There are only so many times you want to go on the same old holidays, aren’t there?

Granted, when you’re stuck at work listening to your boss drone on, the thought of a week by the pool in Majorca is a pretty enticing one. But it’s good to jazz things up every now and again. And if you’ve got kids, you’ll know how easily bored they can become. And with Health & Safety laws now dictating that you can no longer tell your little ‘uns to ‘go and play in the road’ when they’ve got itchy feet on holiday, it’s down to you to come up with a holiday plan to keep them occupied. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for unusual holidays to take the family on. See what you make of them…

Transylvania

For an unexpected holiday destination, there’s no finer place than the home of Count Dracula himself (and The Cheeky Girls), Transylvania. Surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, there’s oodles of history, the Dracula legend, bear and wolf tracking, hiking, horse-pulled sleigh trips, bird-watching and horse-riding to enjoy. It’s a bloody good holiday with real bite that certainly shouldn’t suck.

Kenya

Kenya offers a wide range of safari packages designed exclusively for families. These safaris are quicker, safer and some even have a special ‘baby safari’, where the little animals are on show. There are often also children’s activities back at the resort. This can prove a pretty pricey choice, though.

Catalonia

If you and your kids are the active sort, head down to Northern Spain for a self-guided cycling holiday. They’re a great way to see another country, interact with the locals and keep fit. You can see the Gold Coast, the Pyrenees, the Aiguamolis nature reserve and the city of Barcelona.

Bali

In you’re into your eco stuff and want to impart your environmental side to your rugrats, Indonesia offers a range of ‘eco-friendly’ holidays. Stroll around the rainforest with your kids and then head to your specially designed and sustainable hut (which is much nicer than it sounds).

The Northern Lights

Winter in Lapland has its obvious attraction to children. But it’s not all just about Father Christmas. Arrive at the right time and you can enjoy the wonders of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. And who wouldn’t want to be pulled along on a sleigh by a pack of huskies…?

Roswell

HXTXRZNT2D5H

Head to New Mexico in the US for the alien tour. Kids should love that. I know I would (if yours don’t sound keen, drop me a line!).

Can you think of anything else slightly odd that might make for a great family holiday? Let us know in the box below…

Looking for that perfect holiday spot? Well, as far as great cities go, no place can compare to Rome. For the people who have been to Rome, you already know what I’m talking about. For the rest of you, it’s hard to understand the beauty of this city without seeing it firsthand.

That being said, visiting Rome for the first time can be an intimidating experience… To help make your stay more enjoyable, I have put together a small travel guide you might want to take a look at. Seeing Rome firsthand is something that everyone should try at least once in their life. However, the mistakes that many people make their first time can be avoided!

Mistake number one: Visiting Rome during the summer months. Rome is a beautiful city no matter what time of the year you go, but if you go during the summer months, this amazing place can quickly become unbearable. If you want a holiday you will never forget (for all the wrong reasons), visit Rome during the hot, humid, summer months. During this time, the city is full of tourists, and just navigating the streets becomes a chore. The best time to visit the city would be around April and May. You may even want to consider visiting anytime during late September through October.

Once you arrive in the city, you are surely going to fall in love with its charm. However, like any big city you visit, you cannot let your guard down. Any city that is full of tourists is also going to be full of scam artists. Pickpocketing is a big problem in Rome, and this goes double for any crowded place you may find yourself in. No matter where you go, be sure to keep a close eye on your belongings. Not only that, be sure not to carry large amounts of money with you. Do your best to safely conceal your money, and believe me, your pockets are not your best option! Some people opt for a money belt. You will have to try a few options to see what you feel most comfortable with.

Next let’s talk about scam artists for a second. Rome does have its fair share of con artists. That being said, it gets worse as you reach the outskirts of the city. The biggest problem in Rome is the fact that not just men take part in scamming people. Women and children both take part in it as well. When walking the streets, be careful of anyone (man, woman, or child) offering you anything for free. Even if it’s just a simple flower! One of my close friends, when visiting Rome, was once offered a bracelet made of flowers from a small child. When he accepted, an adult came around the corner and started demanding payment. Not only does this cause a scene, but it can be very frighting.

