1. Seeing the World on a Budget

Traveling is perhaps one of the more enjoyable things that you can do in life but many people tend to avoid it, feeling as if it is out of their reach financially. In reality, there are so many different options that are available for traveling inexpensively that you will never run out of opportunities to hit the road and to do it on a budget. In this publication, we are going to review some of the budget travel opportunities that are available to you and show you how you can take advantage of those opportunities with very little preparation.

Of course, there is going to be some preparation that is needed, and it is unreasonable to think that you are going to be able to travel for free. Admittedly, if everything does fall into line, there are ways that you can cut your travel budget down to very low levels and in many instances, you can travel for free but you still need to consider the things that you purchase on the road, which are going to cost you money every week. Those are some of the factors that will be considered in this publication so you can begin taking advantage of living on the go.

The first thing that we will discuss is some of the many benefits that are available to those who take advantage of discount travel opportunities. Not only will you be able to see the world or perhaps even what is in your area, but you may also find that it is possible to experience many other benefits, including a healthy mind and a healthy body. Those factors are going to be discussed in the following chapter, and it can be very motivational when deciding if you are going to plan your next vacation now or if you decide not to go.

Although it would be nice to simply pick up and take off for your next vacation, it is going to take some effort on your part to prepare for the trip. Inevitably, you need to make sure that you are preparing because if you fail to plan, you actually plan to fail. When you also consider the fact that you will be in an unfamiliar location, it is obviously a matter of personal safety, along with being able to stretch your dollar far enough so that you enjoy your vacation and are not constantly on edge.

One of the primary parts of preparing for vacation and in particular, for a discount vacation, is to budget your money. As was already discussed, even a discount vacation is going to cost you some money so it is necessary for you to have that money set aside before you hit the road. It is possible to save thousands of dollars on an annual basis and if you make the right decisions now, you will be giving yourself the options that you need to travel the world and to do so without increasing the amount of time that you are working while you are home.

Would you like to cut down on your vacation budget even further? One of the problems that many of us face when we go on vacation is not only are we spending money, we are not earning any money. That is a factor that can be overcome, however, when you take a working vacation. At times, you may find that it is necessary to work while you're on vacation if you happen to run out of money and are not home. You may also opt to work on vacation, simply so you have some money in your pocket while you are vacationing. We will discuss some of the options for working on vacation in this publication.

One of the largest expenses for any vacation is going to be the transportation costs. It doesn't matter if you are talking about buying a plane ticket to fly from here to there or renting an automobile to get around in your new location, it is expensive and it can quickly blow your vacation budget if you're not careful. There are options available, however, to help you save money on transportation and we will review some of those options in Chapter 6.

Lodging is another large expense, and many people find that they are spending a considerable amount of money on a hotel room, just for the privilege of having someplace comfortable to sleep. Of course, you would not want to put your safety or your health in jeopardy by making a poor choice in where you stay but there are some options available that can help you to save money and to do so in style. In fact, there are some ways for you to have a comfortable bed for free, if you make the right choices.

When you're in a different area on vacation, you are no doubt going to want to see the sights. This is also something that can be expensive and, depending upon where you are staying, it's not out of the question to spend hundreds of dollars on a daily excursion. More than likely, you will have something specific in mind when it comes to seeing the sights in the new area but you should also plan on some discount or even free sightseeing options to fill in the gaps.

When you think of vacation, what is the image that comes to your mind? For many of us, it is being pampered in a hotel at some exotic location but that is not the only option that you have available. As a matter of fact, you may find that it is enjoyable to go rugged on your vacation and to enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer. This is best done on foot, and we will talk about one of the inexpensive options that you have available to see some of the most beautiful sites for free.

Putting together the right gear is something that should not be overlooked, and we will provide you with a general guide that can help you to get geared up in the right way. When you have everything put together in advance of taking your vacation, you will find that things go much more smoothly for you as a result.

One other factor that will be considered is how to earn your travel through reward points. This is something that is likely familiar to you, at least on a limited basis. There are plenty of rewards cards that can earn you free flights but there are also options available for those who are unable to acquire those cards on their own.

There is no doubt that going on vacation is one of the simple pleasures in life that should not be avoided. For some individuals, it's a matter of taking an annual vacation and wanting to do something special, as long as it fits in the budget. For others, however, traveling is a way of life and they tend to be more nomadic than a homesteader. If you love vacations and you want to do it more often, this publication will guide you through the process of getting away for less.

