Travelling on a budget

Although travelling to far away countries can be expensive you can save money if you are careful.

Travell off season. It is not only cheaper but also helps you to avoid cowds, long queues and packed airports and stations.
Look for less known places but certainly more traditional and quiet where people are not in a hurry and will be glad to chat with you.
Visit one country or two.Travel short distances and get a better knowledge of the place.

Airport Transfer

Transfers are generally expensive but you can save money if you gather some info before your trip .Arriving at Heathrow, UK, you have several options.

National Express Coach Services take you straight from the airport to different parts of the country
Heathrow Express takes you straight to Paddington station, downtown London.
Tube stations at Heathrow are handy to travel to the centre of London

Accomodation

To keep your expenses low you have to stay at places such as

Bed and breakfast is a small lodging place where overnight stay and breakfast are offered. They are genrally family run businesses. Small hotels and inns can also offer a comfortable and affordable stay.
If you travel to the countryside lodgings are more traditional and less expensive and you'll enjoy peaceful scenes. In cities, youth hostels provide an excelent solution You need to hold an international student card to get this benefit.
Home exchanges: You can swap houses with somebody living where you want to stay. This will give you a 100% free lodging for your stay abroad.
Homestay through English schools. This is a great way to get cheap accomodation and be in contact with local people, practise your foreign language and get to know the local culture.

Meals

Avoid big, international tourist-targeted restaurants. Any local bistro or pub is always more traditional and cheaper.
Fixed-price lunches are also cheaper than dinner a la cart. Standing at the bar is also less expensive than taking a table.
Alwyas check if the restaurant charges 15% service charge. In such a case you don't have to tip the waiter.

Entertainment

Streets and buildings are full of live history and it's a delight to walk around, sightseeing plazas and parks. European towns and cities are open museumns , full of history , culture and wonderful architecture to enjoy. If you want to have a view of the city, take a sightseeing bus for the day.

Ask at tourist offices if they have discount or last minute tickets to go to museums or theatres. Some sell discount seats on the day of the performance.

If you bear in mind these tips you'll save lots of money and will be able to afford a longer stay.

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