Traveling on a Budget

 Don't let your budget deter you from traveling!

It is always a good idea to have money saved up and a safety net when traveling. You don't need to take the most extravagant trips though when abroad. For ideas on how to save some money and still travel the world, follow along:

Lodging Options

In Tokyo? Stay in a capsule hotel starting at $15 a night. Sure, its probably more expensive now a days, but options like these are cheaper than a fancy hotel. Don't take hostels off your list if you want to travel but don't have the money for a full-blown hotel. I find that they just push you to spend morning to night outside. 

Travel Credit Cards

Please do not be one of those people who just will not get a credit card. Travel credit cards can give you better prices on hotels, flights, and more with their rewards system. Wells Fargo will give you $200 worth of points on their Autograph travel card just for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. You will spend that much anyways, so why not take advantage of the free money?

Having a Visa and/or Mastercard when abroad, especially Europe, is vital. I thought my Discover card would work in Italy, but no it was not accepted at most places there, and I wish I would have had my Autograph card, which is a Visa card, back then as a safety net.

Transportation

Public transportation can be a cheap and fast way to get around in foreign countries. Why not utilize it and make it part of the experience. It is not fun to travel with the type of people who have to have a taxi for anything. Better yet, walk if you are able to. You will see more of the city and save some money.

Work Abroad

Working abroad can be an excellent way to save money while traveling, as it allows you to earn in a foreign currency while experiencing new cultures. Many countries offer working holiday visas or short-term employment opportunities for travelers, enabling them to cover their living expenses and even save for future adventures. Working abroad also provides valuable professional and personal growth opportunities, from learning new languages to gaining international work experience. Overall, it's a rewarding experience that combines earning and exploring, making it a popular choice for adventurous individuals looking to extend their travels. (ChatGPT)

Stray Animals Abroad

Everyone has a different opinion about stray dogs when traveling abroad. Some people pet them and some stay far away. It can also depend on the cleanliness of the country you go to. As a general rule of thumb, you can take pictures and watch the dogs from a distance, but you do not want to risk getting bit or having an incident when on vacation or in another country.

In comparison to the Midwest, many countries worldwide have more stray dogs. It is just a part of the lifestyle in these places.

First Arriving

In new Delhi, you can find dogs right as you leave the airport. I was not expecting to see stray animals like this right as I got to the country. Take this into consideration wherever you travel if you plan on taking any pets with you.

At the shops 

If you are going anywhere that sells food, then you are more likely to encounter stray dogs. These areas are normally busier, so they seem more stressful for the dogs. Remember that you are a tourist in their territory, so don't overwhelm them and consider leaving them water or food from a distance since it might not be easily accessible for them.

At historical sites

My favorite part about visiting any outdoors landmark was seeing the dogs in the grass. At Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, you can see a number of golden dogs that lay in the grass as you enter almost as if they are protecting the site. They also play and run around in the grass even in the rain. 

Downtown

In Downtown Chennai, it was nice to see that a lot of shop owners look out for the local dogs and they seem to claim one or two to keep an eye on. Many people often overlook these dogs, and most of them are sweet animals and just want someone to pet them or give them attention. 

Cats of Rome

You can't forget about the Roman cats. Colonia Felina di Torre Argentina may be where Julius Caesar was murdered, but it is also home to a number of cats in Rome. Take a minute to look inside or around, and it might remind you of home if you are homesick and have a cat or animal that you are missing. Volunteers do care for these cats, but they are still free to roam around in Rome.

The different types of travelers

The Different Types of Travelers

When traveling, it is important to plan out who you are going with. It might be an easy choice to go with a close friend, but it’s not always the best bet. Ask yourself these questions before you plan a trip with just anyone:

1. Are you going to be sleeping in the same room as them?

2. Do you like the room temp hot or cold?

3. Do you prefer sleeping with the blinds closed or open?

4. Does the person you plan on traveling with snore?

5. Are you spending a lot of money on this trip?

6. Do you value sleep or getting the most out of your time?


Although many people are a mix of these traits, here are the types of characters you’ll encounter when traveling.


The cheap skate
I understand we are all on a budget here, but why are you spending a lot of money on a trip to not get the most out of it?

You are going to Vegas, but you’re not gonna pay $30 to take the ferris wheel? LAME! What gets the most out of me with these people is that they have no problem with doordashing McDonald’s on the trip and making it 4x more expensive.


The Splurger
On the flip side, some people come with the idea that money grows on trees. I don’t know about you, but I’m not paying $7 for a water. I also am not taking a $30 taxi when I can walk 15 minutes.


The Historian
Sorry, but I’m not going to any city to go look at a museum all day. I can look that up online. A lot of these characters can be pushy about what I would call boring experiences.


The don’t try anything new traveler
Hold up, you’re in a city that’s across the country, but you want to go to Chick-fil-A?! Help! These travelers oftentimes don’t even care about the price, they just aren’t experimental. Sometimes, they will also find one local restaurant, but they only want to eat there the whole trip.


The Dare Devil
Yes, this traveler is going to jump off the Stratosphere in Vegas, and they’re going to do anything with a thrill. Don’t travel with this person if you are scared of heights, don’t enjoy change, or get scared easily.


The Vacationers
I understand if you are going to Florida, for example. Then, you will want to stay at the beach or pool all day. However, if we are going to Rome, then we are spending our days out and about, with no exceptions.

Instagrammable Spots in Rome

I think we all have seen enough photos of people crowded at the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Spanish Steps in Rome. Of course, you have to visit them, but you don't have to post your photos at them because they are so crowded. I do think if you go see them at 5 AM right when the sun rises, then you have a free pass to post your pictures.

You can pretty much find a pretty spot for a photo at any corner in Rome, but here are some that stood out without the people:

Riserva Naturale Della Valle dei Casali

When leaving Fiumicino airport and heading to the heart of Rome, ask your taxi driver to stop at the graffiti. This part of town is the best to see because it is almost like a normal neighborhood, not crowded with tourists. It is giving suburb of Chicago but Italian. If you throw in a tip, I bet the taxi driver will take the picture for you.

Parione

West of the Pantheon, you will stumble around Parione. Look for a building with vines around it and hope there is a motorcycle parked there. Get the right angle and you have yourself an Instagram post. Pose on the motorcycle if you dare, but the Italians aren't afraid to yell at you.

Campo Marzio

Best at night, Campo Marzio is a historical little street with charm. You will find this street if you walk down the steep hill from the top of the Spanish steps. No filter needed at this location, and you won't have a lot of people walking around here at night. Just watch out because the cars zoom down this street, and it is narrow.

Sant'Eustachio

I am not going to recommend that you take a picture at a church, but I am not going to judge you if you do. The angle might be awkward, but the mirror is the perfect spot to sneak a picture. Perfect for a quick story or good to add at the end of a carousel on Instagram.