Travel

Buying Food at the Market and Other Daily Savings Tips for Travelers

You’ve got to eat while traveling and most tourists will tell you that the best part of the whole trip is experiencing the food while in foreign places. If you are a fussy eater or have special dietary needs, you can still be accommodated while traveling, just plan ahead.

 

What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by visiting the local markets. Not only will you get to see and try the local cuisine, but you’ll probably save a lot of money. Eating in restaurants, especially those geared towards the tourist trade, can get very expensive. Try buying your food fresh from the markets and preparing it yourself. Or buy already prepared food from the market vendor.

 

In Bangkok you can visit the floating markets and buy anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to ready prepared noodle soup. In Jerusalem the outdoor market or ‘shuk’ not only sells fruits and vegetables, but meat, poultry, fish, bread, nuts, cheese, spices and so on. As in most markets, you have to bargain at a shuk to get a good deal as prices vary markedly. African markets sell souvenirs as well as food. 

 

Bargaining is welcomed at most markets, especially for keepsakes. Knowing how to bargain will save any traveler money. Here are a few points to follow when attempting to bargain for an item:

1. Always be polite and enjoy the experience

2. Ask for the price and then halve it. Start your bargaining at that number.

3. If the price is too high, walk away. You’ll be surprised how quickly the price comes down when you are disinterested!

4. Work out how much you are paying for in your own currency. Don’t haggle over a couple of cents. Remember this is how the market vendors make a living.

5. Don’t pay more than your think the item is worth.

6. You can also barter in some places. Brand name items (jeans, hats, shoes) are sought after items in some countries so barter with what you can afford to part with.

 

Other tips for saving money on a daily basis include:

* Avoid tourist-type restaurants. Find out where the locals eat and you’ll usually find authentic (better) cuisine at a lower price.

* Take note of what the farmers in the area eat. It’ll be cheap and healthy.

* Always pack snacks and fruit when going on a day trip. You’ll save money when you don’t have to buy from the tourist stops and street vendors along the way.

* Pack a picnic and go exploring. Use produce from the local market. You’ll save a bundle and eat well.

* Shop where the locals shop, not where the tourists go.

* Book into hotels that have breakfast as part of the package.

* Avoid airport food as it is usually expensive and not particularly healthy.

* Always ask if there are any discount offers available. If you don’t ask you won’t know and you won’t save.

* Walk when you can. It’s cheaper and a good healthy alternative, as well as giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are in.

* Avoid Laundromats. Wash your own clothes in the bathroom sink if you are able.

* Look for free entertainment. 

.

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Onlilne Travel Guru:

Sherry Hardesty has been a professional flight attendant for over 15 years. Her experience is extensive and she provides professional travel consulting and booking services at http://www.stuartstravel.com



Rotorua represents everything bad about tourism over saturation. When a place just expects the tourists to keep arriving, complacency sets in. In my story, I decided to go back to the origins of why Rotorua became a tourist town, it’s healing mineral waters. Local gym owner Belinda Bennett takes me to a secret location, but insists on blindfolding me, handcuffing me and locking me in the boot of her car, in order to keep the spot under wraps. I interviewed Maori Masseuse Wiki about Maori healing techniques, such as romiromi massage and the use of healing plants like Kawakawa. I then visit Te Puia National Maori Carving School where I interview Cori Marsters about this ancient art. Finally I realize that after Rotorua, my films will never be the same again. Can the geothermal activity underground have an effect on people who visit Rotorua?
Video Rating: 5 / 5


Question by jlfolger: How to become a travel agent without experience?
I want to become a travel agent but the only positions I’ve found were for experienced agents. So, how does one gain experience in the travel industry if nobody will hire you unless you have experience? It’s a catch 22!!! Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Patriotgal
I believe in pursuing dreams but I think you need to honestly think about another choice. The travel industry is dying. Most people (myself included) book our own travel via the internet. There is no need for travel agents anymore unless it’s a highly specialized tour. I have several friends who are experienced travel agents and they can’t get a job. They are looking to change careers.

Give your answer to this question below!

22 comments - What do you think?
Posted by xblackmindx - March 23, 2011 at 4:38 am

Categories: Travel   Tags: , , , , , ,

Free Entertainment Ideas for Travelers

There are loads of fantastic ways to get free entertainment when traveling. All you need is a bit of research before you go and to think a bit laterally. Whether you get your entertainment from music, theatre, lectures, walks or museums there are free experiences all over the globe. Here are some ideas to consider when traveling at home or abroad:

 

1. Go for a hike or a bushwalk. Remember to pack enough food and drink and sunscreen. Enjoy the country’s scenery for free.

2. Gallery openings are a way to see local art and you might even get free wine and food thrown in!

3. Art walks and garden tours are where you visit local art galleries or homes with gardens for show. You get to meet locals and find out about the local art and garden scene.

4. Free nights at museums. Some museums are even open free all the time (for example The British Museum).

5. Visit the local churches. There is so much history and local culture to be experienced in places of worship and you’ll find a large majority of these have no entry fee, although some may ask for a donation.

6. Open mic nights at pubs where new musicians perform for free to an audience willing to listen. You never know which up-coming star you’ll get to hear.

7. Volunteer to be an usher at a concert, play or movie. Volunteer to help out at a conference or show. You’ll get to experience what’s on offer for no admission cost.

8. Visit the local library. Apart from getting to read books for free you get a different cultural experience in every library you visit. Libraries often have author visits and visiting speakers for generally free admission.

