For many people, being able to travel frequently means only one thing: you need lots of money. Sure, it does cost money to pack your bags and explore the world. But money does not have to get in the way of your travel aspirations, if you budget wisely. Traveling on a budget does not mean that you must give up facilities, activities, amenities, delicious food and comfortable accommodation. It merely means that you need to skillfully using travel hacks and lower the costs wherever possible.
So how exactly do you keep your travel costs low? Here are some expert tips:
1. Plan ahead
This is perhaps the most important rule ahead of every travel escapade – planning. If you want to keep your expenses low, you must set a budget for your trip, then have a plan about how you can stick to this budget e.g. using the least amount of money for your needs while on the road.
Your planning should cover everything, from buying your airplane tickets to selecting your travel dates to choosing your accommodation, restaurants and shops. Since you are travelling on a budget, you will not be dining in fancy restaurants everyday, or making purchases at highend shopping malls. Instead, find out where the local food stalls are and go there where the food is freshly cooked in front of you. Google if there is a night bazaar near you and go shopping there, that’s where you can really feel the local vibe. Book a room in a hostel, or better still, book a hostel dorm. Don’t hire a private tourist guide, buy a map or download Google maps and explore the place yourself!
2. Look out for airline discounts
During your planning, keep an eye out for discounts. Some airlines offer discounted airfares for certain travel dates, especially when you book a few months in advance of your target travel dates. Airfare discounts can really help to bring your expenses down so that you have more to spend on other things, and you won’t know when these discounts will be offered. That’s why you need to keep checking and act fast when you see them!
3. Look for secondary destinations
Primary destinations are main destinations which have particular attractions that draw tourists from all over the world, who will spend the majority of their time there.
Secondary destinations are destinations which tourists travel to from a nearby primary destination. A secondary destination may be a lesser-known destination for travellers, but still offers its own sights, attractions, and possibly even distinct culinary or cultural aspects. For example, Thailand’s primary destination would be Bangkok, and secondary destination Chiang Mai. Instead of focusing all your time in Bangkok, you could opt to spend more time in Chiang Mai where the cost of living is lower, the weather is cooler and the attractions different. Secondary destinations can add colour to your trip.
When choosing your secondary destination, you may consider the following factors to help you decide:
a. transportation options to reach the destination;
b. proximity and accessibility of the destination to other worthwhile attractions
4. Look for affordable accommodation
During off-peak periods, there is usually greater availability of hotel rooms, and other travel services. This means that you have more options to choose from and may have a better chance of booking your preferred accommodation and activities at prices that are within your budget. If you must travel during peak season, consider the cheaper alternatives. Homestays that offer bed and breakfast to backpackers is the usual first option. However, you may also consider working in hostels or volunteer opportunities that provide housing. If you have friends who can accommodate you for a few nights during your stay, so much the better!