HOW CAN YOU TRAVEL ON A BUDGET?

 

Is money the reason why you are postponing that trip to Europe or the adventure in the Himalayas? There is always a way to get the best out of your limited resources. In fact, it doesn't matter how much money you have – you always want to make the most of it. You always want to save it where you can. You want to have more to spend on another holiday; more to splash out on something amazing; more to squirrel away for that trip to the casino or for the Jet Ski or speedboat.

Where do you end up spending?

While planning a vacation these are the heads in which you are expected to spend:

1. Transportation

2. Accommodation

3. Food

4. Activities

5. Shopping

6. Communications

7. Travel insurance

8. Bank charges

9. Unexpected expenses

And for travellers, this is how you do it. This is how you save money, no matter what sort of holiday you're planning. Whether you're travelling solo or in a group, if you're going to Asia or South America, if you're going skiing or hiking – the following tips on each of your point of spending will make your next holiday cheaper.

Shop around

I was going to talk, here, about booking all your own travel and cutting out the middle man of a travel agent. However, sometimes agents have access to deals that you won't be able to find online. When it comes to flights and accommodation packages, the only way to ensure you get the best deal is to shop around. Find the best price you can online, then talk to a few travel agents and see if they can better it. Negotiate a good travel insurance, it helps when you run out of luck!

Travel off-peak

The cheapest time to visit a place is when no one else wants to go. For some destinations, visiting in low season is not only more affordable, but far more pleasant given the lack of crowds. For other places, it might not be feasible: maybe the weather will be prohibitive, or the key attractions will be closed. If that's the case, opt for the shoulder seasons. Either way, you'll save.

Travel on Tuesdays

When booking flights, Tuesday is almost always the cheapest priced day of the week to travel, due to the low demand for flights on this day. If you’re willing and able to travel out and/or back on a Tuesday, this will save you some money.

Be flexible with your destinations

Keep your holiday options open, in terms of both destination and timing. Watch for flight sales and accommodation discounts. Keep an eye out for great deals. Eventually, you'll be able to nab a trip to… somewhere, for a great price. Sometimes some of the most amazing destinations in the world aren’t on your radar yet but are totally worth the trip. Often they’ll even been cheaper too.

Save on Visa charges

Some countries don’t require visas for entry as a short term traveller, and others charge for the privilege of entering. Be aware what you’re getting into, as you can plan your journey around destinations with cheap visa processes.

Book in advance

Prices will go up as time gets closer to your trip. Booking train journeys, hostel beds and of course air travel ahead of time guarantees you won’t get stuck having to spring for a flashier room or a last minute price gouged flight. Use the holiday sales rates if available.

Be smart online

Always make sure you clear your browser cookies, and even use a private/incognito window while searching for flights. Websites have a tricky way of tracking what prices you’ve been quoted in the past, so in order to make things competitive and cheap, make sure you’re browsing on the hush! Prices can vary depending on where you are booking from. Using a simple VPN on your computer can make it look like you’re booking from another place. Definitely worth trying and shopping around the get the best deals!

Use frequent flyer points

It’s definitely worth joining a frequent flyer program and racking up those miles/points. Over time they really add up and can get you discounted flights and upgrades!

Budget Airlines

They are not always economical. There are hidden rates and you may end up paying for food, luggage and get dropped in a God forsaken airport far away from the city and you then spend what you saved to then reach the city in a cab! And you lose time too!

Spend some time studying the flight options

Choose the neighbouring airports. “For example, if you want to visit Laos or Burma, the best option is to fly to Bangkok (to enter to Thailand you do not need to pay a visa) and then look at flights from local companies like Air Asia to fly to your final destination. Many times there is also an option to get there by bus and it is much cheaper. You’d be surprised how cheap it can be to travel to Australia or New Zealand from Southeast Asia – KL, Hong Kong, Bangkok. 

Pack light

This is a simple but effective measure to save money every time you fly. Travel only with carry-on luggage, meaning you can fly with budget airlines on their most basic fares. Just ensure you know each airline's carry-on rules, and that you adhere to them.

Manage your money

There are all sorts of hidden costs involved with accessing your money while you're overseas. The trick is to find a bank card that doesn't charge for foreign transactions or accessing foreign ATMs. It's also worth looking into cards that allow you to load up in a foreign currency, to take advantage of a strong exchange rate.

Use discount cards

A lot of cities offer discount public transport and attraction-entry cards for tourists. Barcelona has one, for example, called Hola BCN, which offers unlimited journeys on the city's public transport network for a set period of time. A quick Google search will reveal whether your destination offers something similar.

Buy a local SIM card

Choose to be with a phone provider that provides a travel friendly service. This isn’t always possible, but the UK’s 3 Mobile for example offers free international roaming in certain countries. Check traveller forums and facebook pages for the best country by country phone tips. 