2. What Are the Benefits of Cheap Travel?

Although many people would like to be able to get away more frequently, they may be lacking in the motivation necessary to save the money to get away more often. In this chapter, we are going to talk about some of the many benefits of traveling and in some cases, the benefits of traveling inexpensively. You will find this information to be very motivational and you can refer to it frequently, so that you can continue to work now so that you can enjoy yourself later. You may even find that you are enjoying both these aspects of your life, because it is all tied to something that you love doing.

The following benefits are provided as a general guide and they are not the only benefits that you are likely to experience. As is the case with anything, we need to look to the individuality of our circumstances and what it may mean for us as a whole. You can look to these benefits for the motivation that you need but as you continue to experience more benefits, make sure that you take note of them and bring them to mind when any additional motivation is necessary.

Money - Obviously, one of the top benefits of traveling for less is the fact that it is going to save you money. Although most people may look at cheap travel and think that they are not truly going to enjoy all that those areas have to offer, it is not typically the case. In many cases, you will find that you are seeing things behind the scenes and you are not falling for the typical tourist traps, which end up draining your pockets and filling your day. By looking for ways to travel inexpensively, you will find that there are many cheap and even free options available.

Creative - Many people readily admit that they do not have much creativity, but that is typically because they do not exercise it properly. When preparing for cheap travel or when you find yourself on the road, you would be surprised with how often you are using your creative side to come up with something interesting to do. In addition, being creative while you're on vacation is going to help you to be more creative at home.

Experiences - One of the things that we often enjoy and can help us to get from one day to the next is the fact that we can reflect on past experiences and things that we were able to enjoy. It certainly can help to keep you going when things seem difficult. The experiences that you will build up while going on vacation can be of real benefit in this regard, and you will find that you are reflecting on them and looking forward to the next time you are able to get away.

Stress - When you are planning an expensive vacation, it is likely that you are stressing about the details and trying to figure out how you are going to be able to fit a square peg into a round hole. When you are going on a budget vacation, however, there is much less stress involved. Of course, you are still going to need to budget yourself very carefully and to plan things out, but you will find that there are more opportunities on a budget vacation than trying to take one that is really outside of your reach.

Stress Again - The life that we live is often full of stress and unfortunately, there may be times when we are under chronic stress and are not able to come down from the anxiety that we are experiencing. This is especially true if you find that both your work and your home life are stressful and you have very few opportunities to get away from it all. Taking a vacation is not only a way for you to see the sights but it's a way for you to reset your stress levels and to prepare yourself to live your day-to-day life again.

Family - Although some of you are going to be vacationing on your own, and it certainly is possible to do so, the rest of us will be enjoying vacations with our family. There is nothing quite like a getaway to strengthen family bonds because it allows you to enjoy good times with each other and to create fond memories. It doesn't matter if it is just you and your spouse or if you are traveling with your entire brood, it is something that can benefit each and every one of you.

Intellect - Would it surprise you to learn that it is actually possible to improve your mind while you are on vacation? It has been shown that individuals who had the opportunity to relax were able to increase their cognitive skills, and this is certainly something that is possible when you are on a nice getaway.

Life - Quite simply, we all have a limited lifespan and it is important for us to get out and enjoy life while we have the opportunity to do so. Although it is also important for us to take care of our responsibilities, getting away on a vacation can allow you to enjoy life much more and to see the world around you.

These are just a few of the many different benefits that you might enjoy while you're on vacation and if you vacation on a budget, you can enjoy them much more frequently. What do you hope to get out of your next vacation? Make sure you add it to the list.

3. How to Prepare for a Discount Trip

Although it certainly is nice to take a last minute vacation and you can typically find some awesome deals when you're able to do so, it is not always going to be possible for everyone. At times, it may be necessary for you to plan your vacation for quite some time and if you do so properly, you can save money and even start saving for the next vacation at this point. In this chapter, we are going to discuss some of the factors that can allow you to prepare for a discount vacation to maximize your benefit throughout the entire process.

Set Aside the Time - The first step in the process of preparing for vacation is to make sure that you set aside the time to go on vacation. This is especially important if you are working for an outside company and you plan on going back to work for the same company when you are done with your trip. At times, it may be possible for you to work until you are able to go on vacation and then quit your job, but most of us are not going to be in a position to live life that way.

Setting aside the time for vacation has a number of benefits, including giving you the opportunity to plan for a very specific time frame. When you are setting any type of goals in life, regardless of whether it is planning for a vacation or planning for retirement, having a timeframe in mind is one thing that can help you to achieve the goal. Another benefit of setting aside the time for vacation is that it locks you into that timeframe, so it becomes a necessity to go.

Set Your Travel Arrangements - Once you have the time set aside, it is time for you to begin setting up your travel arrangements and doing so with an eye to saving as much money as possible. As you will learn throughout this publication, there are a number of ways that you can save money on travel, but one of the easiest ways to do so is to book your flights early and to take care of any other vacation arrangements, such as a car rental and hotel rooms, before the last minute.

