Tip #77 - Special Diets

Special dietary requirements need special budgeting and attention to detail. Specifying this up-front is crucial to avoid any surcharges and or additional cost for special meals. For most travel providers it is no problem. Shopping at a local grocer, market or deli are all ways to stretch that “meal” ticket and travel dollar just a little further.

If you are in a self-contained unit with its own kitchen and fridge, you can cut your costs even further by buying some essentials and snacks, small meals in-room will cut down meal and entertainment expenses tremendously.

Tip #52 - Travelling Alone

Personal freedom and safety also deserves a word to the travel wise. If traveling in a group, you can venture out on your own. If you chose to do so, just always ensure that everyone knows where you are going, when you plan to return and do not miss-scheduled group-activities.

Even if you are traveling by yourself, take steps to ensure your own personal safety and check that the areas and attractions you have chosen are safe and tourist-friendly, easily accessible and affordable and tell at least one other person where you are staying, where you are headed and what your plans are.

Tip #50 - Travelling with Special Needs

Be brave and daring if you have or are travelling with someone with special needs. It should not be a factor that makes you hesitant to travel at all. Most, if not all holiday service providers, airlines, hotels, campgrounds and attractions are usually very well equipped and prepared to accommodate unique requirements that could make your travel endeavor extremely memorable and pleasant.

Very seldom are there additional or hefty surcharges for special cabs and personalized service, assistance and specific needs and requirements you might have or face. Just ensure that all details have been taken care of in advance and that all providers have been notified at the time of booking, confirmation and re-confirmed just prior to arrival. Find allies and friends in the front desk staff and managers that can give you the specialized customer attention you need and deserve at anytime you might require or request it.

Tip #38 - Plan for the Unexpected

Plan and budget for the unexpected and incidentals. Whether it is as simple as a practical collapsible type umbrella and poncho or a buffer-fund for in case there is a delay, extended stay or other factors where you will incur additional cost.

Weather, for example, is unpredictable and can ruin a travel experience if you let it. Again, the key to saving money, avoiding expense, caring for details and being a smart traveler will be organization, planning, fiscal preparedness and resourceful fiscal discipline.

Tip #4 - Pets

Remember to budget some additional funds for taking care of those dear ones who cannot do so for themselves: animal friends and pets. Special arrangements for pets should be made prior to any trip and well in advance. This applies, whether pets are being cared for at home by a neighbor or friend, placed in a kennel (taking a mini-vacation oftheir own!), or accompanying you on your trip.

Save money by checking your options at your destination. Some rental vacation homes, apartments, hotels and resorts are pet-friendly and encourage owners to bring them along. Avoid unnecessary costs of boarding. Make it a rule-of-thumb however, to verify any details pertaining to animals prior to departure. Be smart and get all vet visits, guidelines, travel documents and other paperwork that applies done in advance. If you do not have any pets, looking after your domicile and belongings should be left to a trusted and responsible party you trust and value.

Travelling with Partners

When travelling as a couple, double rooms in a hotel are mostly cheaper than a single room. Consider sharing, but choose and weigh your travel partners wisely! Ensure that you are financially independent of one another and that all parties are responsible with money and will not come running to you expecting to help. Clarify needs and wants and highlight some mutual respect for these.

Ask the question of whether personal habits are compatible. How would they react in crisis-mode? These factors are handy to know in advance, in order to prepare you for anything. Save money by protecting your financial interests. Avoid others taking advantage of you, and you ending up paying for mostly everything and sponsoring extravagant spenders. The onus is on you to ensure you take care of every detail.

This would include who and how you will pay for what. Discuss and stipulate it literally to ensure all parties are informed. Then clarify and agree on it. Be smart and act early to sort out any differences to avoid conflict and disagreement. Schedule regular time apart and pool some of your money into a ‘kitty’ to pay for outings and entertainment.