Tripod Home | New | TriTeca | Work/Money | Politics/Community | Living/Travel | Planet T | Daily ScoopLIVING & TRAVEL
Deanna Brown
interviewed by Emma Taylor on January 18, 1996
"One traveler had breakfast in Paris for less than $1."
Deanna is the founder of the Cheap Travel Page, a site devoted to informing the public about free and inexpensive ways to travel.
Tripod: Your site claims to give tips for traveling for free -- is there really a way to travel without spending a dime?
DB: Yes, there are ways to travel without spending a dime. For example, some exchange programs may cover transportation, food and lodging expenses for travelers. In most cases, however, a traveler must cover some expenses.
Tripod: Hitchhiking has to be one of the best ways to save money when traveling, but it makes a lot of people nervous. What advice do you have for hitchhikers?
DB: Be careful and creative. I have heard from many travelers who prefer this form of transportation. A list of the suggestions I have received is posted at http://www.prairienet.org/~dbrown/
Tripod: Is it cheaper to travel alone, or with company?
DB: It depends. If flying as a courier, you often must travel alone in order to get discounts. It is also easier to find transportation and lodging when traveling alone. However, many expenses can be shared when traveling in a group.
Tripod: What about sleeping -- what's the best way to cut down on costs there?
DB: Many people are willing to host travelers or participate in a travel exchange. I have started an exchange board, which is an excellent way to reduce or eliminate sleeping expenses. Another alternative is to camp or stay in hostels. If you choose to stay in hotels, contact the hotel directly and ask about discounts. Discounted rates are often available for government employees, corporate employees, credit card holders, AARP members, AAA members, entertainment card holders, etc.
Tripod: Other than the plane ticket, do you think cheap or free travel is easier in Europe? What about other destinations?
DB: It's possible to find opportunities for cheap travel in almost any location, but traveling in Europe has several advantages. For example, European countries have a large number of hostels and exchange opportunities. Travelers can also cut down on transportation costs as hitchhiking is not viewed negatively in many European countries.
Tripod: What are hidden costs that might surprise a traveler?
DB: Hotel taxes, airport taxes, port fees, and other hidden costs may surprise travelers. For instance, when I visited the Bahamas, the hotel charged an additional fee of $12 per person. When I made hotel reservations, this fee was not mentioned. Be sure to ask about additional fees when making any sort of reservation.
Tripod: What are the risks of low-budget travel?
DB: In most cases, the risks are minimal. For instance, a traveler holding a discounted ticket risks being moved to a later flight if her/his flight is overbooked. Activities such as hitchhiking involve risks as well. Travelers operating on low budgets often must be flexible or creative in their travel plans. In general though, the savings are worth the risk.
Tripod: Is there a way to enjoy a really expensive city such as Paris without blowing your whole budget in a day?
DB: Cities like Paris offer a variety of accommodations, tourist attractions, and restaurants. To save money, stay in a hostel or arrange to stay with a host in Paris. Several travelers have told me to never eat breakfast in a restaurant -- buy a roll or something from a bakery or supermarket. One traveler had breakfast in Paris for less than $1 and lunch for less than $4. Visit tourist attractions that are inexpensive or free.
Tripod: What can you do if you're far from home and you run out of money?
DB: Many travelers work odd jobs on vacation in order to finance their stay. Plan ahead by bringing a credit card for emergency use only.
Tripod: What about plane travel -- is there any way to get around this huge cost?
DB: There are several ways to save money on airfare. One option is courier travel. Some companies will offer seats to travelers willing to give up baggage space. Travelers are allowed to bring only two carry on items, but the airfare may be reduced by as much as 95%.
Tripod: What about working as you travel, and supporting yourself that way -- is there any skill worth learning before hitting the road?
DB: Check train stations and employment offices for job postings. There is no specific skill that will guarantee a job on the road, but having work experience is desirable. The more skills you have, the better. A work visa may be required in some countries, so finding a job may not always be feasible. In some cases, smaller businesses will hire non-citizens. For example, an American traveler visiting Canada financed his travels by picking fruit for a few months.
Tripod: What cities or countries would you stay away from, if you didn't have much money?
DB: Big cities like Chicago and New York can be expensive to visit. If you are visiting a big city on a budget, look for cheaper accommodations in nearby towns. Parking in big cities is often very expensive. Leave your car at a hotel and take a bus or train into the city. In Europe, accommodations in big cities may be less expensive as hostels are available.
Tripod: And what cities and countries are particularly cheap to travel in?
DB: It depends on the time of year. Check with a travel agent to find out the peak season of a place you wish to visit. Airfares and hotel rates may be reduced by more 50% during the off season. One place to visit that is a real bargain is Tampa, Florida. Airfares and hotel rates in this city are much lower than places like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
Tripod: What's the cheapest holiday you've ever had?
DB: I visited Florida during Spring, 1992. I paid $27 for round trip transportation (in a car) by traveling in a group. We also had free hotel accommodations. Through many credit card companies, it is possible to join Travel programs (a 3 month trial membership is generally free.) These programs offer a voucher for a free night's stay in a hotel to new members. We also cut eating expenses by splitting the cost of groceries and packing lunches for long days at the beach. It was a fun and inexpensive vacation!
Tripod: Any closing words of wisdom?
DB: Don't be afraid to ask about available discounts. I generally call several hotels, airlines, etc. before making any reservations. Be flexible in your travel plans. Have fun!
Map | Search | Help | Send Us Comments
