How to Travel on a Budget
Traveling to new places has many benefits. You get to experience new cultures, enjoy new sights, and rejuvenate your body. However, traveling shouldn’t be an expensive undertaking. You don’t have to strike gold or win the lottery to travel. We have come up with a few ways to help you plan your next vacation without spending too much money.
Develop a Plan
Spontaneous traveling is highly coveted because it presents a random adventure. But if you are looking to travel on a budget, you need a plan. The plan doesn’t have to be necessarily a comprehensive minute-by-minute itinerary. But it should give you an idea of what you’ll be doing and how much it will cost.
The plan should indicate how many days or hours you’ll spend at a specific destination and the cheapest routes to take. Knowing most of the places you’ll visit leaves less to chance and prevents spontaneous spending. Things like last-minute flights and same-day accommodation booking can cost a lot.
Avoid High Season
The school holidays are the ideal time for travel, not just for you, but for everybody else. The problem with this is that it increases demand without an increase in supply. During the school holidays, hotels have the luxury to hike prices because they know they’ll still get customers. On the other hand, traveling when schools are in session is a good idea because demand in the tourism industry is low. Hotels are competing to attract customers and are willing to offer discounts. Although the weather may not be ideal for a vacation during the school holidays, the trip won’t hurt your pocket.
Learn How Hotel Accommodation Works
You don’t have to stay at expensive hotel suites when traveling. If you are on a tight budget, you can instead stay at hostels or dorm rooms. Another thing you can do to lower the accommodation costs is to share a room with somebody else. This other person can be somebody you travel with or someone you find at the hotel.
It’s also advisable to learn how communal bunk rooms work and the opportunities they offer when it comes to social networking. Airbnb and Couchsurfing are other great options that offer convenience without a price increase. These sites will give you a digital tour and show you pictures of the place you will be staying in before making a booking decision. You’ll also meet the place owner, who may give you extra tips on how to save money while on vacation. For instance, Airbnb accommodation providers can direct you to the cheapest eateries near your hotel.
Another option is to stay with family and friends who live near the place you’re planning to visit. You may reach out to a long-lost cousin or an old friend.
Pack Properly
Another great way to reduce costs while traveling is to carry everything you need. You can take the essentials you are using at your house. Some of these essentials may end up costing a lot in a new country, thus increasing the trip’s overall cost. For instance, pack clothes for every weather. This will keep you prepared for any unexpected weather changes and prevent last-minute raincoat purchases. Also, you can pack air hockey essentials such as a table with the smoothest surface.
Book Flights Early
The price of airline tickets increases as you approach the departure date. The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. Some airlines allow you to book your flight 10 months in advance.
Similarly, many airlines offer discounts when you book a return flight. This lowers your flight cost and cushions you from a situation where you don’t have money to book a flight while still abroad. A plane ticket can become more expensive while you are still on holiday.
Smart Flying
If you have to book a flight a few days before departure, you can still get some discounts. For example, it is common knowledge that midweek ticket prices are lower than weekend flights. In addition to saving money, you also encounter shorter queues at the airport. Research has also shown that upgrades to business class usually happens during midweek flights. The money you’ll save by traveling during the weekday can be diverted to other necessary expenses, such as food and accommodation.
Bottom Line
Although the pandemic has negatively affected the travel industry, experts expect traveling to resume in the coming months. When traveling resumes, you, too, can see new places. All you have to do is use the tips we have provided above.