Modify Your Budget - More than likely, you already have a budget set up for your household expenses and you have included the fact that you want to go on vacation within the budget. Now it is time for you to establish the budget for your vacation, and this would include information about how much money you plan on spending while you're away. We will discuss how to budget your money further in this publication so that you can maximize your vacations and minimize the expense.

Research - Before you go on a budget vacation, you will want to thoroughly research the area where you will be staying. It is important for you to do in-depth research and not to simply follow the crowd when it comes to the tourist spots you will be visiting. After all, many people tend to fall into the same traps and it can certainly be expensive if you are doing routine excursions that are made to drain money from people on vacation, since most people are willing to spend more money during that time.

With a little bit of research and some careful planning, you will be surprised with what you can turn up. You may find that there are some discount options available for local hotspots, including the possibility for purchasing discount tickets in advance. In addition, you may be able to book your own excursions and in doing so, you can save a bundle of money.

Plan Your Itinerary - Now that you have an overview of what you plan on getting out of your discount vacation, it is time to plan your itinerary. You need to be as detailed as possible with the itinerary, because it is really going to dictate how much money you are spending while you are away.

When most people plan an itinerary, they just give an overview of what they hope to accomplish during each specific day. For your budget travel itinerary, however, you want to be detailed about every step of the way. This would include information about where you plan on eating, how much is going to cost for each activity and different things that you can do in order to cut expenses.

Plan on Having Fun - It is important to understand that a discount vacation does not mean that you are going to be going on a boring vacation. You will be surprised with what you are able to accomplish on a budget and if you budget properly, you may actually enjoy your vacation more than one which is planned with all of the top hotspots involved. Of course, there will be some give-and-take involved in the process but it can also be part of the fun, if you have the right attitude towards it.

4. Budget Now - Travel Soon

One of the most common problems that many people experience is that they feel that they cannot afford to take a vacation, even if it is a budget vacation. Admittedly, it is going to cost some money for you to get away on a vacation, regardless of how much you are able to budget. That is why it is important for you to consider your overall budget and not just simply the fact that you need to set aside a little bit of money on an ongoing basis in order to get away every once in a while. You would be surprised that making a few adjustments to your household budget can really help you to plan for a vacation and make it a vacation of a lifetime.

First of all, you really need to determine how much money you need in order to go on a typical vacation if you are a single individual and you are only going to be worrying about yourself for the trip, you can typically get away for next to nothing. On the other hand, if you are a family with children, you are going to need to set aside a considerable amount of money in order to go on vacation, even if you are doing so on a budget. Be realistic about the amount of money that you plan on spending on vacation and then record that number as part of your household budget.

If you are like most families, you probably live pretty close to your budget and you don't have a lot of money left at the end of the month. Many people will throw up their hands at this point and claim that they are unable to go on vacation because of their financial situation. In reality, it really means making a vacation a priority and if you make it a priority in your budget, you will be surprised with what you are able to accomplish. Although it will take a little bit of cutting in your budget and it may push you outside of your comfort zone from time to time, it will be well worth it when you are enjoying one vacation after another.

Do you think that $10,000 a year would be enough to take a nice vacation or two on a budget? Most families would agree, an excellent vacation would cost much less than that and if you have that much money every year, you can take multiple budget. If you take a close look at your budget, you might be surprised with what you are able to do in order to save that much money on an annual basis. Here are some suggestions that can assist you in saving money on an ongoing basis.

Look to Your Grocery Bill

In the United States, the average grocery bill for a family of four is approximately $1,000 per month. That is just the amount of money that is paid for groceries that are cooked at home, and it does not include the money that you might spend going to eat out at restaurants. Broken down on a more basic level, it means that each individual within the family is spending approximately $65 per week on groceries.

Would you like to be able to save a considerable amount of money on groceries and to get healthier at the same time? I'm not talking about restricting eating to the point where you're uncomfortable. If you simply eat a healthy balanced diet, you will save money and you will be satisfied. Some of the diets that you may want to consider include a Mediterranean diet or a starch based diet. When eating those diets, you can expect to spend approximately five dollars per day, at a savings of $30 per week per person in your family. That is an astounding savings of over $1,500 per year for every person in your family. In itself, that takes quite a chunk out of the bigger figure.

How many times do you eat out per week? In the United States, the average is 18 times per month with an average cost of almost $13 per person. That is an additional $234 per month, just for eating out. If you're able to cut that number in half, which means that you will still be eating out twice per week, you can save an additional $1,200 per year per person.

How much do You Spend on Home Entertainment?

