How To Travel Anywhere On A Budget
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Traveling can be an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. With careful planning, however, it's possible to travel on a budget and still have a great time. Here are some tips to help you travel cheaply!
1. Plan ahead
Start planning your trip as far in advance as possible. This will give you time to compare prices and make more informed decisions. This will also allow you to sign up for price alerts from places like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Those are the two main places I go when booking flights. Price alerts will send you emails when price drops happen that way you can jump on a good price right away.
2. Get a high rewards travel credit card
Having good travel credit cards has saved me a ton of money over the year when it comes to travel. Obviously, if you struggle with money management credit cards will end up costing you more than you saved. But, if you can pay off your balance every month and never spend more than you have, these are incredible tools! The sign-up bonuses these cards offer by themselves could pay for the flights of a dream trip of yours. I will write a whole post later going into more depth on how to get the most out of travel credit cards. For now, go ahead and sign up for one and work toward getting that sign-up bonus. I use and highly recommend the Venture Card by Capital One for the best value (right now their sign-up bonus is 75,000 miles which is quite high). Click here and it will direct you to my personal referral link for signing up to get the venture card.
2. Be flexible
Consider traveling during the low season when prices for flights and accommodations are lower. You can easily check the cheapest time to travel using the explore function in the Skyscanner app. You just choose the airport you're departing from and then your destination (if you're feeling adventurous you can leave your destination as anywhere). Then leave the date of travel at any time. It will show you the cheapest months out of the year to travel to that destination.
Also, be open to traveling to destinations that may be less popular but still offer great experiences. Below is an image from the Philippines. Which is a fantastic place to visit if you're on a budget!
3. Use budget airlines
Low-cost carriers are often the best way to save money on flights. Do your research and compare prices before booking to ensure you are getting the best deal. Keep in mind, that these budget airlines only really save money if you're able to be an extremely light packer. Most of their money comes from all the additional fees they tack on including luggage fees.
4.Consider alternative accommodations
Instead of staying in a hotel, consider other options such as hostels, Airbnb rentals, or homestays. These options can often be significantly cheaper and offer a more authentic experience. In some places, though hotels might be cheaper so research all your options first.
5. Cook your own food
Eating out can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. To save money, try cooking your own food or finding local markets to purchase ingredients. If you choose this route make sure the place you're staying has a kitchen to cook in.
6. Walk or use public transportation
Renting a car, taking taxis, and Uber’s can quickly add up. Consider walking or using public transportation to get around. Not only will this save you money, but it will also give you a chance to experience local life. Many places have tourist-specific travel passes that could save you quite a bit of money if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing.
7. Be mindful of expenses
Keep track of your daily expenses and stick to a budget. Avoid overspending on souvenirs or luxury items and focus on experiencing the local culture and food. I will usually set aside a specific amount of money for the trip as my trip budget, that way it doesn’t seem like all the money in my bank account is available to me on a trip.
8. Take advantage of free activities
Many cities offer free walking tours, public parks, museums, hiking, or beaches to explore. Do your research and find out what free activities are available in your destination.
9. Invite Friend To Join You
Having your friends come along with you on your trip not only makes the experience richer but, it draws you closer together. And as a bonus, it also makes the vacation much more affordable for both of you. You both will be able to split the larger expenses such as lodging, car rentals, and taxis. This is a big way you'll be able to save a massive amount of money on your vacation and make your vacation more enjoyable.
By following these tips, you can travel cheaply and still have an amazing experience. Remember, traveling is about the memories you make, not how much you spend. So, focus on enjoying your trip, and don't worry too much about the cost. Traveling on a budget requires careful planning and a willingness to be flexible. By being mindful of expenses, taking advantage of budget airlines, and considering alternative accommodations you can have a great time. And all without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!