You're right about those tips. It is totally possible to travel and keep the budget from getting crazy. That's the kind of stuff the wife and I do every year (B

You're right about those tips. It is totally possible to travel and keep the budget from getting crazy. That's the kind of stuff the wife and I do every year (BTW, I highly recommend Bologna). A lot of folks, however, aren't comfortable with putting themselves out there into an airbnb (or equivalent) and fending for themselves with local markets and transport. It's really not that hard (depending on where you go and your tolerance for embarrassment and alienation), but there's definitely a language and cultural barrier that needs to be overcome or worked around. I think that Rick Steves, in his unique way, makes a lot of people feel more comfortable with getting out there. It really is so much better to travel without a tour company mediating the experience.