9 Best Tips On How To Travel On a Budget
You don’t have to spend a fortune to explore exotic places. Also, even if you know how to take care of a penny, you don’t have to win the lottery to travel the world or study abroad. We have put together some proven tips to help you plan your vacation on a budget.
1. Make a plan
If you can afford the time and money, a voluntary trip is great. But if you’re traveling on a budget, the first thing to do is to plan. You don’t need a tight hourly itinerary, but at least you need to have an idea of how much time you spend in each city or country and know which route an epic adventure will take. Less accidental leave means less unexpected spending. Last-minute flights and accommodation are often much more expensive.
2. Travel out of season
Avoid traveling during school holidays. This is when the travel industry raises prices to take advantage of families who can only travel these weeks. Investigate the best time to visit your destination and travel just before or after these dates. This is called the “midseason” and you can still have a great trip. The travel industry lowers its price to attract customers during this period.
3. Be accommodation-savvy
Exchange expensive hotel suites for hostel residences. Sharing a room is of course less expensive, and shared bunk beds provide the opportunity to meet people who may be interested in exploring with you. Another great option is to book a savings room for a local’s home or apartment on a site like Airbnb or Couchsurfing. This halves the price and gives you a real snapshot of the city’s real life. Think of your host as your own personal tour guide. And it’s full of insider information about the best restaurants and attractions in the neighborhood.
You can also spend time with family and friends. Contact someone you know or plan a trip to where your long-lost cousin or friend currently lives. They can guide you to visit places you have never thought of.
4. Pack properly
Bring everything you need (except for some souvenirs) so you don’t have to shop while you’re away. Wherever you go, bring at least a pair of long jeans, a warm hoodie, and a waterproof jacket in case of an unpredictable weather event.
5. Book your flight in advance…
Especially the return flight. Too little money to go abroad without a guaranteed ticket is by no means ideal. Airlines “depart” flight seats up to a year ago, and the closer they are to the departure date, the higher the price, especially last month.
6. And be smart about how you fly
Choose to travel on Tuesday. Weekday travel will be cheaper and airport check-in and security counter lines will be shorter due to the addition of premiums to weekend flights. Also, stick to Economy Class-no matter how nice Business Class looks, no upgrades are needed. The money saved in the cheap seats can be used for meals and accommodation upon arrival.
Cheap and low-cost airlines are suitable for short flights and often make cheap deals. If you’re planning a weekend vacation, try lightening your luggage and using only your baggage to save on your checked baggage costs.
7. Use public transportation
Buses and trains are cheaper than planes. It’s that easy! Night train trips also mean that you have less overnight stay in your dwelling to pay for …
8. Don’t eat away your cash
Cheap lunches can be purchased at supermarkets and local fresh food markets rather than at expensive cafes and restaurants. Try walking around before choosing a place to eat. If you choose the restaurant you see first, you don’t know if you’re overspending. Alternatively, if you want to cook yourself and save money, you can often use the kitchen in your home or vacant room.
9. Earn while you travel
Working holidays are a great way to spend months (or more) of the year to realize your travel dreams. Learn skiing during the winter season and take care of tourists heading to the Mediterranean on a summer sea trip. Or making money by being self-employed while traveling. Opportunities are literally endless.
