You can travel the world without spending a lot of money. Being smart and a little creative, you can travel to some amazing places without breaking the bank. So, whether you’re a frequent traveler or a first-time one who has caught the travel bug, use these tested and proven methods to stretch your money on the road.
Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible
To any frequent “budget” travelers, this is a good rule of thumb: plan ahead, but don’t plan too early. It may be cheaper to pre-book plane tickets, hotels, and entertainment. Try not to be rigid—move the dates up or back to find a cheaper flight. And if you’re interested in making your trip even more thrilling, read more about betting to see how you might fund a few extra experiences along the way.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday flights are usually less expensive than flights during the weekend. There are also the best and worst times to fly regarding ticket pricing: off-peak season is much cheaper than peak season. Skyscanner or Google Flights are good sites for identifying cheap offers; also, price notifications should not be neglected.
Travel Overland When Possible
Sure, flying is quick and convenient, but it’s hardly ever the most budget-friendly option. Buses, trains, and even carpooling can be super cheap—plus, you’ll probably see a bit more of the country. Just about everywhere in the world boasts well-established bus and train systems that are cheap and dependable.
For example, in Europe, budget buses like FlixBus charge very little for fares between cities. Not only are long-distance trains in Asia cheap, but they also present a glimpse of the everyday life you won’t get from 30,000 feet in the air.
Free Activities
There is always one or another activity at each location that is either free or quite cheap; it is simply a matter of knowing where to look. Free walking tours will take you through the heart of every destination. There is always a day for free admission into museums and galleries, which gives you a taste of new cultures.
Nature lovers can always get their fix with free-to-small entrance-fee hiking trails, public parks, and beaches. Before you go, look up free attractions in your destination to get maximum fun out of your holiday without going broke.
Be Smart About Souvenirs
It’s easy to get caught in the souvenir trap, but those dollars add up. Skip the wannabe trinkets and instead take photos, grab small items like postcards, or find something really unique at a local market—like goods people have made by hand. Often, it is so much more meaningful, and you will appreciate it more than some mass-produced knickknack, not to mention that it is almost always much cheaper.
Bottom Line
You do not have to give up on amazing experiences while you travel on a budget. Pack those bags, book the flight, and get ready for discovery in the world without breaking the bank.
