Never Left the Country? Here’s How to See the World Without Breaking the Bank
If someone came and gave you an open ticket to travel anywhere in the world, you’d likely jump at the opportunity. Most people would, as it’s a chance to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new. However, the reality is that many don’t travel often or at all because they probably can’t afford it. Some other reasons that people don’t travel internationally could be because they spend too much time working or feel like there’s enough to see in America already.
If money is what’s keeping you from putting on your explorer hat, know that travel isn’t exclusive to the wealthy. There are ways to travel on a budget and still have the time of your life!
Budget
If you want to see the world without breaking the bank, you’ve got to start with a budget. By creating one, you’ll know what the maximum amount you can spend is and plan accordingly. The last thing you want is to come back from vacation with an empty bank account, so choose an amount that won’t leave your pockets drained.
Once you’ve chosen a set amount you can afford to spend on your trip, break it up further by deciding how much you’ll spend on different aspects of your trip. You can then prioritize each expense so that you allocate money to areas that matter most to you. For instance, if sightseeing is your top priority, then you could get a low-budget flight and spend more on tourist activities instead.
Look For Cheap Flights
Two of the most expensive parts of traveling can be transport and communication. However, both costs can be reduced if you learn some common travel hacks. When it comes to flights in particular, you can find cheap ones if you take your time to look around. The secret to finding cheap flights is to compare prices. You can use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner as they give you side-by-side comparisons of the rates of different airlines.
Another strategy is to simply opt to be flexible with your travel dates as some days of the year are more expensive than others. Similarly, if you’re flexible about what outbound and inbound airports you travel to and from, you could find cheaper flights that way, too. A final tip would be to opt for low-cost airlines when flying. If, for example, you were flying to and from St. Petersburg, then Ryanair and EasyJet would be two cost-effective options.
As you can imagine, the time of the year you choose to travel matters too, as peak periods can result in higher fares. Traveling during off-peak seasons, which is when there is less demand for a certain route, will save you money. Peak season and off-peak season will likely depend on where you’re headed, so plan accordingly!
Consider Package Deals
Sometimes you can save more by booking your hotel and flight separately. In other instances, you may get a cheaper package deal. You can often find these through travel agencies, especially when sales are taking place. Lastminute.com is a great example of a platform that offers a plethora of package deals.
There are also useful apps you can use to find deals. The good thing about apps is that you can find deals on separate items. For example, Local Eats is ideal if you want a cheap meal on vacation, while Groupon tends to have good accommodation deals.
Choose Affordable Locations
Some locations are more affordable to travel to than others, so think about that when planning a trip. If you’re short on cash, then going to Nepal may cost you less than it would if you visited London, for example. It may take time to research each destination and see which fits best into your budget. Some good destinations to see if you’re on a budget are Greece, Portugal, or Wales.
Aside from affordability, think about the purpose of your trip, too. If you’re celebrating a romantic anniversary, then you could choose a destination like Niagara Falls, but save money by dining in as opposed to eating out. Looking for free activities to engage in is another cost-saving tip, like sightseeing natural landscapes over tourist spots.
Meanwhile, if the purpose of your trip is to sightsee and experience star-studded life, then going to Los Angeles could be ideal. Although it is a relatively expensive city, it’s possible to save by choosing to take public transport around or getting a cheaper hotel.
Consider Alternative Accommodation
Choosing alternative accommodation is another way to travel on a budget. Hotels are no longer the only options in terms of places to stay. Airbnb is a great example, but there are other alternatives, too. HomeAway, VRBO, and Vacation rentals all have decent options to choose from.
If you’re adamant about staying in a hotel, there are ways to find discounts. As with flights, you can use comparison sites to see who has the best rates. Booking with the hotel directly is one trick that people may not often consider, and booking last-minute with an app could also get you better rates.
Leaving the country is something everyone should try and do at least once in their life. It is guaranteed to leave you with lifelong memories, as well as offer you a chance to experience another culture, another way of life, and different people, entirely. Good luck!