The last tip I have on avoiding scam artists in Rome is in regard to their taxis. Just like any big city, taxis are a great way to get around. However, with so many tourists, it can be hard to get a cab at times. This is why con artists have come up with the idea of acting like cab drivers, taking you to your destination, and then overcharging you. Before you take a ride in an unmarked taxi, be sure to check for a meter. If you do not see a meter, you can start becoming suspicious. If you are dead set to ride with them, try to negotiate a price before entering the vehicle. This can save you a big headache later.

My last tip for the day has to do with your sleeping arrangements. When staying in Rome, the best thing you can do for yourself is to stay in a hotel that is in the heart of the city. I’m talking a place that you can walk out the front door and right into the city itself. Now, I know that these hotels cost more, and people are trying their best to save money on travel right now. However, you need to do yourself a favor, and spend that bit of extra money on your hotel room. In the end, it will be worth every penny. One reason is because you will be able to walk to a number of locations. This saves you money on travel right away. The hotels on the outskirts of the city may be cheaper, but after paying for travel back and forth, you may actually be losing money.

How about you? What travel tips do you have for visiting Rome?

First things first – let’s look at what’s exactly meant by a ‘visa’… A visa (from the Latin, Charta Visa, meaning ‘paper that has been seen’) is a written document (or a stamp in your passport) that gives the bearer expressed permission to enter a specific country. You don’t always need to have a visa in order to visit another country, it’s usually for extended visits to somewhere. Some countries have special treaties agreed with each other which mean that visas are not necessary – the EU, for instance.

Laws and rules about visas vary from country to country. So research is important. After all, you don’t want to end up being refused entry at passport control, do you? Get on the internet, check whether or not you need a visa first of all. If you do, check which type you need. There are quite a few different types of visas including: business, tourist, student, diplomatic, immigrant and spousal. The main reason for visas is immigration/population control and tracking.

How? You can normally apply for a visa to a country at home. Most foreign countries will have High Commissions or consulates to whom you can apply. Again, each country’s application process is different, so search for your answer specifically for the country you’re going to. If you’re off to Canada and your mate who went to India told you how he got his, don’t assume that it’s the same. Chances are though, you can apply online.

Why? Because them’s the rules! Most countries have certain basic requirements for foreign visitors. Basically, visas are to there to prove to immigration control that you’ve been checked out and are okay to head over for a visit. To make sure you’ve got independent finances, good health and that you’re not an international terrorist with a track record of smuggling heroin and going on murderous rampages…

When? The simple answer is ‘as soon as possible’. As soon as you know that you’re due to be jetting off and you know that a visa will be needed, get applyin’… The sooner, the better.

Anything else…? Well, maybe. When you’re doing your research pre-trip – look out for the following:

Do you need an exit visa? Most countries do not require additional visas on departure as well as arrival, but it’s worth checking out. Russia, for instance, does.

Are you likely to get approved? If you lied on your application, have any pending criminal charges, own a passport that’s soon to expire, give too short notice, experience insurance issues – you could be in trouble. As ever – check it out before you apply.

Check if that ‘Common Visa Schemes’ still exist. Most of the Caribbean used to operate a common visa scheme where you’d need only apply for one visa to a whole host of countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago). That not longer applies, though. Check before you leave, a lot has changed over the past few years.

That’s it from us on the subject. Are they any other visa tips you’d like to share?

Source: Annette Shaff / Shutterstock.com

Some people look at me in a very strange manner when Porsche 911′s are mentioned. There’s actually a very large slice of people out there who just don’t ‘get it’. I know good drivers, experienced people, who’ve driven Porsche 911′s and just don’t like them, can’t see what all the fuss is about. “Engine’s in the wrong bloody place, prefer my Ferrari any day…” I sympathise and try and explain, recalling my own first 911 experience.

Way back in 1991, in my previous life, I was a sales manager at a Toyota dealership. I took a Porsche 911 Super Sport as a trade-in against, of all things, a Landcruiser. I delivered the Toyota in January on a horrid wet day, sleet and rain outside, but still looking forward to my first ever shot in the Nautic blue car with the wide arches and teatray wing. It was a car I’d admired for years, black Porsche 911 Turbo poster on my bedroom wall.

I jumped into the 911 thinking, “This’ll be good…” Fumble with the seats, find a decent position that will do for now but still felt odd, my feet seemingly off to one side and managed to get past that old style Porsche immobiliser after a couple of tries. Fire it into life and by now, the windscreen is well and truly fogged up. Heater and demist… Erm…

The dash layout of an aircooled Porsche 911 looks like someone just sprayed it with adhesive, threw switches at the panel and where they stuck they stayed. Found a switch under the dash, that’ll be it. Wrong answer as the electric sunroof opens, letting all the rain in. Not funny. Close it up and keep fumbling with the sliders and find the rotary fan heater speed thingy between the seats before giving up and using the back of my hand to wipe the screen and trundling off through the industrial estate and onto the main road. There’s no power assistance, but steering feels light, but the bloody three spoke wheel won’t stop moving in my hands, squirming and wriggling ever so slightly. Holding it more firmly just seems to make it worse. Sodding thing, stop it.. We hit standing water and it makes a dive for the road edge as the kerbside wheel aquaplanes. And it’s fogging up again. This is shit. Where’s the 911 magic? What about that great handling and traction? I complete my drive, happy just to get back in one piece.

The following day dawns to bright sunshine and I have to deliver the Porsche to the trader who’d underwritten the deal. The sun is shining, blue skies, fluffy clouds. And as I drive down my favourite A Road to York, a strange thing happens. I seem to find it much easier and less alien today. The steering isn’t fighting me, I’m relaxing my shoulders and now I find that actually, it’s just chatting away, telling me what’s happening at the front tyres in a way I’d never felt before, not even in my favourite Mk1 MR2. A lovely set of my favourite fast bends gets me driving the car harder and harder through the corners, in slow, fast out, slingshotting out and down the straights, the corners of my mouth turning ever upwards until I arrive with a big grin. Now I get it….

I’ve often heard that you need to drive a 911 more than once and that the first time you just don’t ‘get it’. Once you’ve developed the 911 feel, though, it never leaves you. Even after a year between drives, it only takes me a few hundred metres for that smile to come back. Since that sunny day, I’ve been a fully fledged Porsche 911 evangelist, writing and photographing Porsches across Europe for magazines and motorsport teams. Sadly, I don’t own a 911 right now but I won’t rest until I own another. If uyou haven’t driven a Porsche 911 yet, start the process today and go find one. But if you jump out with a frown, don’t just walk away. Just like the first time you rode a bicycle, you probably won’t get it first go. Have a break, get back in and prepare to become one of the converted. Your life will not be the same.

So what’s your take on the Porsche 911?

Last minute booking, like a children’s playground, has its swings and roundabouts. If you’ve got nerves of steel, you might be happy to cling on not knowing where you’re going until the last second. If that’s the case, you’ll probably be okay. But holding out isn’t for everyone. Some people are meticulous planners and like to know what their vacation plans are well in advance. Perceived wisdom says that if you hold out until as late as possible to book your holiday, you’re going to save a heap of cash. But is this true? We looked into it for you…

Well, the short answer is ‘yes’! But don’t stop reading just yet. There are certain things you need to do in order to make the most of this saving opportunity. Here’s a quick list for you:

Check your passport’s in date – Booking your flights for next week might save you a fortune, but having to buy an express replacement passport will you cost you one. Check you’re in date.

Check out why it’s cheap – Chances are you’ve just stumbled across a good deal. But there’s a small chance the area is cheap for a reason. Is it the rainy season? Is there political/social unrest there? Is it just, well, a bit rubbish? You’ll only end up going somewhere else later in the year to make up for it. And that’s double the cost!

Be relaxed – If you’re paying a pittance, don’t kick off when the room you get isn’t the best. While it shouldn’t be awful, remember how much you paid – you’re probably not going to get the Presidential Suite.

