In the past, the Nomad Architect has prided itself on finding places to see, hotels to lay your weary head and restaurants that make you realize life can be good that will not make you depressed when you get the bills.
Here is some advice and some thoughts on travel without pain.
Today's post is all about going to those places that you have dreamed of and have some dough left when you return to your permanent abode! We'll start out with a simple list of Do's & Don'ts. To the chagrin of my most favorite Fellow Nomad, I've always been a list guy. She's been my Supreme Navigator since 1969!
The Nomad Architect's Travel Advice List
Do's
1-Travel with the one you love, the one you laugh with and the one that forgives you when you make a wrong turn or a U-turn for the umpteenth time because you're lost.
2-Go directly to Italy first. This amazing country will change your head and heart no matter your age or position in life.
3-Have your favorite credit card for 90% of the purchases you will make for car rentals, train tickets, food and things to see along the way.
4-Relax! To be thoroughly enjoyed travel must bring smiles to your face and joy to your heart.
5-Enjoy the unexpected. The serendipity of travel always takes your head and your heart to a new place.
6-Plan, plan, plan! The secret to great travel on the cheap is obsessive planning and use of all the travel sites that will find the places and things you desire.
7-If you're going to a foreign country, learn their language as best you can. Most people in most places in Europe welcome Americans with smiles and they really appreciate your attempt at using their native tongue.
Don'ts
1-If it's your first time traveling somewhere new - DO NOT TRAVEL IN THE GOOD OLE USA! It's the most expensive country on the planet for travel.
2-Do not take a lot of cash. Take enough to pay for train tickets and other things that you will use or need. Also, most countries have ATMs, but they always have fees that can be high.
3-Don't settle. Make yourself find the best hotels, restaurants and places to see that will ensure your enjoyment and save you money.
4-Don't sign up for "tours". They cost a lot and don't give you the ability to go down that small road to enjoy something really cool.
5-Unless you have an unlimited budget do not go to California. Hotels, restaurants and places to see and enjoy tend to cost a lot of your hard-earned money.
TRAVEL SITES THAT WILL GET YOU THERE FOR LESS
1-i-escape (https://www.i-escape.com) IMHO this site is the best site to find great hotels with low prices. It covers all of Europe for small boutique hotels that won't drain your wallet. The site also has many links on where to go to see things of interest. Their prices start at around $100 per night!
2-AIRBNB (https://airbnb.com) From personal experience, we have stayed in over twenty AIRBNB's all over Europe and the US. The site has detailed information and reviews for great low-priced places.
3-Tablet Hotels (https://tablethotels.com) Another excellent site with 4–5-star hotels in Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon as well as many other cities, large and small, in Europe.
4-Eurocheapo (https//eurocheapo.com) It's title is somewhat self-explanatory. Cheap and cool places to lay your weary head after a day of exploring.
5-Booking.com (https://booking.com) This is a large site with extensive diversity all over the world. You can find some amazing boutique hotels for low prices.
These are just a few favorite sites to help all Vagabonds sleep tight for prices that won't break the bank. If you're a serious travel planner, you can find many more sites with great hotels for less money.
Other considerations for getting there and moving from Point A to Point B
The first recommendation - use American Express DELTA Credit Card for travel points. We have not paid for a flight in years. Just like searching for hotels to save money, searching for low-priced rental cars, restaurants and other items will help ensure a travel experience that will thrill you and yours and save you money.
So, get busy on that bucket list, plan your next trip to paradise and go!
Finally - Here's a nice tune by the Chairman of The Board - Sinatra - it's Nice to Go Trav'lng.
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