BootsnAll Travel Community

This story might give a little bit of inspiration for those trying to figure out how to save money.

Read Bootsnall recent story on Budget Travel.

excellent article. I, too, have done budget and "non-budget" traveling, and mostly I try and travel the "budget way" as Caroline describes. And I agree that the least expensive things with the most local contact are usually the most memorable.

That’s totally true, there is nothing worse than people that spend 8 bucks to eat at McDonalds in China when they could have a bowl of beef and noodles half the size of a bathtub for 2 bucks.

I dont know why anyone wouldn't travel on a budget. Sure a bottomless bank account would be nice, but if I had one I will still eat at hole in the wall joints. Trips are just more exciting on a budget.

A few years ago I went to the McDonalds in Shanghai because I was craving some fries. I met some locals who took me to some underground nightclubs. I had a blast....Don't get me wrong-- I love eating at the local street stall just as much as the next traveler, but do you think it is just scared, unadventurous expats eating at McDonalds? A lot of locals eat there too, you know.

I agree, dove. If you don't hit mcdonalds once in each country you're visiting, you're missing out. You can learn a lot about each culture by comparing mcdonalds

That was a great article. Having done things the 'put it on expenses' way, and the 'on a budget' way, I have to admit you have more fun when you're exploring and trying interesting stuff out instead of going to wherever the guidebook says and spending a fortune.

My best memories of my last trip were when I'd done a 'lets hit up all the role-play stores' mini-adventure, gotten lost looking for one of them, and ended up in a family owned coffee shop, sheltering from the rain.

The lady who owned the store was lovely, and we spent a fair while chatting. She even made us some special desert that wasn't usually on her menu - it tasted strange, but it was very memorable