30
Jan
Table of Contents
How to be on your vacation on the tightest budget?
How to travel cheaply Traveling, vacation on the tightest budget. Well, it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. But with the proper approach, you can see new sights, discover new cultures, and make and make memorable memories, all without exhausting the budget. Here, we’ll go over tips for how to travel on a budget, from finding cheap places to stay and booking low-cost flights, to using budget-friendly transport in cities.
You have to find affordable accommodation for your tightest budget
Currency conversions are also not cheap, and accommodation is one of the biggest killers. But there are plenty of ways to save on lodging and still have a comfortable stay.
Leverage cost-effective platforms
Rather than paying for nice hotels, use something like Airbnb, Hostelworld, couchsurfing. Such options tend to be cheaper than conventional hotels. Like renting out a room in a local’s home, stying in shared hostels, or even scoring free place to crash via hospitality exchange networks.
Avoid tourist areas
Hotels and rentals in city centers and tourist hot spots are pricier. Instead, opt for lodging in less-touristed areas, where the prices are lower, but still accessible by public transportation to the main sights.
Book months in advance or last minute
Book early if you want to get best value for money especially of budget hotels and hostels. But last-minute deals are a possibility, too; some hotels and Airbnb hosts may drop their prices to fill empty rooms
How to find cheap flights
Airfare is another big expense, but with savvy planning, you can slash costs.
Check flight comparison sites
You can find out the cheapest options on sites like skyscanner, google flights, kayak. Check “flexible dates” to see if departing a day earlier or later will save you money.
Book in advance and travel at off-peak times
Not only are flights generally cheaper 2-3 months before departure but flying during low (when no holidays or high travel) seasons can save you a lot.
Think about low-cost airlines
Flight prices have fallen due to low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and AiraAsia. Just be cautious of baggage fees and extra costs, as they can quickly add up if you’re not careful.
Clear cookies and use incognito mode
Sometimes airlines will raise ticket prices if they see repeated searches. To prevent this, look for flights in incognito mode, or clear your cookies before purchasing.
All city transport at low rates
Getting around a new city can take a chunk out of your budget, but there are a lot of affordable options available
Use public transport
Take buses, subways or trams instead of taxis or ride-sharing services. In many cities, daily or weekly passes that allow unlimited rides cost less.
Walk or rent a bike
Not just cheaper, exploring on foot or by rented bicycle lets you get to know the city like a local. Many cities have bike-sharing programs that are cheaper than taxis.
Ridesharing and carpools
Apps like BlaBlaCar and Uber Pool enable you to share rides with people, reducing tab much more than single taxi rides.
How to eat well when you are travelling on a budget
Food can be one of the biggest expenses on your travel budget, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy good meals without blowing your budget.
Eat like a local
Steer clear of tourist restaurants, which are notoriously overpriced. Instead, go for street food stalls, local markets, and family-owned restaurants, where you’ll be served authentic dishes at a fraction of the price.
Cook your own meals
If you also have a kitchen in your accommodation, you may want to buy groceries and prepare your own dishes. If you plan it right, this should save you quite a bit compared to ordering out for every meal.
Follow lunch deals
Lunch menus are often less expensive than dinner menus at many restaurants. Expect to pay more for meals, particularly at dinner, where prices can rise quite steeply, so use lunchtime to try a nice restaurant for a better deal.
Free and low-cost activities
You don’t have to break the bank on attractions to experience a new destination. That makes for lot of weekend happenings that are free or at low cost.
Visit free attractions
Many cities also have free museums, parks, historical happenings and cultural events that let you explore without spending a nickel.
Use city tourist cards
A number of cities have tourist discount cards which give free or reduced price entry to a range of attractions, plus free public transport.
Travel insurance: Is it worth paying?
Budget travel involves frugality, but travel insurance is a necessary expense that should never be neglected. It shields you from surprise expenses caused by medical emergencies, misplaced luggage or canceled trips. For travelers, the World Nomads website is an inexpensive one, as is SafetyWing.
Tips for budget travelers
Bring only what you need: save on baggage fees by bringing nothing but a carry-on.
Leverage cashback and reward programs : you can get travel reward points, cashback, or airline miles with a plethora of credit cards.
Work or volunteer while traveling: sites like workaway and WWOOF allow you to work in exchange for free accommodation and food.
Budget Tip: Trail Wallet and TravelSpend are two of the best and easiest apps to help you track your expenses on the go.
