10 tips to travel solo large on a small budget.

The travel industry is feeling the Lipstick Effect. Buck the trend!

It’s called the “Lipstick Effect”.

According to a Global Trends Report released at the World Travel Market earlier this month, the tourism industry is feeling the Lipstick Effect — consumers are forgoing large luxuries and buying more small ones.

Buck the trend.

Don’t give up travel just because the economy is bad. Be creative, research a bit more and you’ll find deals and freebies that let you travel well, sometimes in luxury, without breaking the bank.  I give you:

Ten tips to get more for your solo travel dollar.

1. Book tours without single supplements. Keep up to date with tours that have waived the single supplement by checking the Solo Travel Deals section using the link at the top of this page.
2. Get great deals on flights. Check out the travel hacking and the post: Solo Travel – Cheap Travel
3. Consider short haul rather than long haul flights. If a different culture is what you’re after it really is close at hand. Consider Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Orleans, Boston…  They may be within your own country but they still offer unique cultures.
4. Take the train for short hauls. It’s usually less expensive and it often takes less time than flying when one considers travel to the airport, wait times, luggage pick up and travel to your location.
5. Consider a B&B or boutique hotel for lots of character and lower prices. Before you book, check out the deals you find on TripAdvisor.com looking for places that have consistently good reviews. If you are planning an extended stay, look for furnished apartments in International and US local classifieds.
6. Get more at your destination for free. Know when the museums are free, book a free personal tour guide through a greeter program, even get free accommodation.
7. Get discounts. Check online before you go for city discount cards and coupons that will save you money on entrance fees and tours. Just Google “discount card” or coupon and your destination name and you’ll find lots.
8. Plan for low cost meals. Buy fruit and easy food from a grocery store for breakfast. Put together picnics. You’ll save money and eat more healthily.
9. Live the high life at special hotels by going to the bar. Snack on the nuts, order a salad and have a glass of wine and you will have had a complete meal and lots of atmosphere for about $20.
10. Take transit. Most major cities offer public transit to airports for a few dollars. You may also purchase a multi-day or weekly pass for cheap hop on hop off convenience. The bonus: you’ll get to see how the people really live.

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