Budget travel has become quite popular these days. This type of travel lets people enjoy their trip while staying within the budget limit. When you are on vacation, unexpected expenses are bound to occur.
To enjoy your budget travel trip, follow these tips. They will help you land safely and prevent your wallet from getting burnt.
Remove useless stuff
You need to show a little bit of self-control. When we go on a trip, we buy things unnecessarily. Do not do such things. You may find many unique gadgets and uncanny stuff. Your wife may try to pick fashionable accessories. Do not be tempted. Consider it wasting money.
Bring your stuff.
If you bring your own stuff, there is no chance of putting your hands on overpriced materials. Some of the overpriced stuffs are travel-sized toiletries and liquids. Instead, fill your reusable travel bottles. You can have them refilled later. Sunscreen and deodorant can be purchased at your place of visit.
Stay away from partying.
Have a habit of partying? Keep it in check. The habit of throwing parties is too addictive. Besides, solo travelers often get bored on the street and try alcohol. As you keep emptying one bottle after the other, your cost will skyrocket. So stay away from it. If you are in a group, ask everyone to contribute to throw a party.
Be frugal with calling.
We feel like calling our near and dear ones when out on a trip. But calling charges could be huge and make you run out of money, so before calling, figure out the charges.
If you call from a country too far from your home country, the charges will be sizable. Get international roaming first. Otherwise, you can keep a laptop or tablet with you and set up voice calls on Skype and other VOIP software. It will be free of cost.
Bargain, bargain, and more bargain
If a vendor in the country in a foreign country tries to sell you something at a particular cost, negotiate with him. Do not be gullible, as people may try to cheat on you. As a foreigner, you may not know the correct price of things. Thus, do not settle for something without negotiating.
The above tips could help you cut additional costs and keep your tour cheap. Once you have traveled on two or three budget trips, you will learn the tricks of the trade and be ready to give money-saving tips to other travelers.
Use Public Transportation
Transportation is going to be the costliest component of any trip you are going to take. Taxis, Uber, and even car rentals add up quickly once you are in a big city.
Public transport is relatively cheap and a good way to be local for a day. All cities have low-cost metro systems, buses, or even trams that will make it so you can travel around easily on your budget. Look for daily or weekly passes, which are for a fixed number of rides, usually unlimited.
If you have the desire to wander around the city, then consider the walking tours. Mostly, they do not charge a dime or whatever little amount of money is required. This will save you money, too; you find parts of the city you would never have found when you took another mode of transportation.
Choose Budget Accommodation
One of the great gulpers when traveling is accommodation, though there are many cheap options available. If you want to really save money and do not mind not having any luxury or comfort, you can book yourself a place at hostels, guesthouses, or motels. If you insist on privacy, then use Airbnb or book with a fellow traveler; you both can have shared rooms.
One more low-cost lodging is Couchsurfing, where locals host you for free. That is a great way to save money and be wrapped in the local environment. Another choice would be camping, if allowed in the destination place, which is often great for staying close to nature at an affordable price.
Pack Smart and Light
Light packing saves not only your practical time but also your money. Most airlines require additional fees for checking in luggage, so you end up saving the extra cost if you limit yourself to carry-on luggage. Moreover, light luggage is easier to maneuver within public transportation and walk further distances.
Remember to include essentials you may need, like a good pair of shoes or toiletries in travel-friendly containers and a water bottle. Pack smart because, that way, you will save money and not be squandered on comical overpriced items you can get through the streets while traveling.
Eat Like a Local
Travelers will spend a lot of money if they visit restaurants while on tour. You can save travel money if you decide to dine at local restaurants, far away from the popular tourist restaurants. Street food also proves to be delicious and relatively cheaper than dining at hotels. You can also visit the local markets where fruits, snacks, and local delicacies are sold at affordable prices.
Make the most of cooking in an Airbnb or even stay in a hostel with its kitchen and cook a few meals yourself. Not only will this save you money, but it is a great way to get really immersed in the local culture by cooking traditional dishes that everybody eats.
Use free activities
Although many cities have free or low-cost activities that can enhance your travel experience without you spending a penny, you are most likely to gain huge experience by visiting museums that charge less or are free on given days.
Apart from this, you could also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and walking tours, all of which are free. Do some research at the destination about the free attractions and events they have, such as festivals, local art galleries, or concerts.
Another way free travel guides are discovered is through free walking tours. Many cities have free walking tours that consist of a local guide who shows you around the city.
Tours that run under this model are based on tips, so they are cheap and informative. They give you insider knowledge of the area without costing nearly as much as a guided tour.
Use Travel Apps and Websites
There are many traveling apps and websites that may be helpful in saving cash when planning a trip. From budget flights and accommodations to bargain-hunting attractions, they are a much-needed tool for any smart budget traveler. These include websites such as Hostelworld, Kayak, and Trivago, which give you a comparison to find the best price on your accommodation.
Similarly, apps Google Maps and Rome2Rio help you navigate public transportation, find local attractions worth seeing, and plan routes without expensive guided tours.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance does sound like a pointless expense; however, it is a necessity for budget travelers. If accidents or illnesses have cost one too much to treat or, more so, have caused flight cancellations, such costs could easily make one lose all one’s savings from the trip. Having insurance cover would prevent all that and save a lot later on.
Find the cheapest insurance plans that provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. It is a small investment that can provide you peace of mind when you are enjoying your trip without having major financial issues.
Pre-book activities and tours
While spontaneity should be a part of the experience of traveling, you should book some of your activities and tours in advance to save you some money. Companies often offer early-bird specials, discounts for booking several tours at once, or package deals for multiple attractions. Check for group rates or combo passes that include several attractions for a single price.
By booking in advance, you will avoid long lines and be assured of obtaining popular tours or shows. This will greatly help you when you go during their peak season when most of the available attractions sell out quickly.
Safety from Scams
You will find yourself sometimes being taken advantage of by scams that may put unexpected expenses into your budget while traveling. Avoid these overpriced street vendors that offer “desert expeditions,” and make sure you know the price before using any service. Stick to well-known, reputable providers for tours or transportation, and be extremely careful when dealing with locals you do not know too well.
If one stays alert and does a bit of research, one may avoid unnecessary costs, and one will have a safe trip within budget.
Conclusion
It is possible to travel without leaving behind all the fun and adventure. One just needs the right kind of planning and strategies to explore new places within one’s budget. Be it public transport, local food, or traveling light, every decision prepares you for an experience without splurging.
Now, start applying these tips on your next tour, and you will be convinced that traveling on a budget is not only feasible but very enriching.