Budget travel is a challenging feat. You have to put on your researcher hat and narrow your options to the best ones. With skillful planning and prioritization, traveling on a budget is both possible and enjoyable.
1. Plan Extensively
The more information you acquire before starting a trip, the better. When researching destinations, look for budget-friendly countries, affordable accommodations, and low-cost activities. To avoid unexpected costs, check visa requirements and entry fees for your destination beforehand.
2. Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Not only is it essential to plan out the destination and logistics of your trip, but it’s also crucial to consider the timing. Many seasoned travelers advise against peak travel seasons. Traveling during the off-season means saving money on transport, accommodations, and attractions.
One person visited Croatia during winter and found that not only was the trip cheaper but also more convenient since it was less crowded.
3. Be Flexible With Dates
You’ll want to be flexible with your travel dates to bag the best deals on flights and accommodations. Of course, if you’re traveling solo, it’s a lot easier to be lenient with your schedule. Being flexible also means you can take unplanned detours and discover unexpected gems during your journey.
4. Don’t Be a Typical Tourist
While mainstream attractions are popular for a reason, they shouldn’t be the only thing on your list. Most touristy spaces are expensive traps and don’t give you a rich insight into the culture. Visiting local places and trying out street food is not only cheaper but also experiential.
5. Find Budget-Friendly Accommodations
There are more budget-friendly accommodations than you can imagine. A few options include guesthouses, Airbnb, or couchsurfing. When searching for accommodations, always opt for less touristy areas for lower rates. If public transport is excellent, you don’t have to worry too much about being far from the main sites.
Consider staying in less touristy areas for lower rates. If you are traveling on a budget, set aside some money to have at least one night in a decent hotel. It’ll be a treat.
6. Opt for Free Activities
Not all activities cost an arm and a leg. In fact, many of your favorite destinations offer cheap or even free attractions. Several museums, galleries, parks, and events have no added fees. Now, you can travel without worrying about going broke.
7. Join Loyalty Programs
Signing up for loyalty programs doesn’t often occur to us when planning for an excursion. However, many such programs are offered by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies worldwide. By signing up, you get the opportunity to earn rewards and discounts.
8. Get Train Passes
Many countries offer travel passes to allow for cheap public transport. A notable example is the Eurail Pass, the most inexpensive way to travel across numerous European countries. These passes can also bag you discount deals at hotels, restaurants, and sites.
9. Get Cookin’
If you can get accommodations with kitchen facilities, it will be a good idea to prepare your meals. Instead of eating out daily, purchasing ingredients at local supermarkets can be more economical. You can pack homemade snacks to accompany you on your outings.
10. Use Public Transportation
This is one of the no-brainers of cheap travel. Public transportation is usually more cost-effective than taxis or rental cars. Before your trip, research your transportation options, nearby stations, and travel routes.
11. Pack Minimally
For maximum convenience, travel light. This may be hard to hear for the over-packers but trust me; you won’t even use half the things you’re stuffing in your luggage. Besides, you can avoid excess baggage fees and use budget airlines and public transportation with little thought.
12. Try Out Travel Apps
There is an array of travel apps and websites that can guide you at each step of the process. You can even use them to find the cheapest deals on accommodations, activities, and transportation. Consider looking into local, more affordable alternatives to Uber and similar apps.
13. Save Data
Download as many things as you can to avoid mobile phone roaming charges. While these costs may seem mundane, they can add up. It’s best to download selected maps for offline use and put other stuff on hold till you get free WiFi.
14. Go On a Road Trip
If you aren’t traveling to a country across the sea, then a plane or cruise ship is optional. If traveling locally, you’d better stick to the road for budgetary reasons. There are many resources for directions, attractions, lodgings, gateways, and food points you’d encounter on your journey.
15. Go For a One-Tank Trip
A tank of gas is enough to promise you a memorable trip. One-tank trips are a popular choice for budget travelers who want something between a staycation and a road trip. During these trips, you can explore locations at a two-hour drive from your house, discovering parklands, small towns, and even a few culinary delights.
16. Take Care of Your Credit
If you’re borrowing money from your credit card company, you’d better wait until you can go on an excursion out of your pocket. But don’t let that upset you. Thankfully, many credit cards partner with airlines and hotels, giving users free goodies such as upgrades and baggage checks.
17. Check Flight Comparison Websites
Never seal the deal the first time you see an offer. Flying is no cheap affair, and you want to check out all the options before making a call. Flight comparison websites are valuable tools that send you fare alerts whenever the best flight deals come around.
18. Pick Up Your Rental Car Early
Early birds get the worm, and this is particularly true for rental cars. Book the cheapest car for a pickup time as early as possible. When you go to the rental agency, chances are that your booked car hasn’t been returned so early, and you are granted a free upgrade for the same price.
19. Get a Package Deal
In desperate times, airlines and hotels give away their inventory at cheap rates. Those empty seats and rooms are turned into package deals comprising air travel, hotel rooms, a few meals, and transportation options.
20. Say No to Unnecessary Expenses
Mindful spending is necessary when on a budget. Make sure that the activities and experiences you’re spending on are things that genuinely matter to you as opposed to being a tourist trap. Don’t give into mainstream souvenirs; they are overpriced and not a fair representation of the local culture.
The post Travel Smarter: 20 Overlooked Budget Tips first appeared on Career Step Up.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yaroslav Astakhov.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
