There are so many wonderful benefits to travelling: it relieves stress, it keeps you healthy, it reduces the risk of depression, and it can provide you with so many happy memories. But travelling a lot can really put a dent in your wallet.
That’s why we’ve come up with tips for travelling on a budget so that you can enjoy your travels completely guilt-free!
Plan ahead
If you want to travel without worrying about losing track of your money, you should definitely plan your trip ahead of time. If you don’t do any planning, then you’re more likely to make spontaneous decisions — and much like unexpected expenses, spontaneous decisions have a tendency of breaking your bank. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave any room for spontaneity, but having a careful plan with some wiggle room is better than not having any plan at all! A good plan always leaves you with some room for a little spontaneity!
Choose the right accommodations
Finding a room to stay in during your trip isn’t all that difficult. However, finding a room that won’t empty your pockets can end up being a surprisingly difficult feat! If you want to ensure that the majority of your money goes towards activities and food rather than lodging, see if you could find a dorm room in a hostel instead. Not only will this save you a ton of money, but you’ll also get to meet some like-minded people! If you’re not too keen on sharing a room, look through AirBnBs in the area. Some people will rent out their own apartments for a lower fee than you’d find with hotels.
Book flights in advance
Booking flights at a decent price is usually hit-or-miss. That’s why if you’re planning a trip, you should check flight prices in advance. You should also book your return flight before your trip, so that you aren’t left out to dry if you’ve spent all your money.
When it comes to domestic flights, rule of thumb states that you should book it between one to three months in advance. However, it’s never a bad idea to check flights even before then to see just how much they fluctuate.
When it comes to international flights, on the other hand, rule of thumb suggests you book 1 1/2 months to 5 1/2 months ahead of time. This will ensure that you get the best possible prices so that you can spend more on your trip.
Since there are fewer people that choose to travel mid-week, you should also consider booking a flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday. According to AirAdvisor, these days are usually the cheapest ones to fly on! They’re also usually the least busy.
Look for package deals
The best way to ensure that you’re not met with any surprise expenses is to look for package deals. This means that by combining your flights and hotels, you’re more likely to spend less. Flight and hotel bundles will save you a ton of money — but do your research first! You’ll want to make sure that booking them together costs less than doing it separately.
In order to find great package deals, consider browsing websites like Expedia, Kayak, and Booking. What’s more, if you’re thinking of getting yourself a rental car, you should bundle that in with the package, too! Your wallet will thank you.
Local guides instead of tourist traps
The best way to ensure that you get a real taste of the culture is to hire a local guide rather than a company that offers tours. A local guide will take you to all of the places locals visit — instead of taking you to popular tourist traps! Many companies that offer tours will have deals with certain restaurants, so you won’t really be getting the most authentic experience. A local guide will tailor your tour to your own needs and wants, and will take you to places only locals know about! Oftentimes, they’ll be less expensive too.
Eat local
As mentioned above, you’ll want to choose something local when deciding what you’re going to eat. Your local guide can show you where to go. Or, if you’re staying at a hotel, you can ask the front desk for recommendations. Choosing a restaurant where locals eat will also guarantee that you won’t be breaking your bank. If you’re in a country that does street food, don’t hesitate to try some! This is the best (and often cheapest!) way to learn about the country’s cuisine.
Earn while you travel
Although working while traveling doesn’t seem like the most desirable idea, it’s the best way to ensure that you won’t be short on cash during your trip. Think finding a job overseas might prove to be a little difficult? Try to do some freelancing on your laptop. Better yet, if you’re staying at a hostel, as them for opportunities. Some will offer you jobs during your stay, like dishwashing in the kitchen. You can enjoy your free evenings and weekends while never having to worry about running out of cash!
Follow your budget
One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make while on vacation is to neglect their budget. We get it — no one wants to be worrying about money when they’re meant to be relaxing. However, not following a budget can lead to a lot of problems down the line. So if you’ve created a budget for your trip, be sure to follow it on a daily basis. Your future self will thank you.
If you’d like to plan a trip, but don’t have the means to do so, Allevia’s online budgeting tool can help. Allevia allows you to choose your financial objectives. After inputing all of your income and expenses, you’ll get customized advice as well as an easy way to keep track of your money, so that you can reach your goals — and travel the world like you’ve always wanted!
