Travel is a big part of my life and sometimes it’s thrilling to throw my bike carrier on the back of my car and just drive. Most of the time I want to know where I am headed and where I am going to be sleeping. I have slept on everything from tatami floors and rice pillows in Japan to the front seat of my car on the side of the road. Here are some general tips for life on the road.

The most ideal situation for comfort is a high class hotel. I’m not rich enough for that and, really, where’s the fun in that? If you are going to rent a hotel then I suggest bringing your own pillow with you. Hotel pillows are junk and they may not be willing to give you another. Thin and scratchy with no support, I can’t stand hotel pillows. If I have the room I always travel with at least one pillow that I really like especially if I’m never going near a hotel.

Travelling on a budget means you will find yourself looking at hostels. In general, hostels are good places to stay for cheap. Just make sure you lock up all of your valuables and keep a close eye on your wallet. You will be sharing a room with other people. Sometimes things can get a bit cramped and you’re never sure you might be staying with. You’ll most likely be sleeping on a set of bunk beds or a cot. If you travel with you bike, like I do, make sure to have a hitch bike carrier that you can really lock your bike to. The more secure it is the happier you will be when you come back and your bike is still on the rear bike rack where you left it.

If you really want to experience the life of a new area see if you can set up a home exchange. This is an arrangement where two people will exchange homes for set period of time to save money while staying someplace much more comfortable than a floor someplace. I’ve spent many nights sleeping on a floor and I wish I had known about home exchanges.
These are just a few tips to help you save money and enjoy your trip. I hope your next trip is the best one so far and I hope to see you on the road.