Travel Like A Boss

Discussion in 'Travel and Vacation Destinations' started by BlackguyExecutive, May 19, 2016.

  1. BlackguyExecutive

    BlackguyExecutive Je suis diplomate
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    [​IMG]
    I'm writing this in response to few posts I have seen on this site and in response to Cypher Avenue Podcast #53. There seems to be a notion that travelling, domestically and internationally in not affordable. That is not always true, especially if you plan accordingly. A recent TIME article How Black Millennials Are Changing the Face of Travel offered some insight that much to be learned from this.

    Step One:
    For starters, obtaining a passport is time consuming and cost some money, so I would recommend starting the passport process early. 65% of Americans do not have a passport. That means even if they had the ability to leave or if they had an all expense paid trip somewhere they wouldn't be able to immediately get up and go. That's insane. Contrasting that to Europe, 71% of Europeans have a passport (particularly those in the European Union). That may be a little unfair because Europe is geographically connected. The United States is only connected to Canada and Mexico (which you now need passports to travel to).

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    Step Two:
    Do your Research. There are thousands of cheap locations you can travel to around the world. I always look at exchange rates. It is an awesome driver of affordability. For example, the exchange rate (right now) between the US and Turkey is $1 = $3 Turkish Lira or $1 = $18.51 Mexican Pesos or $1 = $14.15 Argentine Pesos. The dollar goes a long way in Mexico and Argentina and to some extent Turkey. Find a place where the dollar goes a long way. For example, a $100 USD hotel stay in Argentina could land you at a 5 star hotel or if you staying for two weeks could land you in a really nice rental house. Doing your research is essential to international travel. Go to places where your hard earned dollars can take you far. (See South America, See Thailand, See Vietnam).

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    Step Three:
    Often the most expensive part of traveling is securing that round trip plane ticket. There is no getting around this but with proper research and securing a good time of year to travel, this cost can be low as well. Travelling internationally is good when you leave on a Tuesday. Sometimes this is where I begin. Finding a cheap flight determines where I go. Therefore a good start would be searching for flights to locations with a good exchange rates. With that being said, I would look for locations that have robust public transit systems (see Europe) or are extremely walkable and search for locations where security safety are not an issue. The US State Department and the CIA websites both offer travel status report and guidance to Americans. Alerts and Warnings and The World Factbook

    [​IMG]

    Step Four:
    Set a budget. If you only can afford to spend $1500 dollars find an area that $1500 can take you far. This is where most people have to make hard choices. Should you go out and have $60 worth of drinks tonight or should you stay home have a beer and call it a night. It is about priorities. But imagine eating a grass-feed steak and drinking perfect Argentine wine in Argentina overlooking mountains versus getting faded in the same gay bar you go to every week and spend $60.

    Just some other notes. Travelling in groups can significantly bring down costs for everyone. If you have close friends that could make good travel companions y'all should start early and plan an international trip a year out. That gives everyone plenty of time to get all of their affairs in order.

    These are a just a few ideas I have used in the past before I became a professional traveller. And in that unfortunate instances that you get too crazy abroad and get locked up or if shyt goes down, it will be foreign service officers who come to your rescue. So read up on how diplomats change the world. Fill those passports with STAMPS!!

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    Read the whole post here.
     
    #1 BlackguyExecutive, May 19, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: May 19, 2016
  2. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    From @Discordant
    "I'd also add that a lot of times the airlines will have travel packages that include your tickets and hotel stay. Me and my beau are going to Paris for 6 days for $1100 a piece next month including airfare (which is actually the same amount of money me and my friends paid a piece to go to Vegas for 5 days a couple of months ago.)"
     
  3. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    From @Lancer
    "I love traveling, one of my life Goal's is to be A Citizen of The World."

    3703418.gif
     
  4. Winston Smith

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    That was right on time, as I'm still listening to the podcast and that was the section I was at.

    I've done international through the military, but plan to travel more as a civilian now and not an agent of our country's foreign policy misadventures. What do you recommend in terms of housing, i.e. using traditional hotels and hostels vs. new economy housing options like AirBnB?
     
  5. BlackguyExecutive

    BlackguyExecutive Je suis diplomate
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    To be honest, It really depends on where you are in life. Back in my college days, I was totally down for the Hostel lifestyle and basically couch surfing. I don't do that much these day, but staying in a hostel for a night or two can definitely reduce costs particularly if you are just trying to visit an area but not stay there as your primary location.

    Traditional hotels are probably the safest as far as security is concerned but I love AirBnb! I have stayed in some nice ass places on the cheap using new economy housing. I think it really all depends on where you are travelling. If I am in a major city I may use Airbnb. If I am in a western country I will probably use a hostel, if I am going to somewhere where safety is a legitimate concern, I would use a hotel.
     
