Who doesn’t like to take some time off and travel? Being able to go places, to see what other part of the world has to offer, even other cities within the country too, are exciting. To witness interesting cultures, to taste magnificent dishes, to experience new atmosphere our of your ordinary.
Now, many people think that travelling costs a lot of money — Sure, if luxurious and fancy things like staying at a 5 star hotel, having a relaxing activities to pamper yourself are on the itinerary. Well, not if you plan your trip accordingly in a proper way that is. The question is, how do you travel with as minimal budget as possible?
The Most Important Keys to Budget-Friendly Travel are …
First things first, choose a destination that fits your budget, of course! Not saying that when you’re travelling on a budget you might erase the chance to go to expensive cities in Europe or wherever. However, just keep in mind that standard of living in some places are more expensive than the others. So, when you found a great steal of a flight fare to Paris or Zurich, pause for a second and think about the amount of money you would need on your trip reflecting on living costs in the destination.
Then, plan your trip around the “off peak” season in that destination. Who doesn’t want to go to Paris in June? Everyone does, practically, and that is exactly why flying to a European hotspot in the summer would mean that you’ll have to loosen the purse strings a little for the trip. Keep in mind though that various destinations have different peak seasons do make sure to check that out first.
Book Your Trip Smartly
When it comes to booking a flight, checking out for the best deal possible would be a given. But, how can you take it to the next level to save money on travel? Book using a private browsing window. Here’s why… Websites have a tricky way of tracking what prices you’ve been quoted in the past. To make sure you get the competitive and cheap prices, keep your browsing a secret by always clearing out the cookies as well as using incognito window.
Besides that, try using a VPN as prices may vary depending on where you’re booking from. By using a simple VPN to make it look like you’re booking from another place might save you even up to € 300 in a long distance flight! It is definitely worth trying, I’d say.
Choosing Place to Stay
No need to go fancy on this one — At the end of the day, you’re only going to need a safe place to shut-eye for a few hours before going back on your adventure. Instead of booking a nice and cozy hotel rooms, keep the housing costs low by choosing a room in a shared house or apartment on Airbnb.
Other (and probably one of the best) option to travel on a budget is to stay in hostels. Besides the fact that you’d be staying frugally, you’d also get the advantage of the authentic backpacker atmosphere. You might come across with other traveller at the hostel to exchange a few tips on transportation, dinner or day trips to meet your budget-friendly travel. Plus, some hostels often have free food other than just breakfast, like BBQ, pizza nights, and loads more.
Other Tips That Can Help Lower the Budget
Still on the food topic (a girl’s gotta eat, right?), chowing down on local food is a great way to save money especially in Asia. Take your time to explore the street food markets on the destination instead of filling up your tummy at the cafes or restaurants. This way, you’ll get to enjoy the delicious and authentic dishes of the area while still keeping your budget on a leash! Or, casually buy food from supermarkets from time to time, like getting a fresh yoghurt and sandwiches for lunch.
Most importantly to keep your travel on a budget is to do a thorough research and be flexible with your plan. Make sure to read some inspiring and helpful blog posts, talk with other travellers, and read reviews about your destination. Also, prepare yourself to be able to drop plans and switch things up at the last minute to get the best deals and opportunities you might find along your travel.