David DeFranza

A freelance writer interested in using a frugal lifestyle to make more travel possible.

Latest articles by David DeFranza

How to Host a Traveler: 13 Tips to Keep it Safe, Easy, and Cheap

Here at Wise Bread, we know that couch-sharing services, such as Couch Surfing, can save you money when traveling. As good as this sounds, many have reservations about hosting strangers in their home.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Frugal Living, Lifestyle, Travel

Sleeping In Airports For The Stranded And Frugal Minded

Whether it's an unplanned layover, a means of making an early flight, or simply an attempt to save money on accommodation, the season of sleeping in airports is upon us. I know, I am doing it.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Frugal Living, Lifestyle, Travel

Frugal Living Lessons From The First Thanksgiving

Here in the United States, Thanksgiving is a holiday governed by some fairly specific traditions.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Frugal Living

Make Your Own Deal Tracker

Deal-a-day websites like Woot! and Steep and Cheap are great places to go if you need a new piece of travel gear or gadget, these sites can be a great way to find it for cheap.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Shopping

5 Easy Recipes Perfect for the Traveling Chef

Self-catering while traveling is an excellent way to save money. However, cooking on the road poses a whole set of problems and challenges that can seem impossible to overcome.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Frugal Living, Food and Drink, Travel

Your Couch Can Earn Cash And Support A Band

By now, anyone interested in budget travel has heard of CouchSurfing. While the site has obvious advantages for travelers looking to meet locals and save money, but it can also be fun for hosts as well.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Lifestyle

Facebook For Budget Travelers

For the frequent traveler, Facebook is an excellent way to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances from around the world.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Technology

Can AirNinja Find Airfare Deals?

AirNinja is a niche tool for finding airfares. It specializes in returning the smaller budget and regional airlines large sites like Kayak.com ignore. It is a tool that could, potentially, be very valuable when looking for airfare deals.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Cars and Transportation

Don't Greenwash Your Holiday

From hybrid car rentals to carbon offsets, green hotels to conservation oriented vacation packages, the number of options now available to the environmentally conscious traveler are numerous.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Consumer Affairs, Green Living

Europe Reborn As A Budget Destination?

I had written off Europe as a possibility for the budget traveler long ago. I did it with great difficulty, because I know from experience there is nothing like the food, history, and atmosphere of Europe.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Lifestyle

Free Travel With Postcard Fun

At the same time nostalgic and alluring, nothing epitomizes travel so much as the postcard.

by: David DeFranza | channel: DIY

7 Reasons To Take The Bus

Low cost airlines are finally taking hold in the United States, offering a greater range of route options and discounts. At the same time, concerns over security, environmental impact, and safety have increased.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Cars and Transportation

Frequent Flier Programs For Infrequent Fliers

Frequent flier programs are great, right? I mean, who doesn't like the idea of one day earning a free flight?

by: David DeFranza | channel: Cars and Transportation

How Do You Spend Money When Traveling?

The urge to save money is a defining characteristic of the budget traveler. But is there ever a time when it is actually a good idea to spend money?

by: David DeFranza | channel: Lifestyle, Travel

Keeping The Budget In Budget Travel

To save money for your vacation you crafted a detailed budget and stuck to it. Now, with your bags packed and ticket in hand, you are ready to put all the of preparation and planning into action and enjoy your travels.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Budgeting, Travel

How Haggling Taught Me About Life

I used to be afraid of bargaining. The thought of haggling over a price, or even asking for a discount, was embarrassing. Then I began visiting countries in which haggling is expected. I was forced to adapt.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Lifestyle, Shopping

Volunteer To Travel: 11 Opportunities For Free Or Very Cheap Travel

With growing fears of recession and a dramatically weakening dollar, the scales of reason seem to be tipping more and more in favor of staying at home.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Lifestyle

Use Safe Driving To Save Gas During The Last 6 Weeks Of Winter

The Groundhog predicted that we will have to endure six more weeks of winter. This means more snow, ice, and cold that can reduce your car's efficiency by up to 50%.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Cars and Transportation

Travel Planning With Class

Bring up class and most people start to get touchy. Unfortunately, it's an unavoidable reality when traveling. Different groups of travelers define themselves and others by class. It sounds nasty, but it is not all bad.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Budgeting, Lifestyle

Save 50% On Your Passport Application?

By 2009, passports will be mandatory for all US citizens traveling abroad. If you were planning a trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, this could mean a rather substantial additional expense will be added to your vacation.

by: David DeFranza | channel: Cars and Transportation