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Cheap travel means you get to go more often, go on longer trips or just save some of your money for other things. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean low-quality travel. If you find a way to get a cheaper plane ticket, for example, you might be flying on the same plane as with the more expensive tickets.

Of course sometimes you can save money by traveling differently, and that’s okay too. Why pay an extra $40 for a hotel if you like the idea of staying in a hostel with visitors from around the world? Why rent a car in countries where good bus and train systems make for cheaper and more interesting trips?

Essentially you can travel cheap in two ways. First, you can find cheaper ways to get the same thing. The other, perhaps more powerful way, is to alter your expectations and plans to create a more interesting trip that is also inexpensive. The tips that follow will help you do both.

1. See if you can book two flights cheaper than one.

My wife and I are thinking about going to Ecuador this year (2007). Checking for our approximate dates, I found that it would cost $950 each round trip from Colorado Springs, or $1,900 total. Then I checked from Colorado Springs to Miami. It would be $215 round trip. From Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador costs $350 round trip. That makes it just $565 to Ecuador, or $1,130 total – a savings of $770.

Of course, if you are going to do this, you have to find flights that have enough time in-between them. You probably won’t get e refund if you miss the second flight because of a delay on the first. In our case, we have friends near Miami, so we’ll just arrange the flights to be a day or two apart, and go visiting. Even after the cost of renting a car for a couple days we’ll still be hundreds of dollars ahead.

2. Live in a new place for a while.

One way to make a vacation less rushed, cheaper, and in many ways more interesting, is to stop going from hotel to hotel. Why not stay in a place, and even rent a condo or apartment? We did this a few years back in Tucson, Arizona. It was nice to escape winter for a couple months, and it was fun to explore and get to know a new city. Often you can save hundreds of dollars this way, versus paying by the night for hotel rooms.

3. Be an opportunistic traveler.

This is the most valuable of these cheap travel tips. There are so many things to do out there and so many places to see, so why get stuck on just the ones you have already thought of? With a little luck, you might find a more interesting place to go for half the price. With little shopping, you might find a bed and breakfast in whatever country you visit, and pay less for a more interesting experience.

First look for all the possible alternatives that are less expensive. This isn’t about doing something you don’t want to do. But among those cheaper choices there might be a perfect trip for you. Why not find out? To start with, do any of your friends live in interesting places? Visiting friends is a great way to save on travel costs and have a load of fun (with the right friends).

Here’s a good example of being an opportunist. We were in the mountain resort town of Banos, Ecuador, and asked about the cost of taxi ride to some waterfall. It was $15. It was apparently a popular attraction with tourists. We kept that in mind as we wandered around. Then we saw a chiva (an open-sided bus with seating on the roof) go by playing music. We asked about that.

The chiva took us on a tour of the city (I rode on the roof), then up into the mountains for a view of the city from above. Then we watched the volcano Tungurahua erupt and spit out a bit of lava. They served us hot rum drinks (included in the price), and there were fire-juggling entertainers. Passengers had to push the chiva to get it started for the trip back to town. The cost of all this? $3 each. Cheap travel does not mean uninteresting travel.

Maldives is a year round destination. To spectacle the picturesque beauty of Maldives, travelers throng to this adobe of nature frequently. If you are soon planning to fly off to Maldives to enjoy perfect family vacations, then go through our Maldives travel trips.

Maldives Currency:

The official currency in Maldives is Maldivian rufiyaa. One rufiyaa is equal to 100 laaris. Banknotes are issued in denominations of MVR500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, while coins come in MVR1 and 2, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaris.

Credit Cards:

In Maldives Credit cards are widely accepted as a form of payment. All the major credit cards are widely used in hotels, restaurants, tourist shops. Even foreign currency like Euros and Sterling are accepted in Maldives.

Maldives Currency Exchange:

Travelers don’t need to worry about the currency they are carrying with them. In Maldives currency exchange is a quick and a hassle-free process. Cash and cheques can be exchanged in hotels and hotels at best rates.

Maldives Tourist Information Offices:

The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board is the body that caters to the needs of tourists. Its main office is located in the island capital of Malé.

Address: 3rd Floor H. Aage, 12, Boduthakurufaanu Magu

Malé, Republic of Maldives

Visa and Passports:

Tourists with a valid passport valid for at least six months are granted a stay of up to 30 days in Maldives.