Try to anticipate the market – If you’re a skier and you’re waiting for the best deal to coincide with the best snowfall, ask yourself if a lot of other skiers are doing the same thing. If they are, the prices won’t be dropped.

Be flexible – Open you mind to different destinations and flight times and hotel types. If you’ve got a full list of criteria that your holiday needs to meet, you might find yourself struggling to find a package that suits.

Be a gambler – The later you leave it, the better deal you’ll get. But can you handle the pressure?

Ring a holiday company to haggle the price even further – The internet has great savings, but there’s no bartering to be had. Holiday and flight companies need to sell their packages and seats – you can bag a great deal when you speak to someone, often up to 20% (which on an already cheap holiday is a great saving).

To save money on your budget holiday, there is an alternative to late bookings. Early birds get the holiday worm when they book well in advance. Most people book their trip three or four months in advance. That’s the most expensive time to pounce. Book nine months in advance and you’ll save as much as booking nine seconds before the plane leaves.

Wherever you go and whenever you book – enjoy! And if you want to send any of us here at Car Rentals a gift before you go because we saved you so much money with the advice in the post, please feel free…

Here at carrentals we want to know, are you an early bird or a last minute booker?

Stag dos used to just be you and a couple of pals heading down to the local boozer on your last night of freedom. You’d have a few beers, a couple of bags of cheese and onion crisps and if you were lucky, the best man might have ordered up a ‘policewoman’ to pull up her skirt and take down your particulars.

Then things moved on to The Big Night Out kind of stag. Groups of six or seven of you would jump on a train or hire out a minibus to take you to the nearest big town or city for a full-on day and night of boozing and shenanigans. All day sessions that culminate in tequila shots, torn shirts, pools of vomit and the groom-to-be handcuffed to something he probably doesn’t want to be handcuffed to – a lamppost, a sheep, his other hand in the back of a riot van…

In the last decade or so though, the chaps of Britain have really upped their game. There’s no more pints of mild or 2am cabs home. This is the age of The Stag Weekend. Two nights of carnage in a foreign city featuring the kind of drinking that’d worry Oliver Reed, lewd behaviour that would make Russell Brand blush and more chanting than a Gregorian monastery football tournament. Not that we here at Car Rentals endorse this kind of loutish, immature behaviour, of course. Still, as ever, we’re here to help you lovely people. So here’s a run-down of the top seven European cities for a stag do tear-up:

Hamburg – Germany’s second city is one of the unsung heroes of the EuroStag. A vibrant place with a lively nightlife, when it comes to the ultimate stag weekend, there’s nothing that Hamburg can’t cater for. The city’s red light district, Reepherbahn, is Europe’s most notorious (after Amsterdam). ‘The Sinful Mile’ as it’s known to locals, does exactly what you might imagine. And then some… * cough * Fully explicit sex shows * cough * Away from the seedier side and The Beatles’ second home offers up top drawer clubs, beer halls, pubs, bars and restaurants. Quality electro music and even better beer are Hamburg’s specialities. So take advantage!

Brussels – Stag weekends are mostly about beer. Brussels – and Belgium in general – is all about beer. Trappist beer, fruit beer, Juplier lager, the brilliant 12% Bush beer, Chimay (arguably the world’s finest beer)… Rest assured you’ll never get through all the different types in one weekend. Especially not if you’re drinking in Delirium – the 18^th century basement bar slap-bang in the middle of the city that has over 2,000 different beers on it’s (rather large) menu. Ah, beers. Did we mention they do good beer in Brussels? Beers, beers, beers.

Budapest – The Hungarian capital really is a tale of two cities. Not because it bears a resemblance to something out of a Dickens novel, but because is really is two cities (or at least it was). In the West, Buda is the beautiful old city with stunning views, tradition and history (and natural thermal baths which are ideal hangover cures…). And in the East, Pest is the vibrant, cultural side with hundreds of bars and clubs – some of which are open air. Put the two together and you’ve got yourself the perfect stag weekend…

Barcelona – Your group all football fans? Why not head to the spiritual home of club football, the Catalan city of Barcelona. Book at weekend when Barça are at home and before you head out for a night on the Estrella Dams down on Las Ramblas, witness the majesty of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta at the Nou Camp.

