to ensure that you do not go hungry during your vacation.

There is no disputing that food is a part of any travel experience. Sampling the local food is a must wherever you go on your travels. If you miss out on tasting the local delicacies, you miss out on a huge part of traveling.

It is important begin your day right. So make sure that you eat a healthy and hearty breakfast. Many hotels include a daily breakfast in the package. If it is available, then make sure that you eat well and enjoy it. After all, beginning on a good note every day will set the mood and tone for the day. Starting each morning with a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need. Plus, it will help to deter you from eating expensive and unhealthy snacks in between meals.

Moving on to lunch! It is the best time to get the most value from some of the finest restaurants in your destination city. If there is an expensive restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit during your budget travel, go there during lunch instead. Often, you will get the same great food at a lower price.

Another budget tip on food is to eat at places that are popular with the locals. Ask your hotel’s staff where they usually hang out or eat. They would probably tell you about places or recommendations that are frequented by locals. Hence, it is not touristy and will probably cost lower than a restaurant near a tourist attraction.

Having your meals at ethnic neighborhoods is another budget tip. Sampling the food in the local Chinatown, Korea town, Little Italy, Little Saigon or similar neighborhood is a fantastic for meeting the locals and enjoy the culture and food at one go!

And when you are traveling, be sure to pack a few healthy snacks such as granola bars, a bag of trail mix or a few pieces of fruit in your backpack. You can pack them from home or even get them inexpensively at your travel destination’s local stores.

A trip to the local grocery store can save you money while traveling. Many travelers will spend some time to stock up on bottled water, cereal and other low cost food. Just leave them in the hotel room and take what you need each time you head out to continue your budget travel.

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Warmest regards,
Budget Travel