You have watched every Olympic games on your television, but this is the year you want to see the games in person. There is only one small problem. Travel in general is expensive and complicated, and Olympic travel can be even more so. Not only do you have to make travel arrangements, but you also have to pay hefty prices for any event you want to attend. How is it possible to save money while still getting the most of your experience?

Fortunately, many travel agencies also want you to have a great experience. Some seek to save you money, some want to make your planning easier, and some do both! Below are a couple of companies we think provide the best experience:

Kensington Tours:

Through voyagetrek.com, Kensington Tours offers packages for European travel, and they have packages for the Olympics. You can choose the VIP package, which is the most expensive, or you can create a custom trip with the company’s help. You also have the option to take extra excursions and see more than just Olympic events; it is a chance to see and experience London!

Premiere Sports Travel:

Sportstravel.com makes it easy to plan your trip without any worry of overbooking. Just fill out the form, tell them when you are going, what events you want to see, how many are traveling, and other details, and they will create a schedule for you!

Here are some other tips as you make your Olympic travel arrangements:

1. When booking your flight, try to travel on days of the week when prices are lower. Weekdays tend to be cheaper for travel, especially Tuesdays.
2. Book your flight, hotel, and tickets as soon as possible. Not only will places sell out, but sometimes prices rise as the demand increases and you get closer to the opening ceremonies.
3. Research your options. If you compare prices between companies, you are more likely to find a better deal than if you buy the first package you find.

Do you have any money-saving tips for Olympic travel? Be sure to share your advice in the comments below!

Known for its iconic blend of three major Asian cultures and vast collection of nature parks, Malaysia offers the perfect destination for your next adventure trip. To help you plan the perfect Asian adventure getaway, we have prepared an itinerary for Malaysia covering the best spots for exploration.

Batu Caves

No itinerary for Malaysia would be complete without a visit to the ancient city of Kuala Lumpur. If you’re looking for a true adventure trip though, you will want to jump aboard a three hour tour outside of the city into the Batu Caves. An ancient Indian temple and giant limestone cavern, Batu boasts the fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism set into the immense natural beauty of the cavernous mountainside.

Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary

Animal lovers and adventurers alike won’t want to miss adding the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage to their itinerary for Malaysia. Just one and a half hours outside Kuala Lumpur, in the heart of the rainforest, sits the Elephant Sanctuary, operated and maintained by the Malaysian Wildlife Society. You will be provided a private guide and the chance to spend the day up close and personal with the elephants!

Kuala Selangor Fireflies

One of the most popular additions to any itinerary for Malaysia is a nightly boat trip to see the Kuala Selangor Fireflies. Thousands upon thousands of these bio-luminescent bugs meet nightly in large colonies providing a brilliant light show for all spectators along the riverbanks. This is a “must see” for any nature enthusiast or adventure traveler!

Malaysia stands out as a true South Asian treasure and excellent destination for any adventure trip. We hope this itinerary for Malaysia helps you pick just a few of the limitless sights to see in Malaysia for your adventure travels!

What other Malaysian locations would you suggest to see on an Asian adventure trip?

Traveling can be expensive, especially when going abroad. How are you supposed to see the world if you cannot afford renting space in a hotel or resort? The answer is simple if you know how to backpack around the world. Sadly, not many people know of these cost-effective and exciting travel techniques.

To help you save money and better enjoy your adventure, we have compiled some tips to help you learn how to backpack around the world in fun, safe, and easy ways:

Look at travel community web sites:

If you are traveling around the world on a budget, it can be difficult to find an affordable place to rest at the end of a tiring day. Luckily, entire communities of people willing to host weary travelers exist and are easily accessible online. Websites such as Couchsurfing.org allow you to connect with hosts worldwide. It is an affordable way to travel and lets you meet new people!

Do not plan out every step in advance:

When you are planning your backpacking trip, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of planning too much. Be sure to have a general plan. Be sure to leave time in your schedule for unexpected adventures, discovery, and free time.

Remain aware of your surroundings:

It is always important to keep track of potentially hazardous situations, especially when you are in an unfamiliar place. Along with the adventure of traveling abroad comes some risk. Just be sure to stick to areas that appear safe and you will have a fantastic trip!

Go off the grid (at least a little):

We live in an age of constant contact. Through our cell phones we are always in touch with friends and family thanks to texting, Facebook, Twitter, and more. During your trip, be sure to enjoy your time by staying offline, at least a little. Rather than live-tweeting your discoveries, take some photos and write about it later!
Do you have any personal tips about how to backpack around the world? Be sure to share your advice in the comments below!

