This post talks about how you can do [TAG]budget travel[/TAG] to many places around the world. It talks about courier travel and how it works. A basic article to give you an idea of the concept. Something to seriously think about for the budget traveler.

---

It sounds like a dream doesn’t it? Hopping onto a plane and taking a flight to the destination of your choice. Imagine collecting your flight tickets to New York, London, Goa - or wherever takes your fancy - and not having to pay a cent for them. For a few people, this dream is actually a reality. How? Simply put they have discovered a little travel secret - namely that a lot of companies will actually pay the travel expenses for you to oversee their package or document from one country to another. Now this may bring to mind images of having to smuggle a microfilm past some dodgy russian customs ala James Bond, but the reality is nowhere near as exciting or dangerous - which is great news for the budget traveller. The even better news is that with a little know how, any adult can act as a courier and score free and deeply discounted flight tickets to the destination of their choice. It’s completely legal and can save you thousands in saved airfare every year. Courier companies are continually on the lookout for willing travellers to carry their items overseas. There is nothing sinister about it and nothing is hidden from the authorities - the traveller is paid with a deeply discounted (and sometimes free) air ticket. According to a survey by the Air Courier Association the standard saving that travellers get when they act as a courier is 85% on the normal flight price. There isn’t a travel agent in the world that will match such a discount.So what are your responsibilities as a courier? Well it’s as simple as turning up to the airport on time and meeting the courier companys representative at the destination airport. As soon as you walk through the customs area at your destination, your job is over. What are the drawbacks of this deeply discounted travel? Well for a start you’re probably only going to be allowed one carry on bag as your luggage - so learning how to travel light & pack efficiently is essential. It’s also important to have some degree of flexibility in terms of when you’re able to fly, though usually you can get many flights comfortably in advance. You also need to be at least 18 and obviously have a valid passport.Assuming you’re ok with these drawbacks, you can really fly to just about any destination at incredibly low costs.

---

For more information on budget travel tips, go to this budget travel page and find out how you can save over 50% off on your travel costs.

---

You can learn more about how to be a courier at http://www.global-ebooks.com/TravelFree.htm or if you are looking for more budget travel tips check out http://www.my-online-powerpack.com raveldiscount.htm Ready to go? The whole world awaits you!Tags: flight - travel - travel agent - budget travel - discounted travel

This answer used to be valid but has now changed:

Generally a passport is not required for Canada,
Mexico, and the Caribbean (except for Barbados) as long
as you have an original birth certificate (not a photo
copy). If you do not have an original copy of your
birth certificate and are not sure where to obtain one,
go to www.vitalrec.com. For Barbados and most other
foreign countries, a passport is necessary. Even an
infant must have a passport. Some countries require
that the passport expiration date is at least six
months beyond your return date.

However, now in order to return to the U.S. you will
need your passport, even if you are going to Canada.
the updated security measures have made these changes.

Tags: passport - barbados - canada - mexico

Even though this article is from 2004, it still contains a lot of ideas on how to travel within your budget. Many of these ideas are stil valid today. Read on for more information about how to make budget travel work for you.

---

Fort Walton Beach, Florida (ContentDesk) January 1, 2004. September 11, 2001 changed the face of travel as it changed all our lives. For the past two years, the travel industry has struggled to enhance travel security and bring travelers back. Trends indicate that travelers are coming out of their cocoons and are once again ready to enjoy the pleasures and privileges of our world. Consider these ways to explore your travel horizons in 2004.

1. Dream a little.

Start a list of everywhere you want to go…everything you want to do. Build your Travel Resource File. Use a three-ring binder with tabs for Trips to Take Someday, Upcoming Trips, Travel Resources, and Past Trips.

2. Plan Ahead. Plan Ahead. Plan Ahead.

Do your homework. The most successful trips are well-researched and well-organized. You may love last-minute, spontaneous travel. Great! If you do your homework, you’ll always be ready to grab your bags and go.

3. Learn to pack smart and travel light.

You can take less and have more! Travel-friendly clothing is wrinkle-free, washable, and comfortable. Plan your travel wardrobe around three colors in a combination of prints and solids and become a mix n’ match expert. When all your tops match all your bottoms the possibilities are endless.

4. Develop a relationship with a good travel agent.

Although the world-wide Web is an ideal way to explore travel horizons and compare prices, it does not replace the confidence and security of working with a knowledgeable travel agent. A travel agent who understands your travel preferences and needs can add value to your trip in ways not found on the Internet.

