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HELP! I'm a newbie -- how to save$$ and make the most of the trip?

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Can you help me learn how to cut costs and make the most of my trips?
16 years ago, July 17th 2007 No: 1 Msg: #16565  
N Posts: 7
Hi,

I am making two of my first international trips this year and was hoping that some of the more experienced travelers who might be reading this could help me either a) cut costs or b) make the most out of the trip (e.g. get a good package, earn double mile points, etc).

My husband and I are leaving from Seattle to Guatemala City on the 23rd (flexible) of August then traveling through Central America to return from San Jose, Costa Rica back to Seattle on the 23rd of September (also flexible).

Then, I am flying to Nairobi (airport/country flexibe -- meeting my husband somewhere in Africa, flexible) December 14th (flexible dates after the 14th) and returning to Seattle on January 8th (flexible a couple days before and after).

Any ideas for me? I would be so grateful, and it can only bring you good Karma... 😊

Thanks!

Ashley Reply to this

16 years ago, July 18th 2007 No: 2 Msg: #16597  
Hi Ash,
I offer info for the Nairobi part.
Though it shall be HIGH season, with crazy prices and very limited places, you could save lots of $$$ by avoiding the city center hotels and instead choose some out-of-town places. The accomodation & food are okay and very affordable. It should cost you about a fifth (1/5) what it would normally cost in the major hotels.
If you do not have to stay urban, you may choose one of the many campsites all over the country. The experience is unforgetable.
To make the most out of you (short?) stay here, avoid the known tourist circuits. These shall be crowded and really boring. There are hundreds of amazing attractions worth all the trouble, and many even offer camping at surprisingly low rates.
To get a better idea of the places, visit the off-the-map tour operator www.unmappedafrica.com. They made my visit, they should make yours too. Reply to this

16 years ago, July 22nd 2007 No: 3 Msg: #16740  
I'd recommend you checkout www.couchsurfing.com or something similar. You don't spend money on hotels,and you get a better sense of the local life. Reply to this

16 years ago, July 23rd 2007 No: 4 Msg: #16757  
N Posts: 9
Hey Ashley,

While you have probably scoured for this info I would recommend using a few of the following websites....oh and it depends what kind of travel you can handle...meaning can you or do you want to rough it in order to save cash???

www.jetabroad.com
www.hostelworld.com
www.hostelbookers.com

I also find lonely planet guides to be really helpful-plus you can now just download certain chapters from their website rather than buy the whole book...www.lonelyplanet.com

Reply to this

16 years ago, July 23rd 2007 No: 5 Msg: #16777  
As for the cutting costs part, I find www.savingfortravel.com helpful.

Enjoy your trips! Reply to this

16 years ago, July 23rd 2007 No: 6 Msg: #16780  
hey guys my name is adam and ive been traveling for 6 1/2 years i have recently put up a website and would love some feedback about it. also if you have some questions about anything traveling i would love to chat. come check it out let me know what you think.
Reply to this

16 years ago, July 24th 2007 No: 7 Msg: #16782  
N Posts: 7
THANKS EVERYONE! 😊 Reply to this

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