When I was younger, I used to go visit my grandmother in Peru. I would stay there for most of my summer vacation, but other than partially growing up in Lima, I never made a trip elsewhere. Not even to see the great touristic place of Machu Picchu.
As time passed by, I always had this desire to make a trip to Cuzco, but no matter how many times I thought about it, I never made plans for it. Now in my twenty-somethings, I find myself stuck in a cubicle all day working my youth away and the more I’m stuck in the office, the more my mind wanders to different destinations, especially Machu Picchu. I’m not sure what exactly triggered my desire to go to Machu Picchu, but I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that I am Peruvian and still have never been there. Whatever the reason may be, I want to go and I have been planning very carefully.
The first thing I would need to take care of is my job. Would I need to call days off or will I do it when I finally quit? Will I do it during the summer or in April? I have thought about this a bunch of times, especially since it has been my number one desire to see one of the “new” seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
Although, I have yet to determine what I will do with my job, I decided that the best way to start is by connecting with my family. I spoke to my cousins about my idea to go to Cuzco and as I pitched the idea, one of my cousins agreed to go with me to Cuzco. Not only is she to go with me, but my cousin also has friends that live in Cuzco and they will be able to help us with accommodation and transportation to Machu Picchu.
I was really close to booking a tour, but having cousins that live in Peru, gave me a chance to connect with my cousins, find someone to go with and best of all save money.
So before you spend a bunch of money…talk to your contacts about the places you want to go to. They may not live in the destination of your choice, but they may know someone who does.
Don’t know anyone and your contacts aren’t being helpful? Check out Couchsurfing or InterNations, which are two types of networking sites that let you talk to other travelers like you. Couchsurfing not only offers forums for travelers, but also free stay at someone else’s place in a foreign place. InterNations connects you to expats around the world and ambassadors who can assist you find what you are looking for.
Want to travel on your own, but need money? You can either work for your money or crowd-fund your trip with Trevolta, GoFundMe, or Indiegogo.
Looking into your resources before booking may help you save money and make it into an amazing experience! As for me, I will be well on my way to Machu Picchu during the summer (possibly around July) and without the stress of being broke.
xxHanny
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