2-14-24 SOME ADVICE FOR MY FELLOW VAGABONDS - HOW TO PLAN A BUCKET LIST VACAY ON THE CHEAP!

 How To Be A Real Nomad Without Breaking The Bank

So here we are - Valentines Day. I've thought a lot about a post for Valentines Day and decided - maybe next year. Today's post is for any Vagabond that wants a trip that fulfills all the desires you may have without exceeding your American Express or Capital 1 credit limit. And you need to get started - Spring is quickly approaching - March 21!

Is "Budget Travel" The Ultimate Oxymoron?

 

Well, it depends on your definition of what budget and enjoyable travel really mean.  We've all experienced stressful issues flying to places unknown. I proclaim, with no apology, the pleasure of train travel in Europe is the best way to get from Point A to Point B. Train travel actually gives credence to the admonition "Getting there is half the fun".  And of course, driving up the coast of California or through the hills of Tuscany on a Sunday afternoon is one of the truly great pleasures any Nomad would welcome.

And what about the budget part of Budget Travel? First, let's define Travel Budget. In researching various travel blogs, online magazines and other travel experts, today's hotel prices range from $100 to $2,600, depending on where you go and what you desire for a cool place to sleep. Finding quality digs for picky Nomads that do not cost a small fortune is becoming more and more challenging. If your idea of budget travel is to go to Hotel.com and find the lowest priced chain, then read no further. If, however, you are a true Nomad looking for low prices and refuse to settle, then today's post is for you.

Of course, hotel costs are not the only component of budget travel. Transportation costs are becoming more and more challenging for the budget minded. I highly recommend procuring a rewards credit card. My personal preference is American Express Delta. We've not paid for a plane ticket in years. However, through obsessive planning, searching and timing, a penny-pinching Nomad can keep the cost of planes, trains and automobiles at an acceptable level. Finally, food and other things like shopping, entertainment and sightseeing can add up to a significant portion of any travel budget. Eating, drinking and being merry can, indeed, cost a bundle. So, just as you plan the big items, being smart and reasonable can help ensure that you travel like a Happy Nomad and not just a weary, broke vagabond.

 

Sleeping On The Cheap Is What We Seek

 

Now that we have established the basic conceptual boundaries of low-cost travel, how do we actually achieve the Ultimate Low-Cost Adventure for Cheap Nomads? IMHO, travel in the USA takes an obsessive search for cool places that don't cost a fortune. So - where are you gonna go? If you have never been to the most amazing country on earth, then get started on a trip to Italy. You will find quality places to sleep, visit, see and enjoy for prices that won't make you wince! 

Practical Considerations

Here is a simple list of things to keep in mind when planning your dream trip.

• Research - To plan a great budget conscious trip takes time.
• Read - Online, books, you tube & other sources help you plan your trip.
• Get organized - Book mark every relevant site for places & activities.
• Make a budget. This is critical to achieve your goal of low-cost travel. Use Excel or download any number of Travel Budget Apps.
• Make an itinerary. I prefer a simple Itinerary listing flights, hotels, places and activities you want to enjoy.
• Confirm costs. When you find a hotel that interests you make sure you go to the hotel's web site to ensure you are getting the best price. Rarely do "hotel bundlers" actually have lower prices.
• Be flexible. Sometimes finding a hotel a bit off the beaten path will take you into uncharted territories that will improve your trip for less money.
• Follow blogs. Make comments and ask questions on travel blogs about places and deals. Click any link listed under Blogs The Nomad Follows in the right margin for some good intel.

Next week can't be missed. I will list all of the best places to find great, inexpensive hotels everywhere, particularly Italy. Other items will be included for you to plan your Dream Vacay.

My Fellow Nomads - You Gotta Plan & Go!

D.L.Stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

“There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.” - Orson Welles

Here is a very cool tune by one of my favorites - Lyle Lovett - Pants Is Overrated.