Budget Your Trip

Duane and Kim: Wright2Travel

Bryan — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:46:58 +0000

Recently we found out about Duane and Kim, an Australian couple planning a trip around the world. As we are huge fans of long term travel and extended career breaks, we naturally wanted to learn more about this intrepid couple and their exciting trip. After all, they have no set date to return home! Their plans will take them from Australia to Southeast Asia, and then into China, over to Europe and then to the U.S. We asked them a number of questions about their trip and their planning process, so read on to find out what they said.

Kim and Duane

Where will you go, and why did you choose those countries?

We will spend two weeks seeing Sydney and Melbourne. Our first international flight of the trip is 15th February to Singapore. From Singapore we move overland through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and up through China. From there we will make our way to Europe, on to South America, USA and Canada.

We chose to visit South East Asia as it is so different to our culture in Australia and New Zealand and we feel it will be a real eye opener for us. Also the history and food of the Asian countries was a big draw-card. Europe is somewhere that we have always wanted to visit. In particular we can’t wait to attend Oktoberfest in Germany and discover Ireland and Scotland.

How will you usually get around?

We plan to use the local public transport as much as possible. Transport costs can really add up on a big trips so keeping them to a minimum will be key for us. We will use local buses and trains as much as possible.

What do you think it will be like traveling for a long period of time?

We are both excited and anxious about our impending departure for long term travel. Traveling for a long period of time will be an eye opening experience and have us adjusting to different environments constantly. It will be relaxing some days and stressful others but we are going to make a conscious effort to cherish every moment and remember to laugh, even when the going gets tough.

What motivated you to go on your trip?

When we got engaged in 2007 we dreamed of heading off traveling for 12 months for our honeymoon. In the end we decided that visiting a different country every year was a much better plan. We purchased our first home and got married. 2 years passed and we realised that our plan of visiting a different country each year was perfect in theory but not realistic as although many people say this is what they are going to do general everyday life takes over and many never actually end up doing it. So we decided that we would put the house on the market and if it sold we would travel. Within 48 hours we had a contract on our house – the sale went so smoothly we knew we were on the right path for us. We sold our house and 4 months on we are departing fur our around the world adventure.

We visited USA in June 2011 as our first real international experience. We suffered from severe culture shock. We were amazed at how uncomfortable and lost we felt. We realised that we were becoming too comfortable in our daily life to the point of not being able to see past our own front door. We decided that it was important for us to learn about, experience and understand different cultures – so we decided world travel was the way to break down these barriers and have us living our life to the fullest.

What do you expect to learn about yourself?

Kim: I am not good in crowds and during this trip this is something I am going to have to overcome. Also I think I will learn that I am capable of doing things that in my normal every-day life I would never even attempt – putting myself out of my comfort zone, although daunting is something that I am looking forward to as it will allow me to expand my horizons and gain new hobbies and friends in the process.

Duane: I expect to learn how to face my fears of being lost. I always need to know where I am going and how to get there – on this trip this will not always be possible and this is something that I am going to have to learn to accept and be comfortable with.

What’s the best place you’ve ever been to so far (and why)?

We both agree on this one – San Francisco, Calafornia. We loved everything about San Francisco from its old homes, Chinatown, Marina and Awesome biking/walking paths. There are so many options for things to do with the Yarra Valley so close, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and many pubs to check out, it is a city that has an awesome vibe where we felt comfortable and safe.

How did you determine (or manage) your budget for your trip?

The main source of information for our budget came from budgetyourtrip.com as it gave us a starting point of a daily budget and allowed us to calculate how much we can afford to spend daily on accommodation, food, transport etc. We have a detailed spreadsheet that we will use to keep track of our expenses on the road to ensure we are staying within our daily budget. Finances had been something that we were extremely worried about however using budgetyourtrip.com and having our spreadsheet up and running has taken the stress out of it and allowed us to have confidence in managing our finances whilst on the road.

Any advice for other travelers?

Cherish every moment on the road, you are living the life so many can only dream of.

Thanks guys, have a great trip! You can follow Duane and Kim’s adventures at Wright2Travel.com or on Facebook or on Twitter @wright2travel.

