In the era of budget airlines and package tourism, getting a holiday through a high street provider like Thomas Cook is cheaper than ever – even with the current financial crisis. However, it’s the additional bits and pieces that you pay when you’re out there which can turn even cheap holidays to Tenerife into an extremely expensive spell of lying on a beach.

The biggest cost is usually money exchange. A lot of people decide to get cash – but this isn’t the safest, or the cheapest way of ensuring that you have spending money abroad. Some people decide to fall back on their debit cards which is an absolutely terrible choice and can cost £100s is repeatedly used.

The best option is to get a specialist card, these are often UK based credit cards that are great when used abroad offering really good exchange rates (important) and no withdrawal fees from ATMs. However, most people don’t want to get a credit card just to use it abroad, so a good alternative is to get a pre-paid travel card, these often charge per transaction, so it’s best to go an ATM once a day (at most) and get your money out for the day, however, they are safe, easy to top up, and have great exchange rates.

Transport is often also another expense and not just when you get to your destination. Simply getting to the airport can cost you a packet, so a good idea is to use a specialist service (if you’re driving to the airport) or look for other deals. Most airports have nearby pubs which rent out their car parks and save you up to 50% of the car parking cost.

When you get to your destination, in Europe public transport is usually the best and cheapest option, but there are cheap car hires if you’re going somewhere like Tenerife where you might want to explore by yourself, here a comparison website is the best option. Bear in mind, if you’re going island hopping renting a car is an expensive way to get around.

Another must is travel insurance, and you can end up paying over the odds for it. If you’re going for a long period, it’s better to get annual trip as this will save you more (in fact, if you’re likely to go on holiday more than once during the year, annual trip is a good idea). Or, if you’re going in a family, getting a group insurance deal can also be a good way of cutting back costs. The most important thing with travel insurance is the value of the deal, if you’re going backpacking and don’t know what activities you’re going to get up to, make sure that your insurance covers everything, that way you’ll never find yourself in too much trouble (at least not with the insurance company).

Travel companies generally cover most eventualities, and most of the major costs, but you can still find yourself spending more money than you had planned if you don’t do a little bit of quick preparation beforehand.

For the Budget Traveler

This list of the cheapest places in the world will be an inspiration. These countries are worth visiting; they are deep in culture, history and much to see and experience. What makes them great tourist destinations is that you can survive an entire day in these countries for less than 20 USD! This list is based upon the countries where a private and double occupancy hotel room costs in each city, and the cheapest meal in each city. Other costs such as transport, entry fees at pubs and so on have not been computed in this list.

1. VANGVIENG, LAOS

Vangvieng in Laos has to be the cheapest place to head to, if you’re a budget traveler. Here you can manage your day’s expenses within $4.25, find double occupancy accommodation for two within$3.25 for a night, and enjoy a meal for two at $0.50! This works out to less than $10 for the entire day for two people, which is as cheap as it gets anywhere in the world.

2. GOA, INDIA

The beautiful, sunny and cosmopolitan destination of Goa is actually dirt cheap to visit if you are a budget traveler. With varied accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and even beach tents, Goa can afford to offer a stay for two per day at $3.50.  A meal for two, reasonably good and tasty Portuguese and Brazilian food will cost only $0.50. Best of all, you can manage your entire day’s expenses in Goa under $3.50

3. BANGKOK, THAILAND

With regular flights to Bankok, Thailand is the land of culture, dances, ethnicity and great food, has good news for the budget traveler. Though you might be tempted to go all out and shop for silver accessories and food here, if you stick to your budget, you won’t be spending a lot of money in Bangkok. For $6.23, you can manage your daily expenses, and under $3.73, you can find a reasonable stay for two and food for two can be availed at $1.25.

4. HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

The once almost destroyed Vietnam managed to pull up its socks to become a tourist destination for the budget traveler. Here in Ho Chi Minh City, you can enjoy a unique culture, enjoy arts and crafts, visit temples and tourist spots and still not hit the poor house. Cover your daily expenses under $6.86, find accommodation within $5.00 and eat a hearty Vietnamese meal for less than $0.93.

5. QUITO, ECUADOR

Quito is a fantastic destination to explore. Tourists like to cruise around the Galapagos, and enjoy the varied shoreline and the magnificent landscape of Ecuador. For the budget traveler, the good news is that daily expenses for two can be covered within $7.00, which a reasonable stay for two can be had at $5.00 and a warm meal for two at $1.00.

6. PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Cambodia, an ancient land of culture, beautiful old stone temples and magnificent forests pulls the average tourists to visit each year. Cambodia is rife with snakes, mosquitoes and other critters but if you’re prepared, you can have a good time. The costs are low, though; two people can manage themselves admirably within $7.00 find accommodation for two under $3.00 and enjoy a meal for two under $2.00.

7. BALI, INDONESIA

Bali, Indonesia, is another popular tourist haunt. Bali is famous for its beautiful oceans, scenery and clean outdoors. The exotic dances, costumes and the great, natural food here are awe-inspiring. Bali, with all this, is still fairly cheap to travel, with daily expenses for two covered under $7.16, accommodations at $6.50 and a meal for two under $0.33!

