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

Thailand, 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.

While you travel to a new country, there is so much to take along and so much to leave behind. You may find your favourite stuff anywhere in the world but the love of your family is what you would miss the most.

Well, if distance is a concern then there are many ways to keep in touch. Make a call, send emails, chat online and do your bit to sustain the bond. You surely need to do a little of study like phone services, internet facility, etc and then you may connect to anyone around the world without going broke.

Phone Calls:

In the past, delays in communication were common. It was a huge expense to make a phone call to those travelling or living in other countries, yet people opted for this. Even today a phone call is believed to be the most suitable option for a personal touch.

Many companies have introduced different technology methods to make international calling easier and cheaper. So now it is certainly within your reach to pick the apt service, make cheap calls around the world and feel closer to your loved ones.

Online Calls:

You can download Skype for free and make calls via your laptop while you travel or at your home computer. Even most of the Internet café computers have it pre-installed. You also have the option of Google Talk and Yahoo Calls to make free calls. Register online; ask your family and friends to do the same, and just TALK!

Email/Chat:

If you have internet connection at your finger tips then it’s even simpler to keep in touch all day long. Fix a common time to be available online and login on Facebook Chat, Gtalk or Yahoo Messenger to chat with your family and friends around the world.

If they are not online, you can send emails of your experiences, plans, information, schedules, etc and this would surely make them feel good.

Upload Video & Pictures:

While you travel, create lots of memories to share them with your loved ones. Show them where you stay, places you visit, kind of work you do, your friend circle and the fun you enjoy. Put all of these together in videos and pictures and upload them on social sites.

If you are on Facebook, let your stuff go there! You can even upload your gallery on Flickr and Picasa or rather use youtube to host all your videos.

A guest post by Rebtel.

The Online Geography Game

I was recently introduced to the online Geography Game – Where On Google Earth? Google Earth images are posted and you offer your answers by leaving a comment in the comment box. If no answers are left, a hint in the form of a larger image with more detail is posted. Winners are posted each week.

This is a great game if you have good knowledge of the numerous travel destinations around the globe and their geographical features.

Have a go yourself – Where on Google Earth

Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

Often overlooked as an essential when travelling, having a good travel insurance policy that meets all your needs will really come into its own if something were to wrong, especially if you consider the relatively cheap cost of a policy compared to what you could be paying out if you don’t have any.

When you come to purchase a travel insurance policy the first decision you’re going to have to make is the type of policy that will best suit your requirements. A single trip policy will be suitable if you’re not a frequent traveller and just need cover for a short one off trip. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling a number of times in a year, then you’ll want to look into an annual multi-trip policy which will usually work out cheaper if you plan on travelling more than 3 times a year.

There are numerous specialist policies that cover everything outside the norm. These policies are aimed at those who don’t fit in with the requirements of a single or annual multi-trip policy. Travellers looking for a more adventurous or active trip can get cover which is very specific to their needs with policies for backpackers or winter sports cover.

Remember that travel insurance is there to give you peace of mind so you can relax on your trip and not have to worry about all the ‘what-ifs’. A specialist policy doesn’t always mean an expensive policy and by shopping around you’ll give yourself the best chance getting the best travel insurance for your needs at a good price. It’s certainly worth spending a few minutes getting to grips with the basics of travel insurance after all there is little point in purchasing a policy if it’s not going to cover you for what you need.

There are many things you can do yourself to minimise any hassle or stress and enjoy your trip. Be sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may have as providers may not pay out if you come to make a claim. It’s a given but don’t do anything illegal as your guaranteed to void your policy. It also may not be a good idea to partake in any dangerous activities you may not be covered for.

If you have to make a claim the process will go a lot smoother if you report and obtain documentation for any losses or thefts to the local authorities as providers are likely to ask for this if your claim is for lost possessions. It’s also a good idea to keep a log of your conversations with your insurance provider noting time, dates and who you’ve spoken with.