Once in a Lifetime Trips: How to Afford Them
Everyone has that bucket list trip they dream about for years. It’s usually a very personal choice and a vacation to be shared with family and other loved ones. However, most never actually go on that trip, because it’s something out of their reach or simply too expensive. This doesn’t have to be the case. By cutting a few corners, timing your trip right and saving a bit of money by booking the tickets prior (or/and on offer) on websites similar to Flight Factory, everyone can have that once in a lifetime trip that they will tell their grandkids about.
New Zealand
New Zealand is probably on everyone’s bucket list, with its natural beauties, amazing scenery, and the mystery that surrounds its indigenous cultures. Actually going there isn’t that farfetched at all – it just takes some planning. The price of plane tickets can vary,depending on how early you book the flight and when you are traveling. Once you’re there, take advantage of couch surfing programs or rent a room from the locals. It’s much less expensive than hotels, and it allows you to enjoy local culture and customs in an unfiltered and personal way.
Alaska
Alaska’s massive glaciers are a sight to see. There are over 100.000 of them and they will all leave you speechless. Alaska also has two active volcanoes and fascinating wildlife. And of course, you can’t visit without seeing the famous northern lights. In order to be able to afford all this, it’s best to travel offseason. A trip scheduled from April to early September is much less expensive and the nature is even more impressive when the temperatures are lower. Boarding from a larger port and using a ferry instead of a cruise ship can also help.
South Africa
South Africa has something to accommodate every type of traveler. There’s the beautiful nature with its unique wildlife, a lot of important historic sites documenting the country’s rich and complex past and a vivid and exotic club scene in the metropolitan areas. The trip itself is probably the most expensive part because of the state of the South African currency. Organizing layby holidays that allow you to pay for the trip over 6 months without additional fees places it within reach of an average family. Once you’re there, National Parks can be a good substitute for a safari and everything else is quite affordable.
France
Paris needs no special introduction. It’s the city of light, love, great art, and exquisite cuisine. Everyone dreams of visiting it at least once, especially with a partner or a spouse. Affordable flights to Paris are easy to find, especially if you book them in advance. Once you’re there, choose a family-run hotel or a small B&B and save a fortune. Museums and art galleries which are the heart of the visit are free to visit on the weekends and there’s an option of getting a time-limited pass that gets you into basically all of them. Meals could be bought for next to nothing, but only if you buy a mandatory drink (and why shouldn’t you- you’re in Paris!).
The Grand Canyon
There are few things more American than cannoning down the Great Canyon. It’s a majestic experience allowing you to take in one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The trip along the entire canyon lasts 11 days. The best way to save money is to shorten it, by getting on board along the way at one of the “take-outs”. If you choose the right “take-out” and stay for just five days, you can get the full experience and not break the bank.
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have and with careful planning, even the most exotic destination can be within the grasp of an average family.