Traveling the world can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these tried and tested tips, you can explore the world on a budget.
Avoid paying for attractions geared towards tourists, as they are usually more expensive. Instead, look for free museums, festival days, and local parks.
1. Plan your trip ahead of time
It’s important to plan your trip ahead of time. This will help you save money by avoiding last-minute decisions that can be expensive. It also helps you stay on budget by keeping track of your spending. It’s easy to get carried away when traveling, especially when it comes to buying souvenirs. However, these costs add up quickly and can take a big bite out of your travel budget.
Planning ahead of time can also save you money on flights and hotels. Flight prices tend to be higher during the peak season, so it’s best to book early. Hotel rooms and rental cars are also more likely to sell out if you wait until the last minute.
Some activities require advanced booking, including popular museums and special entry like after-hours tours. But it’s usually best to make reservations about three months ahead of time. This will allow you to save more money and avoid stress when arriving at your destination.
2. Stay in hostels
The best way to save money while traveling is to stay in hostels. Hostels are typically much cheaper than hotels and offer a great opportunity to meet other travelers. Plus, most hostels have shared kitchens so you can cook your own meals and save money on eating out.
Many hostels also offer free activities like walking tours, pub crawls and cooking classes which are a great way to see the city and make new friends. They also have common areas where you can relax and socialize with other travellers, and most of them are equipped with a cool lounge couch area or a hammock grove (common in Southeast Asia).
Another great way to save money is by using websites like Airbnb and Workaway to book spare rooms in local people’s homes. This will halve your accommodation costs and give you a more authentic experience of the city’s culture. Just be sure to cross-check the prices of the home you’re looking at on other websites to avoid overpaying.
3. Stay in smaller hotels
Exploring exotic places doesn’t have to cost a fortune – there are plenty of ways to do it on a budget. One way is to stay in smaller hotels and avoid eating out, which can be expensive. Another is to walk, rather than taking a bus or taxi, which will save you money. You’ll also burn more calories, and will be able to explore the nooks and crannies of your destination in much more detail.
One of the most effective tips for saving money while traveling is to travel during the off-season, when prices are lower and crowds are thinner. This is especially true in popular destinations like Europe. It is also a good idea to avoid traveling on weekends and holidays, as these are the most expensive times of year. In addition, try booking hotels that offer free breakfasts, which can save you a lot of money.
4. Stay off the beaten track
Travelling is a great experience and can give you the chance to learn about different cultures, try new foods, see fantastic sights, and create unforgettable memories. However, travelling can also come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money on travel and still enjoy all the perks.
For example, you can save by choosing smaller towns or beaches over the more popular destinations. Or you could stay in hostels with kitchen facilities and cook your own meals. This doesn’t mean you have to cook elaborate meals, but simply cooking one meal a day can save you a lot of money.
You can also save by travelling at off-peak times of the year. For example, it’s often cheaper to fly to Europe during the winter than during the summer, and you can avoid the crowds by traveling at these times. Alternatively, you can opt to take the train rather than flying, as this is usually much cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
5. Take public transport
It’s not just a great way to save money, but also to travel more sustainably. By avoiding private transportation and using public transport instead, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint as well as saving money on food and accommodation costs.
Take trains and buses when possible to avoid paying inflated taxi prices. According to tourguiderio.com, this is one of the best ways to travel cheaply and see more of a country. Try to follow locals who are taking the buses to see what the cheapest options are.
You can even save more by taking a train ride rather than a plane. Not only is it cheaper, but train rides are more comfortable and environmentally friendly too. Traveling by train is especially popular in Europe, where a trip to Prague can be enjoyed for under $20. It’s also a great way to see Central America, where you can enjoy a variety of activities from hiking and volcano climbing to relaxing on beautiful beaches and colonial cities.
6. Eat local food
Eating local food is more than just a trendy travel trend, it’s also good for the planet. After all, the average piece of lettuce travels 5,000 miles to get to your grocery store. So by eating locally, you’re cutting down on those carbon footprints.
When it comes to food, try to avoid tourist-friendly restaurants and go for neighborhood spots instead. You’ll find cheaper menus and a more authentic experience. Plus, you’ll support the local economy.
Another way to save on food costs is to eat at hostels, which often have kitchens you can use. Or, sign up for a peer-to-peer meal sharing program that connects you with new friends in your travel destination and allows you to enjoy tax-free home cooking.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the great produce deals at local markets and supermarkets. And if you have the space, try growing your own vegetables. It’s one of the cheapest ways to eat local!
7. Take a day trip
Traveling the world doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking that breaks your bank account. With some planning, it’s possible to see the sights and create incredible memories without spending a fortune.
One of the best ways to save money while travelling is to avoid attractions geared toward tourists. Instead, choose activities that locals enjoy. This will help you to immerse yourself in the culture and avoid tourist traps.
If you do want to visit a popular attraction, be sure to look for discounts online before booking. Sites like CityPass and Destination Coupons can often provide you with huge savings on experiences like theme parks and aquariums.
In addition, you can also save money by avoiding meals out. While it’s important to treat yourself occasionally, preparing your own meals will help you to save big on food costs while travelling. You can even bring snacks to reduce your reliance on restaurants.
8. Embrace simplicity
You don’t have to scale Karakoram peaks or dive into the Mariana Trench to break off the tourist trail. It’s simply a matter of staying open to new routes and adventures. This could mean eating at local family-owned restaurants, visiting artisan markets, and taking cooking classes to learn about the culture and heritage of a destination.
Embrace some discomfort while traveling includes taking low-cost flights, sharing bathrooms in hostels or hotels, and travelling by bus. But it will be worth it if you can discover hidden gems and immerse yourself in a culture that is authentic and untouched by tourists.
Another way to stay off the beaten path and save money is by staying away from high-season travel times. This is especially important during holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and summer (relative to the hemisphere). Hotels, tours, and even flight prices will be higher during these times.
9. Set your limits
One great way to experience a destination without spending too much money is to keep in mind that these trips can add up quickly. So, try to plan for them and try to limit your eating out.
If you’re interested in going on a day trip, check out the local deals and discounts online. Many places offer discount tickets to top attractions. For example, you can save money on a visit to Angkor Wat by purchasing a multi-day pass.
In addition, don’t forget about free activities and events. These can be just as fun and exciting as the paid ones. Also, remember to bring a small snack and water with you for the day. That way, you can avoid buying overpriced snacks and drinks. This will save you a lot of money in the long run. And most importantly, it will help you stay on your budget.