Going on an adventure doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. In fact, it is more than possible to travel on a budget and enjoy the finer things in life without digging deep into your pocket. So, here are some tried and tested tips that will help you plan an incredible vacation on a budget:
1. Coming up with a good plan
While traveling spontaneously is the ideal scenario for most people, it’s only great if you have the luxury of time and money to spare. If you’re traveling on a budget, however, the first thing you have to do is come up with a good plan. You don’t necessarily need a tight, hour-by-hour itinerary, but you should at least have an idea of how long you’ll be staying in each city or country, and know the route that your incredible adventures will take. It’s also crucial to create a set budget and do your best to stick to it during your travels. When you leave less things to chance, you’ll encounter much less unexpected expenses.
2. Traveling out of season
When traveling on a budget, it is always a good idea to avoid trips during the school holidays. This is the time when the travel industry tends to boost their prices to take advantage of families who can only travel during those days. So, research the best time to visit your chosen destination, and then travel just before or after these dates. This is called the “shoulder season”, where you’ll still have a great trip, even though the sun might not shine so bright and the events and happenings won’t be so abundant. As hotels and airlines tend to lower their prices during this period to attract customers, it might be the ideal time for a vacation on a budget.
3. Renting a car is the best option
Budget travelers know that a plane or a cruise is optional when going on vacation, and quite often even a luxury. And it’s a well-known fact that some of the best trips are to be had on dirt roads and highways, whether you are traveling through America, visiting Europe or exploring Australia. From accessible getaways and incredible attractions to breathtaking national parks and the stunning beauty of untouched nature, there are some things you can only experience while you’re on the road. So, no matter what your chosen destination is, find the best cheap car hire deal and go on an adventure of a lifetime.
4. Finding the right accommodation
If you’re traveling on a budget, it might be best to trade expensive hotel suits for dorm rooms in hostels, as sharing a room divides the cost, while offering an opportunity to meet new people who might be keen to explore with you. Other great alternatives are websites such as AirBnB and Couchsurfing, where you simply book an apartment or a spare room in a local person’s house. Not only will this halve the cost of your accommodation, but it will also allow you to experience an authentic snapshot of the real life in the city. If you have friends or family living in your intended destination, you can think about staying with them as well – they could even take you to places you never would have thought of before.
5. Saving on sightseeing
While some of the world’s most beautiful museums often charge an admission fee, they also typically offer free hours every week and a free day each month. Even though most people don’t necessarily schedule their vacation around a museum’s free days, it’s a good idea to weigh your options and decide whether you can put that money to better use. Don’t forget to take advantage of everything a museum has to offer on a given day, from guided tours and classes to evening hours when the place is much quieter than during the day. But apart from finding good museum and gallery deals, another thing that is completely free is going sightseeing. From magnificent natural wonders to some of the most incredible architecture in the world, there are endless beautiful things you can experience on foot.
Traveling to new destinations and exploring exotic places doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as long as you know how to watch your pennies and get the best possible experience for your buck.