Peg Legging Around The World – Top Pirate Locations to Plunder

Matthew — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:50:14 +0000

If you think about it, Pirate Travel is a completely sensible topic for posting about. It’s always good to get back to our (ancestral??) roots and remember that they were the original pioneers of the randomised, inquisitive and adventurous ideals of travel. Plundering their way around the world cove to cove, finding the unexpected and bathing in the riches on offer sounds faintly familiar. Many a traveller will bounce from hostel to hostel, enriching their lives, perhaps not through treasure but more through experiences and photo shots. So here’s to tracing the footsteps (or peg steps!) of history by outlining a few treasures of pirateyness left unplundered around the world.

Ancient Pirate Locations:

Many people instantly think of the Caribbean when talking about pirates. However, if this location is a little too far or out of budget for you, then harking back to the period of Ancient Piracy in the Mediterranean is a different option.

The rocky coastline and low population densities in sporadic villages throughout the Med fostered the birth of piracy. Barbary Corsairs attacked locations in the Mediterranean, using North Africa, particularly Algiers (in Algeria), Morocco, and Tunis (in Tunisia) as safe havens. These are well known to today’s modern tourist and therefore seeking out the bloodthirsty past can add a new twist to well-trodden tourist hotspots.

The Romans and Greeks became accustomed and weary of these pirate attacks. A trip to Crete or the Lipari Islands can make for a fun filled holiday that many a pirate from this period enjoyed. Alternatively, for fans of Barbarossa, or Red Beard, then consider a trip to Turkey. The resort town of Kuşadasi in the Aydin province is picturesque and some historical architecture is still around.

The Far East:

As the world’s third largest island and full of dense, lush jungle, Borneo is already on the tourist map. However, for fans of Eastern Pirates who raided the seas of Singapore and Hong Kong, a holiday to Borneo will take you to one of their safe havens. This was one of the more recent pirate locations, lasting up until the 19^th century. With plenty of caves and being located in a region of the world rich in Islands, it is very easy to get into the pirate spirit here!

Moving a little Westward brings us to Madagascar. Like Borneo, this is a country known for its dense jungles and rich biodiversity. However, toward the end of the 17^th century this too became a location for piracy, as lawless seamen attacked the ships of the Indian Moguls and exploited European trade in the area.

North America and the Caribbean:

This well-known location for piracy spoils the pirate enthusiast for its wealth of locations. Starting off in the Caribbean we have the much popularised destinations of Port Royal (a former British seaport in Jamaica), and Tortuga (a former French settlement). These experienced degrees of lawlessness and therefore piracy thrived at the beginning of the 18^th Century. Tortuga is an entire Island in the Caribbean and offers undeveloped and isolated bays. Port Royal has greatly diminished in size and due to an Earthquake and other local disasters it is known as the city that sank. You can still visit it though and there are a number of forts and churches still in existence. Fort Charles is a definite highlight, built at the end of the 17^th century it was once briefly home to Lord Nelson. As well as the remnants of Royal Navy Forts and defences, there is also an old jail, all of which contribute to a great walking tour of the area.

Moving over to mainland America the states of North and South Carolina have seen their fair share of piracy. Charles Town in South Carolina flirted briefly with the smuggling aspects of Piracy, and North Carolina’s Bath Town was where Blackbeard sold his booty. For a picturesque location visit Ocracoke Island, steeped in Maritime history it is the location of the naval battle that brought about Blackbeard’s death.

So there ye have it. Piracy spanned and plundered the world. However, like many travellers these days, pirates sought out warm climates, locations with plenty of secluded and hidden spots, and the odd tavern. This all still makes for a great holiday, cutlass or not!

Travel Post Roundup (Jan 4)

Bryan — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:20:43 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone! With the start of 2012, it’s time to showcase some of the best travel articles and blog posts from the last week in the travel community. Needless to say, there are a lot of 2011 recaps and 2012 predictions. Personally, our 2011 was terrific, as we ventured to China and Mongolia for two months. Both countries took our breath away, and we highly recommend you add them to your bucket list.