9. Find out if there are any free lunch time concerts. 

10. Visit the local television station and see if any shows have live audiences for taping. Join in!

11. Go to the beach for the day.

12. Is there a local fair or festival on where you are visiting? If so you will probably find lots of free attractions there as well as paid ones. 

13. Visit the local botanical gardens. In most countries these are free to visit and enjoy.

14. Walk around the city with your eyes open taking in all the sights. It’s amazing what sort of ‘free entertainment’ this will bring you!

15. Window shop. Some people can do this for hours! And it doesn’t cost you a cent.

16. And don’t forget, you can always purchase a local Entertain coupon book which will get you discounts on plenty of activities and entertainments, but can also offer some freebies such as “visit one day, get the second for free” or “pay for one person and the second visits for free”

 

Enjoy your free entertainment while traveling. There’s plenty of it around.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Online Travel Guru:

Sherry Hardesty has been a professional flight attendant for over 15 years. Her experience is extensive and she provides professional travel consulting and booking services at http://www.stuartstravel.com


Philippine Dreams.
Guide To Living, Traveling, And Everything You Need To Know About The Philippines!
Philippine Dreams.


Question by girlygirlsleven: How does one become an independent travel agent?
How does a person become an independent travel agent?

I am looking for the following information:

General cost of courses
Length of courses
The amount of money (generally) a travel agent makes yearly
Is there a high and low season for travel agents?
When you are independent, do you work through an established agency for a fee?

Last but not least, if you have any websites that go into good detail, that would be helpful. My husband brought it up and I’m checking it out. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by 7Proud Muslimah8Beautiful Islam6
All you have to do is go to your college. You can get either a diploma or a degree, but a degree will better help you to achieve this. I am a travel agent and I graduated in December with my degree. It takes about 2 years, depending on how much time you put into it and how many classes you take. If you want to, you can try to do it between 6 months and a year if you can, but it will be very hard. It will cost you about $ 10,000 for everything, tuition, books, classes everything. Apply for scholarships, especially if you had great grades in high school. I kept a 4.0 GPA throughout my academic history, and scholarships and grants got me through college and whatever was left over was like a gift, to do as you wish with. I must have gotten refunds of up to $ 3000 in that first year. It’s easy, just apply for Financial Aid. Good luck and I wish you well. You can do it. If I was able to, you most certainly can.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Be the first to comment - What do you think?
Posted by xblackmindx - March 22, 2011 at 4:39 am

Categories: Travel   Tags: , , ,

Travel Sales Jobs – How To Get Hired To Travel As A Salesperson

Do you want to travel and get paid by marketing and selling products or services?

A salesperson is someone with the aptitude to persuade and lead people to buy a product or service. They are a valued part of a business entity because they generate sales and awareness of particular merchandise.

The market has become global, reaching to places never been deemed possible before. Communication and transportation technology had advanced greatly to make businesses embark on a far-reaching scale. Marketing and selling to different locations is not only a sound investment; it is also an opportunity to expanded a company.

Salespersons are representatives of such companies. Companies rely on them to spread awareness and increase product profitability. Travel salespersons are outgoing, results-oriented individuals that just what every thriving company needs in their campaign. You can be the person who can take advantage of this opportunity. Find this kind of jobs and enjoy traveling different places for free while getting paid for your sales efforts.

Let these set of rules be your guide in getting hired to travel as a salesperson:

Acknowledge your career goals and desires

To have a fulfilling career, you must determine your goals first. Do not jump on every job opportunity that comes along without realizing what you want and what you can do. Be sure that you are up to the task and willing to do what is expected..

Do your homework and research. Make this as basis for your approach.

Find companies that offer travel sales positions. Once you find an interesting company to apply for, research its profile and determine its goals and objectives. Know what it aims to accomplish for the short and long terms. It is also beneficial to know the roots of the company. You should research extensively. Up to the point of knowing who makes the decisions about the goals and objectives. Also, find out the names of the executives and their backgrounds.

Knowing these things will help you plan your approach. Knowing their recruitment preferences will benefit you greatly. You should know that some companies prefer to recruit through a particular agency and some hire right off of the street.

Use your knowledge about the company’s goals and objectives in your application papers. Tailor your resumes based on it. Make your cover letters compelling by stressing what you can do for them to realize their organizational ambitions.

Be Persistent

Often, you will not get an immediate response from prospective employers. If you get no response within three days, telephone the person you wrote to. You can email or even follow up with snail mail if you have to. Doing this gives an impression that you are determined and passionate about the job.

If you are referred to an agency, focus your campaign on them. Address the company if you fail to make progress with the agency. You may not get anywhere but there’s always a chance you’ll get to interview for the position. Either way it gives you something to work on in the future.

**Attention Readers**

Get our FREE AUDIO CD mailed to you! Want to find more TRAVEL SALES JOBS? Discover in step-by-step detail how to make money while traveling. Click the link or visit http://www.moneyfortraveling.com to claim your free CD.


Fly Cheap! Airfare Secrets Revealed!
Ex-airline pilot reveals how to get dirt cheap airline tickets for pennies on the dollar. Learn how to save up to 0 or more on your next flight. Amazing website operated by a real airline pilot and well-known travel industry insider (new)!
Fly Cheap! Airfare Secrets Revealed!

Be the first to comment - What do you think?
Posted by xblackmindx - March 21, 2011 at 5:23 am

Categories: Travel   Tags: , , , ,

« Previous PageNext Page »