Are you tired of being stuck in one place, dreaming of adventure and exotic locales, but feeling held back by the high cost of travel? Never fear! We’ve scoured the internet, consulted with budget travelers, and even experimented on ourselves (sometimes with questionable results) to bring you the best and most amazing ways to see the world without breaking the bank.
Start With The Flight
First of all, don’t let airfare prices hold you back. Instead of searching for flights on just one website, try using a fare comparison tool to find the best deals. But if you really want to save, try being flexible with your travel dates. As the saying goes, “the early bird gets the cheap flight.” Or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, try booking a flight on a “mystery airline” – you won’t know your destination until you’re already in the air, but it’s a surefire way to score a deal. This also allows you to be spontaneous and go where the deals take you.
Accommodation
Once you’ve landed, it’s important to find affordable accommodation. Hostels are a classic budget-friendly option, but for a truly unique experience, try couchsurfing. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to meet locals and experience the destination from a different perspective. If you’re feeling particularly thrifty, you could even try camping or “wild” camping. This can take you to less crowded and less touristic places and make you feel like an explorer.
But, to be honest, you’ll have to get creative and a bit brave. One of our favorite hacks is to book a hotel room with a kitchen and then make all your meals there. Not only is it cheaper than eating out, but it also gives you the opportunity to try your hand at cooking local cuisine. Bonus points if you can score some free breakfast items from the hotel buffet to take on the road for lunch. This can be a great way to try local ingredients, learn some new recipes and save some money.
Walking and Biking, Your Best Friends
When it comes to getting around, walking or biking are obviously the cheapest options, but if you need to take public transportation or a taxi, be sure to do your research beforehand to avoid getting ripped off. Additionally, try using public transportation options such as buses and trains instead of taxis or rental cars to save even more money. And if all else fails, hitchhiking is always an option, though it can be risky, consider safety first. Hitchhiking can be a great way to save money on transportation, but it’s important to be cautious and aware of the risks involved.
Working Holiday
Of course, no budget travel article would be complete without discussing the ever-popular “working holiday.” Bartering your skills for a place to stay is a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether it’s working on a farm, teaching English, or even just housesitting, the opportunities are endless. This is a great way to save money while having a more authentic and cultural experience
Resist The Temptation of Souvenirs
Finally, if you want to save money on souvenirs, try to resist the temptation to buy everything in sight. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to make your own souvenirs. Take lots of pictures and videos, or collect small trinkets like seashells or pebbles from the beach. And if you really need a physical reminder of your trip, try making your own postcards or crafts with materials you’ve collected along the way. This is a great way to remember the trip in a more personal and unique way.
