Aardvark Travel Directory

So you have finally bowed to the challenge and decided to venture into the unknown as you tick a few items off your bucket list. That’s great, that’s commendable. But there are few things that you ought to know. A vacation abroad, however short or long it may be, presents a myriad of new and unseen challenges. That is, in as much as it is touted to be just what you need to ‘feel alive again’. Nonetheless, the eventualities that are a characteristic of a trip on foreign soil should not dissuade you from leaving your hometown. In fact, embrace it as a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. That being said, here are few essential traveling tips that will help you stay prepared for whatever curve ball your upcoming adventure will throw towards you.

1. Make at Least Two Copies of Your Passports and Government ID

Having several copies of your passports and driving license makes it easy to identify yourself in case your original copies are stolen, lost or misplaced. Bring a copy of your original documents with you,( store them separately from the originals ) and leave the other copies with a trusted friend, spouse or relative. Besides, most governments often offer special travelers enrollment programs in their embassies or consulates on foreign soil. This way, should you lose your original identification documents while abroad, you can use your photocopies – accompanied by proof of loss – to apply for a new one.

2. Travel Light, Particularly, Your Wallet

According to a 2014 survey, lost and stolen tourists’ wallets are one of the leading causes of identity theft and credit card fraud. Thus, just carry only the cards that you will need to see your trip through. By all means, do not travel with unnecessary debit and credit cards nor should you carry your checkbook. And if it is necessary to carry more than a single card, consider storing away the other one in a secure location such as your hotel safe as soon as you unpack your bags.

In similar tandem, pack absolutely only what you will need for your trip. Avoid unnecessary luggage to streamline your passage through various airport customs.

3. Your Money, Your Lifeline

In the next couple of days, you will be in an entirely alien land, maybe unaccompanied. The only thing that will stand between you and access to the very basic necessities of life – leave alone the expected luxuries of your trip – will be your money.

For starters, it should go without saying that at this juncture, you should have a decent stash of cash set aside for your forthcoming excursion. The best way is holding this money in the form of traveler’s cheques, or on a Visa/MasterCard branded debit/ATM card. By all means, avoid walking around with a significant amount of money ( in cold hard cash ). Depending on your traveling budget, the maximum you should ever have on you is no more than $500. Otherwise, you will be running the risk of getting robbed or scammed and thus losing a huge part of your traveling budget. While at it, make sure that don’t lose sight of your debit/credit card, whether swiping at a gas station or a high-end eatery.

4. While Packing, Remember that the Goal is to Blend in with the Locals

It is only natural and human nature for any population to treat tourists differently. Some will overquote their prices; others will try to swindle you by taking advantage of your minimal knowledge of the area while a few establishments will award you special privileges. Nonetheless, it is always wise to try to blend in the local population as much as you can.

Therefore, even as you zip up your bags, conduct extensive online research on the mannerisms, dress code and the expected code of conduct of the local population. In some Muslim-majority countries, for instance, women are supposed to cover their heads in public. So factor that even as you shop for your bikini outfit.

The Bottom Line

In line with blending in with the local population, it also helps to learn a bit of the local lingo and etiquette of the local community. This will not only make it easier for you to converse with the natives but will also inspire them to extend invaluable hospitality and friendliness to you during your stay.

Whether you are a first-time tourist or not, the internet is a valuable source of information that can make your life much easier. For instance, visiting online travel websites can help you find great deals and discounts on your airfare. This allows you to save some money which can be a huge benefit, especially if you are travelling with your family. The same thing can be said when it comes to hotel rooms and available travel packages.

Here is the review of the top 4 discount travel websites:

1. Priceline.com

Priceline is the best discount travel website if you’re on a budget. With this site, you can decide how much you want to pay for a flight, rental car or a hotel and then the site will inform you if your bid has been accepted. By using this site, you can get huge discounts but the problem is, it utilizes a bidding service. With this kind of service, you will only know what you’re bidding after your bid has been accepted.

2. Expedia

Expedia is another good discount travel website which has numerous coupons and offers. A simple mouse click on their deals section can save you a lot of money. In Expedia, you are able to see the latest promotions and the lowest prices on hotels, cruises, airfares, and more. You will be able to find a deal depending on the area you are travelling to. With their many coupons, you can save up to 200 dollars or more. On this site, you get will exclusive discounts if you sign up for their mailing list or use their app.

