Travel: Done Frugally, It's Worth The Investment
Posted by travel lifestylist Susan Michelle on Oct 12, 2008 - 12:27:10 PM
As we’ve seen stocks drop, credit frozen and bills skyrocket in recent days, I know one worry’s been foremost on people’s minds: what about traveling?
…Okay, probably not. If anything, travel’s probably the last thing on everyone’s minds lately—
which is why it’s at the forefront of mine. If people can’t afford to drive their cars cross-town to work, they’re not going to spend money to fly cross-country for vacation anytime soon, right? And if people aren’t traveling, what do I have to advise folks on?
So, in the interest of me keeping my job, I’m here to suggest 10 low-cost ways to perhaps keep you traveling through this economic crunch:
1) STAY CLOSE TO HOME: Forget any trips that require flying—
even though fares are generally cheaper in autumn, this year, they are up 11-30 percent from fall last year. Leave the far-away vacation for another time, and, instead, explore locales nearby.
2) RIDESHARE: No flying means driving instead. Keep costs down by sharing the ride with someone who can share gas expenses; pick up a carpooler at erideshare.com, rideshareoptimizer.com or carpoolworld.com.
3) FORGET THE HOTEL: Couchsurf instead. Couchsurfing.com, globalfreeloaders.com, stay4free.com and hospitalityclub.org are all full of generous hosts with free couches for you to sleep on. Or swap homes with someone via a home-exchange site like 4homex.com or globalswops.com.
4) EAT FOR FREE: Pick up a local arts and entertainment newspaper—
or check the local version of Metromix.com—
to find out about social events going on during your stay. Art gallery openings are often open to the public, with free food and/or drinks. Other gatherings might require you to throw on an elegant outfit and crash the party to get in, but why not? If you get thrown out, it’s unlikely you’d run into anyone you know! Alternatively, target happy hours around town for free food buffets or, at least, half-price appetizers.
5) FREE MUSEUMS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Use the same paper/online resources to find out when the free admittance days are at the local museums, or if any other free entertainment (festivals, readings, movies, etc.) might be happening during your visit.
6) FOREGO THE CABS: Public transportation and your own two feet should be your only way to get around.
7) GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE: Go camping. Let hiking and a campfire be your entertainment.
8) POOL RESOURCES: Why not invite other friends/family along on vacation and rent a house or condo together? You can cook in the kitchen and stay up late chatting in your own living room rather than a noisy bar.
9) USE MILES: If you must fly, and you’ve been holding onto frequent flier miles, use them now—
rumor has it that some of these programs may be changing soon to make cashing them in harder.
10) TRAVEL LIGHT: Less luggage means less drag on your gas tank, if driving, and less baggage fees, if you must fly.
If you can hack journeying frugally, travel is one investment that won’t lose its value over time. Memories are priceless!
About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand.
Serving Bel Air, Benedict Canyon, Beverly Hills. Brentwood,
Laurel Canyon, Los Feliz, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Melrose, Santa Monica,
Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Topanga Canyon, Westwood & Hollywood Hills.
