Research best travel insurance deals
Touring is a time for adventure, but as the movie “Impossible” showed us, tragedy can strike when you are in paradise. At times like those, you need to have good insurance to get you back on track.
A good insurance is not necessarily a cheap one, it is more importantly a comprehensive one. Be sure that it adequately covers search and rescue, health bills, lost luggage, inconveniences, and even theft. Read between the lines!
For the best deals, don’t take travel insurance with your travel agent, it is usually more expensive. Also, consider taking Green travel insurance, for more responsible fun times and if you are going on a longer trip, look for a long term travel insurance policy which will be more affordable.
Go on a volunteering trip
Giving is always a richly rewarding experience. No matter your skill set, somewhere in the world, someone is in dire need of your knowledge. You can volunteer for as short as 6 weeks during your summer break, or for as long as you want if you choose to do it as part of a gap year program. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, plumber, computer technician, or can simply speak English, you will find an invaluable asset to some needy country across the world. Not only does it help whoever you volunteer for, it also helps you develop a sense of appreciation for what you have.
So, consider using your skills in the service of humanity this summer. Make lifelong friends and have a lasting impact on someone’s life this year.
Take a guided tour
Guided tours help you stick to a pre-planned program, while allowing you the flexibility to once in a while veer off track. Many people may shun this option, considering that the tour adds their own commission. However, what most fail to take into account is that tour guides and operators actively source for discounts, secure premium services for lower costs because of pre-existing relationships, and know where to get good value for money. Also, guided tours are organized to cater for groups, allowing better discounts. The itineraries are also arranged in a logical way to cut on transport and logistics costs.
Stay with locals/couchsurf
The fastest growing accommodation option in the world now is couch surfing. From up-scale New York, to Kigali in Rwanda, and even Russia, you will always find a local willing to share their house with you for a few pounds. The rates are considerably cheaper, and yet the attention you will receive is so much more personal. Staying with locals also has the advantage of getting more intimate with the local culture. A lot of hosts will be happy to whip you up an authentic local meal, at a throw away price too.
There may be a little worry about the quality of accommodation, but most are decent. You will find people leasing out an extra room furnished with an en suite shower. In the end, you make lifelong friends and save lots of money.
Go off the beaten track
For any major tourist country, there is that unexplored edge. The beaten track provides plenty of new and cheaper experiences. Instead of getting caught up in major tourist traps, be brave and venture into unknown areas. Using a local guide will surely help you have a more intimate experience with your host country.
This is a guest post from Tom at Top Backpacking Destinations, a travel guide for backpackers around the world.
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