3. Hotwire

This is the third best travel website which offers good deals particularly for hotels. Just like Expedia, Hotwire has a Deals section where you can find good deals on flights, hotels and resorts depending on the city you are travelling to. If you book a vacation package, you will save more than booking for a single hotel or flight.

4. Travelocity

This is the fourth best discount travel website in my list. With this site, you will get huge discounts especially when you book a hotel or flight together with a rental car. They also have a Deals page where you can get the latest deals and discounts. Unlike many other travel websites, Travelocity will not charge you for changing or canceling your trip.

Benefits of Using Travel Websites

Travel sites will allow you to take control of your entire schedule. You will be able to find offers that perfectly match your budget and interest. You can also enter your email address for newsletters so you can automatically receive updates straight in your inbox.

To simplify things even more, you can check out aggregator websites which give you quick access to relevant information from different travel-related resources on the net. With aggregators, you wouldn’t have to jump from one site to another just to acquire the details you need.

Of course, you can also read reviews of specific packages if you want to find additional travel website info.

Most of these reviews are posted on actual travel sites but feel free to check out forums and blogs, too. You’ll benefit a lot by reading what others have to say about packages they’ve availed of in the past. This is an effective way for you to know which offers are best and which ones should be avoided. Learning from the experiences of others can definitely save you from heartache and huge expenses.

Also, you have to realize that not all websites out there are truthful. Try studying all the details of a package before signing up for it. Some bad sites have the habit of charging their clients with hidden fees. Again, taking the time to read client feedback can help you prevent any undesirable instances.

Finally, you can utilize online travel resources to watch videos and take a look at pictures of the places you plan to visit. This can increase everyone’s excitement for the upcoming trip. On top of that, choosing specific attractions will be stress-free since you will get a good preview of the available options.
How to Look for Reputable Online Travel Websites

You can try using a standard internet search to find reputable online travel websites. You should also be aware of the normal rates in the industry so that you can easily spot travel sites that offer higher rates.

Ask people you know like family members, friends, neighbours, or co-workers who have used an online travel site. Today, online travel websites have become increasingly popular and many people are now using them. Ask these people about their experiences and if they are satisfied with the services rendered by these travel websites. Your travel, whether it’s a holiday or a business trip, can be more relaxing when you get the online travel website that can meet your needs.

Would you like to know how to travel on a budget? Many people believe that a vacation must have some 5-star hotel and resort, with a ton of luxuries. Do you wish to be stuck in your room watching movies and ordering room service? You can do that at home. Wouldn’t you rather immerse yourself in a new culture and lifestyle? It is certainly possible to have a fantastic vacation to special places like the USA without spending a ton of money if you know some simple facts. Here are some tips to have a simple travel budget plan and save money:

Get The Cheapest Airfare
Make a budget for your flights and stick to it. You can usually get a cheaper rate by getting connecting flights instead of flights that go directly to your destination, or by traveling during the off-season. By booking your airline tickets at least 14 days in advance, you can cut the cost quite a bit. You may also save money by choosing a smaller airport to arrive into and taking a train or bus to your travel destination. Another option is to fly as a courier. The requirements for such a ticket are to apply for a position and be available to go whenever called upon. You will usually be carrying things that are to be shipped by airmail that needs to have a guaranteed delivery. You can save up to 50% on the cost of your flight by traveling as a courier. You can also get a cheap airfare by shopping online. Many online auction sites will offer better prices than by booking directly through the airlines. Do some simple research on the search engines, and you can usually find the best rates and travel coupons as well.

Accommodations
The best hotel rates can be found by booking your stay during the week when most people are working. It also helps to look at the individual hotels’ discounts and promotions for reserving your room early. If you travel just after the holidays when prices are the highest, you can take advantage of the post-rush lower rates. Some of the cheapest places to stay are in hostels, which are located in cities all around the world. They are cheaper than hotels and motels. Reserving a bed in one of their dorm rooms can help in cutting costs. Another option is to find a home exchange program online, swap homes, and stay for free. Many families prefer to trade homes during the holidays especially. An added benefit is the comfort of staying in a 1-4 bedroom home with a kitchen, as opposed to a cramped motel or an expensive hotel suite.

Dining

An exceptional way to save money on food is to buy it from a grocery store near your motel. You could make two of your meals from the food purchased at the store, and then budget one restaurant meal every day. Simply purchase snacks and breakfast foods from the store and keep them in your room. Remember, many hotels offer a free continental breakfast which will save you, even more, money.

