7 Tips for a More Fulfilling (and Frugal) Travel Experience

Posted by Julia on Mar 1, 2010 in Travel

A new friend in India
A new friend in India

Looking for ways to maximize your travel experience at a fraction of the cost?  Here are few tried and true ways to enrich your travel, feel more fulfilled and save money!

1) Select destinations that are good value. Say no to Europe and say yes to Southeast Asia and South America. The plane ticket may initially be expensive but the cost of living is cheap when you’re in the country and your dollar will go much further.  In Thailand I was paying $10 a night for a beach bungalow and a few dollars a day for street food.  Plus, Thai culture is so different from that at home, making for a more interesting travel experience.

2) When looking for flight deals, turn to Kayak.com, an online travel search engine and helpful travel tool where you can compare prices across hundreds of sites in one simple search.  Check out their Deals, Buzz and Trends sections for affordable flight and hotel options.

3) Independent travel may seem a bit daunting at first, but everything you need to survive will be available to you in the “Traveler’s Bible.”

Lonely Planet guidebook series is my go-to resource while I’m on the road.  With its affordable hotel recommendations, off-the-beaten track restaurants and local grassroots organizations, Lonely Planet offers an honest and in-depth account of a destination, beyond the tourist traps. Check out their online travel community Thorn Tree (www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree), where you can post questions and reach out to other independent travelers.

4) Learn the Lingo.  Knowing the basic 10 words of any language will help you get to know local people. I find people drop their guard a little and open up more when you demonstrate your interest in learning their language and culture. A few helpful words may help you make some new friends, get better service, and, at the very least, get someone to smile.

5) Find an “Insider,” Not a Guide. Travel is all about the people you meet.  Connecting with local people can help you understand the culture of the country you’re visiting. Use social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to reach out to local people and ask their advice.  Often people are excited to promote their homeland to visitors and will offer interesting ideas, even dinner invitations.

Common interests can also bring people together.  I reached out through MySpace to heavy metal bands in Georgia. I was interested in learning about the heavy metal scene, they took me under their wing and brought me into the fold of a unique subculture.

Reach out to ex-pat groups of Americans now living abroad.

Send an email to all your contacts or Facebook friends, saying “Hey, I’m going to India…know anyone there?”  Often someone can suggest a friend of a friend to connect with.  Having an “insider” to show you the country will make the world of difference.

6) Choosing locally run tour companies is often much cheaper than going with an American company.  Going local not only pumps money back into the local economy (which is a positive impact of tourism), but you’ll have a better chance of having a more ‘authentic’ experience with local guides who speak the language, know the culture and the land.  For North American based tour groups, GAP and Intrepid are my favorite. They specialize in small, sustainable, socially-conscious tours with an emphasis on culture.

7) Giving back: Volunteering abroad is a great way to enrich your travel experience. It brings a sense of fulfillment and takes you off the tourist trail. For information on volunteering abroad, check out my blog posting http://www.traveljunkiejulia.com/a-how-to-guide-to-volunteer-vacations/

How do you get the most fulfilling experience while traveling?  Share your thoughts below!

Save and share!

Facebook Twitter Email | More Options

  • aseper
    Nice list. I also think number one is most important. When planning our RTW, so many people just assumed we were spending all our time in Europe. When they found out we weren't hitting up Europe at all, they were shocked. Why would someone want to travel in S. America? was a question we received often. Now I love Europe and there are many places there I want to visit/go back to, but Europe can wait until I'm older and a little less adventurous. Going places where your money lasts three to four times longer is the way to go, imo, of course.
  • Good post, I totally agree. I travel Thailand and Cambodia every 6 months and I can live quite well on $30 a day.
  • Couchsurfing is also a great way to meet people - and get a free place to stay!
  • I definitely agree with points 4 and 5. When I was travelling through Europe last year I made sure to always learn a few phrases in each language, the most important being "I don't speak (language). Do you speak English?"

    It's great to find other travellers who have been to the same cities and are roughly the same age as they will have lots of advice on what to do and what not to do in the city. They may also be able to link you up with people living in they city that they met there. Couchsurfing is also a great way to meet people.
  • i'm currently on an around-the-world trip. just found your blog and catching up on posts - great tips!
  • Some great frugal tips - I also think planning ahead and being a little organised makes a huge difference.
  • maitravelsite
    I would say that probably tip number one is the most important. Money is always an issue, so traveling in countries where your currency will take you further is crucial. Africa is also very very cheap (mostly anyhow) but it is true that in Asia and South America you will get better value.

    And one important thing: never join one of those all included trips that take you everywhere, fixed schedule and all that. You are likely to miss the best of your destination. Using local tours (if at all) will be cheaper and more fulfilling.

    Federico
    www.maitravelsite.com
  • Ooooh good tips! I get Travelzoo's weekly top 20 deals, too, and they are usually REALLY good deals!
  • Guest
    One more tip:
    DO NOT wear a Canadian flag patch or pin.
    Firstly, you advertise the fact that you most likely speak English - it is difficult to discourage the touts when they know you can communicate with them.
    Secondly, many will think you are an American trying to 'hide' - and them kill you.
    When I want to be left alone, I just repeat: "Islenska! Islenska!" and flash a heretofore hidden patch of the flag of Iceland.
    Nobody speaks Icelandic!
    If they cannot communicate with you, they can't sell you anything.
    In the event that the touts discover you do speak English, Their first question is usually: "Where are you from?" I answer with: "My mother". If they laugh you've made a friend and their hard-sell disappears. If they do not laugh, you have time to escape as they discuss amongst themselves where the country 'my mother' is located on the globe.

    Hello Where you go? You want Tuk Tuk?
    Chai! Chai! Doe rupee chai!

    Islenska!
  • Great advice, especially 5 and 6. Knowing and getting in with the locals is key to a good travel experience. Some of our best memories are from when we met some guy that invited to lunch or told us about some little known local restaurant.
  • Nice tips, it's always fun to experience life in a new place as a local would.

    I enjoy traveling where I have that inside connection as well. If you have friends with family in other cities or countries it is a great idea to stay at their house. Home cooked meals, good conversation and enjoying the little things that are normal in their life but so unique to ours is very rewarding.
blog comments powered by Disqus