Maldives Language:

The official language spoken in Maldives is Dhivehi. Even English is widely spoken. French, German, Italian and Japanese travelers can easily find efficient guide in the tourist area.

Maldives Customs and Traditions:

Maldives people are warm and loving. A handshake is the most common form of greeting when meeting a local. It is accompanied by the Arabic expression ‘Assalaam Alaikum’.

Maldives have a strict approach towards the tourists who try to harm the natural environment of the country. No one is permitted to take coral, tortoise shell or other marine species out of the country.

Tourists are not allowed to bring alcoholic drink into the country or even purchase it prior to the arrival.

These handy Maldives travel tips will help you plan an unforgettable Maldives vacation.

Unfortunately, many backpackers travel insurance policies often fail to cover the activities that backpackers enjoy. Backpacking and many popular backpacking destinations may offer travel and adventure, but not if you are relying on a basic insurance policy for medical care or replacement of belongings.

Standard travel policies effectively place limits on the activities you can take part in, as well as the places you can go. Before heading off for an international backpacking trek, it is necessary to explore the types of travel insurance available and to find a policy that meets your specific needs.

Standard insurance policies exclude anything that has the potential to cause a claim. Backpacking, as well as certain other sports and activities, automatically places people at risk of illness and injury because it involves leaving the paved roads and vacation resorts. Backpacking in wilderness areas and mountain trails, as well as overnight accommodations in cheap hotels and backpackers hostels raises a lot of safety issues.

Insurers also consider people who participate in those activities more likely to be assaulted or robbed. A backpacker’s travel insurance policy is issued with an understanding of the risks involved, and offers more coverage than a standard travel policy.

The travels of a backpacker are not like those of others on vacation, and a backpacker’s insurance must meet their individual needs. Backpackers travel insurance must cover a diverse range of countries, as well as the remote areas that standard policies usually fail to cover.

Natural disasters can have a seriously negative impact on backpacking vacations, as well as the health and belongings of backpackers, so policies must cover those events, even if it is with certain restrictions. In addition to all of these, backpacker policies also often offer the option of extending the policy, or changing the area covered by the policy, while traveling.

A common rite of passage for students leaving college is embarking on a multinational backpacking tour. It is a cheap way to see other countries, interact with the people and learn about the culture. It also offers the opportunity to find yourself, figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your life.

However, for many, backpackers travel insurance does not provide coverage for destinations and vacations that the backpacker wants to experience. This can leave you stranded, without assistance or replacement of goods in the event of an emergency. Taking the time to explore your options before you leave, however, will help ensure that your policy covers what you need, wherever you go and no matter what happens along the way.

Before you and your backpack head off for a hiking adventure, make sure you have all the essential items you need. You may have your own ideas of what should be in your pack but please take 1 minute to read this checklist and hopefully you wont end up with a sore back.

PRIORITY NUMBER 1: a good strong Backpack! How can you go for a wild backpacking adventure with a cheap useless backpack? Pick one which is comfortable and fits well on you. A custom fitted backpack is crucial. You are going hiking and the last thing you need is a backpack gouging into your shoulders. Make sure it fits as comfortable as possible, you could be carrying it for thousands of miles. Purchase one with a lock and key as well, if you can’t find one with a lock and key, then buy a separate padlock to keep your belongings safe.

Two of the most important elements of your backpacking journey will be, sleep and walking, hopefully not together. Pick a pair of very comfy walking shoes because, you will learn soon enough that walking is going to be a major part of your backpacking adventure. A pillow case and lightweight sleeping bag are essential items to keep when you stay in accommodation for backpackers. The pillow case is great because you know your head is the only one which has slept on it and it wont need too much regular washing. A sleeping bag will improve your sleep if your bag is comfortable and you can always pull out a few clothes to stuff in the pillow case for a custom sized pillow.

“DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT”! This little booklet is the key to you leaving your home country and the same key, which will allow you to enter and leave many other countries. Without it, well, you wont be going anywhere. Separate your cash and travelers cheques into different compartments on your backpack and, keep some about your person. This way, “IF” robbers strike or “IF”, you lose your backpack, you can ensure you have something left. In addition, find yourself a comprehensive travel guide but one, which only has the essential info you need.

