Tips for the Budget Traveler

So I can surmise what you may be thinking here after reading them title. Iriebabel, how can you to afford traveling to Europe so often? I am a young retiree (pensioner, to the europeans)  I am officially retried from the military after mandatory service years but I was also injured last 2 years on active duty so this makes me a young retiree.

If you is familiar or unfamiliar with military pensions the name automatically suggests it is not a fortune 500 company 401k retirement plan. Military retirement essentially involves a small basic income, lots of daily/ monthly creative budgeting, ingenuity and constantly saving pennies for a rainy day.  Traveling CAN be done on a budget, I am living proof. Traveling on a military pension, is indeed a very creative process, so finally here are my tips for a budget friendly, well planned, sometimes spontaneous, fun, family friendly too, international travel.

1. Visit Professor google first stop . Do some research on the place you will visit and familiarize yourself with what you. want to see and get to know the area by map points. Then visit the local tourist office after you arrive in the city you are panning to visit. You can pick up local maps here, buy local attraction tickets and much more. Buy a local transport pass upon arrival here at the tourist office or local train /bus station usually at a cheaper price, and good for a few days for bus and trains and the tourist office can office useful ideas in what to see and do, restaurants, nightlife and they usually speak several languages. Some cities like Geneva even offer a free train ticket from the airport into the city.

 2. Skip the organized tours unless that is what you are into and you have the money to pay the bill or is it the easiest way to see the town and surrounding areas. Sometimes it’s cheaper to book these tours upon arrival from your local hotel or rental as they offer discount coupons not available on line. Opt for self guided options. Rent a car or utilize public transport like trains and busses. In Europe public transport is very user friendly and very easy to understand.Invest time in the free transport apps like Trainline.Com, Rometorio.com or individual train and bus apps in the country you will visit such as the Deutsch Bahn in Germany or SNCF in France, Renfre in Spain etc. You can also use Tripadvisor.Com, booking.Com and other websites to book the hop on hop off tours (red or blue city tour bus or boat)

for transport in and around cities visiting all major attractions. With these you will have use of city transport for a day or two at one set price.  You can also rent bicycles daily or weekly. Whatever you do dont be afraid to invest in some research time.

3. Book with companies like AirBnB.com,booking.com or vbro.com for apartments style or book private rooms in dormitories style hostels with cancellation protections. If you wish to save on hotel and restaurant costs and you wish to prepare small meals there is usually a kitchen or kitchenette included and a bakery and supermarket is not far. Private bathrooms and kitchenettes, are usually included but sometimes linens are usually provided at a extra price. You can bring your own towel and light weight sleeping bag/and sleeping bag liner.

4. Don’t stay in the big cities. Book your stay outside the city in smaller towns… maybe 15-20 minutes out. I promise you will be surprised by the price.  I stay in more local neighborhoods and take local transport into bigger cities. I get a better experience within the local communities and also learn more about the culture. Of course make sure you do your homework and stay in a safe location. Contact your host ahead of time and ask questions, questions, questions questions.

5. Visit the local supermarket or local weekend open markets (every town has one)stock up on snacks . Bread shops often sell sandwiches. In Europe bakeries are often cheap in terms of pastries, breads, ready made pizzas…some butcher shops make rotisserie chicken and have fresh ham and smoked dried meats and sausages that don’t require refrigeration.  Save dining out for one time per week maybe on the weekend. Kabob and taco shops, Chinese food are also cheap alternatives to larger restaurants. Ask the AB&B host for local suggestions. Go where the locals go and don’t be afraid to try new things. And as usual in most countries there is always McDonald’s/ Burger King, Pizza and KFC if you so desire. Oh don’t forget the reusable shopping bag…(ziplocks too) they don’t use plastic much and supermarkets will charge you extra for a plastic or reusable paper shopping bag except the veggie bags in or use your day pack.

6. Travel with trusted friends to share cost, those who you know you will not have conflict with or travel alone if you prefer. I’m fortunate to have many friends around the world due to my military service, travel and camino travel so I often offer a trade of  a holiday at my home In trade for a holiday in their home. 

7. Consider traveling off season. Most Europeans, like us, take a summer break when kids are out of school so schedule your trip in off times when prices are lower summer is peak travel season so prices are higher when beach temperatures are higher.

8. I recommend booking directly with the airline in case you need to change your plans. It will save you a hassle in dealing with a third party later on.  Get travel insurance to cover unexpected delays and accidents. I personally use www.Squaremouth.com to compare travel plans. USAA and AAA also offers travel insurance as well as many other companies including most major credit cards but make sure you check the exclusions.

9. Pack light. There are tons of videos on youtube which show how to pack light or how to be a nomad. Keep in mind, a lot of Europe is built around cobblestones and steps. Things like elevators and air conditioners are a precious commodity, something to keep in mind. Are you prepared to drag that heavy suitcase, especially if you are on the go visiting multiple cities? I would say invest in a good (lightweight good sized travel backpack or duffle backpack (45-65liters) ) with a good inner waterproof liner or use a trash compactor or dry bags bag inside to keep your clothes organized and dry and a good backpack travel cover for airline/train travel. Aim for under 20 pounds. Under 16 lbs even better. Reevaluate what you put in your travel bag/backpack/suitcase at least 5 times. Do you really need 10 shirts or can you get by with 3-5, do you need 6 pairs of heavy jeans or do you only need 2? Remember you are not in the wilderness you can buy what you need. A good lightweight hiking style pants (zip off or not)or lightweight jeans will do and For Women leggings are great lightweight option and they can dress up or dress down. 1 Dress shirt if so desired (ladies a light skirt if you like) and the rest can be t-shirts. Pack for weather and pack items you can layer. Consider One light weight puffer and light rain jacket (rain poncho if using a backpack) and also a good light weight day pack and a wool pullover or zip up(orfleece ). Underwear (bra(2)) and socks 3-4 (wash and wear) Hidden, RFID money pouch , ziplock bags or small dry bags for passport and keep items dry. Decide if you want to dress up or dress down? This is the questions to ask yourself.

As to Toiletries carry what you absolutely need, the rest you can buy as necessary. Shoes can be light sandals for shower walk around depending on weather, sneakers or hikers or boots if winter any other is are luxury items .. and don’t forget your phone/camera charger and extra travel battery. Carry small veggie plastic bags for snacks or to disposed of used toilet paper on the go. Consider buying a converter plug from home or buying a local plug with USB (2)adapter(s). Extras can include small first aid/sew kit,a reusable plastic water bottle picked up at local store and a small knife from home for cutting sausage and bread /cheese.

10. Be prepared for the unexpected … Use common sense and always have a contingency plan , extra credit card, hidden cash, emergency contacts, travel insurance  etc. , travel light and have fun. Keep copies of official documents/credo cards in a safe location secured on line  Carry a light weight daypack at least 25.to 32liters for daily walk around . For solo female travelers always think safety and program the local emergency number into your phone.

And what about COVID ??? And safety. Always be vigilant but you cannot be 100% danger free. Program local emergency number into your cellphone. As to the virus. There will always be another virus or future health crisis, new ones will surface. So stay safe and use common sense. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer, or small travel size solid antibacterial soap, wash your hands often, extra masks, half roll of toilet paper (many public toilets don’t have-and do not ever sit-squat or lay paper on the seat), wet wipes or small set of individual tissue or flushable wet wipes and a few extra small ziplock baggies. Follow local guidance. Sign up for your government travel website for travel advisory updates . I hope these few tips help to make planning your next trip easier. Most important to me the pandemic thought me one thing, life is too short… so do not be afraid to get out there and have fun.