And without further ado, here’s the list our favorite posts:

How to Stick to your 2012 Travel Resolutions at FoxNomad
Perception Busting in Egypt at Uncornered Market
Edelma – The only female taxi driver on Ometepe by Chickybus
Italy Is All About The Food at Hecktic Travels (yum!)
2011, My Year in Photos by Johnny Vagabond (amazing, as usual!)
2011, My Travels in Photos by Lauren at Never Ending Footsteps (great!)
Yes, you will travel this year. Here’s how. by Adventurous Kate
9 Lessons from Our 2011 Travels at Inspiring Travellers
7 Up-and-Coming Adventure Destinations for 2012 at Wild Junket
Danakil Depression – The Hottest Place on Earth in Pictures by Jack and Jill Travel The World

Finally, this should make you want to either visit Fiji or go surfing, or both.

Top 3 cities to visit for Christmas

Vicky — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:10 +0000

Although we usually associate Christmas with being at home, an increasing number of people are starting to travel during the winter season. There are some wonderful cities all over the world that are ideal to visit at Christmas. The way each city celebrates the Christmas season really varies between different cities, countries and cultures. Spending part of your Christmas in another city is an idea for those of us who want to do something that is both different and memorable.

If you are planning on visiting somewhere different this holiday season, here are three wonderful and diverse places to go:

Rome

Between Italians and visitors to Italy alike, Rome is probably the most popular place to visit during the festive period. Rome really ‘pulls out all of the stops’ when it comes to Christmas celebrations, largely because of its strong connections to Christianity. The Piazza Navona, a famous square, is turned into a huge Christmas market with stalls that sell everything from food to decorations and gifts.

The well-known St. Peter’s Square is also transformed with a Christmas tree (although they are not particularly traditional in Italy) and a full-size Nativity which is usually not unveiled until Christmas Eve. There are also other nativity scenes on show and elegantly decorated churches. Other activities such as ice skating are also available.

New York

New York is an extremely popular destination for many people at Christmas, simply because it’s such a fun and festive place to be! The people of New York make a tremendous effort at Christmas time; you only have to go into downtown Manhattan to see this for yourself. Due to its world famous shops, New York is an excellent place for a Christmas shopping spree!

The Rockefeller Christmas tree is situated between 5^th and 6^th Avenue and now has a whopping 30,000 lights on it and so is definitely worth seeing. There are many Christmas shows and, because there are several parks in New York, it’s a great place to ice skate. It’s advisable to book early because New York becomes extremely busy during the holiday season. Just remember that the weather tends to be very “Christmassy”, so wrap up warm!

Oxford

Outside of London, Oxford is one of the most popular English Christmas cities. Oxford Castle is one of the central attractions at Christmas; a great place to take the kids so that they can visit Santa or for the whole family to go and experience the Christmas market where you can buy festive treats and gifts and do a bit of late night shopping. The Cotswolds is a famous cycling holiday destination and during the festive season there are many themed bike rides that take place with people taking to two wheels dressed as Santa and a whole host of other Christmas characters. There are many musicals, pantomimes and shows that are tailored towards children, so this could be an excellent way to get the whole family active over the Christmas season. The switching on of Christmas lights in early December is also worth visiting if you get a chance.

Stereotypical Backpackers

Bryan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:19:01 +0000

Vagabondish recently posted a great article about budget travel and the idea of “stereotypical backpackers” which we felt was worth sharing. It essentially states that just because you’re traveling on a budget and staying at cheap hotels or hostels does not mean that you’re a grubby and party-going backpacker.

This is something that we’ve always believed to be true, after all, and fits right in with our travel style. You can do it on the cheap and still get close to the culture without going to nightclubs every night or hooking up in dorms. In today’s economy, sometimes you need to travel like the 99% and enjoy yourself while saving cash. This usually means taking local transportation, staying at a cheap hostel (even when you’re a little older), and grabbing some street food. But it doesn’t have to mean that you’ll behave like it’s a year-long spring break.

More importantly, not all hostel rooms are huge dormitories to be shared with all and sundry. Many hostels offer small rooms of bunks, double rooms and even single rooms, usually with shared bathroom facilities but even sometimes with your own bathroom. Of course, these rooms cost a little more but are still usually considerably cheaper than a hotel.