Fill up on bread

This goes against the classic buffet mantra, but for travellers looking to save money it's an excellent suggestion. If you're staying in accommodation that offers a free breakfast, make sure you fill up. Eat as much as you can. Then, grab a few bread rolls, a few slices of ham and some cheese, and you have your lunch sorted as well.

Share accommodation, share transport

Travellers have long known about the sharing economy, ever since we started bunking down in dorms with 10 other people instead of booking hotel rooms. To save money when you're on the road, share as much as you can. Stay in dorms, or even private rooms in hostels. Share taxis. Use UberPool where it's available. Couch-surf. Share apartments through Airbnb. There are plenty of options. If you have the time then rent a bicycle.

Eat lunches out, dinners in

If you want to sample the local cuisine but save money as well, eat lunch at restaurants, and cook your own dinners in your hostel or shared apartment. In many cities, lunch menus are cheaper than dinner, and cooking one meal a day (after shopping at a market) will save you a huge amount, while still utilizing local ingredients.

Mouthwatering street food

Do not miss the street food

Eating street food tends to be the cheapest way to feed yourself on a budget. There’s a lot of unnecessary fear around this. You can actually watch the food being prepared and cooked, so it’s better than being hidden away in a kitchen. Go for the stands that have a steady queue and freshly prepared food

Look for food and drink specials

Happy hour is your friend. Go to bars when they're doing two-for-one deals or other discounts. Keep an eye out for backpacker pubs that have specials going all day. Some restaurants, too, will offer deals at certain times – that's when you want to be eating.

Feni - a Goan drink

Try local drinks

Buy local brands of beer and wine. It’s usually a lot cheaper than the more well-known international brands

Join free tours

In most major cities these days you'll find multiple options for free tours. These are usually government-funded walking tours that could be general introductions to a city, or quite focused special-interest tours, all hosted by passionate locals keen to share their city. The open top big red bus is very economical and has audio guides too!

Use public transport…

Forget taxis and hire cars. To get around on the cheap, travel as the locals do. Catch public buses, or use the subway. Ride in shared taxis or mini-vans. Jump in tuk-tuks. Cling on to motorbike taxis.

…Or walk

Or, of course, you could save even more money and walk. You'll see far more of a city if you do this, plus work off a few of those buffet breakfasts.

…Or Quirky transport

You don’t always have to take a bus or a train. Try local fishing boats, kayaks, trams, scooters, rickshaws etc. There’s certainly no good reason not to do a little exploring to find a way of getting around that you wouldn’t find back home, and often it’ll be a lot cheaper.

Travel at night

While travelling in India, Europe, and Australia opt for overnight buses and trains. They are comfortable, economical, and safe and you save on night stays! You also save the day for sightseeing and not spend it on a flight!

Central Park, New York

Go to free attractions

Some of the world's most famous tourist attractions cost nothing to visit. Think Central Park in New York; pretty much all of the museums and galleries in London; the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

Visit free galleries and museums

Some cities like London and Berlin are full of free museums, including numerous collections of art and history that are free to the viewing public. Other cities charge a small fee for entrance into their museums, but even those places frequently offer discounts and even free days. Google it!

Talk to locals, they are helpful

Avoid over hyped tourist destinations. Don’t pay $350 to climb it when you can walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge pedestrian footpath for free. Want the best views in Sydney? The Coogee to Bondi coastal walk is free and will take a couple of hours.

Shop at local markets and not in tourist stores

Temple Bar in Dublin is home to 3 different types of markets all held over the weekend. They offer cheaper and more unique souvenirs than what you will find in the shops.

Learn to haggle

In many cultures it’s the norm to bargain a price down from the asking price. It may not feel comfortable but it’s normal. But, also know when to stop and pay a decent price.

Treasure experience over material things

Souvenirs are overrated. Seriously! Instead of bringing back a suitcase full of touristy paraphernalia, why not focus on collecting memories and experiences instead of material things. It makes your travel so much happier, your bags so much lighter, and your wallet so much fatter.

Claim the tax back

Each country has a different process but it is definitely worth investigating if you can claim the taxes of your purchases during your holidays. Look for the tax free logo in the establishments you visit. Some will require a minimal purchase expense and you will usually have to present the passport. Once at the airport back home, before checking in, introduce yourself at the tax return stand to complete the process.

Do your research

No matter where you're going or what you're hoping to do when you get there, knowledge is power. You should know how much to pay for transport. You should know where the cheapest accommodation is, where the budget-friendly restaurants are. You should know how to get travellers' discounts. You should know the scams to look out for. All of this can be done before you leave.

So next time you plan a trip be smart, plan well and enjoy to the maximum! Remember, we are only budgeting the cost, not the fun, frolic, enjoyment and experience!!