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options Viewing The Quick Mini Guide for How to Save Money on Backpacking

 

 The Quick Mini Guide for How to Save Money on Backpacking  
Almost by definition, backpackers are usually traveling on limited funds. You will no doubt be looking for ways to keep costs down and save cash wherever and whenever possible. This article presents a few tips that might help you along your way.

By Mathew Sari

Almost by definition, backpackers are traveling on limited funds. You will no doubt be looking for ways to keep costs down and save cash wherever and whenever possible. Here are a few tips that might help you along your way.

• If you are still in full-time education or have a university acceptance letter, then get yourself an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). These are valid in 120 countries and entitle you to over 40,000 discounts globally. If you have graduated but are the youthful side of 26, then get an International Youth Travel card, which is much the same as the ISIC card. These are valid in many hostels, on transport, and at Internet cafes.

• Although insurance may seem like a waste of money, it will cost you a considerable amount more if you have an accident without insurance. Basically, you should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

• Buying toiletries at your destination will save you money and valuable luggage space at the airport. Shampoo, conditioner, etc. are heavy; we could all do with a little extra weight allowance at check-in.

• You should arrange your tours and accommodation locally. You are likely to get better rates as you cut out the middleman and you can negotiate better deals face-to-face.

• Tours are a great option when you are traveling alone, it is your first time backpacking, and you do not speak the language. However, do not rely on them too much. You will miss out on many places, meeting people, and it will cost you a lot more to do so. Going at your own pace is a much better option that will save you cash.

• Transport can be one of the biggest expenses when you are traveling, so make use of public transport whenever you can. Local buses may seem daunting, but they are usually the cheapest option and give you a real insight into the country in which you are traveling. Just remember to keep a close eye on your belongings.

• Certain transportation should be booked in advance, such as train fares in Europe. If you know your dates around a month in advance (unlikely but possible) you can benefit from much bigger discounts than a few days prior to travel and definitely from buying tickets on the day of travel.

• Many hostels now have book exchanges so you do not need to carry heavy books while on the road. You can swap your well-read copy of the latest Paulo Cohelo with an equally well-worn Nick Hornby.

About the Author:

If you are taking a gap year, etravelinsurance.co.uk offers a specific gap year travel insurance policy that should cater to all your needs. If you are planning to go away for a shorter period of time, take a look at their backpacker travel insurance policy. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com



  Article added 08/13/09.

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