Travelling is one of the joys in life that gets put on hold when we are steeped in debt or running low on cash. However, most people forget that it’s possible to travel frugally. Don’t let money problems hold you back and trot the globe with these tips on how to budget travel:
1. Choose Cheaper Destinations
Instead of planning to visit high-end locales like Aspen or Maldives, travel to all-around cheaper destinations to cut back on accommodation and transport. Countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka and other Southeast Asian countries in general are known to be excellent budget destinations. Cheap doesn’t mean low-quality; budget destinations provide holiday thrills just as the expensive ones do.
2. Pick Homestays instead of Hotels
If you are being held back because of high hotel prices, try arranging a homestay. Tour agencies and online service providers can find a homestay with a local family for you at your destination of choice. You may not find fancy facilities like at a tourist hotel, but you will get to uniquely experience local culture and try delicious homemade local dishes for cheap.
3. Eat like the Locals
If you dine at restaurants or cafes geared towards tourists on your vacation, you will soon find yourself short on cash. These places often have inflated prices. Therefore, cut back on your vacation food budget by eating where the locals eat, like at little hole-in-the-wall eateries and roadside vendors. You will find unbelievably cheap food that are delectable regardless.
4. Get off the Beaten Path
Established tourist destinations can be quite expensive for budget travelers. These places are rife with inflated prices intended to trap tourists. If you want to cut back costs as much as possible on your vacation, get off the beaten path. Less popular areas tend to be cheaper when it comes to room rates, food and transportation.
5. Taking Public Transport Is How To Budget Travel!
When on vacation, you can spend hundreds of dollars on transportation alone. Taxi and car rentals charge a lot especially from tourists. So, wherever you are at, take public transportation whenever available to limit your expenses.
6. Visit Attractions Off-Season
The high season for tourists, which is usually from November to February pretty much everywhere, is extremely expensive. Hotel prices shoot up, and even roadside vendors amend their price charts towards the five-star range. Many tourists flock in during the high season and end up not having a choice but to pay the sky-high prices. You can avoid this situation by travelling off season, when prices tend to be low or in the normal range.
7. Picnic
If none of the above works for you, you can still enjoy the outdoors by having a picnic at the nearest public park. It won’t cost you airfare or hotel rooms. Also, you can easily put together a lovely picnic meal on a budget. Picnics save time, and are lots of fun for the whole family.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways how to budget travel without emptying your bank account. Be bold, and don’t let troublesome finances stand in your way of enjoying life.
Are you a budget travel master?
