There are only a few things in this world I love to do: talking, eating, sleeping, and traveling. For a second there I almost sounded like the worlds laziest woman, LOL. Traveling. Who in the world doesn’t like traveling? Don’t worry I’ll get to that in a few. For me, there is no greater joy than booking a flight, stamping my passport, and heading out to experience as much of the world as humanly possible before I hit the can. At the young age of 2xx (HA-HA I bet you thought I was going to tell you guys my age abi?!) I discovered the benefits of wandering this earth and I hope to inspire some of you to do the same.
I never understood why people are so scared to venture out of this God-forsaken country? Let’s be honest here, this country wasn’t built to last like they preached. Obama is leaving office, racial tension is at an all-time high since the 60s, Bill is too busy fishing for panties to control Hillary, and Trump still doesn’t understand the concept of a good wig. Soo does America really look that appealing right now? I don’t think it does. But why are the people in my life still stuck on stupid? They go on and on about wanting to travel but for x, y, and z reasons never do. So I thought to myself “Ifster…” (that’s what I call myself in my head, judge if you must) “…what is really preventing people from traveling?” While I could go on forever about the benefits of travel and how it’s provides life-changing/enriching experiences, I found there to be one common denominator among my friends who don’t travel: MONEY, MULA, L’ARGENT, EGO. Now don’t get me wrong, some of my friends genuinely don’t like traveling. They prefer the comfort of their homes and being around the people they love 24/7; and I totally get that, this life ain’t for everybody. My annoyance is with those who SWEAR up and down to Jehovah that they are ready to hop the plane but never do because it’s “expensive.”
In my opinion majority of what’s prevents a person from venturing is laziness. Preparing and planning for a trip does take a bit of work, persistence, and consistency; but as my high school study hall monitor used to say “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” So I have taken the liberty to create a list of travel tips and trick so that you get the most bang for your buck and have fun while doing so!
1.Booking a Flight
Flights can be expensive if you book them through a traditional airline websites. My advice, stay away from them! There are plenty of sites that are geared towards finding you the best flight deals. Two of my personal favorites are The Flight Deal and Secret Flying. I have been able to finds cheap flights, so cheap that I was able to go to Johannesburg, South Africa for $297!! Generally tickets are cheaper during the off season. For example: if you want to travel to Europe look to go during the winter. If you’re thinking about traveling to Asia you may want to go during the summertime. Plan your trip during the low season and you’re bound to score awesome flights!
2. When is the best time to travel? And where should I go?
Like I mentioned earlier, the best time to travel is during your destination low season. There’s a misconception that you have to travel during the high season because “that’s when it’s gonna be lit!” Keep in mind high season travel also come with high season prices. Nah bruh! There’s still so much to see in the low seasons too. So wherever you want to travel do your research and see when the off season is and book your travel around those times. Traveling to Europe? Go in the winter or early-mid spring. Traveling to Asia? You probably want to go during the summer. Traveling to the Caribbean? This one can get a little tricky. There are two high seasons in the Caribbean: firstly, deep winter, when travelers want to escape cold weather elsewhere. The second is high summer, when vacationing families come into town. So you want travel between mid-April through mid-October.
3. Travel with a friend
Unless you can afford to travel alone, you should definitely bring a friend. Now when I say friend, I don’t mean your besties from college or grade school. Let’s be honest, not everyone you know is travel material. But when you find that one person (or group of people) who enjoy traveling just as much as you do it’ll be one hell of an experience; plus it will save you a TON of money in regards to food and lodging.
4.Accommodations
Don’t even think about booking a hotel! Well that was a little harsh, but depending on what country you travel to, a hotel may not be the most cost efficient. Airbnb is extremely reliable and safe in Europe & the US. You will stay at some of the nicest places, meet some really great people and save a lot of money. If Airbnb’s and hostels are not your thing, many hotels offer great deals but expect to pay a little more in this department.
5. Food & Eating Out
One of the great things about Airbnb’s is the homes and apartments come with a kitchen at your disposal. Skip eating out every day, it all adds up in the end. Instead, head to the local grocery store and stock up on food that you can cook. It’ll save you a lot of money that you can use for other things.
6. Things To Do
Instead of spending money on tours, research free tours and activity options prior to your trip. It’s all about doing your research. There are free ways to see the city without paying tour guide prices. I promise your money can go to something better. Planning is key.
7.Uber Everywhere…No
This has to be the second most important traveling tip next to booking your flight. If your destination has a reliable metro system…learn it, live it, and breathe it! Taxis can add up, especially if the driver knows you’re a foreigner (they will jack up the prices on you). Uber can be a cheaper alternative as it’s a fixed priced. But the best way to get around is via the metro system. It’s a great way to see the area and experience how local residents live every day. If you’re not in a rush and plan your day well, you can surely get where you need to go and then some on public transportation.
8. Airport Deals
Did you happen to find yourself on an over booked flight? If you are in no rush to leave or get home give up your seat! Most airlines will offer you a flight voucher for your seat which can be used towards another flight in the future. The next flight out isn’t until the morning you say? Well look at that, now you have a flight voucher, a free night stay at a hotel, plus a meal voucher all for giving up your seat. I’m not sure about you but that’s a pretty sick deal to me.
There you have it! Hopefully these tips have been somewhat helpful. Leave me a comment below if you have some of your own traveling tips and tricks. Until my next post!
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