Travelling: the poor traveler's way

Okay, let me spare your slow broadband connection from bugging down because of loads of photos uploaded in this blog. This time, just for this time, please allow me to wear the cape of a travel expert sharing experiences.

Here we go…

One misconception about traveling is that it is being viewed as a hobby of the rich and famous people. In my online web pages and previous blog, I often received comments like, “I envy you for being a well-traveled person. How I wish I have more money like you”, “You traveled a lot. You’re a rich person perhaps”, and “You got a lot of bucks. You travel anytime you want”.

Though it’s true that traveling entails money, it doesn’t mean that only rich people has the sole right to enjoy the world. Everybody deserves a treat and the poor needs a lot of it even. Just like me. Poverty sucks, and it sucks a lot more when you do nothing about it. Traveling just get in my way because of my job but it got me hooked because it relieves me from boredom and stress.

Here is how I made my travels possible, the poor traveler’s way:

1. Resources. Just a little enough. (And what is exactly "a little enough"?) It could be a savings, a sideline, allowance (for students). While it’s true that I owe much of my travels to my job, the fact is that I seldom enjoyed it because I am attached to the schedule of activities prepared by the event organizers. It spoils the fun. Big time! So I make sure I travel on my own itinerary. And I backed-up my finances with my savings. It doesn't need to be lavish. I don’t have the right. I’m just averaging a regular wage just like those blue-collar employees.

2. Budgeting and Planning. Planning ahead my trips and allocating a budget for it is a relevant step. I did researches on possible expenses like the transport fare, accommodation, food, souvenir expenses, and miscellaneous fees so I will know how much it would cost me and how much I would spend. Then make a cut in my daily expenses to save something for the trip.

3. Network scanning. Most of the time, it is my friends who are behind my travels. Before deciding on a target place for travel, I usually assess how many friends do I have in those places. They are of big help when it comes to expenses especially if I need a volunteer guide in touring around. Besides, traveling alone will be costly and boring so I invite some friends who could share the fun and expenses with me.

4. Advance booking. Fares are usually very very very low if purchased 3-4 months ahead the target flight. If you are targeting a domestic travel, fares are relatively lower and cheaper if purchased days ahead the scheduled trip. When the date is agreed and fixed, I booked tickets ahead of time so I’m sure I get a sure slot. If you know somebody in the transport service where you can get discounted rates, it is a leveraging factor -a cut in the budget.
Now start your tour! Be a tourist while you are alive.

If there’s a will, there’s a way they say. If you believe that you can make a thing, go for it. There are a million ways to realize it. And I would like to borrow this quote forwarded to me through SMS: “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are”.

But, traveling doesn’t need to be anywhere far. Interesting places that are relatively cheaper with the same guaranteed satisfaction compared to other places could be just around the corner near you. Start traveling within your place so you will appreciate more the places that you will be visiting. We got so many holidays and long weekends that you can make use of.

Will I qualify to become an expert travel advisor? :D