Have you considered how much you spend on home entertainment? Many of us spend a considerable amount of money on our TV cable and we may spend quite a bit more on the Internet. Combined, it may be up to $200 per month or more, depending upon the package that we have from our provider. Do you think it is possible for you to cut this number down? I know that you can cut it in half, at least.

The first thing that you should do is to call your Internet provider and your cable company to see what other packages may be available. You might find that you are able to save a considerable amount of money in this way. You can also get rid of the TV cable altogether and drop to a minimum Internet package that provides you with the ability to stream shows and movies. You can then sign up for a few services, such as Netflix and Amazon prime for approximately $15 per month total.

At a minimum, this should reduce another $100 off of your monthly bills, for a savings of almost $1,200 per year.

There are so many different ways for you to save money at home and you can often do so without really hurting your comfort level. By just cutting a little bit here and there, you can easily make at least a $10,000 worth of savings in your annual budget. You will find that you are happier, healthier and it will actually give you the opportunity to get away frequently.

5. Earning Your Travel

In order for you to truly travel on the cheap, it is going to be necessary for you to reduce the cost of your vacations in some way or another. Although there are a number of different factors that will be discussed in this publication to allow you to travel cheaply, one of the most important things to consider is the possibility of earning your travel. In this chapter, we are going to discuss earning many of the things that you will need in order to travel by using credit cards the right way.

Most of us are familiar with credit card point programs, at least to some degree. If you really want to travel cheaply, however, it is important for you to understand them more fully. When you have the right credit card and you use it properly throughout the year, it can pay for many different things that allow you to vacation inexpensively, including your airfare, hotel rooms and car rentals. There are also other ways in which you could earn these points, even if you don't have a credit card. Here are some things for you to consider.

The first thing that you are going to need is a rewards credit card. There are many of these credit cards available, each of which will carry its own specific benefits. Try to choose one that would allow you to receive the most rewards possible while at the same time, costing you the least amount of money. This would include the amount of money that they charge in interest (which you shouldn't be paying anyway) and the annual fee.

You should also scrutinize the cards to see how you can maximize all the rewards that are available. Some credit cards are going to give you a specific number of points for every dollar that you spend but when you spend your money in a specific way, you earn additional rewards. Usually, the extra rewards come when you use your credit card for gasoline purchases or if you use it at the grocery store. Take advantage of the extra points that are available by always using your credit card for these types of purchases.

Another factor that you must consider is the amount of money that you are carrying on the credit card from one month to the next. Unfortunately, most people tend to leave a balance on their credit card and it typically negates any points that you have on the card because of the interest that you are paying. In order to fully take advantage of the credit card you are using and to truly take a cheap vacation, you will have to pay off your credit card each and every month to avoid those additional charges. Otherwise, you should just save your money for the vacation and stop using credit cards altogether.

What If You Don't Have Good Credit?

It is not uncommon to have poor credit and this can really limit your ability to find a rewards credit card that would accept you. There are a number of things that you can do in order to earn the rewards that are necessary to travel. One of the first things that you should consider, however, is tightening your belt and budgeting yourself until you are able to improve your credit score. It should not take many months of working on your credit continuously until you are able to get a credit card.

The other option that you have available is to look for any way that you can earn vacation points directly through the airlines. This may also be possible through certain hotel chains, but it is more likely to be found with an airline. Sign up for every newsletter from every major airline and when you receive the newsletter, look for any deals that are available. Usually, you will find some, such as links to websites where you can purchase physical items, and if you use those links, you will earn points for every dollar spent.

With some careful planning and paying close attention to your budget, you can use the rewards points to earn your travel. It is an excellent way for you to be able to save money on your vacation and to do so without going outside of your comfort zone. Before you know it, you will be cashing in those rewards and taking a nice vacation for less.

6. Looking for Cheap Transportation

In the previous chapter, we discussed some ways that you could save some money on airfare when you travel. When you get to your destination, however, your travel expenses do not typically end there. It may be necessary for you to get around town or perhaps even travel from one area to another in order to see the sights and to do what is necessary while you are there. In this chapter, we are going to review a few ways that you can save some money on transportation and make your vacation even less expensive.

One of the first things to consider is how much local traveling you are going to be doing once you arrive at your primary destination. In some cases, such as visiting a large city, you may only need transportation from the airport to your hotel and from that point you may not need to take many long drives in order to see the sights. If at all possible, use the shuttle service that is commonly available from the airport through the hotel service and skip the car rental altogether. The shuttle services run on a regular basis and you will not have a difficult time getting to and from the airport in a timely fashion.