Tallinn – Without wanting to sound too odious, the chilly Estonian capital city of Tallinn is a preferred spot for stags for two reasons: inexpensive drinks and beautiful women. There’s more, but we don’t really need to mention a lot else, do we?

Brno – Firstly, Brno is a great place to head to with lads because of its funny name that can support a thousand terrible Frank Bruno jokes. But also the Czech Republic’s second largest city’s really benefits visitors for being number two. Brno is Prague fifteen years ago – Lively, cheap for booze, a real hidden gem. For the unstable Rambo-minded types in the group, there’s even a machine gun shooting range to visit and let go some steam/bullets.

Amsterdam – A tough sell to the girlfriends, this one… You don’t need us to tell what the main attractions of Amsterdam are… Cycling by the canals and tulips.

That’s our list of the best cities on the continent to head for pre-wedding Boys on Tour. What do you reckon? Any suggestions of your own? Do let us know…

Taking a year-long holiday? There is nothing more exciting (and stressful) than planning your long vacation. Now, I assume you already have all the basics covered. You know, someone checking your post and watching over your house. I bet you even got your holiday all planned out. Well, that leaves just one important thing…packing!

When planning a year-long trip, what to pack is the most asked question. Let’s face it, some of us (this includes me) have a hard enough time packing for a week vacation. How in the world can I pack for a whole year! Today, I’ll do my best to help you out by giving you all the tips I know.

First of all, take a look at the clothing you are planning to take. Start pulling out all of the stuff you like, and leave the stuff you love. Now, take yet another look at the pile of clothing, but this time remove the stuff you love, and only leave the stuff you “must have.” I know what you are saying, “I have already downsized as much as I can!” I promise you this, if you can downsize even more, you will thank me later.

When packing your clothing, remember you are going to be traveling for a whole year. Thus, be sure to bring clothing for all of the seasons. I mean, it’s not going to be summer the whole trip! Another thing that people forget is special occasions. A lot happens over the course of a year, and there are special events you are going to want to attend. It could be a friend’s wedding, a gradation party, visiting family in certain parts of the world that you normally don’t see, or whatever. Be sure to bring at least some clothing that you can wear to such a special event.

Alright, if you are taking this year round trip in a motor home (which means you wont be crossing any oceans), then you can get away with packing more things. However, if you are doing an around the world trip, you have to pack light. Here is a little packing tip that I have learned. When packing your clothing, roll your clothes. Not only does this keep them from getting wrinkled, but it also saves a shocking amount of space.

Now for something more important. You have to remember to make copies of all your important documents. This does include things like insurance papers, IDs, passports, credit cards; you name it. You need to take the originals with you, as well as copies that you can keep out of harm’s way. It may even be a good idea to keep a scan of said documents on a laptop or portable drive if you bring such a device with you (password protected of course). Last, as a final level of security, you need to leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member back home (probably the person you have watching over your house while you’re gone).

Next, do remember that traveling around the world is fun, but there are going to be times when there is nothing to do. For example, if you are traveling around the world, some of those train rides you take across Europe will seem to drag on. That is why packing some entertainment items is a must. However, once again, only bring the small stuff. The last long trip I took, I would have gone crazy had I not taken my Nintendo 3DS (the latest model of the Nintendo DS). Of course, bringing an MP3 player or an iPod is a must as well. I mean, who travels without tunes, seriously?

My last tip is an important one. Try and take what the “experts” say with a grain of salt. Most of them will tell you what you “can and can’t” pack. For example, some will say a blow dryer is not needed, and they could be right. However, if you really love having a blow dryer, then pack one! Just do what you can to make sure that it is portable. Nowadays, it is pretty easy to find travel size hair dryers (and other travel size things). So let those “Nazis” pack the way they want to pack, and you pack the way you want to pack!

So how about it. What are some tips you have when packing for a year long trip?

