The rich have many travel options en route to Clooney’s place on Lake Como.

The rest of us need the Lonely Planet shoestring guidebook series. Inexpensive accommodation, restaurants and activities only.

Big Trips on Small Budgets.

On my current 3-month trip I have stayed in cheap hostels and 5-star resorts (sleeping on the balcony under the stars, actually).

The hostels are far better, of course.

Hostels are only successful if their guests have a great time. And they do.

You can have an excellent trip travelling for US$20-30 a day in most countries. It is a mistake to budget less than US$20 / day, I advise. Shorten your trip, instead.

Caution — we entertained an 88-year-old UK lady backpacker at the beloved Weary Traveller hostel in Tulum. She left next morning disgusted at the place. Some travellers are too delicate for the hostel circuit. But most survive the cold showers, loud parties, over-indulgence in alcohol, and the odd wandering scorpion.