You can read the entire article at Vagabondish: Why Budget Travelers Are Not All “Stereotypical Backpackers”.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler

Bryan — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:59:04 +0000

Whew, now that black Friday and cyber Monday have passed, the rest of us can start our holiday shopping experience without getting trampled, elbowed in the face, or pepper-sprayed. If you have a loved one that loves travel, we’ve assembled the following list of travel related gear and gadgets to help give you some ideas on what to get for your favorite vagabond.

The Eye-Fi Memory Card allows you to transfer the photos from your camera to your computer, tablet, or smartphone wirelessly and automatically. It can even be configured to automatically upload the photos to your favorite photo sharing or social networking website. How cool is that? Various sizes are available.

This small and cheap package of Laundry Soap Sheets has saved (and cleaned) many of travelers’ hides. Sometimes you’re on the road and just can’t get ahold of soap when you need it. But at the same time, you don’t want to carry anything too heavy. This little package is just right.

As its name suggests, the Belkin Mini Surge Protector/Dual USB Charger can take both normal plugs and USB plugs to charge all of your devices. When you’re on the road, this small and compact surge protector comes in handy for a variety of reasons. It’s lightweight, protects your stuff, and gives you multiple options in a compact size. The plug even swivels to fit into a variety of spaces!

This money belt is so useful and important that we dedicated an entire page to it in our How To Plan A Trip Around the World guide. Money belts are an unfortunate necessity, so get the best. This one is good because it loops onto your belt, preventing would-be thieves from cutting it free. And then it sticks down into your pants near your family jewels, ensuring your maximum awareness of any attempts to relieve you of your financial jewels.

If you or your favorite traveler is into photography, check out the latest camera backpack: the Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW. It keeps your camera safe and protected while also sporting a sizable section to put all of your other important stuff, like clothes and water. Two sizes are available, and you can even get it in a groovy orange color.

This incredibly low-tech device is extremely important for travelers who venture beyond the borders of clothes drying machines. There’s no iPhone app for keeping your clothes clean and dry. Sometimes you have to go analog, and this is the gadget you need. The nifty elastic bands at each end make everything faster and easier. Here’s an added bonus: it can also be used to string up your mosquito net if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of actually owning said mosquito net.

You’ve probably heard of the Flip HD Video Camera, as it was the first portable, cheap, and easy to use camera of its kind. But did you know that the company that makes them is halting production? This means that the prices are dropping amidst the need to sell them off and a plethora of other similar devices on the market. Various models and colors are available, and several for under $100. A full HD video camera on the cheap that’s the size of an iPod! Who wouldn’t want that?

5 Great Cruise Innovations

Ellis Green — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:18:30 +0000

Cruise Lines are pulling out all the stops as they try to deliver a cutting-edge cruise experience and cater for people of all ages and background, spending billions in the process. In the fiercely competitive cruise market, operators are constantly trying new things to get one step ahead of their rivals. Here are 5 recent Innovations you can expect to find across cruise liners worldwide.

4D Cinemas

With an increasing amount of Hollywood’s most recent blockbusters being presented in the 3D form, cruise operators have taken the step to provide passengers with the opportunity watch their favorite film in 3D on board. However, Costa Cruises have gone that extra mile – installing a 4D cinema on board their Costa Deliziosa! Cruisers enjoying the 4D experience can expect special effects, eye popping visuals, water sprays and vibrating seats!

Themed Cruises

Themed Cruises are a developing market with many different categories being implemented into a passenger’s voyage. They combine general ship facilities with the cruiser’s personal interests and hobbies to provide the ultimate experience. Themed Cruises tend to have little to no impact on the daily running of the ship, with specific rooms and areas being designated. Fred Olsen offer around 30 different Themes, ranging from Archaeology to Comedy, with many hands-on activities and experiences available on board. Why not discover the secrets of original French cookery directly from French master chefs on board a Regent Seven Seas cruise? Detailed workshops are provided by award-winning chefs in addition to visits to local markets to learn more about the ingredients used in making world-renowned dishes. Information Technology themed voyages are also great and cater for all levels of capability.

