Affordable Sailing and Three Budget International Destinations for 2011

Not only can one fly and drive on a budget, but according to CNN, sailing the world as a "working passenger" on a tall ship or luxury superyacht can be another inexpensive way to travel. The crew--with or without sailing experience--can be at sea for a few months or even years. Positions include: chef, bartender, waitress, entertainer, water sports instructor, hairdresser, manicurist, massage therapist and language interpreter. Students and those taking time off work are generally interested in these unique positions. The best way to find these jobs is to register online for free, while being wary of fraud and free labor.

Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

As we finish up the year and head into 2011, NewsOK has provided five budget trip ideas, three of which are outside the United States.

• Study abroad with a private teacher for four hours per day, live with a family and get all meals provided plus volunteering options for about $20 per day in Guatemala.
• Pick a budget destination, such as Argentina, where the dollar is rising. The peso has been down 18 percent. Plus, the country is now in summer, while America is in winter.
• Last, but not least, Japan can be affordable. A common misconception is that it's a place for rich travelers. However, some of its accommodations are cheaper than those in most U.S. cities. For example, minshuku guesthouses in Tokyo are offered from $40. Even all-day attractions, such as Tokyo's National Museum, observatory decks and gardens cost about $10.

Ways to Save in Four Destinations Across the Atlantic this Winter

Smarter Travel has found the best locations around the globe where frugal travelers can save money. Their top five off-peak destinations for this winter include three that are outside the United States.

Morocco -

• Compared to summertime, winter is a quieter and more affordable time to go.
• Save with last-minute deals on packages.
• Many hotels offer seasonal promotions, such as free nights.

Photo: Thinkstock/iStockphoto

Italy -

• Bargain hunters can experience its history, food and beauty at much lower prices during wintertime.
• Airfare to major cities is cheaper during the low season.
• Save on vacation packages and tours that offer free dinner or airport transfers in Rome.

Photo: Thinkctock/Hemera

Bulgaria -

• Savvy travelers can enjoy bargain prices on Ryanair flights.
• Save this season on air-and-hotel vacation packages to its capital city, Sofia.
• Europeans choose this nation as an affordable ski destination and travelers can too.

Photo: ThinkStock/iStockphoto

With Zurich being the fifth priciest city in Europe, luckily, there are ways to help ease the spending. Euro Cheapo offers five budget tips on saving Swiss francs:

1. Shop at Coop for its variety, meals to go and $2 fine local chocolates.
2. Buy the ZurichCARD to save on transportation, food, museums and nightlife.
3. Eat reasonably-priced meals in department store cafes for lower prices than nearby restaurants.
4. Save up and wait to buy touristy things for dramatically cheaper prices in Switzerland's neighbor countries.
5. Wander around the city and take in its scenery in the fresh alpine air.

Photo: Sacred Destinations

Airbnb, Score Travel Upgrades and Haggle Like an Expert

Airbnb is a community marketplace that matches budget-conscious travelers with unique places to stay as locals, offered by real people. According to The New York Times, not only can one rent spare rooms, but also full apartments, homes, castles, boats and even private islands!

According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, there are several secrets to move up in style without paying big bucks. Score a travel upgrade for free by following these tips:

• Make sure your coach ticket qualifies for upgrades, minus fees.
• The offseason or Saturdays are best for upgrades, because fewer elite travelers hit the skies.
• Read each airline's individual newsletter or message boards online for deals and promotions.
• Ask nicely for international flights.
• Ask the front desk for hotel upgrades if you're celebrating a special occasion.
• Check in late, so hotels know which rooms are still available.
• Lower mileage cars are in high demand, so an economy-class car could be upgraded.
• Loyalty program membership is mostly free, doesn't expire and can even be used for cruises.

(Illustration by Edwin Fotheringham)

Speaking of bargain-hunting, anyone can talk their way into a discount. In order to haggle like an expert, here are Budget Travel's phrases and tactics to get your desired price:

• "That looks interesting."
• "May I speak to the manager?"
• "Can you help me on this?"
• [Silence]
• "Thanks so much for helping me. I'm sorry that we couldn't get together on this."
• "Let me give you my phone number."