Most backpacks have a detachable daypack. This little pack can easily carry your essential items for a day trip, like a camera, journal, one or two travelers cheques and flip flops. Flip flops I hear you ask? Flip flops can be very useful when you take a shower in places you may not normally take a shower.

Mini packs of toothpaste, shampoo, sun cream, wet wipes, body spray or roll on, soap and a small bag of laundry powder will all keep you clean and feeling fresh for the first few weeks of your journey. Restock at different stages on your travels. A tiny first aid kit could prove very handy and finally, a quick drying towel! You don’t want to be carrying a heavy, damp towel on your back for miles and miles.

Take just enough underwear & socks for a week and make sure your socks are 100% cotton so your feet can breathe. You might also want to pack a pair of long Johns. This depends on the season and place where you are traveling. You might need your long underwear when you stay in accommodation with a poor heating system. Pack a lightweight raincoat or kagool, especially for tropical or rainy countries like those in South America or South East Asia.

Travel insurance: It protects you when you need protecting the most. It gives you financial security in a land that is not your own, when you are facing circumstances that are beyond your control. It can replace your personal belongings; it can give you shelter and even pay for medical emergencies. It is a vital companion for any traveller. It comes in many forms and has many prices. If you have need of it, you don’t want to pay more for it than you absolutely have to. And so, your quest for cheap travel insurance begins.

When you book a trip with a travel agent, you will be offered travel insurance. This might be the most convenient way to purchase travel insurance, but it is not always the cheapest. In order to find cheap travel insurance, you will need to do a little bit of legwork yourself.

One of the best tools that you can use to find cheap travel insurance is the internet. You can purchase individual policies from insurance providers without having to go through a travel agent. But you will need to contact the insurance company directly. You can do this by using the internet to find the travel insurance providers in your area. Or you can visit websites and obtain quotes all from the comfort of your own home. Many cheap travel insurance companies will also allow you to buy your policy online.

You may also want to shop for cheap travel insurance at your current insurance agency. Many companies give discounts to their customers who purchase multiple policies through them. Always check with your current insurance agent to see what types of deals that you can get.

Business directories are another great tool that you can use to shop for cheap travel insurance. However, this method takes more time as you will need to call each listing to ask for quotes.

If you have friends and family who travel frequently, you may want to ask them where they purchase their travel insurance. Referrals are a great way to get a feel of what to expect from a company. This is especially true if your references have had to file a travel insurance claim in the past.

When you’re shopping for cheap travel insurance, always remember to review each policy thoroughly. There could be fine print and red tape that you will not be aware of until it’s too late. Remember; a great price is not always a great deal. You need to shop for the policy with the best coverage at the lowest possible price. Never skimp on coverage.

If you plan to shop for cheap travel insurance on your own, you will need to begin comparing policies in advance of your trip. You should start comparing policies and getting quotes well before you plan to travel. This will give you plenty of time to find the right policy and make your purchase.

Want to go in for a dream vacation with your family, and the problem is shortage of funds? Well, now there is a solution to your problem, thanks to the availability of a cheap travel package, designed specially according to your needs, that is available with almost every travel agency or tour planning company. A cheap travel package ensures that you get the same amount of enjoyment that you would get at regular prices.

Travel agencies all around the world give offers for both group tours organised by them, or personal and private family tours or honeymoon etc. Besides, if you do not want to go in for a group tour by the travel agency, and just need help in booking of tickets, accommodations etc., then they also help you to avail discount air travel, as most travel agencies have tie-ups with various airlines. Basically, the earlier you book your tickets, the better are your chances of getting a bigger benefit of cheap air travel.

If you like to do things yourself, and do not want to be dependent on travel agencies for this work, then you could yourself check out the websites of various airlines, in order to gain information on cheap travel tickets or discount air travel. In case you are a regular customer or user of some airline, then after the completion of a certain number of kilometers traveled with that airlines, you may also get Cheap Travel Tickets for your next trip. This type of customer benefit is followed in most airline companies.

Expenditure on air travel eats up a big portion of your planned budget for your vacation, and that is the reason why you should always go in for a cheap travel package, as it ensures that you get a Cheap Air Travel facility. Besides, you also get other benefits of cheaper accommodations etc.

