Cheap travel options, be they cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages by themselves do not ensure that you will enjoy a trip overseas.
The following are steps you can take that will help your memories be positive:
In preparing for your trip, print your itinerary and all reservation confirmations. You should not count on Internet access or electricity while traveling in order to access this information. Retain a copy of your passport and never keep all forms of ID or cash in a single bag. Make certain that family or friends know your itinerary and if traveling alone, check in periodically.
When interacting with airline representatives always be patient and polite. Such people usually have wide discretionary authority and can be a real help. If a representative refuses to help, call the airline and try to find an agent who can resolve your problem. Often different agents will give you different answers.
If you are trying to affordably travel abroad, travel in the low/off season. Food and accommodations can be as much as half the price of the busy season. Depending on how long you will be gone, look into upgrading your bank account to one that allows international ATM withdrawals with fees waived, if possible.
If you would like to meet people when traveling alone consider:
1) Sitting at a bar and speaking to a bartender. Often bartenders know a lot about their town and might introduce you to other regulars.
2) Consider staying in a hostel, even if you want a private room. Meeting people in common areas in hostels is quite easy.
3) Readily share information with other travelers.
If you are torn between researching a trip vs. just winging it, remember you want to be flexible since you do not want to miss out on things because of a rigid plan. Be open to asking locals and expats questions. Be realistic and know that you will not have time to see everything.
Regarding food, make a point of learning a few key food words in the local language. Keep snacks handy so that because of hunger you are not tempted to settle for a less than satisfactory restaurant. Stay away from fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled or cooked when in developing countries.
When taking taxis and other transport find out in advance the where to go to find transportation and the price you should expect to pay. Always negotiate the price of a cab ride before entering the cab. www.cheapfares.com