If you do need to rent a car, there are some ways that you can save money in the long run. One of the primary ways to save money is to shop around and see if there are any additional deals outside of what may be available on the Internet. Most people tend to use a service, such as Expedia or Travelocity, in order to find the least expensive price on a rental car, but they do not always have the least expensive prices. In fact, you may be able to save additional money by contacting the rental car companies directly on the telephone. Tell them about your itinerary and have them look for ways to save you money in order to obtain your business.

If you are flying into your location, you may feel as if the best choice is to rent a car from the airport location but that is not always the case as well. At times, you may find that the same automobile is less expensive if you rent it from one of the local agents rather than renting it from the airport. Be aware of the fact that this is not always the case but it may be able to save you money, and it only takes a simple phone call to check on the pricing.

Public transportation may also be an option that you would want to consider. If the area where you will be visiting has a bus service that runs regularly, you can typically pick up a bus pass for just a few dollars a day. If you take the time to familiarize yourself with the bus route before you get to your destination, you may find that it is one of the most convenient ways for you to get around. Be cautious about using taxis, however, because you will pay for the convenience.

These are a few of the different ways that you can save money on your transportation and you may find that there are additional options, depending on where you are staying. For example, it may be to your benefit to rent a bicycle or a small scooter to get around and this will save you money on gas and save you money on the rental. As long as you do a little bit of research into the options available where you're staying, it is likely that you will find one that saves you a lot of money in the process.

7. How to save Money on Lodging

One of the larger expenses that you will likely have while you are on vacation is the lodging. Since most of us are familiar with staying at hotels when we travel, it is the first option that we may have in mind. In actuality, there are many different options available for saving money on lodging and if you're willing to try something different, you may even find that there are options available for free. This chapter will explore some of the different factors that can save you money on lodging and at times, may save you a lot of money.

Family and Friends - One of the more obvious ways for you to save money on lodging is if you can stay with family or friends while you are in the area. Depending upon the dynamics of your circle of friends and your family, they may even be able to set you up with your lodging through the extended network of family and friends.

This is not necessarily something that you would want to take advantage of on a regular basis, but it can help you to save money if you really want to cut down on your vacation expenses. Since you are staying with someone that you are either directly or indirectly familiar with, it is also a wise decision as far as your security is concerned.

Hostels - If you are traveling outside of the United States, you may have the option of staying at a hostel, which can really save you a lot of money in comparison to a hotel or motel. Hostels are not popular in America, but they are popular in many European countries so if you are traveling on foot or on a bicycle, you may find that it is quite enjoyable to hop from one hostel to another.

The benefits of staying in a hostel are not only in the fact that you are saving money, it is also that they provide some additional conveniences, such as food. It can really help to cut down on your overall expenses, but it is important for you to research the hostel in advance and to make sure that they cater to your needs.

Stay with a local - If you want free accommodations but you can’t take advantage of staying with a friend or relative, you may be able to rent a couch (or sometimes a bed) from someone who lives in the area. There are a number of websites that allow you to find somebody in different areas, such as couchsurfing.org or hospitalityclub.org.

The benefits of using one of these services extend beyond the fact that you are able to get free or very inexpensive accommodations. Since you're staying with somebody that is from the local area, they can often help to point you to the sites that are behind-the-scenes, rather than having you go through all the tourist traps that drain much of the money from your pocket.

Camping - Another option that you may want to consider is to take advantage of one of the campgrounds in the area rather than trying to stay at a hotel or motel. Most people feel that they are limited in doing so if they fly to a location and don't have a camper but many campgrounds offer camper rentals, along with the rental space.

You may find that you enjoy the camping lifestyle and it certainly is one that is both relaxing and flexible. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy some time in more of a rugged atmosphere, which is something that many of us appreciate as well. You will be able to find campgrounds in most locations, unless you are staying downtown in a large city. It may be well worth a look, because it can save you money and provide you with some comfortable accommodation.

Take Advantage of Rewards - One other option that you will want to consider is taking advantage of rewards programs that may be offered by some of the larger hotel chains. You will still be paying a higher rate for the room, but you can often earn free nights very quickly, which cuts down on the actual expense of the room. In addition, if you use your rewards card along with the hotel, you may find that you are also earning additional points for future travel and it can help you to get away for cheap again at some point in the future.

8. Seeing the Sights on a Budget

We have discussed many factors that are associated with your comfort and the travel necessary to take a vacation but what are you going to do when you actually arrive at your destination? This is something that will typically cost you a considerable amount of money, especially if you fall into one of the tourist traps that tend to be so popular. With a little bit of planning and the right mindset, you can save a lot of money without feeling as if you have missed out on what your destination location has to offer.