Revolutionary Bars & Clubs

The nightclubs on board cruise ships have taken note of their land-based rivals themed and revolutionary ideas and followed suit. Cunard’s Queen Mary II ship offers cruisers the opportunity to sit back with a fine Cuban Cigar and a glass of cognac in the Churchill Cigar Lounge, whereas NCL have installed the only ice-bar at sea on its Norwegian Epic. Guests slip into a fur coat and enjoy a drink in the Svedka Ice Bar, inspired by the original ice hotels across Scandinavia!

Outdoor simulators

With an increasing number of cruisers looking for action-packed getaways, Royal Caribbean have taken the step to give passengers the chance to show off their surfing skills at the Flowrider, a purpose built, man-made wave machine on its Oasis & Freedom of the Seas! Taking into consideration that hitting golf balls into the sea is no longer allowed, cruisers traveling on board Princess Cruises can tee off at St Andrews or Pinehurst with the revolutionary high tech, computerized golf simulators.

Solo Cruising

For those of you contemplating going on a cruise on your own, a number of cruise lines have options that allow you to keep costs down and still enjoy the biggest and best ships in the world. NCL understands the need for the socialization and entertainment associated with solo cruising. With their new singles cabins and numerous lounges for interaction with other guests, singles cruising has been taken to a new level. P&O and Holland America Line also have cabins dedicated to solo cruisers with no extra supplements and Silversea Cruises offer special fare deals for solo travelers, so you have a substantial amount of choices available to you.

Submit a Travel Tip and Get Noticed

Bryan — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:06:32 +0000

Did you know that you can read and share travel tips on our website and also get some attention for your travel blog? In addition to using Budget Your Trip to discover travel costs around the globe, you can also spread your knowledge to your fellow travelers. It’s super easy. Just log in and submit a tip for any city or country. And here’s the extra bonus: if you put the URL of your website on your Budget Your Trip member profile, the link will show up next to your name for each travel tip you submit, giving your travel blog more attention (plus a little linking love). When you log in, you’ll see links on the home page to submit a travel tip or update your profile.

If you’ve got some great tips, we’d love to feature you and your website on our blog, too!

Submit a travel tip and we'll display the link to your website next to your name.

Eight Most Overlooked Cities

Laurie — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:00:23 +0000

Too often we swing through a country and do nothing more than a highlights tour. When time allows it’s important to step outside the big hitter sights and find a more down to Earth place to explore. We accrued this list of commonly overlooked, but highly suggested cities for your next trip.

Warsaw

Krakow may be the more popular Polish destination, but that doesn’t mean you should skip Warsaw. It has a brutal history which are evident in its museums, architecture, and culture, but it also offers a lot in the form or arts, music, religion, and generosity. It truly is fascinating to watch the older generations interact with the young. So much has happened in one lifetime in this city, but the people haven’t lost their spirits. Visit a park on a holiday and you can visibly see this.

Sao Paulo

Rio de Janeiro may get most of the talk, but the energy, vitality, and nightlife of Brazil’s largest city should not be overlooked. The shopping options abound. The cuisine is diverse and delicious. The culture is engaging and colorful. It has numerous museums, shows, and concerts. It truly immerses you in an authentic Brazilian experience.

Lyon

Paris may be the “City of Lights,” but Lyon is the city for food. Allow yourself plenty of time for a homecooked, belly filling lunch. It’s cheaper than dinner, and arguably better. Keep the wine flowing and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the meal and your company. Allow yourself time to get out of town and see the countryside. Head to some weekend markets to sample the meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Move leisurely through this region to experience everything it truly has to offer.

Kyoto

You can’t see Japan without Kyoto. It’s a perfect counterpart to Tokyo, and only a few hours away on the Shinkansen (bullet train). While Tokyo is the more modern Japanese city, Kyoto holds on to some of the more traditional architecture elements. Tokyo was predominately destroyed during World War II, but Kyoto has held on to the more traditional elements of Japanese architecture. This unique opportunity to step back in time is a must see while visiting this country.

