Travel on the Cheap

It is a perilous time to be a traveler….especially one with little cash. From fuel costs to the down-sizing of airlines, it has become nearly impossible to budget a cheapie retreat. Yet alternative notions of travel can help you cut costs, while still allowing you to plan an adventure.

Some ideas for travel on the cheap:

1. Stay at a Hostel. Hotels and even Motels can suck you dry of funds. Be like the Euro Trash: stay somewhere cheap, so you have more cash for going out…it’s not like you’re going to sleep that much anyway. Check out: http://www.hostels.com/

2. Consider a “staycation.” Instead of traveling long distances to exotic lands, check out the wonders in your very own backyard. Chances are, you haven’t really felt what it’s like to be a tourist in your home town.

Some ideas:
-Visit a local hotel and peruse the tourist center pamphlets (often located by the lobby restrooms). You will discover national parks, hidden flea markets, community events and gems that you didn’t even know existed such as a historical mansion, or a government building with free public tours.
-Pack a picnic and visit some point of interest like a park or public quartyard. Bring an ipod and portable speakers, some sidewalk chalk and a frisbee. Make a day out of it.
-Check out the rando spots you visited as a kid on field trips. These places might have a certain nostalgic charm now that you’re a thinking adult. The zoo. The state capital. A museum. The botanic gardens. An ice or roller-skating rink.

• Go on short scenic drive. The leaves will be changing soon. Stop at obscure truck stops and buy candy and magazines. Wonder at the strangeness of others as you people-watch in a strange neighboring town. Sample the local brunch food. Peruse the farmer’s markets. Send a postcard to people to show how clever and ironic you can be with your cheap-o vacay.
• Do something crafty: try baking something for that special someone, buy some materials at a hardware or hobby store and make a present for your mom.

3. Work off your vacation. Lots of parks and recreation facilities will allow visitors to help out with chores and errands in exchange for free stay in order to keep costs down. Call ahead, go online and get creative with your talents to see if you can put those trail-building or toilet-cleaning skills to use.