Since travel is in my brain thanks to the potential journey I’m taking to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, I thought I’d share some of my travel trips I’ve gained over the years (mostly from my mother).
1. Fight mediocre with an occasional treat.
Accommodation isn’t great value when you think that the majority of the time you spend there is time spent sleeping. If you are on a budget you are definitely going to stay at some cheap places like hostels or Motel 6/Formula 1 which can be depressing after a while. Try booking a really nice place to stay every couple of days on the trip so that you have something to look forward to. An amazing view from your room or a shower that delivers hot water can make a huge difference to your psyche after a few hard days of travel. This method can apply to food too.
2. Take note of departure taxes
Taxes can be hidden costs and can raise your cheap flight quite substantially. Taxes also vary from airport to airport, so keep an eye out for the cheapest one.
3. Thinking about renting from the locals
There are a lot of websites out there offering short or longterm home stays and they aren’t all about swapping your own home. If you are going to spend a week in London or New York it might work out a lot cheaper renting than staying in a hotel. Plus you get to truly experience how the locals live, noisy neighbours and all.
4. Food can be cheap in unusual places
If you can get over the cloud of illness and death, try eating a meal in a hospital cafeteria. For the price they are great value and their breakfasts are enough to last all the way to dinner. You can also be virtually assured that the food is sanitary as it’s a hospital for god’s sake!
5. Overnight rail passes
One way to get out of paying for accommodation is to travel on overnight trains so that you get to your destination and also have a bed for the night. Just make sure the rocking sends you to sleep and doesn’t keep you awake because then you’ll be grumpy. 🙂
I remember when Mum took me on the overnight train from Nambour to Airlie Beach…it was awesome! I met the most amazing people (heavily overweight lady who was proud of it on the way there – note, she told me she weighed 124kg – and a deaf lady on the way back who I spent time signing with thanks to the sign language alphabet at the front of phone books!!) and I really enjoyed the view from the window. Biggest downside was the fact that I was on the top bunk and it was incredibly small, even for a 14 year old, but if you purchased a decent class I’m sure that wouldn’t be an issue…
I am amazed that you girls actually do listen to some things I say and when we go on a trip you actually retain the memories. Great
That’s cause we LOVE to reminisce!!!!
Do you remember that time that Mum was amazed that we listened to some things that she said and that we retained memories from trips?