6 Effective Tips to Travel on a Budget

Have you wished you could travel the world without saving money for several years? Do you yearn to adventure, visit far-away places and take pictures of amazing landscapes? Guess what? You can.

Travel doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Do you want to know how you can achieve this near-impossible feat? Here is a guide to how you can explore the world without spending a fortune.

1. Travel During Off-Peak

Conduct proper research to determine the peak and off-peak tourist seasons for your chosen destination. Traveling during the low season means there are fewer tourists to contend with. Accommodation and outdoor activities rates also tend to be lower. Book your travel early to attract early-bird discounts. This helps you save money off your flight, train ticket and accommodation.

2. Use Budget Accommodation

Low-cost accommodation presents an affordable option you may want to consider. This comes in various forms such as:

• Staying with family or friends
• Camping sites
• Hostels
• Bed and breakfast motels
• Airbnb

Some options allow you to cook for yourself or have access to shared kitchens. You may want to carry your own food and snacks to cut down on meal costs.

3. Visit the Local Market

Shop in local markets rather than shopping malls. You can get a good bargain there. Get to sample the local fare. Street food is way cheaper than restaurant food. What’s more exciting is, you can see it being prepared too! Go for local wines and beers instead of international brands. The latter tend to be more expensive.

4. Take the Road Less Traveled

Regular tourist spots tend to be pricey. Explore less-known locations to discover hidden gems, peoples and cultures. Some of the world’s most amazing places are not easily found on the world map. To get the most out of your holiday, take advantage of free activities like:

• A walk in the park or a hike
• City walking tours
• Beach visits
• Festivals and street performances
• Visits to museums and art galleries

5. Buy a Local Sim Card

Roaming charges can wreak havoc on your account. Buy a local sim card and pay local rates for your calls. You don’t have to worry about deactivating data roaming services on crossing the border. You can upload your pictures and fully enjoy your trip.

6. Avoid Using Taxis

Trains and buses offer a more pocket-friendly option, while taxis tend to be exorbitant. Use local public transport to move from place to place. Some examples include tuk-tuks in Bangkok, matatus in Nairobi, and trams in Amsterdam. For the more adventurous, local fishing boats, scooters and bikes are a good plan!

Conclusion

Now, more than ever, it is possible to travel on a budget. You only need to exercise proper planning, creativity, and flexibility. Use the 6 steps outlined to get the best deals and save money. Your next vacation awaits!