How to Travel on a Budget?

It's important to do some well-thought-out research on the places you wish to go to that are enjoyable and affordable at the same time. Don't feel bad about looking for alternatives to the areas you want to visit, or the fun activities you want to partake in. Some places really do make you overpay if they know you're a tourist so watch out for that.

What matters is that you get to experience the city or country you wish to go to its fullest while staying within a budget.

That's why here are 10 tips and tricks on how to travel on a budget.

Choose a budget and stick to it

We sometimes get carried away easily with the number of places we want to visit and activities we want to experience that we can't afford most of them. That is why the key to traveling in a cost-friendly way is to first set a travel budget and stick to it.

If that hotel is a few dollars too expensive, it's then best to choose an alternative. If that skiing activity is just a few cents off, still, look for an alternative. Don't feel limited by your budget because there are tons upon tons of alternatives that you can find on the market that don't sacrifice an enjoyable experience.

Plan your destination carefully

It's best to do some canvassing before booking your accommodations because there are certain hotels, tourist trips, and enjoyable activities that are more expensive than others. If you want to travel on a budget, it's recommended to be aware of what that city or country can offer at affordable prices.

Look for places wherein the exchange rate has a good value. Also, look for places that have cheaper accommodations than a hotel such as hostels or even dorm rooms. There are some locals that offer extra rooms in their house for rent such as tourists like you.

Travel during off-peak seasons

Choosing to travel on a budget during off-peak seasons is one of the best tips we can give you. Not only are the places less crowded, the trip going there is relatively less expensive than when you would travel, say, during the holidays or when there are big events going on in that place.

Book your flights in advance so that you will be guaranteed a spot on the plane. There are many discounts that are offered even during off-peak seasons so take advantage of them. Most airlines tell their passengers in advance about their flight arrangements. And, the closer the date is to your flight, the more expensive they will be especially if it's during the last month.

Avoid expensive tourist traps

To travel on a budget would mean that you would have to avoid all those tourist traps that reel you in with their enticing activities and the possible places they can bring you to.

Try to look for lesser well-known destinations. There are many hidden gems across the country or city you wish to visit if you research well and look hard enough. Ask for some recommendations from the locals that live there. Make use of your connections and ask your friends, family, or even coworkers about which places to go to that fit well within your budget.

Use sharing economy

Sharing economy would mean that you share the products or services offered with other people. Some examples would be carpooling services and budget home accommodations.

Carpooling services such as Bla Bla Car or Uber are great ways to travel on a budget. Not only do you save money on your trips, but you might also meet some unexpected new friends along the way.

There are people who have extra seats in their cars and are more than willing to allow others to pay for those seats. It's often more inexpensive than traveling using public transport in some countries.

Budget home accommodation services such as Airbnb offers great deals if you want to travel on a budget and looking for a place to stay. Locals that offer up extra rooms in their house, or even their whole house for that matter, give outstanding deals for tourists.

Pack only the necessary items

You have to pack light if you want to travel on a budget. It will only cost you more when you bring a lot of baggage when you bring it to the airline.

What's important though is that you bring all the necessary items that you need. Pack lightly in terms of clothing but don't forget your swimwear or thermal wear, or whichever attire is suited for the weather of the place. Bring the essentials such as toiletries and other items because if you forget something, you would then have to buy it.

To travel on a budget would mean that you have to take into account everything that you many needs for the trip so you would have to spend more than what is necessary.

Get travel passes

Getting train or rail passes is a great way to save money when you want to travel on a budget. If you wish to travel in the city or country for some time, traveling using public transport is a cheaper option than having to hail a cab every day.

If you really need to book individual trips for any reason, may it be due to your itinerary plans, then it's best to book ahead of time as this will cut down on most of the cost. However, this will really limit your schedule and your plans.

Traveling using public transport using passes will really allow you to enjoy the day and go sightseeing since there's most likely a bus or train that is available at any given time.

Walk often

If it really comes down to it, walk to your destination. Most places are within walking distance so there's sometimes no need to take public transport. As the saying goes "walking is the cheapest form of transportation," and it's a good practice if you want to travel on a budget. You'll never know what hidden gems you would find in the city that you're staying in if you just walk.

You may also opt to rent a bike if walking is a bit tiring for you. It's a cheaper alternative than public transport.

Walking or riding a bike is a good way to exercise when traveling. Not only do you get to work on those calves, you get to experience first-hand all the sights there is to see.

Use discount cards

If you're a student, a person with a disability, or under 26, there are some activities, places, and attractions that offer discounts for you up to 50%! Get the appropriate card and enjoy your trip with the amount of money you're going to save when using a discount card. Just present an ID and you're good to go.

Tourist cards also offer cheap and even free deals if you plan on staying in the city for long. Go to any local tourism office in order to see what cards are available. They are sure to be of help if you have any questions, and are even more than willing to point you in the direction of accommodations or attractions that fit well within your budget. They are understanding if you say you wish to travel on a budget.

Cook your own meals

To travel on a budget would mean you would have to cut down on your spending on meals. When booking your accommodations, try to look for places that have a kitchen in them. If there's none, bring your own cutlery and pack food on the go.

It wouldn't hurt to skip out on buying a meal when you can cook in the convenience of your accommodation.

Conclusion

Traveling on a budget is doable if you plan ahead and canvass well on the flights, accommodations, places, and other things you wish to do in the place you're visiting. Cut down on expenses such as by choosing to share economy by carpooling or sharing accommodations. Walk more often, or rent a bike, to lessen expenses on traveling. Skipping out on buying meals outside is a great way for saving money if you're able to cook your own meals. Take advantage of the discount cards that are available from the local tourism offices.

If you implement these tips well, you'll be sure to save more than $100 on your trip. Be resourceful and you'll get to experience the world has to offer, even when on a budget.