How to See the World on a Budget

ENTERTAINMENT - Traveling around the world (or just a specific region) isn't easy, but if you're frugal and you strategize you can do it well and affordably. Below is a list of considerations and tips.

#1. Bicycle - This is arguably the cheapest/most affordable way to travel the world and get some exercise while doing so. Due to repairs however its recommended you learn to become a bicycle mechanic and carry tools and a few spare parts.

#2. Avoiding Jetlag - Unless you stick to only one time zone the best way is to GO WEST in your travels instead of East. Most travelers have discovered its easier to stay up later than to get up earlier (which happens when you travel East).

#3. Travel Light - Only carry the necessities. Clothes should be disposable so you can avoid cleaning things along the way. Don't buy clothes to keep, wear them as long as possible and then throw/give them away after buying new clothes. That or bring clothes that is super easy to clean and durable.

#4. Airplanes are Expensive, Avoid if Possible - Unless you're super rich you're going to want to focus on the cheapest rates you can get. Flying for a discount rate or free (a la delivering a package) is even better. Budget airline tickets can be found at

AirTreks - www.airtreks.com
Air Brokers - www.airbrokers.com
World Traveller’s Club - www.around-the-world.com

Air Courier services however are highly recommended if you don't mind giving up your luggage space. Usually the price of the ticket is discounted. Free air travel is rare.

Air Carrier UK - www.aircourieruk.com

There is also:

NEW YORK
AIR CARGO PARTNERS
Phone: 516-358-2025

MICOM AMERICA
Phone: 718-656-6050

EAST WEST EXPRESS
Phone: 516-536-2112

NOW VOYAGER
Phone: 212-459-1616

LOS ANGELES
AIR CARGO PARTNERS
Phone: 516-358-2025

JUPITER AIR
Phone: 650-635-1700

SAN FRANCISCO
JUPITER AIR
Phone: 650-635-1700

AIR CARGO PARTNERS
Phone: 516-358-2025

ENGLAND (London)
BRIDGES WORLWIDE
Phone: 0189-546-5065 International: 011-44-189-546-5065

BRITISH AIRWAYS TRAVEL SHOPS
Phone: 0870-606-1133 International: 011-44-870-606-1133

AIR CARGO PARTNERS
Phone: 0208-897-5130 International: 011-44-208-897-5130

Its also really cost effective to look for budget travel wherein they're basically giving you the seat and all you have to do is pay for the taxes. You won't be getting any frequent flier miles going this way and you have to watch out for cancellations in the event they fail to sell enough seats (you will still get a refund back).

#5. An Air Pass - If you're only visiting one region of the world a cheap alternative is an air pass. For example Cathay Pacific offers a $1599 pass which allows travel to 42 Asian cities from the USA (but only from NYC, L.A. or San Francisco so you will have to get there for the first flight). Qantas, India Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas and several other airlines have similar deals which are well worth researching. Make sure you keep track of the taxes.

#6. Last Minute Specials - You can also book on the fly and get last minute specials which are heavily discounted.

#7. Train Passes - Once you've over in Europe or Asia another smart thing to have is a train pass which allows you unlimited travel. You can sleep on the train and hopefully avoid hotels in the process too.

#8. Camping - If you can travel very light and only carry the basic necessities for camping its very cheap to do so.

#9. Visit Friends - Visiting friends (and getting a tour of the place you're visiting) is also recommended. A hot shower and homecooked food is also welcome. There are even websites dedicated towards meeting new friends overseas with the purpose of spending the night on their couch. Well worth looking into.

#10 Hostels - Super cheap, but you may have to do some chores as part of your visit.