Feb 12th, 2012 at 11:00AM: When planning my trip through China one summer, I decided that I wanted to stay out of the well-known cities and explore smaller villages and lesser known areas where I could find less tourist traps and more cultural fare. While Beijing and Shanghai are both excellent cities to visit, here is an itinerary that will take you off the radar and help you discover nature, minority villages, Chinese ...Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Budgettravel posts
An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China
Feb 12th, 2012 at 11:00AM: When planning my trip through China one summer, I decided that I wanted to stay out of the well-known cities and explore smaller villages and lesser known areas where I could find less tourist traps and more cultural fare. While Beijing and Shanghai are both excellent cities to visit, here is an itinerary that will take you off the radar and help you discover nature, minority villages, Chinese ...EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland
Feb 9th, 2012 at 2:00PM: While Switzerland is not usually thought of as a budget-friendly destination, there are actually many worthwhile hotels, sights, and restaurants that won't cost you a fortune. To help travelers navigate their way around this usually costly country, EuroCheapo has launched budget travel guides for the cities of Zurich and Geneva, marking their first Swiss guides on the site. These guides will not ...10 things to do in every city you visit
Feb 8th, 2012 at 2:00PM: While every city has its own unique landmarks, culture, and sights to see, there are certain general things you can do in any city you visit to make your experience more memorable. To enhance your next trip, take this checklist with you and try to do each of these things in every city you visit.
Sample the local cuisine
One way to really get to know a culture is through the food. It's ...10 free things to do in Barcelona, Spain
Feb 4th, 2012 at 11:00AM: Barcelona, Spain, is full of fun things to do and interesting sites to explore. Luckily, the city features many experiences for the budget traveler with free museums, walking tours, beaches, parks, museums, dance shows, and more. Use this list to help you save money while still experiencing the best the city has to offer.
Walk down Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is the most famous street in ...Budget travel tips from the girls of Sixpenny Globe
Feb 4th, 2012 at 10:00AM: Last year, recent college graduates Kelsey Ogden and Kristen Refermat set off on the adventure of their lives -- a four-month, 12-country backpacking trip -- armed with two packs, four cameras, and a desire to document the ups and downs of traveling on $30 per day.
The result is Sixpenny Globe, a Kickstarter-crowdfunded travel documentary series following Kelsey and Kristen on their budget ...Traveler's guide to local and western food in Ghana, Africa
Feb 3rd, 2012 at 12:00PM: When visiting Ghana, Africa, unless you are at the mall in the capital city of Accra or staying at a resort or hotel, you will most likely find yourself eating food that is far from Western comfort cuisine. Here is a guide to some of the typical foods you will find in Ghana, as well as some surprising favorites from home you'll be able to find in the small shops.
Local meals
Banku with ...10 luxury hostels from around the world
Feb 2nd, 2012 at 11:00AM: While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you're staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort in ...10 best times to break your travel budget
Feb 1st, 2012 at 5:00PM: While it's smart to plan a budget and make wise spending decisions, there are times while traveling when a splurge is in order. Don't think of these instances as wasting money, but as investments into your personal happiness and enhancements to your travel experience.
If there's a site you really want to visit
Whether it's a museum that covers a topic you're passionate about, a trek that ...Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, puts a new spin on in-room iPads
Feb 1st, 2012 at 3:30PM: No need to worry about tipping your tour guide on your next trip to Vancouver, Canada, as the OPUS Vancouver hotel has recently added iPads to each of their 96 guest rooms to act as personal tour guides of the city. While the trend of adding tablets to hotel rooms is not a new concept, the OPUS adds a new spin by having the technology reflect the guests' personality and show them around the city. ...10 ways travel can boost your resume
Jan 31st, 2012 at 3:00PM: While many people view travel as a fun hobby or interest, it can actually help gain experience and improve skills that are of interest to employers. While you shouldn't put travel under work experience unless you had an internship or job abroad, you can create a separate section to discuss your international skills, include anecdotes in your cover letter, or give examples during the interview to ...Money in Ecuador: How far can $1 get you?
