I dream of being the female Anthony Bourdain. I picture myself jetsetting across the world in search of culinary delights and colorful people. My skills as a travel writer need polishing but I am in a place in my life where I can be mobile. My soul yearns for adventure. My budget, however, makes me feel cautious about how far I take my dream.
Knowing that it may be awhile before I venture out wearing my new title as full-time globetrotter, I thought I would entertain the idea by reading as much as I could on the subject. Through one of my many Amazon visits, I discovered The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: Save Up to 90% on Lodging, Flights, Tours, Cruises, And More! By Terrance Zepke and I have to say it’s one of the best travel books I’ve ever had in my possession. There are a few reasons why I say this.
First and foremost, I appreciate money saving tips. I consider myself a very savvy gal but I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know everything. That’s why I love books like Terrance’s. In addition to addressing a topic I love, she gives insider information that I otherwise wouldn’t have access to. After reading a few pages of her tips, I was completely hooked.
Next, I’ve never been on a cruise and there’s tons of ways to book one for little to no cost. There are also all types of warnings about hidden costs. For example, did you know that most ships charges $6 to $15 per person per day to covers tips for cabin stewards and restaurant personnel. They also charge an automatic tip of 15 to 18 percent for every drink purchased on board the ship. That’s a huge waste of money! Terrance suggests doing this instead: “Head into port and have a few drinks at a local watering hole for around $2 a beer or margarita.”
Last of all, I love the chapter on how to travel for free. Many people don’t know how to legitimately write off trips on their taxes. The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: Save Up to 90% on Lodging, Flights, Tours, Cruises, And More! gives pointers and publications from the IRS that can help you do just that.
Here are a few things you have to look forward to while reading the book:
- Information why popular travel sites don’t always offer the best deals
- Why you need a travel agent to book a cruise
- A secret tool that tells you when airfares will go up or down
- Ways to use social media to get cheap fares
- Reasons why you should never pay single supplements
- MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!!
The 184 page book is available through Lookout Publishing and Amazon.com for $14.95. You can learn addition travel tips and get other titles by Terrance Zepke by visiting www.terrancezepke.com.
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
