Rule #1 Mosey, Explore and enjoy the little things I have found out of all my travels that most of my fondest memories come from just ditching my gear at the hotel and heading out to explore. Normally I just walk outside, point in a random direction and start walking, that is unless I see something that perks my interest. The last time I did this I made some wonderful friends in Hawaii and ended up playing ukulele with them on the beach under a star filled sky until the early morning hours. This wonderful memory cost me $0.
Know where you’re going
Before I go on a trip I always do a bit of research, I check everything from the exchange rate and local languages to satellite images of the area I will be staying and of course where all the fun spots are. Be sure to make notes of landmarks and visual spots you can easily recognize so just in case you get lost while exploring you can easily use them to find your way back.
Check to see ahead of time if where your staying has a transit pass
Local transportation passes for a week are usually way cheaper than purchasing a ride one at a time, mostly if you’re going to be out and about a lot. Be sure to do a little research on where you’re staying and see what kinds of public transportation are available. Of couse walking is always a great way to take in all the sights, get some exercise and I always discover the best places to eat when I’m just out moseying.
Photos are great for fun and all those memories, just don’t forget to enjoy the moment
Purchase a digital camera, trust me its well worth it. In addition with the camera be sure to purchase memory sticks for it, you can get 1 GB to 8 GB sticks for cheap if you look around.
Besides using a camera for capturing the beautiful landscapes and fun memories there are practical ways to help maintain a stress free vacation.
-Snap pictures of where you parked your rental car
-Take a picture of street signs and landmarks to help you ask directions about when you explore
-I even take a picture of my map for when I’m out and about and would not likely have a map on me
-Be sure to take a picture of how full the gas tank was when you returned the car to the lot
-Also take some pictures of your hotels address or the address of where you are staying just in case you get lost you’ll have the address to ask for directions or to Google search.
-Most of all, taking pictures is fun and all but the perfect picture means little compared to the perfect experience so never forget to enjoy the moment.
You can always delete the photos you don’t want later.
Which should I use? Credit cards, Traveler's checks, ATM?
Truthfully to be safe I bring all of the above with me when I travel. Be sure you carefully organize a budget and know what funds are allocated to play, food and other consumption. I rarely carry a large sum of cash on me because its just too easy to consume and the chances of losing it all at once are greater. I find that its better to just use ATMs if you really need cash and to accept the additional fee for the extra peace of mind of not having all your funds stuck in your pocket. Be sure if your traveling abroad that your bank has agreements with foreign banks; Bank of America belongs to the Global ATM alliance meaning you can make free withdraws from over 30,000 ATM in eight countries. As for Credit cards I use those for my general consumption, **something that you should keep a close eye on! ** Mostly if your traveling on a budget. I use the credit cards so I can have monitor my spending online, when available and because it’s safer than carrying cash. Also, I use credit cards because they are accepted worldwide. Be sure that if you get a printed receipt to not throw it away because some countries print your account number on them. Check them first and then discard if you feel its safe. Most of all I recommend keeping a small notepad on you at all times, a pocket size one will be fine, and write down every amount you spend that day and total it at the end just to make sure you are following your budget and wont have a nasty credit card bill waiting for you at home. I also keep at least $100-200 dollars in travelers checks tucked away somewhere safe just in case of emergencies.
Don't phone home
Email, its wayyy cheaper. If you have to talk and have access to the internet set up SKYPE and set a time to chat. If your not going to be away from the family for more than a month its recommended that you find a cheaper alternative to keeping in touch such as an internet café which is about $3 per hour versus the huge long distance fees that cell phone companies love to charge.
