Planning a trip can be fun and save you some money in the
process. There really is no need for a
travel agent unless you enjoy the personal service and enjoy the
experience. Remember you are paying for these services
indirectly.
Once you decide where to go, it is best to first decide
where to stay. I prefer short term
rentals when I travel. Houses or
apartments people lease for a few days or up to a month at a time. The internet
site I have used is HomeAway.com. Prices are based on level of luxury and there
is plenty of competition. A few summers ago I rented an apartment in the heart of Paris for $700 for a whole week. I like
staying in these homes rather than a sterilized hotel room. To me it allows the complete experience of
living the way the locals do.
It was fun in Paris going to the French Grocery store and the
specialized food markets. I got up most
mornings and walked down to the bakery on the corner to get fresh baked bread. We saved a lot of money by eating out only 1 meal
a day while in Paris. I enjoy fixing a meals for my family it's even better in a foreign
country. Our Apartment had a small
balcony which we dined on; it was a lot of fun. A family stay in a short term rental can
bring a lifetime of memories.
When I stay in hotels but I try to get them off season or even
better a bed and breakfast, the more eclectic the better. In Europe you can find excellent deals on
hotel stays at ski areas during the summer.
After staying in Paris we drove to Chamonix in the Alpes and stayed at a
wonderful smaller Hotel Les Lanchers on the outskirts of town. We will remember this place in Chamonix for
the rest of our lives.
Once you decide where and when you're are going to stay you can make your travel arrangements.
When I fly I use Kayak an internet
search engine, it will find you the best prices if flying internationally. Remember some airlines do not allow access
to generic search engines, for those airlines tickets can only be bought at the
airline web site. So be sure to check
out other airline web sites, to shop around for the best price. I like flying Southwest in the United States
I have always found them to be cheaper, but more importantly reliable. I like
the fact that I can change plans with minim notice with usually no cost. Plus a checked bag flies free.
Renting a car; it used to be that outside the United States
required an international driver’s license this is no longer the case. Any US
drivers license will get you a car in most countries. Before driving in Europe or anywhere else in
the world I would get a diagram of international road signs and study
them. Most are pretty much common sense,
but a review of the signs would be good for general information and safety.
Modern day travel over the last 20 years has become so much easier. The Web has connected us in so many
different ways with the rest of the world.
You'll be able to get cash using your debit card almost anywhere in the
world. I have used mine in Afghanistan. Just make sure it’s a reputable Bank machine
first. English thanks to the British
has become the international language.
It is good to learn a few words of the local language anywhere you go
for politeness; but most of the time the person that you are talking to will
start communicating with you in English.
So when traveling, always be aware of your surroundings. There are places in my home town I would not
go to at night. So it is good to have a
travel guide book for the area that you are visiting. Be safe but don't let your fear discourage you. Travel Fearlessly! Oh and
bring good walking shoes.
No comments:
Post a Comment