Travelling is an increased need in today’s world. Consequently an adequate travel budget is required. As more and more people find it appealing to travel beyond their country’s borders, the tourism industry is booming at an unprecedented pace.
This increase is further fuelled by travel agencies and travel bloggers. Those influencers continually post gorgeous photos and stories of dream destinations that further increase travellers’ appetite for a plane ticket.
Notwithstanding the fact that travelling has several benefits. It teaches us about other cultures and provides us with unforgettable memories and experiences. However, and most importantly, it makes us happier and more tolerant towards other peoples’ differences.
With all that in mind, travelling becomes a necessity and budgeting for it is inevitable. Consequently, we will explore 8 ways of how to do that efficiently. At the same time still reaping the maximum benefit of the trip.
1. Book in Advance and Stay Away from Peak Seasons
Countries have different peak seasons, hence it is advisable to take caution in relation to which country you choose and in which month. As a matter of fact, the most important aspect is planning your trip way in advance for better travel budget.
Moreover, If you are willing to be flexible with travel dates, this would be a great plus to save on plane tickets. In the same fashion, it will also help to find cheaper flights especially when you travel on a weekend or at night. In addition, try to avoid trips during school and public holidays, as airlines take advantage of this seasonality to increase their prices.
2. Transportation Travel Budget
The key factor in reducing your transportation costs abroad is using public instead of private means. Try boarding intercity buses, metros, trams, bicycles, electric scooters and in some instances funiculars are a scenic means to reach an instagrammable spot.
Moreover, always remember to take the complimentary shuttle services that the hotel usually provides to key locations. Last but not least, make sure you walk a lot since it is the best way to explore and see all the small details around in your area.
By and large, we may suggest you stay away from taxis and car rentals, unless you prefer your private and quiet time abroad. This is a matter of personal preference and that will mainly depend on your budget for the whole trip.
For island hopping, we advise to use the ferry rides instead of airplanes, unless you are short on time. These rides are the best practice for budget travel.
3. Accommodation Budget
Accommodation can be the second biggest fixed cost after the air ticket. Therefore, it depends if you are travelling to stay in a luxury hotel or you’re being an accommodation savvy. Generally speaking, for the latter part you can usually rent apartments, use CouchSurfing, exploit Airbnb opportunities or you can even stay with friends and family.
Nonetheless, If you choose to stay at hotels, try to stay away from chain hotels and use independent ones. Moreover, our best advice could be to evade the city center or town square for that matter.
Nowadays a lot of people are renting private apartments as they save a lot of money, especially when travelling in groups. This way, more people can stay together in one apartment and significantly capitalize on renting costs for longer periods.
4. Avoid the Tours Long Queues and Higher Costs
For tours, we recommend online bookings in advance, especially using the most popular and trustworthy platforms. After all, it is cheaper to book your tours online and avoid standing in long queues around monuments and popular spots.
In addition, try to buy combined or sometimes referred to as “combo” tours, as this can offer significant discounts. Also, keep in mind that some countries offer free entry to museums or palaces once every month. This would differ from place to place, but the norm is usually at the beginning or end of the month.
5. Live Like a Local and Stay Away from Touristy Areas
This will save you the hassle of eating subpar meals at touristic locations, while at the same time save tremendous amounts of money.
Try shopping at supermarkets and small groceries which will salvage loads of money on food. Not to mention that this might be one of the best experiences of dining that you can get while travelling.
The above coupled with street food are the best parts for your touring experience and costs. Notably, it is cheaper and you get to sample several street foods, from cheerful vendors for a fraction of the cost of one meal at a notoriously touristic restaurant.
6. Planned Meals' Timings
If treating yourself at the Michelin Star restaurants is your thing, then we may suggest a plan. Lunches can serve as a better alternative to dinner or breakfast, due to the plethora of options available at the dinner buffets.
Lunch is usually in the middle of the day, where you get to sleep longer in the morning while on vacation. At the same time, you can have a hearty meal at noon, followed by a nice evening walk, and that will help in your fitness schedule.
7. Private Button Search for Flights and Hotels
Tired of endless marketing emails in your inbox? The private button search allows for more privacy when searching for hotels and flights online.
In a world were marketers are fighting for your eyeballs’ attention, this private mode search will save you a lot of hassle. In addition, it comes in handy especially when using a tablet or mobile phone. Happy search!
8. Search Portals
General search platforms like Booking.com for hotels and Skyscanner for flights allow for enhanced discount rates and more flexibility upon booking. A perfect scenario for budget travel.
Moreover, traditional travel agencies itineraries can be well utilized, especially if you are travelling to a far location, where guides and daily excursions are a must to explore this specific destination.
Travelling can always be enjoyed on a budget if that is coupled with advance planning. As new travel trends like ecotourism and responsible travelling are on the rise, more and more people will try and test different ways of tourism. This in turn might bring significant benefits but at the same time can make the visited places endure some heavy impacts.
This is were being a traveller and not a tourist comes into play. While traveling on a budget is a great way to save money, travelling in a responsible and respectful manner can help save the planet!
