Travelling is something most families, friends and couples do each year. This allows them to unwind, see new places, explore new cultures, try new food and also enjoy their time together. But one thing that stops most people from travelling is how much it costs.
Without a doubt, travelling can be costly from lodging, dining, basic necessities to tours, transportation and so much more. But there is a way to minimize spending when travelling! Although it’ll still cost you but not as much compared to the usual travelling costs.
This is called budget travelling, where you still get to do what you want to do and visit places you want to visit with minimal changes in your routine. So to help you budget travel the right way on your next trip, here are some ways to do so:
1 – Do everything ahead of time!
Planning ahead of time is a great way to save on travel costs. This is because tickets, fees and so on are much cheaper before your desired date. Plus doing your research and planning ahead of time will get you opportunities to find great deals like hidden gems.
This will also give you more time to budget your trip and account for your plane fare, accommodation, transportation, activities, food and other expenses.
2 – Consider travelling on a weekday
Weekends are peak dates which means this will cost much more compared to weekday rates in various ways. This can affect plane fares, tour prices, amusement park ticket rates, accommodation rates and so on.
Plus travelling on weekdays also has some benefits you can enjoy. Not only is it cost efficient but also you can expect fewer people, less crowds, less traffic and also shorter lines.
3 – Go for affordable accommodations
When travelling make it a goal to spend most of your budget on tours, activities, food and so on, not on accommodations. This is something not a lot of people know about but, accommodations take up half or even more of people’s travel budget.
So before your trip, consider staying in affordable accommodations like Airbnb, serviced apartments, hostels, budget hotels, guest houses and so on. These options are all pretty affordable and each gives off their own unique experience.
4 – Cook your own meals
Food is something essential in people’s everyday lives and travel, this is something you’re bound to spend money on, maybe twice a day, 3 times a day or even more. If the place you’re staying in has a kitchen or a kitchenette, consider cooking your meals.
This is something that’ll save you so much money since you’re not paying for labour, added taxes and added fees compared to eating in a restaurant.
5 – Spend most days on low-cost activities
There are tons of inexpensive activities to do with friends and family during travels. These low-cost activities can also help you grasp and really enjoy the authenticity of a place. Examples of low-cost activities you can do are visiting museums, national parks, local events, local markets and so on.
6 – Always look for discounts
No matter how small a discount is, it’s always a plus when getting something less than what they actually cost. So always look for discounts may it be for plane tickets, restaurants, accommodations and so on.
Even in local markets or restaurants, try haggling or simply asking for a discount. But remember to do this politely and be open and accepting when they decline.
7 – Pack light
To minimize extra costs in the airport, consider packing light. Only pack what you need and if you ever need something, buy it at your destination. For instance, if you lack a shirt, take that as an opportunity to buy a shirt there as a souvenir. On how to pack light, check out the FAQs below.
8 – Consider using public transportation
Instead of depending on taxis (like most tourists) consider taking public transportation. This is a great cost-efficient way to get around plus this allows you to really experience the city you’re in. This will help you see places better, experience what locals do and also know what their public transportation system is like.
How can I steer clear of hidden expenses when travelling?
Before making reservations for lodgings or activities, read reviews and look out for hidden costs. To stay on track with your expenses when travelling, keep an eye on your spending and establish a daily budget. A tip, keep away from ATMs with exorbitant withdrawal fees and only exchange money at reasonable prices.
How to pack light when travelling?
The key to saving money on baggage fees and ensuring convenience and ease on your vacation is to pack lightly before setting off on your exciting journey. A key tip is to be comfortable and ready for whatever shocks your travels may offer will be choosing adaptable attire appropriate for varied weather situations.
A reusable water bottle is a good place to start because it will help you stay hydrated and cut down on the consumption of single-use plastic bottles. Pack weather-appropriate clothing (such as one coat for winter holidays), adaptable tops and bottoms that may be worn with various outfits, and versatile shoes (such as plain white sneakers.)
How can I find budget-friendly travel destinations?
Seek out locations with a good exchange rate, cheaper cost of living, and more affordable means of transportation. When travelling, think about going off-peak when lodging and activities are typically less expensive.
How can I find budget-friendly activities when travelling?
Look into free or inexpensive tourist destinations, museums, parks, and walking tours. Look for discount cards or city passes that provide packaged attractions at a discounted rate. Participate in low-cost, educational local activities like picnics or community gatherings.
And thanks to the internet, you can look for recommendation videos about that exact thing! All you have to do is search “affordable activities to do in *destination*” and you can bet tons of videos will pop out. Try doing this on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube.
Take away
Knowing the 8 ways to budget travel efficiently will help you budget out your next trip better and leave you with extra money for another trip! Each of these trips plays its own unique role, so take each one into consideration. Keep in mind that practising financial restraint doesn’t need giving up enjoyable or memorable events; on the contrary, it frequently results in a more enriching and immersive adventure.
