Love traveling to far-off places and get lost in the local culture?
Well, you are not alone. I am a big travel buff and often book my tickets to visit some new place in every few months, which is why I know that sticking to a budget can be a real pain in the ass. While traveling luxuriously does seem quite inviting, most of us are either still in college or just starting a job which can make it difficult to plan a luxurious trip.
Don't worry though because you can still fulfill your dream of traveling, all you need to do is stick to a small budget and make the most of it. So, fasten your seatbelts because these effective budget-friendly tips are going to help you get started!
1. Book a Flight 6-7 Months Prior to the Journey
Yes, this is one of the most full-proof methods to save some cash before you start out on your adventure. It is no surprise that last-minute flights can be really expensive and can drastically affect the budget. But, if you book a flight a few months prior to your journey, you not only save a lot of money but are likely to find one suiting your schedule and requirements as well.
2. Avoid Traveling during a Festival Season
Now, you might think that going to enjoy a festival in a new city or country must be really exciting but it is also a sure way to flush your money down the drain. No kidding!
Festivals mean that the all the transportation, accommodation, etc. will be full and you will have to pay additional cash to secure a spot for yourself. This can take a direct hit on your budget traveling plan and can turn out to be a real disaster.
3. Choose Couchsurfing for your Stay
Welcome to Couchsurfing!
Now, don't let this fool you into thinking that this is only for saving some bucks (which, it is) but you also get a chance to meet locals and get a better understanding of their culture. Yes, you save money on accommodation too which can be an additional benefit but mostly, you will find amazing people to guide you and help you on your travel journey.
4. Choose Hostels if Couchsurfing isn't Available
Let's face it, while couch surfing is quite the norm in Europe and USA, it is still not so widespread on other continents. In such places, it is always wise to stick to a decent and budget-friendly hostel where you are likely to find other travelers like you as well.
Living in a hostel is a great way to increase your stay and keep in the budget and gives you a chance to interact with other like-minded people too.
5. Use Public Transport to Travel Around
Trust me, one of the best and easiest ways to save some extra bucks is by avoiding taxis and cabs and hopping on the buses and trains instead. Most cities have a decent bus or train network which help you in reaching your destination quickly and cost almost 1/10th the cost of a taxi or a cab.
Personally, I love taking buses and trains over taxis any day and happen to meet a lot of lovely locals who are quite helpful and friendly.
6. Hire Cycles or Two-wheelers to Cut Down the Transportation Cost
Love cycling or riding a two-wheeler through a scenic route? If yes, then you can easily save more bucks by simply hiring a cycle or a two-wheeler to travel locally. This will not only provide you with the needed exercise but also gives more flexibility over where you want to spend your time.
Plus, it is way cheaper than hiring a cab or taking a four-wheeler, especially if you are traveling alone.
7. Book Flights During Offers and Discount Period
Another awesome way to save money on your flights is by keeping a lookout for flight discounts and offers and then making the most of it. Every few months, some or the other flight booking website gives a few flight offers which can make your desired flight trips cheaper so make sure that you take advantage of such opportunities.
8. Opt for Free Activities on your Trip
A lot of places have activities which can cost you a fortune but you don't have to indulge in these activities to make the most of your trip. Instead, you can do activities which will cost you literally nothing. Chill on the beach, swim in the ocean, hike to the mountains, and so on to enjoy your trip and you will end up saving a lot in the end.
9. Pool with Other Travelers for Places without a Public Transport
If you still wish to indulge in a few activities, then look out for group activities and other travelers who might be interested. This way, you are likely to get a group discount and you will save a lot on the transport too as you will have other people to share the costs.
Trust me, this is not that hard. You will find several people doing the same activities as you, all you have to do is be brave enough to ask them.
10. Eat More at the Street Food Stalls
If you truly wish to experience a city's culture and food then you have to try their street food. It will not only give you an authentic taste of their cuisine but will also be light on your pocket.
11. Take Snacks or Small Eatables if the Food is Expensive
While street food is a great option to cut down your expenses, sometimes it might be hard to find a street food vendor in your immediate vicinity. For such situations, keeping yourself stocked with some light snacks and eatables is a good way to go. Make sure that you keep a few protein bars and energy drinks to keep you full for a longer period of time.
12. Avoid Eating at Restaurants Alone
One of the biggest mistake that a lot of solo travelers often do is to eat alone in a restaurant. While this might seem normal, it is easily the quickest way to burn through all your money. Firstly, restaurant food and drinks are bound to cost you more and will include taxes which can further add up to the cost. Secondly, you will have to bear all these costs alone. Thirdly, if god forbid you cannot finish your food, you will be left with the guilt of wasting your money.
So, avoid going to a restaurant if you are traveling alone.
13. Take your Empty Water Bottle to Fill up
Yes, yes, yes! This is by far the most effective way to keep your entire trip under the decided budget. Imagine purchasing 2-liter bottle 2-3 times in a day which is bound to cost you at least 3-4 USD or more, in some remote locations. So, if you multiply 4 USD by 15 days, you are spending about 60 USD on the water itself.
Instead, take an empty bottle and fill it at your host's place or your hostel place. This way you save 60 bucks and don't have to worry about purchasing water every day.
14. Always Purchase Water Bottle From a Local Grocery Store
A lot of times you might not get water from your hostel so you will need to purchase it from the outside. However, different places will often quote you different prices. So, if you want the cheapest water then buy it from a local grocery store and never purchase it from a restaurant or a big grocery shop. They would unnecessarily add taxes on the bottle and will give it to you at a slightly higher rate.
Traveling doesn't have to be expensive if you know how to plan and cut the costs and can actually be a great way to experience life. So, don't forget to give these tips a try and let us know if it helped you in a successful budget-trip or not!