Tips for Traveling on a Budget
What do you do if you want to see the world but have a limited budget? You start looking for ways to make your travel dreams come true.
From purchasing cheap travel insurance to timing your flight just right, there are ways to lower your travel costs so that you can travel on a shoestring budget. These tips will help you stretch your budget while you live your jet-setting dreams.
Even if you have your heart set on a particular destination, you might not be able to make it happen when you want it to. Some places are just more expensive than others. For example, Hawaii is a dream holiday for many people, but it is often beyond the means of budget travellers. Paris, Singapore, Tuscany, New York, and Seychelles are other pricey locales that you might have to steer clear of until you have more money.
Instead, look for places that are actively courting visitors because they need to boost their tourism market. Countries and cities that need to advertise their attractions are often less expensive than those that get by on reputation alone. Places like Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Poland, Guatemala, and Namibia offer affordable accommodations. These are incredible destinations that will give you memories of a lifetime without breaking the bank.
Often, the overlooked part of a budget is food, particularly if you eat in restaurants for every meal. Buying the ingredients to make your own means is much cheaper, but of course, you have to make sure you have a place to cook where you’re staying. Most hostels have a communal kitchen that you can use and if you rent an Airbnb, you’ll probably have access to your own kitchen.
Plan out your meals ahead of time and only eat in restaurants when you absolutely have to. If you don’t have access to a kitchen, you can still get food that doesn’t have to be cooked for your breakfasts and lunches (think sandwiches, fruit, and some vegetables). When you have to eat at restaurants, try to avoid the popular tourist spots because those will often have higher prices than local eateries, especially if you seek out hidden gems.
Planned tours are expensive and they usually offer very surface-level cultural experiences. Instead, search for free events that will be happening while you’re in town. You can usually find festivals, markets, bazaars, fairs, and other events that don’t charge for entrance. Often, these events will also have free activities you can participate in as well. For example, a festival with free admission might also offer free concerts or street performances from local artists.
Some hostels offer cooking classes, free walking or biking tours, and even pub crawls. These are great activities for you to get to know other people while immersing yourself in local culture. If you’re not into organized events, strike out on your own and explore aspects of a town or city that spark your interest, such as architecture, parks, or museums (which often offer free or cheap admission).
Travelling doesn’t always have to be expensive, but you do have to plan ahead. By intentionally choosing a less expensive destination, cooking your own meals, and seeking out free activities, you can fulfill your travel dreams and still have some money left in your bank account when your holiday ends.
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