Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. That’s right, I said it. Instead of worrying about your cash flow, there are ways to adjust how you travel to gain experience and have a good time. Keep reading to learn some budget travel tips to help you.
1. Find Inexpensive and Luxurious Accommodations
When you think of budget travel, sub-par lodging options probably come to mind. But you don’t have to stay in hostels for a low-cost trip. In fact, you can find great deals on luxurious options. I frequently use Airbnb when traveling and often pay half of what I would in a 5-star hotel in the same city while still receiving 5-star accommodations. Now that Airbnb is becoming more popular around the world, the prices are also becoming more competitive, but you can still find good deals. You simply have to take the time to look. Use the filters on Airbnb to narrow down your options and read the reviews.
2. Get the Best Airfare
The golden rule for getting the best airfare used to be to book early in the week. This is when airlines often change their fares. However, it’s more of a guideline now. I still watch fares on Sundays, but I’ve also found low prices on Thursdays. To find the best airfare, watch your route via Google Flights. Then look at third-party sites, such as Expedia. And don’t forget to look at the airline’s website as well. Periodically I’ll find the best deal directly from the airline. If your budget travel dates or location are flexible, try Scott’s Cheap Flights.
3. Figure Out the Public Transportation System
If you’re traveling without your car, ground transportation can get expensive. You must factor in taxis or private drivers, car rental, fuel, tolls, parking fees, insurance, etc. A recommended budget travel option is to utilize public transportation. Most major cities have a bus, train, or tram system. This can be a major cost saving. Research your destination before you leave and learn how to navigate the public transportation system.
4. Get Insured
Travel insurance has saved my bank account on more than one occasion. Having travel insurance will ensure your budget travel stays within your limits. Whether you have an accident, lose your luggage, miss a flight, or get hospitalized, travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars. I once spent $80 on travel insurance for a two-week trip to Greece. That $80 saved me $10k due to a five-day hospitalization while I was there. I highly recommend travel insurance and getting any vaccinations recommended for your destination if outside of your home country.
5. Travel Close to Home
Travel doesn’t have to be to a faraway place. Often we overlook fun activities within a 1-2 hour drive of our home. This can be one of the best ways to budget travel. Do some research to see what people traveling into your area are doing. Perhaps there’s a bike path you didn’t know existed, a new art exhibit, or a corn maze you’ve never been to. You might just re-discover how fun your hometown is!
Experience the world – near or far. Use some of these budget travel tips to travel to places you never thought possible. I visited the Maldives once using some of these tips – it was a dream come true.
Know what your travel budget is and find a destination that’s the right fit for you!
