Barbados, frugally yours....

2011-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

DETEMINE YOUR DESTINATION

What's on your bucket list? Do you have business to conduct in another part of the world that you could combine a leisure trip? Is your passion recreational sports, history, Bible study? Combine your interests with a trip.

I love maps! This is usually not a female trait. I think it comes from my need to be in control. I always know where I am. Scour a map and choose a few locations.

For the surf trip, I spent much time on the internet researching Costa Rica and where the best waves were. But, in the end, it was the cost of an airline ticket that was prohibitive. So, on to plan B. With travel, you always have to expect a hitch. Plan A rarely shows up. Be flexible. Roll with it. That's where the "in control" me struggles. God has given me lots of opportunities to learn to lighten up!

Frommer's Travel Guide and Tripadvisor are both sites I like to peruse. These aren't sites trying to sell you a hotel and rental car package. Frommer's has been around since the dark ages of 1957 when actual (not virtual) travelguides were available. These are sites that explore the regions of the world. Reviews are available regarding hotels, cruises, excursions, local sites, restaurants, etc... Budgettravel is another site I've recently stumbled upon. Frugality is a popular topic on these sites, too.

Of course, these sites will help point you to where to purchase hotel and transportation.

TRANSPORTATION

Another factor to considering a destination is how you are going to get there. Can you afford a hefty airline ticket? If so, go for the Great Barrier Reef off of Australia.

As I've already mentioned, Costa Rica was ruled out because of the airfare. Barbados was found to be a good surfing substitute in January.

In my next post, I will explore the costs of air travel and how to find the most frugal flight.

Barbados, frugally yours....

2011-01-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

THE GIFT OF AN EXPERIENCE
Last Christmas, we made a decision with our children. Instead of exchanging gifts, we would go on a trip. Cherished memories last a lifetime and are far more valuable than any item purchased. It was satsifying to see how excited our kids were about the prospect.

With three sons in college, what could we afford to do? Where could we afford to go? We are a one income family. My husband and I wanted to do something special and still not break the bank.

DETERMINE THE DESTINATION
Would there be a specific purpose for this vacation, besides just having a fun experience? We allowed our sons to cast the major vote. They grew up surfing on the eastern coast of NC. They wanted to go surfing in an exotic location, somewhere with a nice warm water temperature in early January. Their choice destination was Costa Rica.

Well, what you want and what you get can be two different things....

In the next few posts, I will outline how we managed to frugally enjoy the exotic location of Barbados. We didn't go hungry and didn't feel deprived.

RichlyFrugal

Barbados, frugally yours....

Barbados, frugally yours....