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money

Realistic budget tips for the savvy traveler

October 19, 2018 by admin

If your thirst for adventure is restricted by the money in your bank account, don’t panic! You’re not the first person to dream of foreign lands while rummaging down the back of the couch for spare change, and you won’t be the last.

The problem is that travel is an essential part of the human experience, and we need it to be able to unwind our stresses and escape from the daily grind. If you have a yearning to see the world but money is holding you back, then these realistic budget tips might just help trim the fat from your holiday expenses.

Travel not tourism

There is a huge divide between being a traveler and being a tourist.

Tourists are going to spend their money on every tour, excursion, experience, and souvenir they can find. Prices inevitably go up when it comes to tourist proximity.

Travelers can reduce their budget easily by committing to the laidback life of a traveler. Pick your destination carefully, taking time to ensure that you are missing the most tourist-heavy seasons. Avoid that by going off the beaten track.

Save money when it comes to souvenirs as well. The internet makes it easy to get gifts no matter where they come from or where you are in the world, and by not buying for every aunt, uncle, and cousin, you’re saving money on both the gifts and the cost of getting them home. Also, remember that restaurants and bars in the center of tourist-heavy destinations are usually very expensive, so download some good travel apps and learn to eat like a local, and your budget will go a lot further.

Saving on Entertainment

While it’s nice to mentally picture yourself interrailing across Europe with lots of staring romantically out of the window and watching the world go by, the truth is that travel often has long periods where you’re just waiting for the next destination. That’s where your entertainment comes in. Those people who don’t have to worry about costs can usually rely on their Spotify and Netflix subscriptions, but if you want to reduce your costs, then you should cancel your subscription.

Don’t worry, you can still watch films and listen to music! Spend some time before leaving on downloading your favorite albums and tracks, which you can do easily by using YouTube and SoundCloud and a handy mp3 recorder PC that you can add to your phone, tablet, or laptop.

You can also use your Kindle to download a massive library of free books, meaning you don’t have to drag your copy of War and Peace around with you, as the weight of real books can add a lot to your luggage fees!

Sleep smart

One of the biggest costs when traveling is accommodation. Avoid hotels like the plague and your costs will go down very quickly indeed. Escape the astronomical fees that hotels are known for, and look instead at alternative options.

For those on a shoestring budget, hostels and Airbnb listings can be very cost-effective, although Airbnb is not available everywhere just yet. There are also resources for couchsurfing, and that will reduce your accommodation costs to zero! Obviously, if you’re visiting somewhere that is the home of friends or relatives, then make use of those as the ultimate budget-saver.

Whether you’re off to Asia, backpacking around Europe, or driving across the United States, always look for ways to reduce your budget. The tighter the control you have over your expenses, the more that you can spend on having fun!

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: budget travel, cheap travel, money, travel

What To Consider When Shopping For Health Insurance

April 18, 2018 by admin

The market is flooded with health insurance options and making the decision isn’t easy. That’s why it’s important to research different companies and the coverage that they offer. Now, to help you out we have some tips that you should consider. Just remember this isn’t professional advice (it’s always recommended that you consult with a doctor and a health insurance advisor) but common sense info that anyone can take advantage of.

Do You Need Health Insurance In The First Place?

Your employer may already have you covered with a quality health insurance plan. Chances are you already know about this, but if not you should find out about the exact nature of the coverage.

You may also be covered by your parent’s health insurance plan if you’re still a young adult.

It pays to make sure that you do indeed need to get health insurance in the first place.

What Your Doctor Thinks

Your doctor may be very knowledgeable about different health insurance options. They also know all about you as their patient, so they may be able to help match you with a plan most appropriate for your situation. That’s why it pays to give them a call and see what they think.

The Costs

Premiums are the monthly fees that you need to pay regardless of whether you get sick or not. Note that these premiums can vary significantly depending on the plan you select, the company providing it, and your demographical information (e.g., age, medical history).

The deductible is the amount that you will need to pay when you do get sick. Once this is paid your health insurance company will cover most of the remaining costs.

You will notice that plans with low premiums often have high deductibles and vice versa. However, this is not always the case.

Some people who consider themselves quite healthy may opt for plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles because doing so may save them money. Of course, it all depends on individual situations.

What Previous Policyholders Thought

It’s a good idea to read the review of different health insurance options. Doing so will hopefully allow you to get unbiased information about whether different companies and the policies they offer are ideal for you or not.

You don’t want to take the word of company representatives so make sure you read what actual policyholders thought.

The Network Rules

Before signing up for a policy, you should consider the network rules. Some plans will allow you to use almost any doctor, hospital or healthcare facility. However, some may limit your options, and you might not even be able to see your own doctor without paying out-of-network fees.

Final Thoughts

Good luck on your shopping trip for health insurance. Just like supermarket shelves are stocked with an abundance of food options, so too is the health insurance industry. That’s why it’s important to consider all the different policy options, exactly what they cover, how much you will need to pay, and what network you will be on.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: health, health care, health insurance, money

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Recent Posts

  • In-Depth Online Yoga as Taught by Glo Instructors
  • Most Expensive Handbags of 2019
  • Using The Internet To Bring Down The Cost of Your Vacations
  • 4 Global Walking Destinations for All Seasons
  • Viva Las Vegas: The Ultimate Las Vegas Girls’ Trip Guide

Tags

adventure best city breaks California cape town china crete decoration destinations dubai Europe exercise fashion fitness flying health hobbies holiday home house Ireland Italy money morocco nature new home new york new zealand nyc Oceania outdoors road trip rome Russia Slovenia style train travel travel adive travel advice travel tips trends UK USA vacation wellness

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I’m a 30-year-old girl originally from New York. After four years of establishing a career in online marketing and a lifetime dreaming of traveling the world, I decided that it was time to make it happen. I urge you to come along on my travels and explore with me :)