If you’re looking for a way to explore the world but don’t have the cash lying around for expensive plane tickets or pricier hotels, then travelling on a budget might be your answer. While it’s not easy to stick to a budget while travelling, it takes planning, staying flexible, and being smart about where and how you spend your money. But if you follow some simple steps, you can travel the world without breaking the bank:
Step 1: Decide how you want to travel
There are many ways to travel the world, but there are also many ways to save money while travelling. Deciding how you want to travel is a crucial part of travelling on a budget. Knowing your preferred methods of transportation, accommodation, and activities can help you save money and plan an enjoyable trip. For example, if you want to travel to Southeast Asia but find it hard to afford the costs of flying to and from there, then taking a bus or train might be a cheaper option. You can also travel to budget-friendly destinations or during off-peak seasons.
Step 2: Research your options
One of the keys to travelling on a budget is to research your destinations carefully. Most people choose a city and then try to figure out how to get there. However, you can also choose a country and then figure out how to travel to other places within that country.
Researching your options before travelling can also help you save money in a variety of ways. First, researching different travel websites and comparison shopping can help you find the best prices for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. It also helps you plan cheaper activities in advance, such as free walking tours or street performances. Additionally, researching local customs and laws can help you avoid hefty fines or other penalties. It can also help you find cheaper meals as well as avoid restaurants that may be overpriced tourist traps.
Step 3: Avoid peak season
When travelling on a budget, it’s important to avoid peak seasons if possible. Peak seasons typically coincide with holidays and popular tourist destinations, and they often lead to higher prices for flights, accommodations and other travel expenses.
Flexibility is key. If you can travel during off-peak seasons, you may be able to find cheap flights, accommodation and other travel-related expenses. Additionally, travelling during off-peak seasons can mean fewer crowds and a more enjoyable experience overall.
It’s also important to be aware of local holidays, festivals, and events. Many destinations have a peak season during certain holidays, festivals, or events. So it’s important to research the destination before you book your trip. Additionally, some destinations may have peak seasons during certain times of the year, such as summer or winter. You should also consider taking advantage of promotions and discounts. Many airlines, hotels, and other travel companies offer discounts or promotional rates during off-peak seasons.
Step 4: Get a suitable travel insurance
When you’re looking to save money while travelling, it can be tempting to forego insurance. However, even when travelling on a budget, insurance is a must.
For starters, travel insurance can help cover the costs of unexpected medical emergencies. When you travel abroad, your health insurance may not cover you in the event of an accident or illness, and you could end up facing massive medical bills. With travel insurance, you can get coverage for medical expenses and even medical evacuation, protecting you from the financial burden of an unexpected medical emergency.
Travel insurance also provides coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and other unexpected delays. When you purchase a non-refundable trip, you may be out of luck if you need to cancel or interrupt your travel plans due to illness, bad weather, or other unforeseen events. Travel insurance can provide coverage for these situations and even reimburse you for lost or stolen luggage.
It also gives you better peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered in the event of an emergency. With today’s affordable insurance rates, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself while travelling. Therefore, even if you’re on a tight budget, it might be a good idea to think about getting travel insurance.
Step 5: Set up bank and credit card accounts before you leave
Be sure to set up credit cards and bank accounts before you leave for your trip. This way, you can easily transfer money back and forth while you’re away. You can also log into your accounts on your phone to make sure the bills are being paid and that you’re not overspending. This can prevent huge problems when you get back home, such as your bills being late or your credit cards being shut down.
If you have a credit card, make sure you pay more than the minimum payment because credit card companies can charge you extra interest when you miss payments.
Step 6: Exchange your cash and digital currency for local currency
Exchanging your cash for local currency at your destination can be a great way to save money and get the most out of your trip. Most countries will exchange your cash or digital currency for local currency at the airport or at a bank, which usually has a better exchange rate than buying foreign currencies at home. If you have a travel money card in local currency, then that’s even better. There’s no need to exchange a lot of money right away because you’ll probably make impulsive purchases.
Using local currency allows you to take advantage of exchange rates and save money on purchases. Furthermore, it is much easier to haggle in local currency, which can help you get great deals on souvenirs and other items. Additionally, it’s a great way to experience the culture of the country you’re visiting, as you will be using the same currency as the locals. Ultimately, exchanging your cash for local currency can help you get the most out of your trip and save you some money in the process.
Step 7: Shop around for food and accommodation while you’re there
Most countries have a few staple meals that are cheap and easy to make. Make sure you visit the local supermarket and buy the ingredients if you are looking to save some money on food.
Accommodation is another area where you can save money. Researching different types of accommodations can help you find the most cost-effective option. Staying in a hostel or camping can be much cheaper than a hotel, especially for solo travellers. If you’re travelling with a group, consider renting a vacation home or apartment. Additionally, look for lodging that includes amenities such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, and laundry, which can save you money on food, internet access, and laundry services. Also, try finding an accommodation closer to the places you plan to visit to save money on transportation costs. You can also use couchsurfing in exchange for free accommodations while you’re travelling.
Wrapping up
Travelling is one of the best things you can do, but it’s also one of the most expensive. The key to travelling the world while staying within your budget is to have realistic expectations and plan accordingly. Doing so, you can travel the world and see all the best parts of it in a way that doesn’t cost you a fortune.