First of all, I'm not talking about missing some of the greatest things that may be in the area, as they may be the most important things to see. For example, your trip to Australia should absolutely include an excursion to see the Great Barrier Reef, but that doesn't mean you need to pay top dollar in order to see it. So it is important to keep all of the possible excursions in mind and then to take the ones that would be the most enjoyable.

Live like a Local - One of the ways that you can save money and see the sights on a budget is to visit the area as if you already live there. Most tourists tend to travel in a herd, moving from one local destination to another and never truly discovering everything that the area has to offer. If you live like a local, however, you get to see things that are behind-the-scenes, including some favorite restaurants of the locals and some of the places that they like to hang out away from the tourist crowds.

Wait for the Excursion - If you decide that there is going to be something that must be seen and it requires paying for an excursion, try not to book the excursion too far in advance. In almost every instance, you will be able to find someone in the local area that is willing and qualified to take you on an excursion at a much lower price. In addition, they will often offer a more personable service that is not geared toward the mass crowds that go on the commercial excursions.

Get a Pass - Depending on where you are staying, there may be a tourist pass available that will allow you to see many of the sites at a discount. For example, if you are staying in a major metropolitan area, such as London, you can purchase a pass in advance that lasts for anywhere from one to multiple days and it gives you access to many places that would otherwise each cost you on an individual basis, if you went there directly. In addition, transportation may also be provided with the package. If you are staying in another location, such as at a National Park, you can often purchase a pass into the park that gives you additional privileges at a much lower fee than paying for them separately.

It can be enjoyable to see the typical tourist sights and sounds while you're on vacation. Just realize that you are typically moved in a particular direction, not only to see those sites but to spend more money at the same time. If you do your research in advance and choose what you want to do carefully, you can often see everything you want to see and do so conveniently at a discount.

9. Would you like to Go Rugged?

There are many ideas covered in this publication that can help you to take a vacation for an inexpensive price. The information that has been provided assumed that you were going to be taking a vacation in a populated area or at the very least, that you would need some type of room and board while you are there. You might also appreciate taking more of a rugged vacation and in doing so you only need to provide for your most basic needs of food and water, as well as the transportation to get to where you're going.

For years, many individuals have appreciated taking more of a rugged vacation, including cycling across country or perhaps walking long distances. In addition, there are also many hiking trails worldwide that are well worth your attention. Taking advantage of what those hiking trails have to offer can allow you to enjoy a splendid vacation for less money and at the same time, get in some exercise. Here are some of the many options that you may want to consider to enjoy more of a rugged vacation.

Hike the Appalachian Trail - Although there are many different trails around the world, the Appalachian Trail is perhaps one of the most celebrated. It is located in the eastern United States and spans approximately 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia. Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail is something that would take a lot of forethought and it typically costs around $2,000 over the six-month course of time that you will be hiking. It isn't necessary for you to hike the entire trail, however, for you to get something out of it.

Many people make a point of hiking part of the Appalachian Trail on an annual basis. Perhaps they go on a long weekend hike for several days, and it really helps to give them a feel of what the trail has to offer. As long as you are able to get the transportation to where you would like to begin your hike and have transportation available for when you reach your destination, it will really cost you next to nothing while you're on the trail. You will need to provide food, water and some hiking gear, but it is not typically going to be more expensive than if you stayed at home.

Visit a Campground - Another option that you have available is to check out a campground, either in your local area or perhaps at some distant location. As we mentioned in the previous chapter, camping is an excellent way to save money on accommodation while you're traveling. It is also a very enjoyable pastime and some people make camping part of their overall travel plans, simply because they like doing it.

It isn't necessary for you to haul a camper to the location and you don't need to have a tent with you. In most cases, campgrounds will have the necessary gear on hand for a few campers that would like to take advantage of it. You might find that trying camping to save money now might introduce you to something that you will want to continue doing for years to come.

National Park Pass - Traveling to a national park in the United States is perhaps one of the greatest ways to see some of what the world has to offer in the way of beauty. With a National Park Pass, you will have the opportunity to visit the park regularly and even to see some of the items behind the scenes. In addition, it is going to cost you much less to pay for the pass up front than to pay for each individual attraction that you want to do.

Long-Distance Walking - With some careful planning and some preparation in the way of physical endurance, you may be able to take advantage of the vacation of a lifetime by doing some long-distance walking. Since you will be on the road and constantly seeing new things, it provides you with the opportunity to see the world as it moves by you slowly.

If you plan ahead, you can often stay for free at various locations and you may also have some shelter that you carry with you, which can be used if nothing else is available. It tends to be one of the more rugged types of cheap vacations that you can take, but it is one that is going to be well worth the effort when you do it.

