Cheap holidays abroad are easier to arrange than many might think, especially for adventurous spirits willing to trade a little unnecessary pampering for huge savings. From charming self-catered cottages to zany hostels with communal kitchens, intrepid travellers discover delightful adventures in foreign lands are possible even on a very modest budget.
Naturally, the internet is an invaluable tool for finding bargain holiday packages at major tourist destinations as well as off-the-beaten path deals not offered by typical travel agents. Some websites offer side-by-side comparison rates for chain hotels, airfare cost and car rental services for comparison in a given area. These services rarely mention those smaller, and cheaper, family owned businesses, though. They can only be found by digging through reviews and blogs by previous travellers eager to share their discovery.
Travelling on a budget does not necessarily mean roughing it, either. Many of the boutique hotels and hostels offer quite homey accommodations in sparkling clean facilities with a friendly staff full of helpful tips on nearby sights and warnings about the local tourist traps. Often these facilities include a free tour of the region or at least maps that guide guests on a walking tour that starts at their front door. Sometimes they even have bicycles and motor scooters available for guest excursions.
Meals are another issue that can burn up a lot of a holiday budget unless given careful consideration. Selecting accommodations with self-catering facilities can go a long way towards keeping costs down since there is the option of preparing meals and snacks and saving leftovers for later. With some friendly questions, travellers often are directed to local eateries that offer excellent food at a fraction of the cost for the same fare in a fancier setting.
Transportation costs are often the biggest budget wreckers. Savvy travellers in major cities seek out single purchase passes which provide the holder with unlimited free access to public transportation for a specific period of time so there is no need to pay for individual rides. Often these passes grant additional discounts at popular attractions, historical sites, restaurants and shopping venues.