The Easy Way To Travel The World On A Budget

There’s nothing better than packing up for a long trip around the world. Whether you’re planning the best vacation of your life, or a year-long mega trip, you always get butterflies in your stomach. You’re about to embark on a wonderful adventure that will take you to new cities and cultures. You’ll eat fantastic food, and meet new people along the way. The only thing that holds you back is the cost. Traveling isn’t cheap, but there are plenty of ways to bring the cost down.

Traveling is as expensive as you make it. If you stay in luxury hotels, and choose the expensive flights, you’re going to eat into your budget. But, if you’re willing to work a bit harder, you can shave costs off at every stage of the journey. We’ve been around the circumference of the world more than once, and we know how to travel cheap! Here is our best advice.

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The clever use of air miles

Most travel bloggers and experts refer to this as ‘travel hacking’. It’s a way of maximising your loyalty points and air miles to secure free flights and cheap accommodation. The interesting thing is that you don’t have to travel a lot to build them up. Most of your points can be earned on the ground. Simply use credit cards that give you the most rewards. Then use them in the most cost-effective way. (Usually long-haul flights and hotel discounts).

Save on accommodation

Typically, your accommodation is the most expensive aspect of your trip. Finding a place to stay every night puts a big hole in your budget. But, don’t worry, there are lots of other options, if you’re willing to work for them! First of all, use AirBnb to rent apartments rather than pay for a hotel. If you’re really strapped for cash, use companies like CouchSurfing, to find a place to crash. If you’re doing a long tour of the USA or Europe, we also love the idea of driving an RV. You can take them anywhere, and sleep in comfort at the side of the road. Perfect for long road trips. Touring the US in a travel trailer will save you a fortune on hotel bills.

Save on flights

You don’t have to choose the first flight you come across. In fact, if you do, you’ll probably pay a fortune for it. There are hundreds of cheap options out there, you just need to know where to look! Use websites like SkyScanner to compare the cheapest options. You can even call up the airlines themselves, and negotiate the cheapest ticket.

Make money along the way

Last of all, you can make up some of your lost budget along the way. If you’re planning a long adventure, spend a few weeks working, and pocket some extra change. You can blog your way around the world, and monetize your site. Alternatively, you can pick up an easy job in a bar or restaurant for a short while.

It is possible to see the world on a budget. Don’t let money hold you back!

What’s Included in an All-Inclusive Holiday?

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All-inclusive holidays have been around for many years, with most travel agents and travel operators offering this kind of deal on their trips. Many people however still chose to build their own holidays, perhaps having never taken the option to go all-inclusive. There are many great reasons to choose an all-inclusive holiday, as they can save on surprise costs, and reduce the stress of booking a holiday. But what exactly is included in this type of holiday? Here is a quick overview of what to expect before you book. Make sure to take a look at the cheap all inclusive holidays from Co-operative Travel for your next break.

Flights

Your flights and transfers will be included in your break, meaning no surprise airport taxes, taxi costs and plenty of information about baggage allowance too. You might even get inflight meals, depending on how far you are travelling, so check your individual booking for details of what exactly is included.

Accommodation

All-inclusive deals include hotel or serviced accommodation that will carry a star or other rating to let you know what to expect. You will also be able to view your accommodation online, so no surprises when you arrive.

Food and Drink

One of the biggest draws to all-inclusive is the fact that you don't have to pay for any meals during your stay. Most packages will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks, so there will be nothing to pay on food. Drinks can add up quickly too, and your deal will include all soft drinks, including bottled water, and up to all of your alcoholic drinks too. Check your deal to make sure everything you'd like is covered.

Activities

If your hotel or resort has activities on site such as sports or kids clubs, then these too may be included in your package. Check what is on offer and read through your terms to see if these are part of the deal. This can vary so check when booking to get the most of your holiday.


All-inclusive holidays can save you time, money, and certainly stress. All-inclusive doesn’t mean hidden costs, and it really does mean that everything is included for a brilliant break!

Stranded in NYC

Who would have thought that this vacation will turn out scary and worrisome. I've checked the weather system few days before we arrived here in NYC last Thursday. We're a bit surprised how Hurricane Sandy turned it direction towards East Coast. We're expecting landfall anytime soon and we're really praying it will not be devastating as what's reported in the news.

We were scheduled to leave on 30 October but decided to cut it short. However, just when we decided to leave a day early, the airline cancelled the flights until 30 October. Now, we're stranded here but thankful that we're staying in my cousin's house in Brooklyn. So far, the wind is gusty and really cold and also praying that the electricity will not be interrupted as this is our lifeline to communicate and get feeds from the storm and travel advisory.

I am hoping and praying this hurricane will come to pass really soon. We all just want to go home now.