10. The Gear Guide for Discount Travel

When traveling on any type of a discount vacation, it is important for you to pack the right things with you. When you pack properly, it will take up less room, be much more convenient when you are traveling from one place to another and it will also provide you with a greater opportunity to save additional money. This chapter is going to provide you with some basics of what you should have with you when you travel in order to save money and to have the basics of what you need.

Clothing - One of the obvious things that you will need while you are traveling is clothing to get from one day to the next. It really depends upon the weather where you will be staying and what you plan on doing. Some of the basics that you should always pack include pants, shorts, underwear, socks, shirts and shoes. It is not always necessary for you to pack something different for every day of the trip, provided you have a location where you can wash your clothes every few days while you're gone. Make sure that you bring along something to sleep in, your swimsuit and some rain gear as well.

Identification - Depending on where you're going, you may need anything from your driver’s license to a passport and perhaps even some additional identification in case any questions are asked. Remember that it can take quite some time before you get your passport unless you pay extra money, so take care of this in advance.

Money - Typically, you will pay for almost everything while you are on vacation with a credit card but you should also have some cash on hand, as well as some travelers checks in case you run into any type of difficulty. Make sure that you contact the credit card company in advance of traveling to let them know that you will be out of town and using your card. It can be very frustrating when you try to pay for a restaurant bill or some other bill while you're on vacation and your credit card has a security block.

Toiletries - Pack any toiletries that you need and that you would use on an everyday basis. It is always going to be possible for you to buy those items while you're on the road but it is a much better choice for you to have them with you so that you will not be spending the extra money. If it is necessary to reduce the size of your personal items, make sure that you still choose the necessary ones, such as a razor, toothpaste, toothbrush and some hair gel.

Medication - If you take medication, make sure that you don't leave it at home. Not only can it be frustrating to have to take the time to go to a doctor or to fill the prescription while you are gone, but also you may actually have a difficult time doing it in some locations. Be sure that you pack any prescription drugs and supplements that you take regularly. You can purchase small pill holders to carry them conveniently, but make sure that you have some type of identifying label for your prescription drugs.

Prescriptions - Along with taking any medication that you may need while you're gone, it is also a good idea to have a hard copy of the prescriptions from your physician. In addition, you should have copies of your prescriptions for your eyeglasses or contact lenses in case you need to have them replaced while you're gone.

Electronics - Most of us could not imagine living without our tablet or Smartphone, so it is going to be a necessity when we travel. You may also want to bring a laptop, depending on what you are going to be doing while you are on the road. Be aware of the possibility that the electricity is different in different countries, so your regular plug may not work if you are traveling across international borders.

11. The Best and the Worst Budget Travel Destinations

By this point in the publication, you are likely very confident in the fact that you will be able to take a vacation that is extremely cheap you will also recognize the fact that you are spending less money on a vacation is not necessarily an indication that you're going to enjoy yourself less than if you spend a lot of money. In this chapter we are going to provide you with some suggestions as to where you can stay and different vacation destinations that you may want to consider. We're also going to take a look at some of those destinations that are better avoided if you're trying to vacation on a budget.

What are the Best Places to Vacation for Cheap?

South Africa - Are you looking for a great international getaway for the least expensive price possible? If you are traveling from the United States, the exchange rate for the South African Rand is going to be well in your favor. For a little bit of money going in, you can do some excellent excursions and you can see a part of the world that is well worth seeing.

Istanbul - Admittedly, many vacation travelers would avoid the Middle East, but Turkey is well worth seeing and it tends to be out of the limelight when it comes to the unrest that is part of this area. It is due to the unrest in other Middle Eastern countries that the rates for travel are decreasing significantly. There are plenty of things for you to see in Istanbul and it certainly will be a vacation that you will not soon forget.

Nashville - If you enjoy country music and visiting a city that has a lot going for it, a trip to Nashville may be for you. It is one of the least expensive vacations in comparison to other cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco or even New York. Add to that the fact that it is perfect for a vacation, with lots to see and do, it can be a vacation that is well worth taking.

Sri Lanka - This South Asian country is well worth a visit, not only for the history but also for the beauty and even for the people that tend to inhabit this part of the world. Some people tend to avoid Sri Lanka because they feel as if it is still an unsafe part of the world because of the Civil War. The Civil War, however, is over and you can now travel throughout Sri Lanka without that fear.

Egypt - This country is also an excellent choice for discount travel, primarily because the tourism industry has not been doing well in that country. There are plenty of things for you to see and excellent places for you to stay but when you go to Egypt at this time, you will be able to do so without spending as much money as you would in nearby nations.

