So, you want to see the world?
Great!
But how can you afford it?
And how do you keep cost and budget low on the road?
The world is an amazing place and there are so many things out there we don’t know about. And travelling today is so much easier than it was in the past. And modern technology has made it even better. We can use the advancements of today to save a few dollars and make our travels budget-friendly and affordable.
Why not pack up your bags, hop on a bus and ride off to a place that you’ve only seen on television or in a documentary?
But budget travellers beware: Wanderlust is a very real disease.
It can make you forget that food, accommodation, and safety are just as important as the adventure. Travelling is one of life’s best pleasures, but it doesn’t always have to break the bank. Here are some tips that will help you travel cheaply and still have an incredible time.
Top travel tips to ensure your budget-travel dreams remain intact.
1. Plan Ahead
The biggest way to save a lot of money when you travel is by planning ahead and making sure you do your research before you go. This can include researching where to stay, what transportation to use, and what activities to partake in. Budget travellers should be aware of what they’re getting into before they ever leave the city they live in. It’s easy to look online and book a cheap flight or hostel, but it’s important to have a basic understanding of your destination first. Planning where you’re going, how you’re going to get there, where you’ll sleep, and how much money you’ll need is the absolute bare minimum that any budget traveler should do before he leaves on the trip of a lifetime.
2. Do Your Research
There’s a lot to see and do in the world and you can’t afford to miss out on great experiences because of your budget. A lot of the time, budget travellers underestimate how much money they will need. This may sound like a lot, but when you look at it from the perspective of how much you are going to get out of a certain place. You can save up your travel money over time, and then use the final amount to visit places you’ve always dreamed of seeing. Remember, not all places are created equal; some are more affordable than others. Proper research on the place you’re going to visit is important for both your budget and your experience.
3. Buy tickets beforehand
If you know that you want to travel somewhere, but don’t know when it’s important to book your flight as soon as possible. You get the best rates when you buy your tickets ahead of time, so do it right now! If you have a lot of time book flights that have halts and stopovers; this will save you money. Also, book your flight during the early hours or late night hours. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the best time to book as you can catch up on some sleep on your flight. Prefer to travel by bus or train if your destination is nearby. Book your tickets ahead of time, too. Makes sure to book at least 3 weeks in advance and take advantage of the savings.
4. Research hostels before you go
You’ve got two options when it comes to accommodation; hotels are available everywhere, but they are often expensive. A lot of package deals include hotels, and these can get very pricey. Find cheap hostels that are a great place to stay while you travel, safe, and filled with friendly travellers who will give you all sorts of advice about what to see and do. Before you go somewhere, search for the best places to sleep on your budget. If you are staying for a long time in hostels you can earn some money by teaching English to the local people. Also, read as many reviews as possible on the hostel itself. If it’s not a great place to stay, find another one. You don’t want to spend your entire trip in a dingy hostel with a bunch of other unruly travellers.
5. Use public transportation, especially in cities
Taking public transportation options is an amazing way to see the city; it’s also very affordable. You can use this opportunity to learn about the area and its history by asking fellow travelers or locals for recommendations. Cities are expensive and there are public transportation systems all around. You can travel large distances at minimal cost with the help of your local public transit system. If you’re going to be using this public transport frequently, think about buying a pass that you can use as many times as you want. It may cost a bit more than a single ticket, but over the course of your stay in the city, it will save you hundreds of rupees. You can get passes for buses and metro trains. It is important to note that there are some places where public transportation is not possible. If you’re traveling to a more rural area, renting a car or a taxi may be your only option. Also, it is highly recommended to take free walking tours organised by the local guides to know more about the place.
6. Travel off-season
The best time to travel is during the months of January, February, and March for budget travellers. This is known as the shoulder season and usually coincides with school working days. This is the perfect time to go because you can get cheap flights, great weather, and good deals on hostels. Another option for budget travelers is to travel during the summer, which is known as the low season. The weather will be hot and humid, but it’s an affordable option for budget-conscious travellers. Also, some airlines offer great deals on flights if you travel during off-peak times when compared to high-tourist seasons. If you want to take a flight book as soon as possible.
7. Pack Carefully and don’t overpack
Travelling is a very personal experience, so bringing too much stuff is not going to make it better. The most important thing you can bring on your trip is your sense of adventure and the will to see the world. Pack lightweight clothes which can be easily washed and dried on the go. A lot of people tend to overdo it because they want to bring everything they think they will need, but it’s very important to pack lightly. Remember that you’re not going on a camping trip, you’re going to an exciting destination with a lot of things to see and do. Pack clothing and toiletries that are minimal and lightweight. Consider buying a backpack instead of a luggage trolley, this will save you space. Once you pack up your bags, it’s time to prepare for the journey ahead.
8. Try Couchsurfing
This may be a new term for many of you. Couchsurfing is a great way to travel for free with a friendly stranger who will host you and provide free accommodation and show you around their hometown. It’s like staying at a friend’s house without paying anything. Make sure you have a good profile by providing information on where you’re going, what your hobbies are, pictures of yourself, and the type of person you are. It is important to show that you respect others, and be genuine and relaxed. The same goes with the host, check about the place you’re staying and decide if it’s a good fit before you arrive. Make sure to ask the host if they have animals, they might have a dog or two, and you don’t want to be unprepared. Also share information on where you are going to stay with your friends and family because it can also be pretty risky (especially if the person who hosts you turns out to be an axe-murderer) if you don’t be careful.
9. Eat like a local and save money on food
It may be tempting to eat at a fancy restaurant but the meals we eat at home can be very expensive at those restaurants. If you’re saving up and looking to travel on a budget, you’re going to have to cut down on your food intake. In order to save money and stay healthy when you travel, it’s important to try new things and experiment with the local cuisine. Eating cheaply is easy if you live in a city; there are all sorts of inexpensive street food vendors or markets where you can grab a bite for less than 100 rupees. But sometimes the local food may not suit your body and you may end up having an upset stomach. So prefer eating at hygienic places. Also, try to get instant ready-to-eat food from your home which you can easily cook on the go.
10. Check before you shop at a tourist place
As a tourist, it is easy to get scammed by the local sellers. Many places do not cater to budget travellers as they have a lot of sales tactics to get you to spend more money and rise your credit card bills in their shops. Be wise and know what you’re buying and why. If your budget does not permit it, don’t shop there. Check out the price before you go in and prepare a list of things you may want to buy at a later date. Do proper research about the prices and types of tourist scams in the area before you are visiting. Learn more about the country’s culture and traditions to get an understanding of what to buy and take back as souvenirs. The more you travel to different cultures, the more open-minded and tolerant you become. You will learn to appreciate the people of other countries, which helps in making connections and community with them.
Must Read: Tips & Tricks To Save Money And Time While Travelling
By following all the tips mentioned above you can plan and enjoy your travel to any part of the world within your budget. If you are planning to travel abroad then the best time to go abroad is during economic boom times or when the travel industry is at its peak. This will make everything more affordable and easier for you. There are also many budget-friendly airlines that are cheap when the economy is good, too (keep an eye out for airline coupons). Also, don’t forget to take a travel insurance which might be helpful during emergency situations and Chase Sapphire is the best credit card for travellers and offers many perks.
Traveling is more than just visiting places, it’s knowing about the people and culture that you’re seeing. There are so many things to learn on your travels and experiences you can have during your time abroad. Traveling is not only a great way to spend quality time with your friends or family but also a great way to broaden your perspective and affordably reduce stress. Enjoy the journey!