Jan 27th, 2012 at 2:00PM:
Ecuador is one place where a little money really does go a long way. Not only does the country use United States currency, but it's amazing how many things you can purchase for just one dollar. Whether you are looking to drink an oversized beer at a pub or feast on 20 fresh bananas (just try to scarf them all down before they turn brown!), it comes as no surprise that Ecuador repeatedly makes ...Guide to wine tasting in Thailand
Jan 26th, 2012 at 12:00PM: While Thailand isn't typically thought of as a destination for wine-lovers, there are actually various opportunities in the country to experience vineyards, wineries, and tastings. Whether you want to explore a Thai vineyard on the back of an elephant, try a one-of-a-kind local wine, or have a sommelier guide you through a 10-course wine pairing under a candle jungle waterfall, you can use this ...10 tips for doing a homestay
Jan 24th, 2012 at 11:00AM: Doing a homestay in another country is a great way to get to know the culture from a first-hand perspective. By living with a family, you get to see how a local's daily life is, from what they eat, to how to they dress, to what their before-bed ritual is. With such a unique opportunity being given to you, it's important to get the most out of the experience while also being respectful. To help, ...For best airfare deals, shop six weeks before your trip
Jan 23rd, 2012 at 2:00PM: A recent study of U.S. airline ticket transactions revealed that passengers get the best airfare deals if they make their purchase six weeks before their scheduled departure.
On average, prices at the six-week mark are nearly 6% below the overall average fare, reported the study, run by Airlines Reporting Corp., a technology company that handles transactions between airlines and air travel ...Interdisciplinary art gallery in New York allows travelers to buy a ticket for a journey unknown
Jan 20th, 2012 at 12:30PM: Calling all free spirits: Have you ever felt the urge to just get on a random train and let it take you to a new place. Do you like the idea of forgoing any trip planning and just letting the journey guide you to where you will go? Well now through mid-April, the Bureau of Unknown Destinations in Brooklyn, New York, is open for business.
Basically, travelers will book a free round-trip train ...The graffiti art of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in photos
Jan 19th, 2012 at 3:00PM: Buenos Aires, Argentina, is well known for its booming arts scene. One way to experience the creative side of the city while also getting to enjoy the beautiful weather and outdoor scenery is through the myriad works of graffiti art that adorn the various neighborhoods.
Although many people may think of graffiti as dirty, ugly, or associated with vandalism, Buenos Aires is actually home to some ...10 free things to do in Paris, France
Jan 18th, 2012 at 10:00AM: While Paris, France, is not typically thought of as a budget travel destination, with some research and planning it is possible to visit the The City of Lights without spending a fortune. Just add some of these free and fun activities to your itinerary to help you save cash while still exploring the city.
Take a walking tour of the city
While most tours charge a fortune to show you the sites ...Upscale dining made affordable during New York's Winter Restaurant Week 2012
Jan 16th, 2012 at 4:00PM: It's that time of year again; when top restaurants from all over the city offer affordable prix-fixe menus for Restaurant Week. This winter, however, diners have 20 days to take advantage of the special.
On weekdays from January 16-February 10, patrons will be able to order a 3-course lunch for $24.07 or a 3-course dinner for $35 from some of their favorite restaurants. While this may sound too ...10 places for a boozy brunch in New York City
Jan 16th, 2012 at 2:00PM: While the city that never sleeps is full of wild nightclubs, upscale lounges, and rowdy bars, you're going to need a place to nurse that hangover come Saturday and Sunday morning. Thankfully, New York is also home to a plethora of excellent boozy brunch spots, where they can prescribe you a "Hair of the Dog" remedy with complimentary and unlimited drinks with your meal.
Essex
120 Essex ...10 hidden travel expenses backpackers often overlook
Jan 13th, 2012 at 4:00PM: When planning for a backpacking trip, most people try to create a budget of how much they think they are going to spend. While the flight, accommodations, and daily meals are often factored in, there are still many others expenses that still need to be covered. Here is a list of some of the expenses I've encountered in my travels that can add extra dollars to your budget.
Laundry
When ...
