London Update!

So I don't think I could be neglecting my blog as much as I am right now. It is really difficult to keep up with a blog while traveling because in pure honesty, I rather be exploring than sitting on my computer. That's fair right? BUT I'll write a short post about my time here in London!  ~~~~~

                                     

                                 

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So after our very LONG 26+ journey to London from Arizona, USA we had finally made it.  We knocked on the door of the perfectly located Hampstead Heath, London home to Dan and Judy our helpx hosts! This has been the best helpx location so far let me tell you! My sister and I click with Dan and Judy so perfectly! They are so kind and their beautiful, small and cozy home is located just down the street from the PICARESQUE Hampstead Heath. True countryside in the middle the one of the worlds largest cities. We can also hop on a single bus and be in busy Piccadilly square quite quickly. (such a score!) On top of the two being just lovely, they are always spoiling us with chocolate, Ben & Jerrys and Toblerone while encouraging us to go out pub hopping in Camden, innocently of course! They encourage having fun! Sadly, we leave for Amsterdam tomorrow via ferry. We will miss Judy & Dan very much. They have welcomed us back already thankfully! :) ~~~~~ 

Cheapo Transportation

The plane ticket over to Europe has to be one of the  most expensive things about my whole travel itinerary.  In 2012, I flew from Phoenix, AZ, USA to Dublin, Ireland  for around $804 USD in September. This year I will be flying from Phoenix, AZ, USA to Dublin, Ireland  for around $944 USD in June.  If I really looked hard enough I could find better deals but these are STILL going to look incredibly cheap next to the price of the same flight from websites like Expedia and Travelocity. 

What do I use?  Hipmunk You won't find cheaper airfare then on Hipmunk. I've compared Hipmunk to other airfare listers such as Expedia and Travelocity, Hipmunk has always been the cheapest.
How can I find the cheapest days to purchase my ticket?  Matrix Airfare Search It is what the travel agents use.   
Other important tips:  - Fly out midweek (cheaper than flying Friday when everyone else wants to) - Buy tickets on Tuesday (when new deals are released) - Allow your dates to be flexible (it could be $1200 on the 25th but $850 the 27th)

Cheap budget airlines: 

Ryanair (Europe)
Easyjet (Europe)
Allegiant Air (USA)  Have a cheap flight from Phoenix to Honolulu, Hawaii for around $300 round-trip (even next day)

Ryanair the Ikea of Airlines? Spain 2012

ALSO one of my favorite websites for traveling cheaply excluding flights is Seat 61 *Highly recommend*

Low cost volunteering program.. finally!

So in my last post I talked of travel dreams and how it is often limited by us being well.. students or non-students with about $5 in our bank accounts. In this post I will talk about the major loophole I found in the travel world which allowed me to travel for months at a time (hell yes!) with about $300 USD/month for spending money.  *No I am not paid by companies to promote their product. (Pssh I wish!) This is 100% me posting about things I love.* 

The Program:

What it is: Volunteering program where a few hours of your work a day is exchanged for accommodations and in most cases, food. *4-5 hours/ 5 days a week.
How much: €20 EUR ($25 USD)/ 2 years
How does it work: 

1. Pay the flat fee (Gives you access to email hosts and read reviews)
2. Create a catchy profile (Make yours stand out. Don't induce yawning!) 
   
3. UPLOAD A HAPPY PICTURE OF YOURSELF (Who wants a grumpy complainer?)
4. Pick a country
5. Find a host that interests you and message them (Hosts receive many messages from other helpers. Personalize each one of your messages. Don't think sending the same message to 5+ hosts is going to get you somewhere. Hosts can tell. They want someone who is interested in their particular offer, not someone who is desperate to get in ANYWHERE **sketchy**)
6. Wait for a reply! If they don't get back to you right away, don't fret. Give it a week before messaging them again. 

Helpxers at Spain Hostel 2012

How can I trust that it is safe:  For 1. I went alone when I was 18. A young female traveling alone.. can we say in unison, sex trafficking! Have you seen the movie Taken? Seems extremely dangerous, I know but here I am. Not dead, not even a scratch. 
2. Hosts have reviews left by other helpxers, if you are really worried, stick with the hosts that have many good reviews. Also, their addresses are on the top left corner (most times), plug that into Google Maps and explore the area, make sure you are happy with it!)

Possible? YES.  A little different? YES.  Are you completely insane? Yeah. But that is what makes life exciting!

Similar site: 

Should I stay or should I go?

I haven't met a single person whose dream didn't involve packing up their clothes and getting the hell out of town. I speak for myself and possibly a thousand others when I say this offer is 100% appealing:

London, United Kingdom 2012

They say "follow your dreams", I say "with what money." 

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That is the problem, I'm young and to be honest, my dad still pays for my phone bill. I don't have a bottomless bank account or a trust fund from the rich side of the family. I have my paychecks from working at part-time job at a frozen yogurt shop and that is about it. So how do you chase after your dreams when money is the biggest factor and you well... don't have it? 

Loop holes! 

I researched hours before I found many loop holes around the traditional way of travel. This blog is where I will share all of them with you because keeping them to myself seems a little selfish. 

If you are stuck on whether traveling is the right thing for you, please read this beautiful story, shared by http://solotravelerblog.com, which inspired me to go.