It’s no secret that creating the most efficient working environment for you and your colleagues takes time and effort. One effective way to improve your experience if you plan to start contract work abroad is by employing a bit of cultural awareness. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you integrate into your new workspace and surroundings if you decide to take up contract work abroad.

Your Non-Verbal Actions Matter

Non-verbal communication is an expected and familiar part of everyday human interaction. However, not all non-verbal gestures are universal. Much like spoken language, different body motions carry varied meanings culture to culture. A “thumbs-up” in the Western world means something much different than it does in the Middle East. Be sure to read up on what is appropriate and what isn’t!

What’s Acceptable for Lunch

It is important to take culture into account when deciding a dietary plan if you decide to start contract work abroad. Though many cultures have adapted to Western dietary influences, many more still consider certain foods to be taboo, even in the workplace. For instance, if you plan to start contract work abroad in India, try to avoid processed beef products. Instead, expand your taste horizons by sampling different curried vegetable dishes.

Know Who to Talk to – When and Where

A casual conversation between employees may carry much greater cultural weight outside of the Western world. If you plan to start contract work abroad, consider how your workplace interactions may be perceived by your native colleagues. As an example, it is taboo in most Middle Eastern countries for men to strike up conversation with women who are not their wives, whether in or out of the workplace. Be conscious of your actions to avoid workplace tension.

What Locals Do For Fun

Engaging in fun activities with your native colleagues not only builds trust but helps smooth the transition process when you start contract work abroad. Never turn down an opportunity to get a “behind the scenes” look at what the locals do for entertainment if your schedule permits. Hands-on learning will both endear you to your new colleagues and provide something to talk about with people you meet abroad.

Observe Cultural Workplace Etiquette

If it is culturally normal to take a coffee break in the morning before clocking in to work, take it as an opportunity to spend time with your colleagues in a way they feel comfortable. Many cultures observe a “siesta” period during the middle of the day. Instead of turning down or denying this time to rest, adapt and use the allotted break time do some exploring locally. Don’t miss any chance to familiarize yourself with the surroundings while observing cultural norms when you start contract work abroad!

Though these are our favorites, there are many ways to increase your cultural awareness. If you plan to start contract work abroad, being prepared to adapt to your new work environment and culture will go a long way in improving your overall comfort and work effectiveness.

What other ways do you suggest to improve cultural awareness for those who intend to start contract work abroad?

We have written before about inexpensive vacation destinations for the international jet-setting traveler. But what if you want to enjoy the United States on the cheap? There is no shortage of sightseeing destinations or breathtaking landmarks of natural beauty for the American traveler to see in their home country.

There are so many inexpensive vacation destinations to choose from in the U.S. that it can be mind-boggling. Luckily, we scoured the internet and travel guides to build this list of four great places to visit on a budget

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

One of the most beautiful locations in the U.S., Yellowstone offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails and countless natural landmarks to visit. Old Faithful and other geysers, hot springs, and more wait for you to see. Bring your own camping supplies and rough it – you will save plenty of money after the entry fee!

Bozeman, Montana

Another gorgeous bit of paradise in America, Bozeman will let the traveler weary of the busy city life relax by its peaceful rivers and streams with some fly-fishing. Seeking more adventure? There are some challenging white-river rapids for the braver visitors. Be sure to check historic downtown for some rustic charm!

Savannah, Georgia

This southern city offers a unique blend of down-home charm with modern culture for visitors. Many restaurants have menus with delicious servings of southern cooking and the city is filled with beautiful architecture. Room rates are very affordable and there are other places to visit nearby.

Washington, DC

While hotel rooms are not always the most affordable, some diligent searching will turn up deals that make the U.S. capital a cost-effective trip. With so many national monuments, museums, and the National Mall, there is no shortage of things to do, and most of these attractions are free.
There are many other locations in the U.S. to visit on a budget. A little exploration and adventure can be had with the help of an atlas and some proper planning.

What are some of your favorite vacation spots? Share them and your travel tips in the comments below!

The streets of London are sure to be filled with sports fans from around the world during the Summer Olympic Games of 2012. To help you from getting lost on the streets during the London Olympics, we have put together this short guide for getting around town:

Taxis & Minicabs

There are a wide variety of taxi services to choose from in London. The iconic Black cabs run across the city and smaller “minicab” companies offer services that cater to different demographics. Be sure to check out “Zingo Taxi” for a nice smart phone application to help you hail the nearest cab!

