Has the wanderlust bug bit you yet? The travel fever is what we are witnessing right now. With the internet opening up the world for exploration, tours, and travel has become such a big sensation. Rich people regularly travel for business and take vacations but after the world shutting down, and the 2020 COVID pandemic, everyone now wants to take a mini vacation to break the monotony and enjoy life a little. However, times are tough financially but with a good plan and relevant information, you can afford a good time.
If you are one of those seeking thrills of new adventures but on a tight budget, here are a few tips to help you achieve your dream:
1. Come up with a Plan
As you plan your journey, consider the length of stay and the amount of money you want to spend for the entire trip. Don’t be in a rush to come back for work or school, it’s a vacation. Travel is about experiencing life at a slower pace.
Consider accommodation, food and drinks expenses, transport, and set aside emergency funds or health insurance. Don’t go and run short of money because you did not plan well.
2. Travel Off Season
Avoid peak times at all costs. Don’t take a holiday trip during the school holidays or the festive season. There is usually a rush and the travel industry hikes fare prices to take advantage of the situation to make profits. Do a thorough research on where you are going. Travel just before or after the busy season. You will save up a lot even though there won’t be a festive mood at your destination or the weather may not be as great at that time of the year. All in all, you will still have a great time exploring since the places are not crowded. Hotels and airlines drop their prices to attract customers during this “low” tide.
3. Do Cheaper Meals
While there, buy cheap foods; buy from a supermarket or even a local food market as opposed to overpriced restaurants for tourists. Street foods are also a great way to enjoy cultural foods while saving up a few dollars.
Compare prices around before settling down to eat. If you pick the first restaurant, you won’t know if you’re overspending. Avoid drinking beer and save both your wallet and your waistline. Water goes a long way to keep you hydrated and cool. Some accommodations have a kitchen and cooking option, use it to save a lot of dollars for the whole trip.
4. Travel With Friends
Traveling as a group can be so therapeutic. You get to share adventures with people you love spending time with. It most importantly helps one to save money while traveling since you split all the costs. Make that Whatsapp group dream a reality and get traveling. Bills shared include groceries, accommodation, activities, and car rentals. Hire a hostel with your friends and enjoy a great time and discount. You can also get a good travel package, with tour and travel companies, as opposed to travelling as a single package. Bulk discounts are a great way to save money as you make memories with your friends.
5. Visit Cheaper Destinations
This has to be the most important of all the budget travel tips, and obvious reasons. Everything is affordable in a cheap country and a week’s budget in a cheap country might not even last a day in an expensive destination. Central & South America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia & Southeast Asia are among the cheapest countries you can start with.
6. Use Public Transport
Wherever you travel, always choose public transport over taxis/Uber. Taxi rides come in handy when you are in a rush but if you just exploring, slow down time and go for public transport. Sometimes getting a rental taxi could be the cheaper option than public. That depends on your travel plans! Compare and contrast.
Even in cheap countries, where taxi rides seem not as costly, chances are public transport will only cost half the price. You’ll always save on transport going public.
7. Attend Free Events
Immerse yourself in the culture by exploring your surroundings. Familiarise with the locals and get in touch with popular spots. Instead of the city’s pricey tours, which are cliche, you could save money by getting a local tour guide.
Most cities here have free walking or bike tours, which is an amazing way to sightsee and make friends. If you’re solo, events like these are one of the best ways to create some great memories and life-long friends.
Here are some ideas to save you money and save the environment:
- Walking or cycling rather than getting a taxi
- Hitchhiking than renting a car
- Reusing a water bottle and filling it up rather than buying bottled water.
- Buying shampoo and soap bars to save space.
Safe travel. Adios!