Plane rides can be kind of stressful. This goes double if you take part in a long journey. Of course, it does not have to be this way. In fact, there are a number of things that you can do to make your long plane ride more enjoyable. Today we are going to talk about a few tips you should consider before you head off on your next trip.

First of all, let’s talk about your general health overall. Being trapped on a plane for hours can lead to a few different health problems that can make your trip just that much more uncomfortable. First of all, if you are going to drink an alcoholic beverage on a plane, be sure to counter its effects with at least two glasses of water. Alcohol already takes a toll on the body, and so does flying. Adding the two together may not be the best idea. Also, if you are allergic to things (say cats) you may want to bring some allergy medication with you. Some people like to fly with their animals. Others may still have pet hair on them when they go to fly. All of these things can really cause your allergies to act up, and this makes for a very uncomfortable plane ride.

Secondly, be sure to get tons of exercise the day before you take your trip. This is actually helpful for a number of different reasons. First of all, it actually helps to reduce stress in the body. It does this by telling your brain to release certain chemicals that can actually counter the effects of stress. Why do you think so many people like to jog or workout after a long day at the office? By working out before your trip, you can make sure that you start your flight with a minimal stress level. Of course, working out the day before is twofold. Not only does it reduce stress, but you are a lot more likely to be tired the next day. This mean, you have a good chance of falling asleep during your trip.

This next tip is very important. When flying for an extended period of time, you need to be sure you drink plenty of fluids. This is because the cabins of airplanes are extremely dry. Flying is something that can already be stressful enough. Do not add to this problem by trying to deal with the effects of dehydration as well. The best way to fight dehydration is to drink plenty of water before you board a flight, and continue drinking water during the flight. You will be shocked to see how much better you feel after a long journey if you just say hydrated.

Next, be sure to take some distractions with you. It’s going to be a long trip, and you are going to need something to help take the edge off. The best way to do that is to find something that you can focus on for a while. In your carry-on, be sure to bring things like music, movies, a good book, or some kind of game. These items can really help divert your attention for a while, and help time pass more quickly. I for one, am a gamer. I can honestly say, I cannot even consider the possibility of taking a long trip without the aid of my Nintendo 3DS. It’s a great way to pass the time, and, for me at least, it helps keep stress down.

Last, but most certainly not least, be sure to dress comfortably. Yeah, I know, maybe you are making this trip for business reasons. However, that does not mean you have to dress in a suit and tie for the trip itself. You need to wear lose fitting clothing that is not going to constrict you while flying. Remember, you are pretty much going to be confined to a chair for several hours. Dressing appropriately for that is very important. Also, keep in mind that you are not trying to win a beauty contest here. Dress for comfort, not for looks.

Alright so there you have it. Those are my tips for successfully surviving a long flight. What tips do you have to share?

Identity theft is on the rise. In the UK in 2010, nearly half of all frauds committed (there were approximately 180,000) were criminals impersonating hapless members of the public in order to rip them off. This rise in identity crimes can partly be attributed to our ever-increasing reliance of technology and that technology’s vulnerability to attack. In fact, there’s a worrying new program available, created by hackers, called Zeus which allows even the most basic computer users to be able to hack into people’s computers to steal information. Hmmm…

We’re at our most susceptible to the crime when we’re travelling. Just think about it – when you go to an airport, you’re carrying key info around with you, you’re in a foreign environment, around many people and your home’s left unattended. Don’t fret though. As ever, the wise oracle that is your favourite car comparison website – that’s us – is on hand to assist. Here’s how to battle the identity fraudsters on your travels (and win):

Have x-ray vision – Keep your valuables (passport, wallet, other documents) well in sight at all security checks. Thieves can pounce on people nerves and the confusion that often appears at the x-ray machine.

Opposites attract – Make sure you keep your valuables in an overhead compartment that you can see. Opposite where you’re sitting is ideal.

Bag some accessories – Security bags, money belts, lockable rucksacks… They all help ward away the light-fingered.

Check-out your check-in procedure – Don’t keep any valuable info in your suitcase. Once you check it in, who knows what happens to it? Most likely nothing, but it’s still out of your control.