The Tube

The London Underground, also known as “The Tube,” has numerous tracks that run all over the city and into its surrounding counties.  You can find entrances and exits to the Tube at many locations. Passes and pre-paid cards are available at the entrances to each station, or you can order a pass before you leave home!

Trams & Buses

London has more than one iconic form of transportation. Its double-decker buses, brought back due to popular demand, offer scenic views of the city from the road. Be prepared for delays though – the heavy use of the buses by visitors and tourists might lead to traffic jams.

A small system of tram routes, Tramlink, transports travelers in South London. Oyster passes from the Underground are accepted, making this a nice opportunity to consolidate spending during your visit!

Bicycle

It can be a bit stressful to navigate a new city from the seat of a bike, but there are many bicycle-friendly routes and side streets to enjoy. Remember to wear a helmet! Guided bicycle tours are available as well for the more adventurous visitors.

You can enjoy a three-wheeled rickshaw tour of the entertainment district known as Soho.

Pedestrian

What better way to take in the sights and get to know a city than by walking its streets?  It is a more environmentally-friendly approach to touring the city and can actually save you time and help you avoid traffic!

Have any more tips for traveling around the city during the London Olympics? Share them in the comments below!

It can be hard to find a travel guide for India that fulfills all of your needs for your trip to the huge subcontinent. With all of the possible destinations, activities, and ways to travel for you to consider, it may seem overwhelming. We have written a travel guide for India before, looking at the nation’s parks and tourist spots. In this post, we have some hints and tips to get you familiar with the culture of public transportation in India.

Travel by train

Trains were introduced in India over 150 years ago by the British. Today, India boasts one of the most extensive networks of railways in the world. While trains may not be the timeliest, traveling by train can be one of the most cost-effective choices for the traveler that wants to combine a tour of the countryside with affordable travel from one point to another. Several “luxury railways,” operated by the state, serve as 5-star hotels for tourists. If getting acquainted with the countryside is not your goal, consider taking a sleeper train to combine your fare with the fee of a hotel.

Hire a car and driver

While it is possible to drive yourself in India with a specific permit, we do not recommend it! Aside from driving on the left side of the road, most city streets are chaotic, narrow, and poorly maintained. However, you can hire a car and driver for a relatively low salary (somewhere around 100 to 150 rupees a day.) Be sure that you can trust the driver and that your needs are realistic. If you buy the driver lunch, chances are your service will be much better. Be sure to give them a tip of around 100 rupees, especially if your service was good.

Travel by plane

Several of India’s most beautiful locations are very remote and can be difficult to reach if you do not travel by plane. The country is very large and air fares can be a very affordable travel option, as prices have fallen in recent years. Like most travel in India, however, be prepared for delays, since the systems have struggled to support the large population’s demands. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow for the lengthy check-in process and security checks. Do not hesitate to ask a worker for help, though, as they are very friendly to travelers.

Travel by bus

While cross-country buses are not yet widely available, each state in India has bus services of several different “classes” available for travel. Luxury buses feature booking ahead of time, as well as very comfortable interiors. However, very few buses have restrooms and make occasional stops for bathroom breaks and for travelers to purchase snacks. While these may be cost-effective for local travel, we recommend trains for night travel so that you do not have to worry about the hazards of Indian highways.

Getting around abroad in a foreign country can be disorienting, but a little preparation can go a long way. Have your own advice for travelers in India? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

When choosing where to study abroad, U.S. students often think of popular destinations, such as Italy, France, Greece, Spain, and the U.K. All of these countries offer rich cultural experiences and top-tier academic programs, but there are several excellent college and university options that students tend to overlook. To help you in your search for a unique and engaging study abroad program, we have compiled this list of the top five best places for U.S. Students to study abroad.

1. Mexico

For students in the U.S. (or looking to travel outside of Europe), Mexico is a fantastic alternative to studying in Spain. It is a country full of history and culture, and a great place to brush up on your Spanish skills.

• Top University: Tecnologico De Monterrey
• Number of U.S students in Mexico: 7,320
• Reasons for Studying in Mexico: Technologico de Monterrey allows students to enhance their Spanish skills while studying a unique culture.

2. Ireland

For students thinking about studying in the U.K., Ireland might be a very good alternative.

• Top University: University College, Cork
• Number of U.S. Students in Ireland: 6,858
• Reasons for Studying in Ireland: University College in Cork allows students the chance to study Irish history and literature.