It is always better to plan off-season trips as there are more chances of a cheap travel package being available at that point of time, because airlines, hotels ,travel agencies etc. all want to attract the customers in order to gain business and make profit at that time. So obviously the benefits in a cheap travel package taken up in off season would be definitely more than the one taken up in the regular or peak season.

“http://travel.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/travel/20090730.103316_wirelessfinal.jpg” /> Don’t let your holiday end in wireless disaster

With four long weekends before the end of the year, travel plans are on the horizon for many of us.

As much as sunscreen and shampoo are travel necessities, so are laptops, netbooks and smartphones. And to get online, people are increasingly taking advantage of wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks.



Wi-Fi networks are available in airports, hotels and even in the air.

While offering convenience and flexibility, Wi-Fi networks are unfortunately also easy entry points for hackers looking to steal your money, account information and identity.

Your holiday could be ruined in an instant by cyber-criminals looking to rob you of your personal information. Imagine stepping off the plane, ready to start your holiday vacation, only to realise your bank account has been wiped out and your credit card information stolen.

Here’s five easy tips to ensure your holiday doesn’t end in disaster.

1. Pay attention to your surroundings

Remember, if you can read his magazine, the man sitting next to you on the plane can also read what’s on your laptop screen.

2. Beware of “Evil Twins”

Some Wi-Fi networks can appear to be legitimate, but are not. Criminals can create “dummy” networks or Web sites that contain the name of the airline, hotel or airport, but will actually direct your information to their own computer. If you always use the access keys provided by the airline, hotel, or airport, you’ll be protected.

3. Always assume your Wi-Fi connections are being eavesdropped on

Never enter sensitive data (bank account information, NRIC numbers, etc.) when browsing the Web via a Wi-Fi network.

4. Set any Bluetooth devices to “hidden”, not “visible”

If you do not use the Bluetooth function, turn it off altogether.



5. Keep your security software current and active

Mobile PCs are vulnerable to the same viruses, Trojans, and worms as your home computer. There is a wide range of Internet security software on the market to tackle this, from reputable brands like Norton, BitDefender and McAfee.

Do not forget to read the essential 11 Travel Tips (<- Click Here), which is a must read for everybody oing on a holiday or traveling!

With airline fares threatening to rise, plus with the cost of going on vacation being in danger of increasing, hard working families can find it increasingly difficult to find affordable solutions. Cheap travel is essential to that much needed break, enabling you to get away from it all without having to worry about the cost. Fortunately, there are still plenty of cheap travel deals to be found online. By using the internet, you can find cheap travel solutions more easily than ever!

Online booking enables travel operators to cut out the middleman, making it possible to price travel much more cheaply. Making travel arrangements this way means that no-one has to pay for the high street offices or massive agency advertising which drive up the cost of travel. Online services can offer cheap travel to customers who are prepared to do some of the work themselves, for example by using search engines to find the cheap travel solutions which suit their requirements. If you decide the destination and the routes you want to use to get there, you can use online services to find cheap travel options which are also a cheap solution for the provider. You’ll probably also find that you enjoy having more control over managing your travel, with nobody giving you the hard sell or trying to persuade you that you might really prefer to travel somewhere else (probably at a higher cost).

The cheap travel options you find on the internet can work in several different ways. Sometimes low cost travel options are priced low due to the “frills” being removed. An example of this is no frills airlines, or cheap lodging solutions packaged with cheap travel. Cheap travel options are often targeted at a specific group, for example, many travel providers offer extra cheap destinations that may not appeal to the masses, or by offering packaged travel deals during the off season. Some offer deals to relatively “undiscovered” exoctic locations. Then there are the Last Minute Deals which can be made at the last minute, allowing the travel providers to fill empty spots on flights and hotels which would otherwise be left empty and generating no income for them. This means that booking online enables you to enjoy cheap travel deals even if you don’t have the time to organize and research your vacation. Booking cheap travel online is a very attractive option when you take into account that making last minute bookings through a traditional travel agent is usually far from a cheap option. Providers would much rather get some income, even if it is deeply discounted, rather than get no income at all.

Whether you are looking for a family holiday spent in the sun or just a quiet city break by yourself, cheap travel options are there for you to find online. Just look around and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of cheap travel options available to you. Thanks to all these cheap travel opportunities, you can stop worrying about the cost and look forward to enjoying your dream vacation!