Travel Tips for Budget Holidays

Thinking of bypassing a holiday this year? With some research and planning, you can get away for that much needed break-on a shoestring. In addition, there are many ways to do that.

1. Getting There: Low-cost airlines have burgeoned, so shopping around would get you to your destination, sometimes at less than the price of an AC-train ticket in some countries of the world. If you are travelling in peak-holiday season, book months in advance. Trawl the internet for special offers, ticket auctions, and rock-bottom fares offered by airlines sites and travel portals. However, do not ignore the old way. You can also call a travel agent in your area to find even better deals. So, do not commit to anything before doing your homework, both online and with real tour operators. It is a buyer's market these days, and travelers can pick and choose.

If time is no object and you would not mind a slower mode, book train or bus tickets if you are planning to travel within your own homeland. If you prefer to drive, join up with another family, or friends, and share fuel costs.

2. Staying There: Hotel costs could be the single biggest expense. Youth hostels are often the best bet if they are available in the area where you are planning to travel. It offers much cheaper alternative to a hotel or resort. Hostels.com is one such popular site with backpackers.

There are also the websites of GlobalFreeloaders, The Hospitality Club, Stay4Free, BeWelcome, and CouchSurfing and so on, which give you the opportunity to stay with a local family free in the area where there services are available. With these travel sites, you will need to fill out your profile and connect with hosts.

3. Family Stays: If you are amenable to allowing strangers to stay in your house, you could sign up on a home swap program. HomeExchange.com is one website where you can post details of your house, as well as your choice of countries to visit. House sitting is another option, if you wish to stay in one place for an extended time. This could involve taking care of pets, the garden, and general housekeeping.

4. Working Vacations: Young singles have been working their way around the world in all sorts of temporary jobs. If you are a computer whiz, you could find a short-term tech jobs worldwide.

5. Self-catering Holidays: Renting a house and splitting costs can be a better deal than a hotel. Look for the ads where people will sell their week at a timeshare. In Europe, you may get to stay in a castle, a vineyard, cottage, or mansion.

6. Traveling Off-season: Traveling off-season is one way to save money unless you are very adventurous and prefer going in the peak-seasons only.

7. Offers and Freebies: Buy local magazines and newspapers, which advertise many of the things on offers: cut-price theatre tickets, discount coupons, meal offers, charity sales, and free guided walks.