So you've decided you want to travel.
Maybe you've made your map and are keeping it visible. Every day, you gaze longingly at Argentina and imagine yourself on another continent, away from work, and deep into another culture. The air smells different, you feel independent, and the world is as close as your next footfall. But then pesky thinks creep into your happy travel bubble...
How am I going to get there? How can I afford it? I don't make that much! And I don't have a passport. Where do I even get one? There's no way I can take off work that long! What am I thinking?
Stop! It's okay to consider your decision objectively, but don't second-guess your desire to travel. Take a breath. Then start with these three easy first steps:
1) Open a dedicated savings account for travel.
We bank at USAA, where we have savings accounts dedicated to different purposes. Every payday, we transfer a set amount into our travel savings account, no excuses. Then that money rests there, gathering a teeny bit of interest, until we have a travel expense. We like USAA because it has perfected online banking. Whatever bank you choose, open your account and make your payday contribution a manageable but serious one. Soon, you'll think of it as a given budget expense, like utilities or groceries, and you won't miss it.
2) Get a passport or check your current passport's renewal date.
If you're a U.S. citizen, go here.
If you're a Canadian citizen, go here/allez ici.
If you're a Mexican citizen, vaya aquí.
That covers North America. Whatever your citizenship, I hope you can get a passport for foreign travel. Check your government's foreign affairs department website for information or inquire at a government office, such as your postal service. A U.S. passport does cost money, depending on your current status as a passport holder, but you've started that travel account, right?
3) Bookmark Kayak and Cheap Tickets.
These two sites are search engines for airline tickets, hotels, car rentals -- for domestic travel and foreign. For flights, they search multiple airlines and list your options in price order (the default) or by another criterion you choose. Go on periodically and check the prices to your favored destination. Try different date combinations, trip lengths, and departure days (Tuesday may be cheaper than Friday, or vice versa). Surprising deals pop up. And you've started that travel account, right? Note that Kayak and Cheap Tickets don't search all airlines; for example, you won't find Southwest Airlines in your search results. If you have a favorite discount carrier, bookmark its site, too, and keep tabs on fares.
Of course, there are more things to do when considering travel. These are just three easy first steps to get you moving toward that dream trip. It's more accessible than a lot of folks think.
Seasoned travelers: what further steps would you recommend? Do you have further advice on budgeting, travel documents, or fare research?
[image via me]
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Dream Destination? Check!... Now What?
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3 ate pie:
Awesome post. I think the hardest part of deciding to travel is just deciding to do it. My mom had never been out of the country until my brother and I got her to go to London and Paris with us last year.
Even if it's by yourself, just go. Anywhere. My first out of the country experience was Italy by myself. It was a little strange but the best trip I've ever taken.
One thing I found about fares is that places like Orbitz and Travelocity can be rip-offs. Often they'll advertise a fare and then change it when you attempt to buy it. They claim it's legal, but it's deceptive in my opinion. Instead, I use them to compare the airlines, and then go directly to that airline. Generally a little friendly phone haggling can get you the best deals.
I usually do Number 3 (thought not with those websites--I've been doing it manually--so thanks!). I've also found that by going to the big online companies (i.e. Priceline, Expedia) and getting an idea of which is better, I can then sometimes take those numbers to a travel agent or directly to the airline like Shaun said and get a better price.
I also agree with Shaun: go, even if it's by yourself. I have often had a MUCH better time when I traveled alone. Then you don't have to compromise or wait on others!
Finally: do research before you go! Don't just find out the top places to visit, but really read up on them. Then, if you're on a tour, you can ask good questions and get even more out of it, or if you're not, you'll know better what you're looking at.
Thanks for this post. My husband was in the Navy, and we loved to travel. He unexpectedly died last August, but I know I will want to start traveling again. The money is my biggest problem. Your post encouraged me not to take my travel bug lightly, but keep planning. In a few years I'll be saying "Greece, here I come!"
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