Washington DC

Boston, New York, and San Francisco are the obvious choices for anybody traveling to the U.S, but Washington, DC shouldn’t be missed. The political capital of the country, it has monuments, memorials, and museums that bring to life the country’s diverse history. Free admission to most of the sights also give this city an edge over some of the more expensive cities for the budget conscience traveler.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a much smaller alternative to Vienna. The main sites include the Golden Roof and the Dome. Also spend time wandering the small streets of the old town. The charm of Innsbruck is more than just its old town. Make sure you get into the surrounding mountains to fully experience the place.

Melbourne

When you think of Australia, you usually think of Sydney. It has the sights, the beaches, and the fame. If you’re looking for something different, consider spending some time in Melbourne. It was recently ranked number three in a survey of the most livable cities. With its popular cafe, arts, and music scene, it has a European vibe. Check out the graffiti streets if you’re looking for an interesting art show. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a more laid back vibe the its counterpart, Sydney.

San Diego

An hour south of Los Angeles, San Diego is a less chaotic option. It’s clean, vibrant, and has perfect weather. The San Diego zoo is a famous sight, as are many of the missions and neighborhoods. The Gaslamp Quarter is a great place to enjoy dinner. Spend a day at Sea World, or head to Coronado Island to explore. Give yourself some time to relax on the beach and definitely dine on some seafood.

Random Posts

Five Affordable Caribbean Destinations

Bryan — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:45:44 +0000

The summer has ended and there’s a bite in the air. In a few months we’ll all be itching for warm weather again. But how affordable is the Caribbean? Is it possible to escape the winter chill and still not break the bank? Below we’ve listed five affordable Caribbean options for even the most economically challenged traveler.

The Bahamas

It’s definitely possible to go to the Bahamas without the glitz and glamor. Head to Nassau and search out a budget hotel. There are options available for under $100. Plan ahead and book a room with a kitchen and you can cook for yourself. Grocery stores are affordable and offer all of the finest seafood selections. You can still enjoy the local specialties, even if you cook them yourself. The extra money you safe will allow you to splurge on occasion with a nicer restaurant than you could otherwise afford.

Puerto Rico

Affordable options abound in Puerto Rico. Dine at a Kioskos (street stands) and enjoy the local specialties. Try some pionono (stuffed plantains), experience the culture, and save some money. Take in some free activities that will keep you entertained, such as wandering the streets in Old San Juan. The narrow cobblestone lanes are perfect for walking. Check out the crafts from a local sidewalk artist or visit a boutique shop nearby. Alternatively, head out of San Juan and stay at a budget hotel near El Yunque National Forest. You’ll escape the crowded city, and the hotels and restaurants are even more affordable.

US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands are most famous for their beaches. The white sand and blue waters are postcard perfect. To experience this paradise with a high price tag, consider renting a condo. Split the accommodation with friends and make it a group retreat. Cook your own meals, divide the excursions, and everybody will save money. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a snorkeling trip, a truly unique experience in the US Virgin Islands.

Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the more affordable options in the Caribbean. All-inclusive resorts are a popular option in Jamaica, and can actually be quite affordable if you find a deal. Alternatively, going local in Jamaica can save you big bucks. Stay at a locally owned hotel, eat a local restaurants, mingle with locals. You’ll come home with a cultural experience as well as a tan, and you’ll find your money has been well spent.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers some affordable options from hotels to restaurants. Grab yourself a basic hotel to skip the high end and high priced resorts. Then head to one of the resorts that will rent you snorkel equipment, and lounge on the beach. You’ll get the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. Also insure that your hotel is within walking distance to most of your destinations and you’ll save plenty on taxi fares.

Budget Your Trip

Duane and Kim: Wright2Travel

Similar Posts

Peg Legging Around The World – Top Pirate Locations to Plunder

Similar Posts

Travel Post Roundup (Jan 4)

Similar Posts

Top 3 cities to visit for Christmas

Similar Posts

Stereotypical Backpackers

Similar Posts

Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler

Similar Posts

5 Great Cruise Innovations

4D Cinemas

Themed Cruises

Revolutionary Bars & Clubs

Outdoor simulators

Solo Cruising

Similar Posts

Submit a Travel Tip and Get Noticed

Similar Posts

Eight Most Overlooked Cities

Random Posts

Five Affordable Caribbean Destinations

Similar Posts