We thought of 10 things that should be avoided in order to get better deals, spend less money, and experience more!We hate starting off the new year on a negative note but these DON'TS will keep you safe and hopefully, create a better travel experience every time you head somewhere new. Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things New cultures and surroundings can be an opportunity to try something you might not try back home. Whether that's zip lining through the jungle, swimming with stingrays, eating local delicacies, etc. It might be your one shot to do it, go for it!! Don't Book too Early Depending on what your travel plans are booking early can result in higher prices. The sweet spot for international flights are 6 months out and Domestic flights are best 4-6 weeks out (unless you're traveling around a major holiday). A couple of the exceptions are cruises. Caribbean cruises get cheaper as the depart date approaches so the boats can fill as many rooms as possible. Caribbean flights are cheapest around 3 weeks out so if you have a flexible schedule, plan a cruise for the same month you set sail! Don't Use Just American Based Websites/Companies One thing we've learned is foreign countries offer cheaper flight options when flying internationally. Many times, those companies will only fly from major coastal airports like JFK or LAX but the international rate might be cheap enough that flying to New York and then connecting with the foreign company will be the better deal than booking a flight from, ex. Austin to London directly thought American Airlines. Also, we've read about people using foreign affiliate websites from countries like Japan and Australia to book flights and hotels. It seems like there are risks to doing this but people are getting outrageous deals by pretending to be in a different country (? Not really sure on all the details). Lots of "how to travel cheap" blogs discuss it. Don't Exchange Money at an Airport Never ever ever exchange currency at an airport... The exchange rates are by far the worst at the airport. Also, be sure you need to change currency. We had to in Brazil but once we got to Argentina, we learned that the American currency was desired so vendors would give us a better price for goods if we paid in American bills. If you have to exchange, many hotels will give a good rate but the best option is to find a bank in the city for less fees. Don't Draw Attention to Yourself We talked about this back when we discussed our trip to South America. We read over and over in books and on blogs that leaving name brand things at home are best every time you travel. Things like expensive bags, shoes, and jewelry (especially gold) can cause attention from pickpocketers. If you can't bare to lose it, just leave it at home. Don't Buy or Eat Near a Tourist Attraction 9/10 times, the food and suvies are bad. Period. More authentic shops, cafes, and bars are going to be within neighborhoods where locals live. To get a feel for the city and the people, explore how they live! Obviously, those tourist spots are populated for a reason so seeing the major sights are important, but allow time to venture around and find a more local scene. Don't count out Hostels/AirBnB It's a whole new ballgame in the world of accommodations and traditional hotels aren't the only option. Hostels have this reputation of being unsafe, dirty hole in the wall places for people to squat for the night. It's 2016 and hostels are no longer those things. They offer cheaper rates then hotels and continue to have a communal aspect for social outlets. It's a network of travelers that want to meet new people with common interests. AirBnB is another community based option where you can rent a room or entire house from a local. Not only can it be cheaper than a hotel, you get a chance to experience the city by staying in an actual residence. Plus, the host usually offers recommendations for night life and food. AirBnB is rad! Once you do it, there's really no going back to hotels! Don't be Afraid to Get Lost Ok, so we don't want you wondering the streets in some foreign city with no idea where you are. What we mean by getting lost is, pick out a few neighborhoods and explore the streets willingly. Check out some bars and restaurants for a snack. Step into the shops that look interesting, you never know what you'll find for a suvie. When we wander a neighborhood, we do keep a couple maps in our bags so we can manage a course back to the city center/hotel. Don't Be One of Those Rude Americans
Depending on where you're going, some of our American customs are not appropriate or polite in other countries. As an American, we already have that cater to me stereotype working against us, so make sure and read up on the customs and traditions of the place your visiting. Also, try and learn a couple common phrases in the native language of the country your traveling to. Again, as English speakers, we are pretty damn lucky that most cultures learn English as a second language, but it is polite to try. Locals will pick up on it and probably to talk to you in English. Sometimes they're more willing to help if you don't demand them to speak English. Don't Overthink It Once you book your flight, accommodations, tours, etc. get exploring! Sometimes, over-planning or being ridged with plans can spoil adventure. One thing we've learned is to just go with it. Sometimes things don't work out or the restaurant you wanted to go to has a two hour wait. Life will go on. You're on vacation and something just as awesome will show itself to you! Sometimes, those circumstances turn into the coolest memories from your trip! Until Next Time, C + D
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