Tag: Budget Travel

10 Things I Did in Austin Before It Was Cool

I spent two of my favorite years of my life in Austin, Texas. Though writing this post makes me miss it terribly, I’m also quite happy in my current location and I’m assured by my Austin-ite friends that the city isn’t as cool as it used to be. I don’t know if that’s actually true, but I’ll keep telling myself that. Here are a handful of recommendations for anyone visiting this fun-loving and sometimes “weird” city.

by suitcaseenvy

What to See (and Skip) in Atlanta

For two years during graduate school, I spent half my time in Atlanta, Georgia and the other half in Auburn, Alabama. I won’t bore you with the circumstances, just that I got to know the city of Atlanta and it was great. I still feel nostalgic when I have a layover at the Atlanta airport, I complain about how I can’t find spices anywhere that are as cheap as at the DeKalb Farmer’s Market, and I wish I could find a popsicle as good as the ones from King of Pops. Then I remember how bad the traffic is and I feel much better.

by suitcaseenvy

A Cheapskate’s Guide to Golden Gate Park

It’s surprisingly easy to spend a day at Golden Gate Park and its nearby attractions without spending a dime (well, except gas, tolls, and food- it is the expensive San Francisco Bay Area after all). A handful of activities in the park cost money. Though I’m sure those are great, this post is focused on what you can do for free. Given that Golden Gate Park is even larger than Central Park in New York City, there’s plenty to see.

by suitcaseenvy

A Weekend in Lucern, Switzerland

I’m going to make a bold claim: Lucern (or Lucerne, or Luzern) is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. I have a co-worker who told me before my trip, “I went to Germany and it was beautiful, but Switzerland is majestic.” Nowhere did I find this more true than in Lucern. It is definitely a straight out of a storybook, literally breathtaking kind of place. Even better, several of the best sights are free!

by suitcaseenvy

5 Ways to Improve Your Hostel Stay

People seem to have strong reactions when I tell them I stay in hostels on my travels abroad. Some folks envision scenes from “On the Road,” while others are just plain horrified. It’s true that staying in hostels requires a few concessions, but it can also be an amazing way to travel. Follow these tips to make the most of your experience.

by suitcaseenvy

Switzerland on the Cheap

Switzerland is known for being a particularly expensive travel destination. I met many people making a stop in Switzerland for a few days as they traveled throughout Europe, who would complain about the high costs of food and attractions. This is understandable, as you can easily drop CHF 35 on a casual dinner or CHF 15-20 on a mojito (yes, I actually saw this happening). However, with a combination of the Swiss Travel Pass, shopping for groceries rather than going out to eat, and staying at hostels, suddenly this beautiful and jaw-dropping destination actually feels do-able.

by suitcaseenvy