Field FAQs with Holly Morris
Bucking Trends: 2009 Adventure on the Cheap

Posted by Mary Anne Potts on December 31, 2008
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Dollar-500

Like many people these days I’m feeling broke. But I’m hoping to take a great trip in the new year rather than stay home watching CNBC. What do you recommend? 

A. For now, forget the assault on Everest or diving the Bikini Atoll—the types of sojourns that will set you back many thousands of dollars. Suze Orman might say don’t go anywhere, but I say these turbulent times simply mean we must get creative, back to basics, and, if possible, off the grid. Remember the potential for Zen equity (and real-world savings) when you unplug in a remote environment: It offers a reprieve from all types of media and a reconnection with the natural world—and it removes you from unwise consumer temptations. Whatever the economic situation, travel on the cheap is always a viable option, especially when you consider the home court advantage. If you live in the American West, why not look up that old college buddy who lives in Colorado? Spend some time renewing your friendship, then set off to backcountry ski or snowshoe the Rockies by day and crash out in the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association’s cozy accommodations by night. Stuck on the eastern seaboard? Leave your cell phone behind and take on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, grabbing cheap sleep and eats at its trailside bunkhouses. And international travel doesn’t have to be off-limits. Capitalize on the weakness of the euro and raft down the Tara River in mountainous Montenegro. Got frequent-flier miles that will take you as far as Central America? Explore the crowd-free Pacific beaches of El Salvador that showcase unspoiled surf breaks, majestic sea turtles, and simple cabanas—all for less (after airfare) than that Craigslist couch you’ve been eyeing.

Holly Morris is a TV host (Treks in a Wild World, Globe Trekker). She is also the author of Adventure Divas and founder of the multimedia company Adventure Divas. Post your travel questions here and they could get answered in the magazine.

Illustration by Shout

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Comments

  1. Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
    December 31, 2008, 9:14 am

    We engage in alot of local travel. Think “Blue Highways”. There are so many adventures to be had close to home. I am on the search to find the perfect piece of pie and the Farmer is attempting to play the rural, unknown golf courses. One of our forays took us to nearby Hannibal, Missouri where we immersed ourselves in everything Twain, including a tour of Tom Sawyer’s cave guided by a young man who was armed with a 1,000 corny jokes.
    Remember, your local haunts are exotic locales to someone from the other side of the globe. Or at least, that’s what my readers assure me.
    - Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

  2. Matthew P. Block
    January 4, 2009, 12:32 am

    Backcountry camping in America’s national parks is usually free. Sure beats paying $100+/night for a hotel room and it’s a lot more fun! Couchsurfing.com is also a great resource. I sometimes find that the less money you spend on a trip, the more rewarding it can be.

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    February 10, 2009, 3:42 am

    Couchsurfing.com has a lot of copy cats these days, but that doesn’t mean that they are any less good. You should definately check them out too! Just use Google to find those.

  4. tedd
    September 10, 2009, 2:34 am

    I think the easiest way is to find some cheap price line in google, and then we can browse a cheap hotel deals.

  5. Istria
    September 12, 2009, 9:44 am

    Maybe its cheaper if we make a plan to have a holiday trip with our friends. More people means more discounts

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    Another great way to have a cheap travel is to swap a room. Some website offer a free room in exchange for a swap with your room

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    Interesting suggestions. I would travel locally with friends to cut expenses.

  8. Benjamin Levisay
    March 9, 2010, 2:10 pm

    This is very cool.

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    June 14, 2010, 8:26 am

    This is a wonderful artical. I liked reading it.
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    August 16, 2010, 4:45 am

    Outdoor adventure travel does not have to mean traveling far away or overseas.
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  13. Holy Land tours
    September 22, 2010, 2:22 am

    Agreed ! Adventure travel and tour is for relaxation of mind. And it is good way of spending some time with your family. I love tours and next week I am going to Holy Land for on month.

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  17. Quadracentifiable
    November 15, 2010, 1:38 am

    going outdoor specially out of the town adventures really great.

  18. Bino Mino
    November 18, 2010, 1:31 am

    Try to go somewhere not too far and not too close to your home. I would and enjoy nature, especially if you are living in big city.

  19. RUDIANTO
    November 20, 2010, 10:17 pm

    that’s great

  20. Josh Biboy
    November 22, 2010, 5:51 pm

    It is really important to set budget whenever you plan to travel as it will be crucial since your gonna be spending lots of money. All in all whats important is you should be happy of what you do!

  21. ravenshark
    November 26, 2010, 3:20 am

    Yes I agree with suzzane, its like a really relaxation from all the form of stress with work you encountered. As far as going to different places where many auction lines to shop or to seek and find many different giveaways after spending vacation!

  22. Jerry Turner
    November 27, 2010, 9:35 pm

    It’s really difficult to travel with a short budget thats why before hand you have to set everything in the bag for you not to get into some unwanted circumstances in the future spoiling your moment of leisures and stuff, well better to go with groups so you could avail more discounts,have the reservations ahead,the earlier the better.

  23. angelica
    November 28, 2010, 11:04 am

    Its a good idea to have cheap travel yet feeling bursting with happiness and satisfaction. I love traveling only in our near region or distance away from our home. Saving a bit of dollars from your expected budget is a great. Try to travel Philippines in the Puerto Princesa Underground River one nominated as 7 wonders of the World. Or be in our famous Maria Cristina Falls. And savor of nature is refreshing and calm ourselves.

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    December 1, 2010, 3:25 am

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  26. Jamie
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    Good article by the way, i think adventure travel is a good piece of mind , it’s the best medicine of relaxing u can have for stress

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    December 25, 2010, 8:51 pm

    We were able to have a fun family adventure by hitting a lot of the national parks in the Western United States. Most of the camp grounds were very inexpensive and there’s nothing more fun than sleeping under the night sky, especially for the young ones.

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