3. Germany

Germany is rapidly growing as a popular destination for students.

• Top University: European College of Liberal Arts-Berlin
• Number of U.S. Students in Germany: 8,330
• Reasons for Studying in Germany: The European College of Liberal Arts-Berlin allows students to sharpen their study of the German language and experience the unique culture of a reunified nation.

4. Costa Rica

Another option for Spanish speaking students, Costa Rica provides students with a vast number of ecotourism opportunities

• Top University: Universidad de Costa Rica
• Number of U.S. Students in Costa Rica: 6,363
• Reasons for Studying in Coast Rica:  The Universidad de Costa Rica offers cheaper cost of living while studying Spanish and a vast opportunity for ecotourism and biological studies.

5. China

Due to its rise as a major world power and ever-burgeoning population, China has become a popular destination for students to study.

• Top University: Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Number of U.S. Students in China: 13,674
• Reasons for Studying in China: Studying a Chinese language and world business practices is a great experience at the Chinese University of Hong  Kong.

When it comes to people who travel for business, there are lots of stereotypes and myths. Just because you are a business traveler, it does not mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style for cost and lesser quality (or spend lots of company money for no good reason!). We are going to break down myths surrounding people who travel for business and try to explain how you can break them during your travels.

Myth #1: You must fly first or business class

Reality: You can fly whatever class you want. The truth is that flying business or even economy is way more economically efficient. If you are concerned about the price of first class then maybe you should bump down to business or even an economy class. Many airlines have made big strides in improving the comfort of their economy cabin seating.

Myth #2: A limo must pick you up at the airport

Reality: Limos, no matter what style or size, are expensive. There are several different forms of ground transportation available for you. In most cities you can easily get around with taxi services, bus lines and trains/subways. And if you need to be able to move around more than those services allow, then you can always rent a car. You might not have a man in a suit waiting for you with a sign, but you will save tons of money.

Myth #3: A rental car must be a high-end luxury car

Reality: High-end cars look nice and give the appearance of money, but the truth is they are not efficient for business trips. You need a car that will get you from point A to B comfortably and with good gas mileage. Do not forget that many affordable rental cars look stylish and are still extremely comfortable, and your clients might see needless spending as an indication of irresponsibility.

Myth #4: Hotels either have to be extremely luxurious or extremely cheap

Reality: The truth in the case of the hotel myth is that many national hospitality chains provide various types of hotels. There are hotels designed specifically for people who need a place for a few days while they travel for business reasons. There is no reason to pay for services that you will not be using, and there is no reason to stay at a hotel with very low standards. Make sure your hotel can accommodate your needs, but does not make you pay for luxuries you are not going to need while working.

When you travel for business, how do you keep it fun and affordable? Tell us in the comments!

Photo credit: Trey Ratcliff

Barcelona is a city renowned for its food, people and culture. Sightseeing in Barcelona can mean whatever you want it to mean. The city is rich in architecture and history, but it will also cater to travelers seeking art or music or delicious Spanish cuisine. With a little research, anyone can find amazing things to see. We thought we would give you a jumpstart with this list of five must-see locations for sightseeing in Barcelona:

Casa Batllo

One of the two great buildings of Antoni Gaudi, the Casa Batllo is a building that, on the outside, looks as if it was constructed with skills and bones. Gaudi drew inspiration from marine life for the colors and shapes used in the architecture of this building.

Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona focuses on the artist’s formative years. The permanent collection is made up of more than 3,800 works of art. The museum, which opened in 1963, has placed great emphasis on Picasso’s relationship with the city.

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic

This is no ordinary fountain. In fact, The Magic Fountain is more of a show with colors, lights, motion, music, and water acrobatics. This collection of waterfalls and ponds is a must see for any visitor to the city!

Poble Espanyol

An open air museum. Shops. Children’s activities. Arts. Crafts. There is no one word that could define Poble Espanyol. Designed to look like an old Spanish village, this attraction is sure to fascinate everyone. While the old-style village is located in the heart of modern Barcelona, once inside, you would never know it!

Cervantes Park and Rose Garden

Sometimes when you are in a major city, it is nice to just get away. In times like these, it can be easy to overlook the simple joys of strolling through a beautiful park. Make no mistake; Cervantes Park and Rose Garden is one place that should not be ignored. The park houses up to 10,000 roses from 250 different species and is just the place for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As you can tell, there is no one way to define Barcelona. Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it on the old city’s streets. Where do you visit when sightseeing in Barcelona? Share your experiences in the comments below!