1. Location, Location, Location
There are so many beautiful countries in the world that are often overlooked or not considered people’s top destinations for vacation. However, when traveling on a budget, location is very important for the total overall cost of your trip. Consider some of these destinations for budget travel locations: Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Guatemala, Peru, or Honduras.For example, Peru is one of
For example, Peru is one of the cheapest places to visit yet offers some of the most stunning structures in the world, such as Machu Picchu.
2. Keep Your Dates Flexible
Keeping your travel dates flexible is key to traveling on a budget. Many people in the world travel at the same exact times of the year. This is why airlines, hotels, and other companies in the travel industry raise their prices during the “peak” seasons. If you can travel during less popular months, you will save a ton of money!
3. When to Book Your Flight
When you should book your flight is very continent-specific. Planning a trip to Europe, you should book your flight between 8-10 months before your departure. Maybe you are just traveling domestically? Book your flight 3-7 weeks in advance. Also, the cheapest days to depart are Tuesday and Wednesday while the cheapest day to return home is on Monday.
4. Don’t Stay at the Ritz
Hotel accommodations can be one of the most expensive aspects of any trip. Lucky for us, we live in a world where the Internet has transformed the way we travel. Have you ever heard of AirBnb or Couch Surfing? These are great alternatives that also allow you to stay more like a local during your trip.
Additionally, in other parts of the world, hostels are another cheap, safe alternative for a hotel. In Europe, a one-night stay in a hostel can be as cheap as 5-10 Euros. It may feel like you are back at middle school summer camp, but the savings will be worth the dorm-style accommodations.
5. Utilize Public Transportation
Most countries in the world have GREAT public transportation systems. Trains, metros, buses are all super effective and cheap ways of traveling within a city and even to and from countries!
Don’t like the idea of public transportation? Walk! There is no better way to see a city than just strolling down the streets. Above all else,
avoid taxis. They are overpriced and may take advantage of the fact that you are tourists that don’t know the city
well.
6. Free City Tours
All over Europe, there are many companies that offer free walking tours where the guides work solely off of tips. These tours provide an affordable way to learn and experience a new place.
Do you want to learn more about these types of tours? Click
HERE to see what these tours are all about.
7. Have You Met Charles Schwab?
No, Charles is not an actual person that will help you save money. However, Charles Schwab is a great, dare I say, the BEST bank for travelers. This bank account allows you to withdraw money at ANY
ATM with NO Fees. Do you need to withdraw just a little bit of cash? No
problem! There will be no fee that will have you regretting that visit to the
ATM.
8. Don’t Overtip
In the United States, it is common and respectful to tip 15% to 20%. However in other countries around the world, tipping the wait staff varies and can even be considered rude. By researching the customs of other countries, you will save yourself the embarrassment of an awkward tipping encounter and, ultimately, you will save some cash. Win-win, right?
9. Eat Like a Local
Don’t travel to foreign, exotic countries and eat at restaurants where you recognize the name. Eat where the locals do! This is where you will find the most authentic food, and also the cheapest!
10. Search for Cheap, Free Entertainment
No matter which country you go to, there are always free activities that you can take advantage of. Do research on what events are happening while you are in a particular city. This is a very authentic way to experience a new culture because many of the locals will also
be attending these same events.
So what are you waiting for? It is time for you to get out
there and see the world! Start planning your next budget-friendly vacation today!
