As is the case with most travelers who are attempting to get the most for their money, it’s easy to get suckered into plans that you think will help your budget but instead turn out horribly. For instance, if the taking the bus costs twenty dollars less than taking the train and will only take about 30 minutes longer, isn’t doing so your best option? Not always. You could easily end up stuck in traffic on a bus ride that lasts an extra three hours through lunch and into supper. So here are the hard facts on some common pitfalls that all too often catch travelers unawares.
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Buses versus Trains: In most of Europe, the bus system is very reliable and it’s often cheaper than taking the train, particularly at the last minute. Most buses allow people to sit wherever they like so there’s no worry about finding your assigned seat before the vehicle in question hits the road. The downside to this mode of transportation is that some buses have uncomfortable seats and few of them have bathrooms on board. There are also some countries where the buses operate on a seemingly arbitrary system so travelers should definitely factor that in their considerations. However, buses have the largest reach of any form of public transportation so travelers might not have a choice about using them in some cases.
On the other hand, trains tend to get travelers to their destinations faster because they aren’t likely to be held up by rush hour traffic. Traveler comfort levels are generally higher as well, with adequately cushioned seats and bathroom facilities available on board most trains. Overnight journeys often have dining cars where food can be purchased. However, prices tend to reflect these facts. Last minute travelers may also find themselves frequently changing seats if they end up a train that is nearly full of reserved seats. The main downside to this form of transportation is that some countries have very limited train routes, leaving travelers to need another form of transport to get to where they’re going.
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And planes: Of course, flights on budget airlines can be extremely cheap but all too often travelers fail to add the extra time (a couple of hours) and money ($10 to $20) that it takes to get to the airport. Sometimes the train is slightly cheaper and faster when those considerations are factored in. When it comes to comfort, budget airlines are somewhere in the middle as they do have bathrooms but the seats can become uncomfortable on longer flights. Likewise, the numerous restrictions on cheap flights might cause some problems for people that tend to pack heavily or forget to print out their tickets.
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Day Tours versus DIY Excursions: Using a reputable day tour company makes it easy for travelers to get to spots that they might otherwise have to skip, particularly if they don’t want to bother with driving a car or motorcycle in a foreign country. Usually day tours allow you to see more sites in a shorter time frame than you would if you were going there on your own. (Getting lost or looking for a gas station, for instance, tends to take up more time.) The clear downside to these trips is that travelers are not able to see things at their own pace or deviate from a predetermined schedule. Anyone hoping to take spectacular photos or be alone with nature may find these excursions to be a test in patience since your shots may contain random snaps of your fellow travelers and you’re never really alone. Yet some of the more affordable tours can be surprisingly worth the trouble.
For places that can be easily reached using public transportation, DIY excursions are a good way to avoid spending money unnecessarily. Travelers can spend as long as they like in their favorite places without being enmeshed in a large crowd. Planning your own day trips can also save you some money, though maybe not as much as you’d think. The downside to this style of travel is that you might not be able to see everything that you wanted in just one day. However, there are some instances when trying to arrange a day trip on your own isn’t worth the hassle. If multiple bus or train changes are involved or you’re in a region where you don’t speak the language, you might be better off letting someone who does show you around.
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Hostels versus Hotels: The difficulty in finding affordable accommodations is one of the main reasons that people view vacation as an unattainable goal. The good news is that websites like AirBnb are helping people rent out their extra space to travelers at prices that occasionally undercut those found at traditional hotels and B&B. However, if you like the security of using established businesses, there are still plenty of choices available.
Hotels are usually the most expensive accommodation choice on the market but it does depend on where you’re going and what sales are running while you’ll be visiting. Hotels also provide their guests with more individual creature comforts than hostels do. After all, hostels tend to veer towards the functional side of things and take it for granted that their guests don’t mind sharing. Even so, hostels are worth looking into for their affordable dorm rooms, their well-supplied kitchens, and their regular social events.
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And Camping: Travelers that don’t mind roughing it should definitely consider camping as a third option. After all, at $15 person a night, staying in a tent is far cheaper than staying in most hostel dorms but allows travelers to have their own space. Most campgrounds also offer travelers access to many of the same facilities that can be found in hostels. The only trouble is that campsites are not usually found in the city centers. Carting even the most lightweight tents can also be a hassle, particularly for travelers who have to get these items on budget flights and are traveling alone. Besides, campers are more exposed to the elements than other travelers and it’s painfully obvious that not everyone is going to be comfortable sleeping on the ground.
So choose wisely and have a great vacation!