Sightseeing
By walking to your destination, you can find many places like libraries and museums which offer free admission. It is also the least expensive way to get around. There is also public transportation which will save you money over using a taxi service. Plan ahead by looking at the local newspapers or websites of your vacation destination, and you might be able to find free local activities like wine tasting, festivals, and community events. If you wish to purchase souvenirs, don’t buy from the gift shops. These items will mostly be way overpriced. Go to the local shopping area to find deals on shirts, key-chains, mugs, and other collectibles. Strip malls and discount shops are the best spots to find affordable gifts to bring back home.

Avoid peak travel times
If you vacation when the masses do, you are going to pay for it. Consider straying from the norm a bit when it comes time to your booking dates, and you can save thousands. Off-peak travel time is when businesses are starved and not expecting much business, so this is when you get your best deals. You can even call a company and try to negotiate for a lower rate or fare when you take advantage of off-peak travel times.
Following the above travel tips, you can afford to travel even when money is tight. Working within a budget doesn’t have to mean that you have to stay at home throughout your vacation. With these tips, you can make the most out of your vacation time, no matter how much money you have to spend and still have a very good time.

Getting abroad is one of the most amazing experiences anyone can have, and staying at backpacker accommodation is the cheapest way. You may not have considered this because in most instances people see travelling abroad as a place for hotels and costly accommodation. They don’t realize that there are so many cheap options out there that can really cut down the biggest part of the budget.

Choosing appropriate backpacker accommodation is an easy task that requires few clicks of a mouse. So, if you are going abroad on your vacation, then make a prior booking to a suitable resort to avoid any hurdle that may come on a later stage. Prior booking is beneficial, especially when you are new to the place. It ensures that you have some place to stay in a foreign country.

Backpacker accommodation can provide excellent facilities to all guests at affordable prices. Book a room, deluxe, dormitory, double deluxe or ensuite room depending on your necessity. You will be offered many facilities such as proper parking space, a storage/drying room, laundry, internet vouchers, etc. along with a spacious room.

While looking for the best backpacker accommodation in the place you go for a vacation, there are several tips that will be helpful for you in choosing a reliable service provider and are as follows:

1. Exploration

Before you finalize a particular backpacker’s accommodation, it is very vital to do some research. Many of the hostels have got websites providing all the details of the facilities offered to the guests and the price of staying per night. Find out whether they have got single rooms, ensuite, dorm, a tent site, or deluxe room available. Some of the backpacker hostels have separate rooms for men and women. This could be a problem for people who are traveling with their partner. Therefore, look for an accommodation where the family can stay together. You can call on their number to clear your queries. All the reputed hostels have a receptionist who receives the calls of the customers to clear their doubts.

2. Feedback of the people

Check the social networking platforms like facebook to know the general feedback of the people about the best accommodation. Also, ask your fellow travelers who have been to the place and availed the facilities themselves.

3. Check the room

View the room before booking in order to know the overall condition of it. An unhygienic accommodation could spoil your mood and turn your holiday into a bad experience.

4. Split the groups to find the best accommodation

Traveling in a group is a great idea, especially when you are new to a place. Split up the group to check out the rooms in different areas and reach a common place to discuss your options. This will help you in finding suitable rooms in a short time and at lesser prices.

5. Follow the crowd

Generally, you will see a crowd in a place that has a good reputation. Same goes in case of finding a suitable accommodation. Therefore, choose the place where maximum people are residing during the holidays. There is a probability that the well-known accommodations are already occupied, but do not lose hope as you can still get the best one. Take the assistance of the internet and read reviews of the people to finalize an appropriate place for a relaxing stay.

Spend some time reading the reviews that other people have made and get an idea for the places you plan to go to. Make an informed decision about the places you are going to stay and then all you have to do is get there. Once you catch the travel bug, you may never lose it, so why not go out and explore the world in the most cost effective way you can imagine. You can meet new people and experience new things and really broaden your mind to a whole new level.

In conclusion, having a good time is exactly what most backpackers want. So do not miss the opportunity to mingle with others. Backpacker Accommodations hold a variety of guests throughout the year and you never know if you possibly could form a long lasting friendship. Join activities and celebrations if you encounter some on your vacation. Unwind and try to take in all the pleasurable things the areas provide.