Traveling Safely = Traveling Frugally

We're nearing the end of the semester and summer vacation is just around the corner. If you've been a Savvy Student this year, you may find yourself with a bit of extra cash to tour with. If you're looking to trek the globe, tune in to our vacation tips for some advice on how to stay safe and frugal during all of your travel endeavors.

1. Understand scamming techniques so you can avoid them.
• In certain locations there are entire industries based on scamming tourists. Luckily, with vigilance and knowledge you can prevent yourself from being a victim. If you are booking a trip that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always do your research and review customer feedback. If you are booking a trip with a travel agent make sure the company or agent is rated or a partner of the Better Business Bureau. About.com featured an article on vacation shams, if you would like to read it click here. To learn about methods scammers like to use on tourists in a foreign country, check out this article, also from About.com. Finally, if you want to be pro active and protect yourself from con artists in Europe, check out this article. Always do your research and get to know your destination well, this way you will be less of a target for these types of crimes.
2. Know where to find the real deals.
• CNN.com compiled a list of tried-and-true travel resources here. If you're very short on cash, you may want to consider visiting friends in another city or another country. You can save up the cost of accommodations and focus your money on outings, food, and shopping.
3. If you're traveling abroad, know the rules.
• There are plenty of regulations regarding traveling abroad. Your best resources are government websites for the country to which you plan to travel and the US Department of State website. Obtaining a new passport can take some time, so plan in advance and allow 1-6 months for processing depending on the time of year.
  

Remember: it is never wise to risk your safety just to save a few bucks. In reality, protecting your personal safety usually means protecting your wallet in the process.

For help coming up with more local summer plans, leave us a comment or send us an email at sfs@brandeis.edu with questions. We'll post your questions and our suggestions in an upcoming follow-up post.

Happy travels,

Savvy Student