Travel to America will be incredibly cheap, if you take the advice that we will share with you.
The United States of America is not the cheapest country for business and tourist trips. But an experienced tourist so differs from a beginner, that he knows exactly what can be saved, without the risk to spoil the impression of the trip. Such lifjhaki help significantly reduce the cost of food, accommodation and purchase of tickets to anyone who does not want to give up the dream of seeing America because of a limited budget.
1. Purchase an American Airlines ticket
By a strange tradition, tickets for American Airlines are cheaper than flights from European or Russian carriers in 2-3 times. There is also a classic way to save, relevant for any country: to purchase tickets in advance, 2-4 months before the trip, when their cost is significantly reduced. The flight between Moscow and New York, for example, takes at least 10 hours and is considered quite heavy for the human body. I want to spend it as comfortable as possible, so the availability of air conditioning and a varied menu will be another advantage of American Airlines.
2. Self-service of all papers
In each country there are those who wish to make money on inexperienced trips. "Visa centers" and "assistants in obtaining an entry permit" promise an absolute guarantee of a positive result, but they are silent about their role in the relationship between you and America. In fact, they enjoy the banal fear of not getting approval for a visa without some qualified help. These people simply fill in all the necessary papers in English on behalf of the client and carry out the duties of the courier. They can not influence the consul's decision in any way, and even more so - to be present at the interview with him.
3. Refusal from the "hot" season in favor of "cold"
There are such in each state - and they differ depending on the climatic conditions of the region of the country. In the most popular state, California, the peak of popularity falls not only on the summer months, but also on the dates of major awards - Oscar, MTV VMA and other events that attract not only Hollywood celebrities, but also crowds of their fans. However, if the purpose of the trip is still in acquaintance with the celebrity, will have to get used to the idea of high costs.
In the northern states in winter it is too cold, so it is better to visit them "at the seam of seasons" - in the beginning of spring or autumn. This will give an opportunity to see the real landscapes of America not in the form in which they are printed on postcards: trees with fallen leaves or snowdrifts on the streets of small towns.
4. Choice in favor of camping
Camping in a tent does not cause Americans prejudice. They invented a hiking - a whole sport, involving hiking and spending the night in tents. Therefore, in every state you can find a campsite at reasonable prices. While the prices for motels start from $ 60, one night in the camping will cost only $ 15-30. If you do not have extra money even for an overnight stay, you can find parks marked with the National Forest sign and install a tent there completely free of charge.
5. Introduction to coupon services
Do this while you are at home. The founders of the philosophy of websites-coupons were Americans - they are also actively using them. There it is the best way of promotion of business, therefore it is possible to "catch" cheap coupons in expensive establishments - restaurants, cosmetic clinics, every possible show. Discounts in 80-90% allow you to have dinner or attend a massage session almost imperceptibly for a purse. True, there is one disadvantage of coupon services: most services can be obtained only in large cities - the deeper into the province, the less shares.
6. Registration on the website of coaching
But here it is necessary to take into account a small nuance: Americans do not like very much when they are invited to visit, so most of those who are willing to shelter free visitors - once they migrated to the US from other countries. In order not to fall into the hands of a swindler and not be left without money or clothes, you need to carefully study the reviews in the service and, if possible, avoid apartments in which 5-10 people live at the same time - so the Mexicans like to settle, many of which are related to the criminal environment. In general, to be afraid of couchurfing in America is not worth it - there you can also find people willing to talk with representatives of another country completely disinterestedly.
7. Visit to the information office
This is another characteristic feature of the United States: here even in a remote province in each locality there is at least one special institution where you can find all the information about useful tourist addresses, discounts, festivals and fairs where you can have fun or even spend the night free of charge. There you can find brochures with discounts - analogues of those coupons, only completely free. The cost of living in a hotel together with it will be cheaper than in any online booking service.
8. Shopping in bulk
Almost all large cities of America can buy for a small price city pass - a kind of "city pass", which allows you to save on a lot of activities: visiting museums, national parks, attractions, exhibitions, free tastings, etc. In the supermarket, too, the rule is "wholesale-cheaper", so if a tourist sleeps in a camping site, he can stock up food and repellents for a week or two with a 40-50% discount.
9. Trip with a companion
America is a country for traveling together. Moreover, it does not matter, with a boyfriend or with a friend: just a hotel, ready-made dinners, spending in stores here are often arranged on the principle of "buy one - get a second as a gift." The cost of a room in a hotel is divided into two, the second dinner in fast food is often given in a load to the first, so their cost can be easily "broken up" for two.
10. Spending on a special book
In America, every city once a year releases the book Entertainment Book - something between the directory and the coupon. It contains a list of restaurants, bowling centers, zoos, theaters, cabarets and excursions with an indication of an average check, "happy hours" and other nuances that every traveler should know. True, buying it makes sense if the tourist is planning to stay for a long time in the city, because there is such a guide at least $ 35-65.