I look forward to getting the latest issue of Budget Travel magazine more than I anticipate getting Cosmo. I can only read about tantric sex techniques for so long before I throw Cosmo to the floor, but I genuinely find myself drooling over the pictures and articles in Budget Travel.

Why? Because I love to see the world and because I am not a multimillionaire. Only Budget Travel allows me to plan trips to New Orleans or to Tangiers without breaking my wallet. I have learned over the last several years that any trip is possible with the help of this magazine. Budget Travel turned me on to several great Parisian three-star hotels that were all under $80 per night for a double room with private bath. I discovered a five-day all-inclusive (air included) safari in Kenya for $2000. I now exclusively use the Hotel Edison in mid-town Manhattan because it is charming, safe, and right around $100/night. My company puts me up in a $300-night hotel two blocks away from the Hotel Edison that is not nearly as personable, but when it comes to my money I’ll stick with the Hotel Edison. I never could have found such a great hotel if it wasn’t for Budget Travel.

That is just the short list of why I love this magazine so much. Do not think for one minute that “budget travel” equates “cheap” or “substandard.” Budget Travel’s entire premise is that travel is possible for any person, regardless of the size of their bank account. Their writers and staff tenaciously pursue the best bargains out there, and they show you how to save on cruises, flights, car rentals, and even luggage. Even their advertisements are useful, so don’t ignore them.

Each issue of Budget Travel includes some fantastic and very helpful articles. There’s “Savings at Sea” (for you cruise lovers) and “Nomad’s Notepad” (full of fun and quirky travel tips). My personal favorites include “40 Best Bargain Vacations for [insert the next three months]” and “20 Secret Bargains of [insert city].”

What I love best is that these articles do not just cover the typical family vacation to the typical vacation spot. As a single woman I usually travel with friends or alone, so my needs are decidedly different than the needs of a family of four. Budget Travel does a great job of refusing to ignore different societal groups. They offer advice for gay and lesbian travelers, disabled travelers, senior citizens, and others. Sometimes Budget Travel gets slack for this all-inclusive approach, but I think it is fantastic that they seek to provide useful information for all people. I say keep up the great work!

I enjoy traveling around America and Canada, but I also have a long list of international destinations where I one day want to visit. Budget Travel allows me to turn my dreams into reality because most vacations are beyond my financial reach unless I find ways to save some serious money. Budget Travel has taught me to travel during “off seasons” and to be willing to choose a less expensive hotel three blocks from the beach instead of the outrageously overpriced hotel directly on the beach. If you love to discover new places or revisit old favorites, you cannot be without this magazine.

Budget Travel publishes six issues annually. The newsstand price is $3.95 but you can subscribe like I do for $11.97 a year (that’s $2.00 an issue).



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