Do you find yourself scrolling through your social feed, daydreaming about faraway lands, inspiring photographs, and life-changing adventure often? Then, you wake up and check your bank account balance. To travel on a budget can be a difficult thing for many people, and unfortunately, can deter some would-be wanderers from experiencing this incredible planet. To help you get the most out of your journey, here are some hacks to travel on a budget.
Travel out of Season
Traveling during the school holidays is when the industry increases prices to take advantage of families who can only travel during these weeks. So, consider traveling ‘off-peak,’ but stay on the lookout of when that is since it may differ from country to country. Lots of destinations have different travel seasons, so make sure to do your research. With just a bit of planning, you can guarantee you plan around the price hikes and tourist swarms. Besides, when there are fewer tourists, you can enjoy other types of attractions and landscapes without having to deal with crowds.
Be Accommodation Savvy
Have you considered trading expensive hotel suites for dorm rooms in hostels? To share space distributes the costs and communal bunk rooms offer the chance to meet people who might be keen to explore with you. Another great alternative is Airbnb, where you simply book a spare room in a local person’s house or apartment. It will cost half the price of a luxury hotel; plus alternative lodging will allow you an authentic snapshot of real life in the city.
Pack Properly
Bring everything that you need with you – but only what you will really need. Over packing means extra bags, extra fees, and frankly, no one wants that! Pack all that you need so that you don’t have to shop while you’re away (apart from a few souvenirs). No matter where you’re traveling to, take at least one pair of long jeans, a warm hoodie, and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather.
Book flights in advance and be smart
about how you fly
Experts say that it is best to travel on Tuesdays. That’s because midweek travel prices are lower, as a premium is added to weekend flights, and you’ll breeze through shorter queues at airport check-in desks and security. You can also fly economy class. You will have more money to spend on food or accommodation when you save money on cheap seats. Budget, low-cost airlines are great for short flights and regularly have cheap deals. If you’re planning a weekend trip, pack light and use hand luggage, saving yourself some money on bags.
Don’t eat away your cash
Eating at local fresh food markets instead of an
overpriced cafe or restaurant can keep your budget healthy when traveling. Not
that you couldn’t go to an upscale restaurant, just be mindful of the cash you
are spending so you don’t run out of money mid-way through your vacation.
