8 tips for traveling on a budget
Traveling on a budget can be tough, but is not impossible. Discover our tips to make your dream trip come true.
As I started writing this blog, I could not help but to reminisce and hear my friends and family’s past voices saying ‘when are you going on vacation?‘. The answer I gave them was always the same, namely ‘when I have the money for it‘.
My mindset on this matter has changed in the meantime and I believe that you don’t need a huge budget to travel well. Traveling is such a wonderful opportunity, and being able to travel on a budget makes it more accessible to people. If you dig a little deeper, you can find everything from cheap flights to beautiful low-cost lodging alternatives. We would like to share with you 7 ways to travel on a budget:
1. Be flexible in travel dates and destinations
One of the common mistakes many people make when they want to plan a trip is starting with choosing a destination. By doing this, the budget becomes a second priority and it should not come as a surprise that often you end up spending more money on flights and accommodation than you should.
If you have some flexibility regarding travel dates and destinations you’d like to visit, you can first do some research on which dates and destinations are the cheapest and then make a more informed decision with a cheaper outcome. You will be surprised by how big of a difference these two factors can make and how much you could end up saving this way!
2. Plan your trip in advance
While sometimes last-minute flights can be cheaper, it is unfortunately not always the case. By pre-booking your transport, accommodation and activities well in advance, you will be more likely to plan your trip exactly as you have envisioned it without having to settle for less or having to make compromises because of too high prices.
3. Consult holiday deal websites
There is nothing more frustrating than booking your flight and afterward seeing on other websites that you could have bought it for half the price. Nowadays you can consult good and reliable websites that show you the best deals for your holiday going from flights and hotels to car hire to excursions. Some of our favorite websites are the following ones:
4. Save travel points
Did you know that with every booking you make, you can save travel points? Usually, you earn at least 1 point for every euro you spend with your card. The points you save are collected in a savings card and can later on be exchanged for gift cards or attractive rewards in the field of travel, entertainment, and shopping. Sometimes you can even transfer your points to other loyalty programs. If you like to travel, this is a great option because the more you travel the more points you’ll get and the more you get to save!
5. Travel light and smart
For the fashionistas and shopaholics among us, traveling light can be a big challenge. But let’s be honest for a second. How often have you brought a big suitcase full of clothes on a holiday and did you only end up wearing half of it? I think many of us are guilty of this. So let’s put on our realistic hat for a second and only bring the clothes we really need. This will help you save money as you will need to spend less on luggage. And think about it, if you initially leave enough room in your luggage, you’ll have more room to shop during your vacation, right? Just make sure to check that you do not forget anything essential because you don’t want to be in a situation where you have to buy abroad the essentials you forgot and have unexpected costs that could have easily been avoided.
6. Be open to new encounters
Socializing and being open to new encounters can positively influence your journey in various ways. If you want to discover a new place, who better to ask than other travelers themselves and local people who can show you the best places to go to? It’s easier to find them than you might think. Just be observant while you are walking around the city and try to spot people with backpacks or people who speak the local language.
You can also try to stay at hostels, as they usually have common areas where you can meet people. This is another great way to reduce your spendings while meeting people who could enrich your trip. If you do some online research you will soon realize that there are some beautiful hostels out there that will make your jaw drop. If you decide to share your travel experiences with the people you meet along the way, you will end up spending less as you will be able to split costs from time to time instead of having to pay the full price by yourself.
7. Immerse yourself in the local gastronomy
Many unique local restaurants can be found in each town and city. These restaurants are often very charming and reflect the culture of the location you’re visiting. They have a wide range of flavors, products, and traditions from their ancestors, which make the experience more special. Local restaurants are also often smaller, making them more private if you want to relax and enjoy a pleasant intimate meal. And if you’re traveling on a budget, it’s always good to consider that eating local food in a less touristy location tends to be cheaper.
8. Choose cheap means of transport
When you arrive in a new country, we recommend using public transport over taxis. The local metro or bus service is often a fraction of the price of a taxi. Another amazing way to explore new places is by stretching those legs and starting to walk. Walking is the cheapest form of transport and by far the best way to discover a new area. Do you need to go a little further? Then you might think about renting a bike. Not only does it allow you to get by cheaply, but it also keeps you fit!
Is going on a holiday one of your current goals? If you want to achieve this goal faster but do not know how, we recommend you to go check out our blog ‘how to invest for your goals and the planet reforestation with Beewise’.
