Travel is still the best way to learn about the world and its people. When you travel with your loved ones, this learning is even more pronounced as you are now operating out of your comfort zones which can be unnerving. Add cultural nuances and language barriers, and you have a recipe for stressful interactions. However, when money is tight your imagination and creative problem solving then become your best allies when you seek fun ways to travel the world on a shoe-string budget.

10 Fun Ways to Travel the World on a Shoe-String Budget

World Tours and Cruises Talk Radio

Here is a list of 5 Fun Ways to Travel the World on a Shoe-String Budget:

Tip #1. Take advantage of Frequent Travelers or Rewards Programs.

These programs are offered by various cruiselines, airlines, trains, rental cars, casinos, hotels, credit card services among others who have a Rewards Programs for repeat customers or users of their services. Some benefits can run from companion fares reduction or free airplane tickets, points systems with multiple levels of rewards, free accommodations in hotels, onboard credits on cruiselines, free train tickets, free meals and/or rooms at casinos, etc. If you volunteer your seat on airplanes, you could receive travel vouchers for a free airplane ticket or certain amount of money towards a ticket, perhaps an overnight stay at a hotel, and/or voucher for meals at certain restaurants.

Tip #2. Take advantage of vacation packages, group and interline specials.

Vacation packages combining flights, hotels, and/or cars reduce vacation costs. As a bonus, free tickets to obtain souvenirs on destination points may be included. City passes also offer reduced pricing as they not only include unlimited public transportation, but also admissions to famous sights in the city and discount coupons good at specified retailers and restaurants. Employees of interline industries need to watch for periodic specials and discounts applicable to their specified groups. Interline rates are applicable to employees of passenger airlines, cruiselines, Amtrak, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), NACTA (National Air Traffic Controllers), IATA (International Air Transport Association). Ask for discounts if you are in the military, in law enforcement, a firefighter, a paramedic, a teacher or a retiree.

Tip #3. Secure work that involves travel or work assignments at a foreign site.

Some work involves travel or working at a foreign outpost. If you are in the US military service or civil service, be sure to explore your benefits involving space availability or government-sponsored recreational facilities such as Shades of Green in Disneyworld Resorts or the Hale Koa on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Other work involving travel may be as government contractors, teachers of English as a Second Language in a foreign country, a staff member or teacher at semester at sea programs or study abroad programs. A few foreign exchange student programs also have summer programs where they require chaperones for traveling high school students. Enjoy the world where you are standing. Many cultures are within your reach, in your neighborhood, in the arts and literature. Many people come from diverse backgrounds where they offer you semblances of their cultures through their languages, music, dance, cuisine and mannerisms.

Tip #4. Offer your services to teach on a cruise ship or present at a conference.

Other venues to travel for work are short term Instructor/Facilitator positions for Enrichment courses on luxury cruise ships or to be asked as Speaker at a state or national conference. Both would require you to turn in proof of your expertise and a synopsis of what you would be teaching or speaking about, preferably in video format with attached documentation. Another way is to conduct your own seminars or workshops at sea which World Tours and Cruises specializes in helping facilitators take their courses to the sea with partner cruiselines. Since you would be organizing your group, you may qualify for group discounts.

Tip #5. Take advantage of seasonal, off-peak seasons and last minute specials.

Airlines and cruiselines also offer Last Minute and Seasonal Specials. Amtrak and hotel chains offer Weekend Getaways. If you have a timeshare with RCI (Resort Condominium International) or II (Interval International), check out their last minute offers which would allow you to buy a week or days of resort time for less without using your Weeks or Points. See  5 Tips to Book a Cruise Cheaper for ways to cruise any where in the world at minimal costs.

There are many other fun ways to travel the world on a shoe-string budget. But this list would at least get you started. With your own creativity and connections in hand, you will find there are so many innovative and creative ways to explore the world. You only need to explore them and you are on your way to having fun.

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE