“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” For anyone who has been bit by the travel bug, traveling is a way to experience life to the fullest. We take every opportunity we can to travel and we often create our best memories while traveling. We have a strong desire to see the world and experience different cultures. Although traveling might be a priority, it is also a luxury at some points. Traveling can be very expensive, especially when exploring around the world. Between airfare, hotel or resort accommodations, excursions and other random expenses, it all adds up. Even though it may require some saving, there are ways to travel for a little less than expected.
1. Research free activities
Regardless of where you travel, there will always be free activities taking place. Whether it’s touring a local museum, enjoying the natural parks, or just walking around and finding unique places, there are many opportunities to partake in free activities. Whenever I travel to the Caribbean, the first thing I do is head straight to a public beach. It is free and I get to enjoy the natural beauty of the white sand and crystal clear blue water. Europe offers an endless amount culture for free simply by walking around and exploring. It may take some research, but it is almost guaranteed that there will be multiple activities you can enjoy without having to break open your wallet. Besides, the best things in life are free.
2. Eat Locally.
If most travelers are anything like me, food plays a big role when it comes to traveling. Regardless of where I travel to, I love to experience the authentic food that is famous in that area. Whether it’s traveling to New Orleans and enjoying shrimp and grits or traveling to Europe and devouring a big bowl of pasta in Italy, food is always an essential. Food may be a key highlight but it can also rack up costs quickly, especially eating out every day. Instead of going to restaurants, try going to local markets and getting ingredients to cook an authentic meal. You will spend less on your meal, use fresh ingredients, and it will be another opportunity to create fun memories with family and friends. If cooking isn’t an option or does not sound appealing while on vacation, simply walk around on local streets and find local places off the beaten path. The local places I ate at in Italy were also some of the best meals I had during my trip and the prices were cut in half. It’s a win-win!
3.Cut out unnecessary costs
This may seem redundant because many travelers try to travel for as cheap as possible to begin with, but there are many hidden costs that are easily avoidable. Instead of taking a cab everywhere, walk to the destination. It gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery and you may stumble upon other cool places while walking to your other destination. Walking also allows you to be on your own schedule. You do not have to worry about how long it takes for you to get there and, bonus, walking is free and it’s good exercise. Another hidden cost is roaming cellular data. This is mainly for when traveling out of the country, but it is still a good tip to keep in mind. By turning off cellular data and just using Wi-Fi, it saves hundreds in data fees. Most hotels and other destinations now offer free Wi-Fi to guests and customers, so it is easy to have access. If communication is still extremely important to you, download a communication app, such as GroupMe or Skype, that is accessible while on a Wi-Fi network. This way, you can still post all your favorite pictures and stay in contact with your loved ones even if you are not in the country.
4. Sign up for reward programs/memberships
This is especially for those who travel multiple times a year. If traveling is basically like your second full-time job, reward programs and memberships will end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Rewards programs and memberships can vary from credit cards, to loyalty programs for hotel chains, and timeshare memberships. Coming from a family who loves to travel, my parents are involved in multiple reward programs and memberships. They have a Southwest Airline credit card and are able to rack up flier points simply by purchasing items (including my college tuition) on the credit card. It’s like they are being rewarded for spending money, pretty neat. My parents are also members of Disney Vacation Club, which is basically like a timeshare. With the amount of times we go to Disney and cruise Disney, my parents will end up saving money for taking more vacations. Do research and see which reward programs/memberships are best for you!
5. Go off the beaten path
Last but certainly not least, go off the beaten bath. Traveling is all about taking adventures and the beaten path will certainly provide just that. Besides providing authentic scenery and unique experiences, the beaten path is also cheaper. It is less touristy so prices will not be nearly as expensive. Anytime you stray away from the main streets, you will begin to notice that prices start to drop. From local restaurants to local shops for souvenirs, you will find that prices will be a lot cheaper. Don’t be afraid to bargain either, the worst they can say is no. It will also be a lot less crowded and the culture will be truly authentic.
Traveling is an amazing experience and is worth the time and money. Even though it may be expensive at times, remember you are paying for an unforgettable experience, and that to me is priceless. As a “broke college student” who can barely afford groceries sometimes, I have been blessed to be able to travel many, many times with my family and I will never take that for granted. Whenever I go on trips, I apply as many as these tips as possible. Most of the time, they even augment my experience. If traveling is as much of a passion for you as it is for me, please apply these tips with every vacation you take. It will benefit you, and your wallet, in the long run. Just remember, “traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer,” but it doesn’t hurt to apply a discount. Happy traveling!
