Travelling on a Budget: Smart Strategies for Affordable Adventures
Travelling is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings us a myriad of benefits. However, due to the high travelling costs, many people don’t even think about it. Even though we agree that travelling can be expensive, we also claim it doesn’t necessarily have to be like that. You can still go on travelling adventures, even on a budget. Keep reading to learn more about travelling on a budget with smart strategies for affordable adventures.
When travelling on a budget, the first thing is to start planning on time and embrace flexibility. The following essential thing is to travel off-season as it is way more affordable. Additionally, you should set a budget and stick to it. You should choose a budget-friendly destination. Moreover, you should eat and drink like a local and find some awesome free activities to enjoy and fulfil your time. Travelling is a great experience you can note in your growth journaling.
1. Start planning on time and be flexible
The first and most important rule to remember when travelling on a budget is to start planning on time and embracing flexibility. Even though sometimes it is possible to find great last-minute deals, that is only sometimes the case. To ensure travelling on a budget, we must plan the trip on time. This especially comes in handy if you’re travelling long distances – booking flights way before the trip saves you money. Also, being flexible with dates and travelling days can significantly reduce your travelling costs. Several platforms compare flight prices you can use to find the most affordable one and then build your trip around that date.
2. Travel off-season
It is a well-known fact that travelling during peak season is the most expensive period to travel. Instead, plan your holidays during the off-season. It will be way cheaper to travel during not-so-popular travel periods. Everything is cheaper – from plane tickets to accommodation. You can even find accommodation in high-end Bali villas for less money. Travelling off-season doesn’t necessarily mean holidaying in bad weather – it just means holidaying without too many people around.
3. Set a budget and stick to it
Moreover, for travelling on a budget, it’s also necessary to set a budget and stick to it. Before starting the planning process, you should set a budget and decide how much money you must spend on your holiday. This is an important step as it further directs your trip. You should choose your destination as well as accommodation according to your budget. Also, you should leave some space for unexpected costs. The best way to approach budgeting is if you note some key aspects of your holiday, such as air travel fare, accommodation, transportation, food and drinks, excursions, other and then set a certain amount to it. You can start with rough prices, and then as you buy your plane ticket and book accommodation, you can be more precise about these aspects in your financial plan.
4. Choose a budget-friendly destination
As previously mentioned, your choice of destination greatly influences your budget. South-East Asia provides an excellent starting point if you’re seeking affordable places to visit. Consider countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as they offer budget-friendly options. South America is also worth considering, as both continents boast stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and relatively low everyday expenses.
A brief conversation with friends or family who have already visited the country or region you’re considering can be helpful. They can provide insights into the prices of everyday expenses, giving you a rough idea of what to expect. Alternatively, you can explore online cost-of-living websites that offer up-to-date statistics, estimates, and calculations for daily expenses in various countries.
5. Eat and drink like a local
Consider eating and drinking like a local to save money when travelling on a budget. That usually means bigger portions and less money to spend. You should be careful where you buy food, especially on the street. Make sure that it is a sanitary, well-cooked and registered business. A different kind of food and a way of preparation can upset your stomach, so you should be mindful of that.
6. Find free activities to enjoy
When it comes to some activities you can engage in, you can always find free and fun activities. Planning on time allows you to research the destination you are visiting. You can use Google, social media and YouTube to learn more about the amusing free stuff to do when on vacation.
Planning your trip ahead of time brings you plenty of benefits, and enjoying your holiday on a budget is one of them. For many people, this is an essential one.