8. ASUNCION, PARAGUAY

Paraguay now welcomes visitors with open arms but the turbulent history of this country has definitely left its mark. Visit Asuncion and enjoy its historical section, charming colonial plazas and riverside buildings. There’s much to see and do in this Spanish colonial city. Save a mean buck or two as well, with these numbers. Daily expenses for two at $8.00, accommodation for two at $4.00 and a reasonable meal for two within $2.00!

9. KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Kathmandu holds both the charm of a spiritual destination and a unique, high altitude point for adventure lovers. Nepal, though developing fast, has a wonderfully laid back and culturally ethnic feel that’s hard to find in other places. That apart, a trip to Kathmandu won’t clean you out either. You and your friend or partner can manage a day’s expenses in under $8.29, find reasonably good accommodation for two under $3.67 and enjoy a small meal for two under $2.31!

10. BEIJING, CHINA

China is fast growing into the next IT destination of the world. Chinese goods have infiltrated every market worldwide. This enterprising country has much to offer in terms of culture, history, sights, scenery and food for the traveler. China is also a fairly good deal for the budget traveler. A day’s expenses in Beijing will set you back by $8.50, while reasonable double occupancy room can be had for $6.50 a night, and a small but filling meal for two will cost you less than $1.00.

Teena Celis is an avid traveler and works as content writer for Adrenaline that provides a large range of flying experiences like helicopter rides, hot air ballooning, parasailing all across Australia.

When to Travel Australia?

Backpacking in Australia is many a young travellers dream, however, many people find themselves overwhelmed with options and potential plans, so much so that they find themselves getting put off making the trip altogether!

When considering going on a backpacking tour of Australia, there are a few things to contemplate: the first of these is exactly when in the year to go. Although Australia is indeed a wonderful destination to visit all year around, there are certain benefits to be had by visiting at different periods; the different times of the year also dictate which are the best parts of Australia to visit (after all, Australia is a rather big country!).

Spring is considered to fall between September and November in Australia; this is an ideal time to check out the country’s national parks and gardens, which are jam-packed with some of the most exciting and varied species in the entire world. It is generally considered to be an off-season as far as tourism is concerned, however, many companies still operate during this time and can, therefore, offer some fantastic deals and savings.

December to February is Australian Summertime and is complete with some of the highest temperatures you could ever hope to encounter. It is the perfect time to hit the beaches and indulge in the famous Australian BBQ on the beach, or catch a few waves surfing. It can be a notorious busy period, so booking is advised well in advance. If you do decide to head down under this year, then get your flights to Australia from Cheapflights.co.uk.

March to May is Autumn season; it is another quieter period – although temperatures are not sweltering, it is consistent and a great time to check out the more cultural aspects that Australia has to offer.

June to August is Winter and the majority of visitors are only interested in what winter resorts and cities can provide – this can be an especially cheap time to check out Australia’s countryside (provided you have no problem coping a slightly colder climate than you would usually expect!).

Guest post by Cheap Flights

Travelling around Australia Solo

Heading Down Under on your own? Australia is one of the easiest countries to navigate solo – with plenty of accommodation and activities that make it easy to make new friends – or just enjoy your own company. Meanwhile, if your day-to-day routine has got you wound up, it might be the perfect time for a solo getaway to recharge those waning batteries.

There’s plenty to be said about the solo adventure – here are some ways to really make the most of your trip:

• Indulge – travelling by yourself doesn’t have to have to be about staying in hostels and dorms. If you have the budget to spend, there’s much to be said about splurging on your own hotel room. It doesn’t have to be a five star luxury – even the modest double bed can feel like decadence.
• Be spontaneous - on your own, you have no obligation to communicate decisions and itineraries – you’re free to go on a whim. Make the most of those occasions when something takes your fancy and you can do that “about face” in the middle of the street.
• Be open-minded – one of the best things about travelling alone is seeing the world unfiltered, without the influences of a travel mate. We spend so much of our time within our circles that we may be conditioned to think and believe a certain way. Solo travel offers greater independence and the chance to learn more about yourself as you learn more about the world.

Great ideas for the solo Australian holiday

Townsville - the perfect coastal getaway, Townsville is a great destination for singles looking for a relaxing time to enjoy the surf and sun. Magnetic Island offers a unique natural sanctuary as over half the island is a National Park. Try out your favourite water sports – what better way to spend your holiday than kayaking amongst Townsville’s brilliant waters? You can find Townsville accommodation that caters for singles as well as families.

Darwin – if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers and make new friends, Darwin is one of the best destinations for single travellers. Backpackers mingle with locals in the many pubs and night spots while the Mindil Beach markets are a spectacle to marvel at. You can also join a tour to visit nearby Kakadu and other nearby national parks.

Brisbane – enjoy a night out on the town in style. Brisbane has a number of great entertainment venues and vibrant hot spots. You’ll enjoy the many singles’ events and travel groups where you can meet fellow travellers. Or just spend a day wandering aimlessly through the eclectic streets of the city.

Author Bio:
This article is supplied by Quickbeds.com. With no booking fees and great rates – you’ll have no trouble finding cheap accommodation – Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne – Australia awaits you.