Discount Travel Resources

One of the most essential tools for anyone traveling on a budget is where to look to find information. The following cheap travel resources can be of great assistance in planning your next vacation. The travel assistance described is centered on European travel, but the resources described will benefit the world wide traveler. These are all tools I have used and will continue to use in my future travels.

#1 Resource: A Good Starting Point

A good starting point is a site that you trust to help give you a sense of the range of airfare prices, allowing you to be a better informed shopper. My personal choice is Kayak, but there are many sites that you can use. Try to find a site that searches a multitude of airlines and gives the bargain shopper a chance to compare fares and flights at a glance. In addition, search results can give you the ability to identify local airlines in foreign countries. From there you can search the websites of local airlines to ensure you are getting the best airfare. These types of sites also offers searches for discount hotels, car rentals, cruises, etc.

#2 Resource: No Frills Travel Options

There are many no frills airlines that offer competitive prices, two that I have used are EasyJet and RyanAir. These airlines offer affordable rates to customers, but if you want to get a steal you will need to book early. I have learned from my own mistakes. I have found airfare where you pay pennies for the ticket so the only cost is the taxes and fees. The first time I saw this deal I let the opportunity pass, I ended up paying a higher yet still affordable rate. The next time I was planning a trip I knew the financial benefits of planning ahead, this time I ended up taking advantage of these great deals. These airlines were also a great way to travel from country to county in Europe without having to spend a fortune. Please note the cost of these no frill airlines can creep up with the amount and weight of your luggage.

#3 Resource: Overland Travel

The means you use to travel overland will set the pace for your trip. There are three main ways to travel overland: train, car, and a tour. I have done all three and each has its own benefits.

Tours allow the traveler to see sites without having to worry about reading maps and train schedules. Tour guides will point out sites and give historical background that may be missed by travelers that utilize cars and trains.

Trains can be an efficient way to travel from place to place; railways give travelers flexibility without the hassle of trying to navigate foreign roads. One of the best options is to find a rail pass that best fits your trip. Purchasing a rail pass can help save you money and allow your trip greater flexibility. Last minute tickets can be very expensive, especially, if you desire an open return date. If you are traveling in the off-season (November-February) you may want to wait until low season tickets become available for purchase.

Renting a car allows travelers to control the pace and destinations of the vacation. The driver needs to ensure that he or she will be comfortable driving on foreign roads, remember you are going on vacation to have a good time. Car rentals are ideal in countries such as Ireland where the railway infrastructure does not take tourists to many of the worthwhile sites.

By knowing and utilizing the resources available, you will be able to plan a memorable and affordable vacation. Remember when traveling on budget you need to balance affordability with enjoyability.

How To Choose A Travel Agent

With so many destinations to go to, it's important to plan accordingly. A travel agent will be able to acquire your tickets, hotel reservations, car rental, and activities all at once, saving you time, and thus, money. Booking a vacation can be a lot of trouble for just one person, but with a qualified travel agent, it's easy! Of course, like vacations themselves not all travel agents are created equal so you will want to shop around for the best one.

1. The Benefits Of A Travel Agent

Don't miss out on all that a vacation has to offer! A travel agent will be experienced with the top destinations at your travel area and be able to provide you with recommendations for where to go. As an industry insider, they can get special deals that you would not be able to acquire. You might pay a little bit more for this service, but overall you will save.

2. Do Your Research

Doing your homework doesn't have to take a lot of time. The best way to find a good travel agent is to do your research. You can talk to friends and family members who have used travel agents in the past. You can also use the internet to try to find the best agency or agent in your area. In some cases you will be able to read testimonials from other customers who have used a certain agency. Try searching for message boards that might give you some insight to good travel agents in your area. It is important to find a travel agent who understands your personal needs and desires when it comes to the type of vacation you are looking for. There are countless agencies that are available online as well where it is easy to select what kind of ammentities you are looking for.

3. Make Sure They Are Licenced

A licenced travel agent will be a member of the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Membership in the American Society of Travel Agents allows travel agents to work with other members to get the best deals and rates for you. Membership also requires certain qualifications so by finding a travel agency that is part of the Society ensures that you will be getting excellent service. Of course, it is perfectly acceptable to ask questions in order to determine if a travel agent is right for you. Questions such as, How long have you been in the travel business?, can be helpful in giving you a better idea of your travel agents background. You might even want to ask your travel agent for references.

4. Your Vacation Package

Putting together your vacation package just got easier with a travel agent. They will be able to interact with you and help you choose what features of your vacation you want to splurge on and what features you can skimp on. Don't need a luxury car, but want a great hotel? Done and done. Perhaps you want a tour included and thus won't need a car at all. Of course, your travel agent is unlikely to make any final decisions before consulting with you first. It is your vacation and therefore you should have the final say on everything planned. This is why it is important that you make yourself accessible to your travel agent.