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  6. OckyDub

    OckyDub is a Verified MemberOckyDub I gave the Loc'ness monstah about $3.50
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    I know everyone's experience is different; however I've heard great things about AirBnB and also not so great (racism).
    Google

    I live and die by Vrbo.com
     
  7. Lancer

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    When I am in big cities I too use Airbnb. I usually travel alone and I feel I enjoy the city more if I stay at an Airbnb were the host can tell me the non-touristy spots and the little holes in the wall where locals hangout. I also do hotels, affordable ones, that have free Wifi, and Complementary breakfast so I can fuel up before I head out and also save on expenses. When I am not sure of safety I use a hotel as BlackguyExecutive pointed out.
     
  8. Lancer

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    Funny thing I just read that article today. I have never heard of Vrbo, will try it out.
     
  9. Omega Level

    Omega Level DRACARYS
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    Aaa Im single, what about Steps 5 - 10, Places and secrets where I can get that thing popping and have some hot hook ups.

    Oh, thats not the point of the post? Aight than...:jawalrus:

    Nah on a serious note, good post. Well worth noting...
     
  10. Sean

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    My biggest piece of advice for anyone wanting to travel abroad on the cheap is to expand your circle of friends and take advantage of those friends and family when they are living abroad. I have acquired a number networks over the years that, at any given time, I know at least three people living abroad and possibly more. All I had to do was get there. I've been to Germany and Greece, and have another trip to London planned from keeping in touch with friends I made when I was there from a study abroad. (Which is another way to travel for any of you in undergrad or grad school--take advantage of programs at your school where you can get financial aid to help defray costs.) But if you have family or friends somewhere, most times, you have a place to stay, unless your fam and friend is single and lives on a military base. But even then, your homie or cuz would be more than happy to splurge for a week at a hotel if you showed up. (Unless they in a war zone, of course.) And whether you're eating at home or out, folks usually know how much it took to get there, so they are usually generous on that front too. You have tour guides that speak your language and kinda where they are going. And you really don't have to worry about a whole lot.
     
  11. SwagJack

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    Yup on all of it. I'm definitely a member of the gyp set. Stay on a plane to somewhere. My circle of friends influenced me to value experiences over things. And traveling will certainly give you a wealth of experiences that no documentary, text book, travel blog, or magazine article could ever. It's invaluable. I've always imagined that my prospective partner will also have an affinity for travel. But on the real, this couple got it in the bag: Black Couple Sells Everything to Go On ‘Indefinite Honeymoon’ to 12 Countries (and Counting)
     
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  12. Winston Smith

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    Didn't even know about that one! ("More You Learn" star flies overhead....)
     
  13. Infinite_loop

    Infinite_loop Is this thing on?
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    Another tip: if you travel often and have good-to-great credit, get you a travel Credit card. Not only will you earn miles that can translate to a free airfare, most of them carry other benefits such as priority boarding, rental car Loss Damage Waiver, etc.

    I have the Alaska Airlines Visa. One of the best perks and what I am banking into is the annual Companion Fare. Essentially,once a year I can travel anywhere around the World with someone who will only pay $99 roundtrip. So let's say airfare roundtrip for 2 people to New York City was $1000($500 per person), then it would just be $599. I still have to figure out if it works for all SkyTeam partner airlines(like Delta, Air France,...) but it is a pretty sweet deal regardless.
     
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  14. Sean P

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    @Infinite_loop - The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Companion Fare only applies to Alaska Airlines economy fares. It used to apply to first class fares, but times have changed. Partner airlines are not included. Nonetheless, it is a great deal.

    If you accumulate miles on Southwest and/or United in addition to Alaska Air, Chase Sapphire Preferred (Ultimate Rewards) may be worth considering (The sign up bonus is great if the airline transfer partners work for you. Sadly, I'm Alaska Air all the way.). Also, if you travel a lot and want a premium travel card, I have some recommendations. The premium cards come with an annual fee that some folks may consider distasteful. Yet, the perks are a good bet if you can use them.
     
    #14 Sean P, May 20, 2016
    Last edited: May 20, 2016
  15. Infinite_loop

    Infinite_loop Is this thing on?
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    thanks Sean! and good to know about the Alaska visa card. I usually travel coach on Alaska or Delta domestically and about 4/5 times a year, so not enough times to warrant a premium credit card but I anticipate my travels to only go up from here, so I'll take you up on that offer. Alaska's $75 annual fee is kinda high, but I honestly find that there is a nice return on investment if I am getting those miles and using my companion fare.
     
  16. Sean P

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    On Delta, to get 100% of your miles, you need to travel on an "S" fare or higher. I recommend American Airlines if a connection would be required on Delta as well as American. Any fare on American receives 100% of your miles (Often, the "S" fare on Delta is more expensive than first class.).
     
  17. Rick

    Rick Lurker

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    I agree some of my first trips out of the US was to Canada and Mexico. both close by, but another easy first travel is taking a cruise, once you pay to get on the ship (you have room and most food paid for) you just have your drinks, and you extras. and if you book early or extra late you can get a real good deal. Plus on a cruise you can see a fe different places/counties as the ship takes you around.
     
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  18. TreDaDon

    TreDaDon King To Be

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    Planning my first Int'l trip in 9 years with da 'Bae & some friends. We were thinking Paris or Abu Dhabi. The UAE is bout that life tho, so I may have to research this more.
     
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