Safety first, safety second – Be prepared for emergencies. Assume you’ll lose your passport or it’ll get stolen. Sounds extreme, but at least you’ll be well-versed in what immediate steps to take instead of flapping around in a panic. Like a chicken. A panicky chicken.

Don’t pass on your passport – A lot of hotels ask you to leave your passport behind the reception for the duration of your stay. This is riiiiiiiiiiisky… It may well be ‘hotel policy’, but simply refuse. Take a photocopy with you, that should suffice. If it doesn’t, a threat to move to another hotel generally does.

Don’t go docu-mental – How many identity documents do you need? How many debit and credit cards do you need? The more you take, the more likely you are to lose one or have one pinched. Less is more.

Wi-Fi is Hi-Risk – Don’t log in to your online banking while on a public network in the airport lounge or in a hotel bar. Don’t use shard computers either, unless you know you can fully delete your cache afterwards.

You (don’t) have mail – Put your post on a hiatus if you’re planning on leaving your home unattended for any real length of time. If identity thieves get their hands on your letters, you’re in trouble.

Give yourself credit – Alert your credit card company that you’re off on your holiday. Most major firms keep an eye out for unusual transactions during this time as they know you’re at risk.

Don’t get maid to feel a fool – If you leave important documents laying around your room, poorly-paid hotel staff may be tempted to have it away to sell to the fraudsters.

Follow these tips and you should be okay. Bon voyage!

Traveling the world does not have to be expensive. However, traveling on a budget does not have to be either. There is a fine line that you can walk when traveling across the world. It’s a line between traveling for cheap and still having fun. People who are willing to spend loads of money can typically have fun anywhere they go. For the rest of us, we have to use our money sparingly. Of course, we can still have a good time doing it.

Today, we are going to cover traveling the world on a budget. Using these tips can save you a ton of money, but you can still have a good time! After all, traveling the world is supposed to be a fun adventure. If you’re not having a good time, then there is no reason to take the trip in the first place!

The first rule of thumb is to choose the places you travel to wisely. Some will tell you that you need to avoid places like America, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and places like that, because they cost too much. These people will tell you that traveling to South America, South-East Asia, and so on are your best bet. To a certain extent, they are right. However, you do not have to cut out more popular locations like Europe and America. What it all comes down to are the areas that you visit in these locations.

When visiting Europe, maybe avoid tourist hotspots like Paris and London. Hit places that are a bit lesser known. By doing this, you still get to see the world, but for less money. Not only that, but typically, visiting less “touristy” locations will give you a more authentic feel for that location.

Next, you need to fly by the seat of your pants, and do not book accommodations early. If money is no object, then go ahead. However, for the people wishing to save money, book your hotel after you arrive. Why? Because most of the cheapest places to stay are not going to be advertised online or in papers. You are only going to find them locally. Most of these places turn out to be small “mom and pop” hotels, but there is nothing wrong with that. Usually, these place handle smaller amounts of people and are able to cater to you better.

Furthermore, try to only do free things when traveling the world. Sure there are a lot of tours that you can book and museums that you can pay to get into, but why? It’s best to get yourself a map and make your our tour. Also, try to visit government-owned museums because most of them allow free administration (if it’s not free, then it’s significantly cheaper than other museums). Once again, avoid falling for all the tourist traps. These are designed to take your money.

When it comes time to eat, go local! That’s right, try to avoid all the places where the tourists go. Most of them eat at certain places because the food is familiar. Meaning, it is food just like you would find back home. Not only does that cost more, but it kills the whole point of traveling across the world to experience different things. So do yourself a favor, and try out the local food, and experience these locations the way they were meant to be experienced.

Last but not least, try not to travel alone. Whether you want to travel with your significant other or a close friend, it’s your choice. However, you will find that traveling with a friend will cut your costs in half. Not only that, but it’s always better to travel with someone when visiting foreign countries. You tend to get targeted by scam artists less.

Are you planning on traveling the world? What are some of your money-saving techniques?