The
Globetrotting
Project
Low cost airlines / Small airports
Smaller aiports mean smaller costs and this is one of the reasons of differences in prices of low cost airlines. When searching for airline companies,also try to find smaller airports around and which airlines fly to them. If you have no problem of time limits and you are time flexible, you can definately do it. It's worth the effort and you might get to discover new places as well.
I was planning a trip to Switzerland recently and have decided not to fly to Zurich but to Bergamo(Italy) and then go to Milan and from there to Zurich by bus. This saved me 60euros,maybe not much for some, but if you're really on a low budget every cent counts. And you get to see more places along the way. It's worth trying it!
Public transport:
Prices in trains/buses can vary significantly in countries like Switzerland where buses are much cheaper than trains.Make sure you look at all possible choices for the cheapest prices.
Goeuro.com and Rome2rio.com are two searching engines for buses/trains/flights in the UK and Europe.
Travelling on a low budget!
You are on a low budget but you are still longing for a trip?
Have you ever heard of Couchsurfing, Airb&b and BlablaCar? Are you flexible and you wouldn't mind a little bit of extra adventure?
Then start planning your trip taking in mind some basic rules on how to save some money and still enjoy the joy of travelling.
Couchsurfing.org
Couchsurfing is a hospitality exchange programme with a group of more than 5million registered members around the world. It started in 2003 as a non-profit organization but it all changed in 2013. Making a profile is still free but one has to pay only for some kind of services.
I have been an active member since 2009 and have had all positive experiences so far.
I have travelled to many countries being hosted by local people and I can recall wonderful moments one of the best was spending New Year's Day with a Vietnamese Couchsurfer family.
Couchsurfing is not only about having a sofa to crash on but it's about cultural exchange. Members organize events, weekly meetings and much more and as a traveller you always have alternatives in the places you visit and people who are willing to help and are waiting to meet you. Do not hesitate to do it if you are over 40, 50 or 60 years old because there are also 50+ groups of Coucsurfers.
Couchsurfing.org is the number one exchange programme
BeWelcome.org is another site with good reviews
Travel using Blablacar
Carpooling or Carsharing: Are you familiar with these terms?
Have you ever heard of Blablacar?
The term means sharing a ride with others and Blablacar.com It's a very well organised site which connects drivers with people looking for a ride in 19 countries around the globe!Anyone can become a member either offering rides, searching for one, or both! It's definately a cheaper and faster way to get to your destination instead of using public transport. As a newby and if you are a bit concerned sharing a ride with a driver you don't know or co passengers you've never seen before. Look for people with many references and for experience drivers and you'll be just fine!
I have used Blablacar in Spain,France and Denmark. In Denmark runs with a different name and it's all in Danish. I had a Dutch friend help me sign up and make my first contact. As long as you get accustomed to how it runs,you use English to write and search for rides.
Unfortunately there is no such thing in countries where because of the economic crisis it should have been. It might be a cultural thing I guess.