5. Budget travel wisely.

Open a travel account at your bank and make contributions to it on a regular basis. Decide how much you can spend on your trip and research your options. Learn about the “hidden” costs of travel and factor them into your travel budget. Protect your travel investment with travel insurance. If you travel frequently, look into purchasing an annual travel protection plan.

6. Choose your travel companions wisely.

Understand each other’s likes and dislikes, habits and hot buttons. No one to travel with? Consider solo travel with a group tour. Look into specialty tours. You’ll automatically have something in common with fellow travelers.

7. Appreciate the diversity of our wonderful world.

Learn as much as possible about your destination. Study the attractions, but don’t neglect the history, people, customs and laws. Realize that just because something is different, it is not wrong.

8. Be safe.

Check out travel advisories and health alerts for your destinations. Two good Web sites for this information are www.travel.state.gov and www.cdc.gov/travel. Learn the LACES principle. Always be on the LOOKOUT for yourself and your companions. Be AWARE on your surroundings. Stay in COMMUNICATION with fellow travelers and know emergency numbers at your destination. No matter where you are seek out at least two EXIT /ESCAPE routes. Think SAFETY… first and always.

9. Don’t overlook opportunities to explore travel horizons close to home.

Visit visitor centers and chambers of commerce and gather brochures and discount coupons for attractions, accommodations, and restaurants close to home. Watch for upcoming events that can be turned into a getaway.

10. Seek out special travel moments and make the memories last.

Plan ahead to see major attractions, then allot some time to slow down and savor the small moments that make wonderful memories. Keep a travel journal. Record not just times, dates and places, but emotions and vivid descriptions. Your travel journal could become your travel book!

---

You can now access budget travel secrets to anywhere in the world, and learn how to travel within your budget. It’s a wealth of information, and easy to understand. Also learn how you can save over 50% off of your travel costs. Get this travel information now!

---

This Top Ten Travel article is an excerpt from Travel Wisdom – Tips, Tools, and Tactics for All Travelers written by travel experts, Lynne and Hank Christen. Lynne Christen was a flight attendant for a major airline for over 22 years. Hank Christen is a nationally recognized expert in the counter-terrorism threat assessment and disaster management field. The Christens have traveled to 44 countries and throughout the United States. They may be contacted at e-mail protected from spam bots. Learn more about Travel Wisdom at www.travel-wisdom.com or by calling 888-587-5582 (toll-free).

Tags: travel - budget - travel agent

Gastric distress is caused by contaminated water.
To help prevent this problem, insist on obtaining
bottled water with the seal still intact. Use this
water for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks, and
avoid salads and raw vegetables that may not have been
washed in purified water. If you do start having
problems, try over-the-counter aids such as Imodium or Cipro Flaxin.

Tags: mexico - Imodium - Cipro Flaxin

Here is an accepted answer to this common question.

You do not need to tip for simple questions, but
help in making reservations might warrant five to ten
dollars, even more if the reservations were difficult
to secure.

Also, a tip for locals, if you want to get reservations
to hard to get into places, go to your local 4 to 5 star
hotel and ask the concierge there to make reservations
for you…..

Tags: tipping - concierge - hotel - reservations

Another frequently asked question about luggage:

Answer:

Be sure to use the same name that is on the
airline reservation. Note the airlines, the flight
number, and the date of travel. Also note the
destination hotel name and phone number. To avoid
burglary while you are on vacation, do not use your
street address. You may use the phone number and
address of a friend who has your itinerary. Put the
same information inside your luggage in case the tag is
removed. If your luggage is similar in appearance to
other luggage, decorate your luggage with something flashy
so that other travelers won’t mistake your luggage for theirs.

Tags: travel - luggage

Here is the answer to

What documents will I need to travel into Mexico?

Besides either a birth certificate or a passport,
you will also need a photo ID and a Mexico Tourist
Card. The Mexico Tourist Card is given to you on the
plane and must be shown upon arrival. It will be
surrendered upon leaving Mexico.

Here is the answer to the popular travel question:

How much shall I tip my hotel housekeeper?

Two dollars per night in a lower class hotel is
sufficient, and then up from there according to the
situation. It is not usually necessary to tip for one
night, or if you are staying in a bed and breakfast. It
might be wisest to leave a tip each morning because the
housekeepers work different shifts.

Tags: hotel - tipping - travel