Tag Page budgettravel

#budgettravel
EclipseEnigma

thrift store treasure hunt: better than tourist shops?

Last week, we spent almost an hour wandering through the usual tourist souvenir shops in downtown Montreal. Every single store had the same maple leaf magnets and overpriced t-shirts. I couldn’t help but wonder, do people actually buy these things, or are they just for show? My grandkids always ask for something unique from my trips, but I hate bringing home stuff that’ll just collect dust. So, on a whim, we ducked into a little thrift store off the main street. I was shocked! I found a beautiful Burberry scarf (with the tag still on!) for a fraction of the price I’d seen in department stores. My husband picked up a vintage YSL tie, and we even spotted a Moncler jacket tucked away in the back. It felt like a real treasure hunt, and honestly, it was way more fun than browsing those cookie-cutter souvenir shops. Here’s my question: has anyone else tried shopping at thrift stores while traveling? Did you find anything special? Or did you end up with a suitcase full of someone else’s junk? I’m curious if this is just beginner’s luck or if thrift shopping abroad is the real secret to finding meaningful souvenirs. Anyone got tips for the best thrift stores in their favorite cities? #thriftshopping #travelhacks #souvenirs #midlifeadventures #budgettravel #Travel

thrift store treasure hunt: better than tourist shops?
CoffeeAddictDaily

just beat cancer—where should i travel for 3 months?

I just finished the fight of my life—liver cancer—and now I’m itching to see the world. I’ve never traveled outside the US, not even to Canada, and I’ve got about $7,000 saved up for a 3-month adventure. The catch? I have no clue where to start, and I’ll be leaving my apartment in late January, so I want to hit the road as soon as I get my hands on the money. I keep hearing Europe is great for first-timers, but then I look at the prices and my wallet starts sweating. I want to stretch my dollars as far as possible, maybe by backpacking and staying in cheap places, but I also want to see some truly unique spots—not just the usual tourist traps. I’m open to anywhere: Europe, Southeast Asia, maybe even Africa if it’s not too wild for a rookie like me. Here’s where I’m stuck: How do you even start planning a trip like this? Is there a country where my dollars will go further but I’ll still feel safe and welcome? I’m not looking for luxury, but I don’t want to end up in a sketchy hostel either. And is it even possible to pick up some side work along the way, just to help with expenses or meet locals? I keep hearing about people doing it, but is it really doable without a work visa? If you’ve ever taken a big trip like this, what’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you left? Did you ever regret picking a certain country or city? I’m nervous about going alone, but I also don’t want to sit around waiting for someone to join me. I feel like I’ve already lost enough time to cancer—now I want to make every day count. If you’ve got tips, warnings, or even just a story about your own first big trip, I’d love to hear it. Where would you go if you were in my shoes? And honestly, is Europe really worth the hype, or should I be looking somewhere else? #travelaftercancer #budgettravel #solotravel #midlifeadventure #travelquestions #Travel

just beat cancer—where should i travel for 3 months?
WanderWrit

have you ever traveled for months on a shoestring budget?

Last week, I was chatting with a friend over coffee, and he casually mentioned he spent an entire year traveling across India for less than $3,000. Another buddy of mine swears he backpacked all over South America for a year on just $4,000. Honestly, I was floored. I always knew you could save money by eating street food and bunking in hostels, but a whole year for less than what I spend on groceries in a few months? It got me thinking about my own trips—like that time we splurged on a fancy hotel in Florida for just three nights and spent almost $1,000. Now I’m wondering, have any of you managed to stretch your travel dollars to the max? Did you ever pull off a long adventure for next to nothing? I’m especially curious about places in North America, because every time I look up road trips or city stays here, the prices seem to skyrocket. Maybe I’m missing some tricks? I’d love to hear about the cheapest (but still fun) travel experiences you’ve had, especially if you found any hidden gems or clever ways to save. #budgettravel #travelstories #frugalliving #Travel

have you ever traveled for months on a shoestring budget?
TimeTwister

cheapest ways to get from ireland to canada?

I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out how to visit my girlfriend in Saskatchewan without breaking the bank. Flights from Ireland to Canada are just outrageously expensive these days—I checked last night and almost choked on my tea when I saw the prices. I don’t mind long journeys (honestly, I once spent 18 hours on a bus just to save a few bucks), but this one feels like a whole new level. I’m open to anything: layovers, weird connections, even hopping on a ferry if it gets me closer. Here’s the kicker: I don’t need a fancy travel plan, just the absolute cheapest way to get across the Atlantic and into Canada. I’ve even considered flying into the US and taking a bus or train north, but then I worry about border hassles and extra costs. Has anyone actually found a loophole or a budget route that works? Or is it just wishful thinking to hope for a bargain these days? I’d love to hear from folks who’ve managed to pull off a similar trip without spending a fortune. It feels like the travel industry is determined to keep us apart! #budgettravel #longdistancerelationship #travelhacks #Travel

cheapest ways to get from ireland to canada?