| Vancouver is one of the most livable cities in North | | | | between an expensive vacation, versus a budget |
| America. Unfortunately, it can be costly to visit | | | | one. |
| compared to other cities in Canada. There are several | | | | Transportation in Vancouver is generally cheap, if you |
| major costs associated with any type of traveling | | | | can avoid taking the taxi. Vancouver has an efficient |
| you do. They consist of flight, accommodation, | | | | rapid transit system called SkyTrain, which is |
| transportation, tickets and admissions, and food. To | | | | essentially automated trains running on elevated |
| travel on a budget, it is important to keep the overall | | | | tracks. The bus network in Vancouver is also |
| cost down, which can be easily achieved with a bit of | | | | extensive, and can take you places where the |
| planning and research. | | | | SkyTrain does not reach. The transit fare purchased |
| Although the bulk of popular attractions in Vancouver | | | | works for both SkyTrain and buses, allowing you |
| is concentrated in the downtown/city-centre, that | | | | unlimited access to these services for up to 90 |
| doesn't mean you need to book accommodation that | | | | minutes. By purchasing the DayPass for $9, you can |
| is within the city core. Several budget hotels are | | | | have unlimited access to these services for the |
| available on the outskirts of downtown Vancouver, | | | | entire day. FareSavers are also another way you can |
| including the Budget Inn Patricia Vancouver Hotel, | | | | save money. By buying 10 fares at once, you enjoy |
| which offers private rooms for as low as $40 a night. | | | | an average saving of 16% over the regular fare |
| Other budget chain hotels are available, including | | | | price. |
| Holiday Inn and Ramada Hotel. For even cheaper | | | | You can further save on tickets, admissions and food |
| accommodation, look for hostels with shared | | | | by purchasing an Entertainment Book for Vancouver |
| accommodation, which can be as cheap as $30 a | | | | ahead of time. Depending on when you make the |
| night. | | | | purchase, the book can be discounted as much as |
| The cost of flight can be reduced if you travel during | | | | 75%, making it very cheap to buy. The book |
| the low season. Many airlines will offer discount | | | | contains many buy-one-get-one coupons, allowing |
| airfare, but will only keep the discount window open | | | | you to visit attractions such as the Vancouver |
| for a short period of time. It is worthwhile to visit | | | | Aquarium, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and others for |
| websites such as Price Network or Red Flag Deals | | | | half the cost. You can also use the coupons for |
| where other users will post special flight deals | | | | many fine dining and casual dining restaurants, if you |
| periodically. This can really spell the difference | | | | ever get tired from eating fast food. |