In the recession this past year, I’ve given lots of workshops on how to travel cheap. Most everyone leaves with simple, clear ways to SAVE $$ on their next trip – hopefully, hundreds of $$!
But you know I never tell you anything from stage that I haven’t done myself. Nor do I ever receive $$ for a review of places we visit for our books.
WARNING: advice sources need to be analyzed before you make plans. One thing folks have consistently told me after each talk is how frustrated they’ve become with online FREE travel advice.
Example: many free websites are outdated – YOU end up having to check everything because the author just took free time (not professional travel writer) to post some fun things THEY like to do – not an offering of most everything available for family travel. Most folks who post lists start with the right intentions but what parent has the time to upkeep any list unless it’s their career?
Example: Websites are sponsored or biased. You’re swayed to spend more $ going to places that can afford to advertise or sponsor travel websites or bloggers.
Example: Friends advice. If you’re not on a budget and don’t mind just going to the most popular spots – try free web services. But, if you lean towards hidden gems and some freebies mixed in – you need an expert resource.
Conclusion: it’s your road trip, mom and dad – YOU make the plans that best suit your family tastes and budget. Just be sure the information you consult is varied and dependable (you may have to invest a little $ but not so much time). In the long run, it will save you loads of time (internet searching), $$ (not just going to high end places) but still prevent the possibility of vacation duds.
Other FREEBIES: Kids Love Travel offers FREE major updates to ALL of our books online and on email updates to free subscribers. Now you have a printed book (ORGANIZED SOURCE) PLUS the customer only benefit of online updates to keep the book FRESH for years.
HAD A VACATION DUD? I want to hear about it so we can warn others!