A Look at the Worst Places to Stay for Budget Travel

The following are a few of the more expensive locations in the world where you can travel to. They are not a bad place to go to in many cases, because they typically offer an upscale environment for visitors but if you want to keep the most money in your pocket, they are better avoided.

Dubai - Although a trip to Dubai is certain to be a vacation of a lifetime, it is also one that is going to leave a significant dent in your wallet. When it comes to travel in Dubai, the sky is the limit and it is likely that you will end up spending more, regardless of whether you are doing so in a hotel room or if you're visiting some of the hotspots in the area.

Paris - Taking a vacation in Paris is a vacation of a lifetime for many individuals. It doesn't matter whether you're looking to the landscape, the Eiffel Tower or even the Louvre, there is going to be plenty to see but for the most part, it is going to cost you an arm and a leg to see it. There are some ways for you to travel through Paris on a budget, but you need to have everything planned down to the smallest detail before you do so.

Rome - Another vacation location that is well worth the effort but it is going to drain your pocket if you decide to stay is Rome. When it comes to ancient history, Rome certainly does have a lot to offer and it can be like stepping back in time when you take this vacation but it is going to come with a very expensive price tag.

12. Working on the Road

As you can plainly see with what is set out in this publication, there are many options for traveling at a discount. One of the options that we have not yet discussed, however, is the possibility of working while you are taking a vacation. For some people, working while on vacation is just a way for them to extend their travels and to do so without having to come back to their regular job too soon. For other people, however, it is a matter of necessity because they may run out of money while they are on vacation and they have to work in order to get back home again.

Working on vacation can be a very unique experience, because it provides you with the opportunity to see the world in a different way. Rather than simply taking your time vacationing, relaxing and seeing the sights, you actually get to dig in and to work with the locals. Of course, the type of work that you do is really going to depend upon your needs and the type of experience that you have. In most cases, however, getting a temporary job bussing tables or perhaps doing some menial labor is going to be all that you need to help you get by.

At times, a working vacation is planned from the start and you may find that this is an enjoyable part of the overall vacation experience. An example of how this might work could be if you were staying on a farm and were going to be working on part of the farm in order to cover your travel expenses. Many people have taken to doing this, not only because it allows them to see different areas inexpensively but because it gives them the opportunity to work on the farm. Of course, you would want to make sure that you also had some time to see the sights and in most cases, you can work out an agreement with the farmer in advance.

If you're fortunate enough to have a job that allows you to work on the road, you may be able to take more vacations if you can be disciplined enough to work while you are away. If you plan things properly, it is not going to be any more expensive to live on the road than it is to live at home, although you may need to step outside of your comfort zone from time to time. Being able to keep up on your work while you're on the road can help you to extend your vacation and sometimes, you may even find that you are on a permanent vacation if that is a desire of yours.

One thing that you will need to be cautious of if you're going to be working while you're on vacation is any local requirements for employment. It is not going to be much of a problem if you are still in the same country where you're a citizen but when you cross over any international borders, you need to see if there are any specific tasks that need to be done to get you the legal right to work in that country. Of course, doing some odd jobs here and there to pick up a little bit of extra cash is not typically going to be much of a difficulty but if you plan on being employed, it is something that you will need to keep in mind.

13. Cheap Travel Tips and Tricks

The information provided in this publication is enough to get you started on your own, inexpensive vacation. You may even find that you are able to take care of many of the factors associated with your vacation for free! In this chapter, we are going to provide you with a series of tips and tricks that you can use to make it even more possible to enjoy a discount vacation. They are compiled for your convenience.

Buy Early or Buy Late – Statistics show the purchasing transportation, such as an airfare, is best done when you purchase it several months in advance or if you try to find it at the last minute. There is going to be a sweet spot of finding discount airfares but eventually, the price is going to go up for those who are looking for airfares close to the time when they are traveling. At the last minute, however, many airlines will drop their prices in order to fill seats that would otherwise be empty.

Shop the Prices – Although there are some interesting and helpful websites that allow you to save money on anything from airfare to hotel rooms, they are not a perfect system. You often even find differences in prices from one of these discount websites to another. It is always best if you have a few favorites and check all of them in different tabs on your browser before you book your travel arrangements.

Go Direct – Before you try to book a trip through one of the discount websites, make sure that you check directly with the airline, hotel or car rental company. You will often find the best deals when you shop directly with the company, and even if you only save a few dollars, it is a few dollars that is going to stay in your pocket.

Stay Healthy – One of the best things that you can do while you’re on vacation is to stay healthy. Not only does it allow you to enjoy your vacation but it also keeps you from having to spend extra money while you are away. It is always best if you pay close attention to your health at all times but that is especially the case in the weeks that lead up to the vacation and during the time when you are away.