The first commercial 747 airplane was flown from New York to London in the 1970s, and we haven’t slowed down much on travel since.
But just because traveling has become more popular, it doesn’t mean we all have the means to do it. If you’re thinking about traveling on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for our list of 5 money-saving tips for your next adventure.
1. Plan Ahead
This is one of those traveling tips that covers everything from booking your flights to reserving your accommodations to planning your itinerary once you land. The more you decide ahead of time, the less you leave up to chance, and the better idea you have of how much money you’ll be spending.
When it comes to flights, book far in advance and opt to travel midweek. Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper than those taking off on the weekends.
Another good tip is to use flexible dates or track prices on the routes you’re most interested in. The farther in advance your start planning, the more you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
2. Travel in the Off Season
Take into account not only big travel seasons for where you’re coming from but also big travel seasons for your destination. Try not to plan vacations during time off school, for example, but also research the height of tourist season for wherever you’re planning on going.
The best time to visit a destination that’s particularly popular with tourists is called the “shoulder season.” This refers to the times of the year at either end of their busy tourist season. You’ll still enjoy many of the benefits and attractions but often for lower prices.
3. Investigate Various Accommodation Options
Hotels aren’t the only options for somewhere to sleep when you’re on vacation. And often, they can be the most expensive. If you’re wondering how to save money on your nightly rate, make sure to look into other lodging possibilities, such as dorm rooms, hostels, or house-sharing opportunities.
Companies like thirdhome.com offer home exchange programs where you can rent out your home and, in return, earn credits to stay in other homes around the world. Finding less traditional accommodation options like these can save you a lot of money in the long run.
4. Opt for Public Transport
If you’re wondering how to travel on a budget when it comes to your day-to-day activities, use a city’s local transportation system to get around. When has a bus or subway fare ever cost more than a taxi ride? Plus, it’s a great way to really get to know the city you’re staying in.
And, if you’re visiting a country that’s well connected to other surrounding countries, opt for buses, trains, or something similar to get from one to the other. They’re almost always going to be cheaper than a short flight.
5. Make Your Own Tours
With a little bit of time and research, you can become your own tour guide. Sure, there are some things that you might not be able to do completely on your own depending where you are, but otherwise, you can save a lot of money by saying no to guided tours.
Plus, if you’re putting together your own sightseeing itinerary, you can make sure you see all the things you really want to see.
Traveling on a Budget: Explained
Armed with these tips, you’re ready to get started traveling on a budget. But don’t worry: just because you’re looking to save money while you travel doesn’t mean you’ll have any less fun on your trip. It’s all about planning ahead and making smart decisions.
If you’re looking for other guides for traveling for beginners, make sure to check out the other blog posts in our travel section!
