Save Money Traveling – Nontraditional Ways to Save Money Traveling
By Honey B Wackx
Vacation time comes and many of us either drive or fly to a familiar tourist destination. We stay in a tourist hotel, eat tourist food, do common tourist activities and in one or two weeks return home. That is a rather routine occurrence for probably millions of travelers. There’s nothing wrong with this. Most of us that travel do it whenever we travel
But to be different and see something things that every other traveler does not see why not get off the beaten path and experience something nontraditional? There are countless lands to explore and lots of ways to do. You need to have the wandering spirit to search and learn. Most of these out of the way excursions are less expensive than the usual trip.
Exchange your home with another family in another area. This is particularly applicable if you live in a tourist destination. Search on line and in newspapers for people willing to do swap homes for a week or two. Details are easily worked out via email or phone and often no money changes hands. If a trade can’t be worked out then offer to rent the property. Shop carefully and request pictures.
Bed & Breakfasts are wonderful places to stay especially in Europe. For reasonable prices plus you’ll enjoy a home cooked breakfast to start each day. Prices will vary. You may have to share a bath. A deposit will probably be required. Many people say this is the only way to travel and savor the culture.
Elder hostels are the choice of many over the age of 55. There are more than 8,000 elder hostels in all 50 states and more than 90 countries. That makes a wide selection to choose from.
People from all walks of life gather together to experience educational tours, learn, exchange ideas and explore the world at a reasonable cost. Cost will vary depending on where you travel. These are not for profit tours with teachers and guides who know the countryside and culture.
Volunteer for your vacation. If you like the idea of going somewhere and helping others make a better way of life this may be for you. Most of the time you will travel in groups, thus making discounts easier to obtain.
At home and abroad you spend time volunteering on various projects such as rebuilding homes in New Orleans or planting trees in the Amazon jungle. But there’s always time for fun along the way. Get more information from the United Way or Red Cross.
If you have an RV you can trade your hotel keys for RV keys. With the price of gas this is not as doable as it used to be, but more young people are buying RVs now compared to when they were once was reserved for the over 60 crowd.
The larger the family and the longer the trip the more you can save by foregoing hotels and preparing your own meals in the RV or at the camp site. The work you do can offset the gas cost. If you’re not sure you want to take the plunge and buy an RV many are available to rent. In fact it is probably a much better deal to rent an RV if you do not plan to use it frequently. Yes it will cost quite a bit to rent it, but that’s little compared to the huge total outlay for a new or even a used one that sits up most of the time.
If you’re seeking to relax and reflect, rooms at monasteries and spiritual retreats may be rented all over the country. Most are inexpensive, some only require a donation. You may also be asked to participate in some of their activities and help with chores but it’s not necessary to share their beliefs. Experience the quiet amid usually beautiful settings.
Break the hotel habit and seek the road less traveled. It’s not for everyone, but if it fits your personality and aspirations to do something different then nontraditional vacations may be just what you’ve been longing for.
What are your money saving tips for traveling? Leave a reply below.
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