While Paris isn’t generally a place you go to save money, it can be done. Even in this pricey place, the clever traveler can track down activities, services and just plain pleasures that don’t cost a single centime. Here’s a list of 5 fabulous and free finds in the City of Light. [Read more...]
5 Free Perks In Paris
Top 5 Ways To Go Local When Traveling
Looking to create lasting travel memories? Learning to live like the locals when you’re on vacation is the way to go. Here are seven ways to escape the “tourist trap” rut and live like a local on your next trip, whether it takes you to a world-class global city or a charming small village across the state. [Read more...]
5 Questions That Will Stretch Your Vacation Dollar
The right question can get you a free upgrade, cheaper airfare, or a lower rate on a hotel. Here, the simple phrases travel experts use to score a deal. We asked four travel experts–Matt Kempes of NomadicMatt.com; George Hobica, founder of AirfareWatchdog.com; Jaime Freedman of TravelZoo.com; and Clem Bason, president of Hotwire.com–for simple questions every traveler should be asking to save money. Their answers, er, questions, are below. [Read more...]
Hongkong — A City Suspended In The Air?
Bewilderment set in when I first moved to Hong Kong. How could one city operate on so many levels?
A preponderance of skyscrapers — not to mention overpasses, footbridges and elevated walkways — led to my snap judgment that Hong Kong was a city in the air. Or, taking into account the many subterranean routes too, at least not one in which residents spent much time at ground level. [Read more...]
Practical Tips For The Inexperienced Traveler
Want to get through airport security faster? Get in and out of baggage claim in a jiff? Spend less, a lot less, on food? Next time you go to board a flight, keep these four tips in mind.
Wear Slip-on Shoes
In addition to having to remove belts and jackets, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening policies require all able passengers to remove their shoes for scanning through security. To keep it simple and quick, sandals are the obvious choice in summer but not everyone likes to travel in half-bare feet, either because they get cold or trampled. Moc, Crocs, Clogs and slides make great alternatives, as well as Toms. Pack a pair of socks or compact slippers for warmth on the plane. [Read more...]
How To Avoid Or Minimize Baggage Fees
No traveler wants to pay extra to check a piece of luggage, but some may find themselves with no other choice. The good news is that there are some ways to avoid giving the airline even more money. Here are five ways to avoid baggage fees.
1. Become a light packer
The most obvious way to dodge the checked baggage fee is to not bring a bag to check. Invest in a good carry-on and only bring what you know you will need. Distribute the heaviest items (shoes, bulky coats, jeans) among the bags to avoid paying even more. [Read more...]
5 Most Affordable Travel Spots
For the value-hunting traveler, we’ve assembled some travel ideas with the help of professionals and economists who know what’s trending. While there may be other, more affordable destinations overall, these five are the best values in travel right now.
Mexico
Advance bookings to Mexico for the Legacy Travel agency are their strongest in 15 years, according to its Vice President, Catherine Banks. The peso’s been weaker and inflation low in recent months, according to Forex.com Senior Currency Strategist Eric Viloria. So your money should stretch out quite a bit.
Thailand
Eager to regain tourism lost to the political unrest and flooding of 2011, Thailand is closing itself out at rock-bottom prices. That means even cheaper accommodations at the lower ends. The Australian dollar goes over 100 percent further in Thailand than at home, according to The Economist’s Big Mac index, and the euro and U.S. dollar rate almost as favorably.
Myanmar (Burma)
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar could have picked a more profitable time in world economic history to open itself to outsiders, but its delayed departure from despotism is the traveler’s gain. This is the cheapest Myanmar will ever be. It has a fixed rate of 6.4 kyat per U.S. dollar to a floating rate of over 800 kyat per U.S. dollar. However, Myanmar is still largely cash-only.
Egypt
Tasteless as it may sound, the Arab Spring may have enabled your spring break, driving down demand and prices right along with it. The drop in demand has another benefit: smaller crowds. The Egyptian pound is sinking like a stone in recent futures trading, foreshadowing a devaluation of up to 50 percent or more.
Greece
All of the turmoil in Greece has weakened tourist demand and, in turn, prices — for the present — but it’s uncertainty about the future that’s really driving down travel costs. The euro fell to a 16-month low against the US dollar earlier this year, a trend that Viloria sees continuing as debt concerns mount.
Let’s ask the avid travelers this time — are there other great but affordable travel destinations that you know of? Invite the readers to try them out!
Source: CNN Go
Image: About.com
