Unfortunately, or fortunately, none of my travel tips can be looked at individually. They build on each other. And this week's TIP #3 -How to Travel on a Budget - is no exception.
As we move into retirement, most of us look at our financial situation and wonder how to travel during these golden years without depleting the nest egg we have worked so long to acquire. Sistersatsixty is here to help.
Tips #1 and #2 reminded us that we shouldn't travel when the rest of the world is traveling. This is also a good idea if you want to save money. Prices go up when more people travel.
Are you thinking of visiting some major cities in the world? I live in and love NYC, but this place is expensive and to find cheaper things it takes some digging. Maybe you'd rather go to LA, where is food cheaper and small intimate restaurants more plentiful. Spend a day or two in London and Paris, but get out of the cities and enjoy the less expensive countryside.
Watching your food budget is one of the best ways to save money. Eating out three meals a day is not only bad for your pocketbook, it is bad for your health. More and more hotels, even on booking apps like Booking.com, offer hotel rooms with small kitchens or at least a fridge and microwave. Check out Airbnb, VRBO or other vacation home rental websites for places with kitchens. If you drive, pack a cooler, filling it with all your favorite food from home. If you fly, find a grocery store and fill that fridge with yogurt, fruit and granola for breakfast and sandwhich fixings for lunch. Use the money you saved and enjoy a lovely dinner out at the end of the day.
In Europe many hotels include Breakfast. Search out those. Load up in the AM and book an early dinner or a late lunch. Who likes to go to bed on a full stomach. Pick up some nuts and protein bars if you get hungry between meals.
Finally, don't be afraid to go places that are a bit uncomfortable. Those places are usually cheaper. I don't mean unsafe, I mean somewhere that stretches you a little. How about Columbia, Mexico or Morocco. And don't sign up for an expensive tour or be stuck with guide the whole time. Use Viator or Airbnb for short inexpensive tours along the way. It will save you money and enrich your soul. As my Dad used to say "A penny saved is a penny earned."-Jan
Next week - Final Travel Tips!