Adioso, Hotel Upgrading and Holiday Travel Tips

Adioso is a travel deal search-engine that finds the cheapest airfares. This website specializes in finding the best rates on budget airlines. It has recently become faster and more intuitive. Flexible travelers can use this convenient tool like a Google search: type in anything and you get general to specific results. You can easily click on a result, which will take you to the actual booking site to get the fare.

You can land the nicest hotel suite possible for the price of a single room. Here are some tips on getting a free upgrade:

1. Ask for a hotel upgrade early
2. Be considerate to the hotel staff
3. Plan your stay strategically
4. Join the hotel loyalty program

If you haven't booked any holiday travel, you can still find some last-minute travel deals.

joiseyshowaa, flickr

• Travel dates, hotel room categories and cruise cabin types should be flexible.
• Depart on the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving and return that day or the Friday or Saturday after.
• Depart on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Christmas or that day and return the Tuesday or Wednesday after.
• With airlines filled to capacity, there won't be last-minute deals, so book early.
• New Year's Eve tickets will be cheap.
• November to mid-December show the best hotel deals in warm-weather destinations.
• A Last Minute Deals website from American Express offers travel options from three weeks to three hours before departure.
• Lower costs by paying with your credit card points.

Winter Sales on Global Hotels, Cruises and Airfare

Accor, a hotel company recently announced a "Super Sale" on reserved rooms that are paid in full well in advance. More than 700 hotels and resorts worldwide have rooms up to half off the normal rate. Many hotels have convenient locations in or close to airports or city centers. Catch #1: These are prepaid rates where no changes and cancellations are possible. Catch #2: The prices are only valid for stays Dec. 12 to Feb. 12. You must book by Monday, Nov. 1, so hurry! Click for sample prices.

(Courtesy: kmaschke/Flickr)

Have a birthday between Nov. 14 and Dec. 19? Want to celebrate it at sea? You can sail for free (besides government fees and taxes) as long as you show proof. Your travel buddies also get a great deal, as long as they occupy two staterooms (no suites) or less. Cruises aboard MSC's Poesia sail out of Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean and Mexico. You must book by Dec. 12.


Budget airlines provide people with cheap round-trip flights worldwide. Instead of waiting for the right deals, you can fly internationally for $1000. Depending on your destination, you could also take advantage of the yearly promotions and travel for less than $700.


According to The Dallas Morning News, those who purchase travel with a MasterCard through March 31 on AA.com by Dec. 15 are given a MasterCard $10 to $50 gift card. The amount depends on whether you buy more travel options in addition to an American Airlines round-trip flight.

Save Time at the Airport...Save Money on Hotels and Car Rentals

Ever wondered how to navigate security checkpoints quickly and efficiently? Follow this guideline to prevent you from holding up the line next time you fly:

• Travel with a red suitcase.
• Buy an inexpensive bag online used for holding carry-on-sized products (about 3 oz each).
• Wear slip-on shoes. Lace-up shoes take forever to put back on.
• Put your laptop in a TSA-approved case. No need to take it out.
• Make sure everything is out of your pockets (phone, wallet, etc.). Take off your belt if it has metal on it.
• Slide the trays containing your belongings all the way through the X-ray machine.
• Have a smart phone? Use it to show your boarding pass.

According to the Associated Press, Expedia and Hotwire announced Monday that they’re offering bargains on hotel room rates. "Blind-booking options" will allow travelers to choose from more than 25,000 hotels worldwide for up to half off comparable online quotes. Fewer deals and higher room rates have called for this service. The catch? The hotel name won't be revealed before booking.


Once your accommodation is booked, it’s time to think about transportation. Here’s how you can lower your car rental rate:

1. Rent a car through a travel website.
2. Forward your confirmation message with your reservation details to track@autoslash.com.
3. Autoslash will track prices and email you if they drop because of a last-minute sale.
4. Cancel your reservation at the original website and rebook at the new, cheaper price.