|
|
It is often the traveling part that costs the most, due to the cost of gas, convenient fast food, and expensive hotels you are forced to pay for when you just can't drive any further. So if you find a place with a reasonable motel, and a lot to do in the area - stay for a while!
For a long trip, you may want to rent an apartment in an interesting city. We did this for two months in Tucson, for about $600 less per month, compared to even the cheaper motels.
For the cheapest rates, buy the 7-day advance purchase tickets. They also have some student and senior citizen discounts, and from time-to-time run specials. For tickets, information, prices, schedules and more, visit www.Greyhound.com.
It's less common to own a car in most other countries, so bus systems tend to be more developed than here. Even the smallest towns often have several competing bus lines. On our last trip to Ecuador, the cross-country busses were much more comfortable than the Greyhound busses in the U.S. They showed movies and had reclining seats, and curtains. They are still cheap, as well.
It is not as safe to use the city busses, which is probably true in most countries. Cities are more convenient than highways for criminals. Fortunately the taxis in many countries are cheaper than in the United States.
Keep luggage with you if at all possible. Wrap any straps around your arms, so it isn't easy for a thief to grab it. Set purses and day packs on your lap where you can see them.
On busses, I see travelers put their packs into the hold below, not knowing they could take them on the bus. Their luggage is exposed to theft as the hold is opened and closed at each stop. Once, when I was traveling in Mexico, someone was down below in the hold, cutting open the lining of the jacket in my backpack, removing the travelers checks inside, and sewing the lining back up. It was many hours before I knew that I'd been robbed.
Ask the locals what the rules and rates are. Taxi's are safer than city busses, but the taxi driver may not be the most scrupulous businessman. If it is allowed, negotiate the price in advance. Clarify exactly how much the fare will be to take you where you are going. If this isn't possible, be sure what the rate per kilometer or minute is, and watch the meter closely.
If you are familiar with the city, watch where you are taken. Your hotel may be three times as far by the route the driver takes. This is an old trick of taxi drivers everywhere. At least pretend you know the streets of the city, or ask a local how far it is to your destination before you get in the taxi.
Use your common sense and intuition. Don't get in cabs that don't seem "right." As long as you take some precautions, using taxis is safe, and almost as cheap as bus travel in some countries.
Somebody in Hawaii, Costa Rica or Colorado is just waiting for you to come and stay in their house while they are away. You may have to water the plants, and even get the mail for them, but you get to stay in a beautiful home in a sunny place. Sometimes you even get paid for these vacations. To learn more about care-taking opportunities, visit the Caretaker Gazette at http://www.caretaker.org.
Think of those Corona ads on TV. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach with a drink. When you get restless, start collecting seashells and driftwood up and down the shoreline. Bring a metal detector and who knows what you'll find. There are beaches in Florida and many other places where you can camp in your RV. In Michigan and other Great Lake states, you can even find cheap motels on or near the beach.
You can save up to 70% with last-minute deals at sites like www.Site59.com. Offers range from beaches, romance or family getaways, or you can choose from a drop-down menu of destinations. Another one to try is www.11thHourVacations.com.
If you need legal help while you are traveling in another country, you can get information on the State Department's Judicial Assistance Page. ( http://travel.state.gov/law/info/judicial/judicial_702.html)
Of course, if you don't have access to the internet at the time, you'll need to contact the nearest embassy or consulate by phone. Use the list of United States Embassies and Consulates to get the numbers you need before you go, and carry them with you. You can get the list here: http://usembassy.state.gov/
It is recommended by the U.S. Department
of State that you register with the Embassy or Consulate where
you are going , and even provide them with your itinerary, so
they can find you if need be. You can do this online using their
Registration Page:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html
When you aren't familiar with a town or country you are in, you never know when you will find a place to eat. It's a good idea to carry snacks and maybe a bottle of water. It's these little travel secrets that make the journey more comfortable.
Note: This is part of a subscription e-book. If you haven't subscribed, and want to get the other chapters (no charge for now) use the link below to go to the home page and sign up.