Budget Travel Tips: How to Travel on a Shoestring
Whenever you travel locally or even internationally, budgeting can be stressful. During vacation, of course, you want to enjoy and bask in the moment, not overthink about putting a hole in your pocket.
Luckily, there are tips and tricks for budgeting to help you save whenever you travel. With a plan in hand, you can explore the world without ever worrying about your wallet.
Download the right apps.
Before your flight, be sure to download the right apps. Whatever city or country you're planning to go to, you'll need to check your account balances from your mobile device. This will help you track how much money you've spent already or how much you have left.
These apps can also help you navigate during travel or utilize promos/discounts. There are also cashback apps you can maximize whenever you eat out—these can gradually add up and help you splurge on more important things later on.
Find free activities and maximize them.
If you think there’s no such thing as "free" nowadays, think again! May it be walking around the city, walking, jogging, appreciating nature, stargazing, and even drawing or painting celestial bodies—there's something you can enjoy!
If you're more of an organized person who likes a more structured schedule, you can start by asking around or looking at local publications to learn about free activities in the vicinity. Some establishments or even museums post and offer free entry on holidays or on some specific dates.
Explore low-cost accommodations.
If you want to keep accommodation costs to a minimum, look for accommodations like Airbnb, hostels, or guesthouses which provide basic amenities for a much lower price. Just ensure to set your expectations at the door if you choose either of these accommodation options, as low prices usually mean sacrificing atmosphere, cleanliness, or even location.
On the other hand, it's at these establishments that you can meet other money-savvy travelers, get insider tips about the best activities around, and make your traveling on a shoestring budget even easier.
Find cost-effective means of transportation.
Finding the cheapest means of transportation can be tricky, but there are a handful of sites to make finding and comparing the cheapest deal easier. These websites typically have a notification feature to keep you updated on flight prices drop below a specific point for your dream destination—this could be the answer to every budget traveler's prayer!
To take advantage if the cheapest deals, you must be willing to be flexible to adapt to plan changes. Book flights in advance, but not too far in advance! There are times that fares can really dip down close to your departure date if the airline needs to sell seats, but don't always expect a rock-bottom price right before you fly.
Mastering your packing skills to the point where you can fit all your belongings into a single carry-on bag can help you save a significant amount of money by avoiding added fees for checked luggage. Once you've landed on your dream location, look for public transportation, rent a bike, or even opt for walking to get thrifty when touring around.
Be smart in handling your money.
You might be anxious if you're not seeing any ATM around when traveling but you actually don't have to! There are transaction fees that banks extract from every account that can make even the healthiest account crumble. ATM fees can be more than what you expect especially when traveling abroad. In many countries, every transaction you make will have a corresponding "foreign transaction fee"—you could pay as much as $30 just to get ahold of your own cash!
That said, it is always advisable to withdraw large amounts of money in one go so you only get hurt by these fees just once. Just make sure you'll keep your cash safe and secure. Aside from ATM transaction fees, also watch out for exchange rates and conversion fees, as they can eat up your vacation budget pretty quickly.3
Act and eat like a local.
Last but not least, a tip that can save you lots of money is to act and eat like a local! You can try to splurge on special delicacies, but dining out in luxury restaurants isn't really advisable for the most budget-savvy traveler. Several hostels offer the "buy and cook your own food" concept to help support their budget-conscious guests.
Look for local wet markets instead of supermarkets whenever you shop for ingredients or if you fancy a specific fruit for your snack. If you're not gifted in the culinary side, you can also opt for street foods—just make sure they're properly handled and cooked simply by watching. If you don't have the stomach or will for street foods, try looking for restaurants where locals tend to eat. In Western Europe, many establishments may offer a "menu of the day", which serves a three-course meal for a set, all for a very reasonable price!
Where Frugality Meets Unforgettable Journeys
At the end of the day, traveling on a budget isn't about deprivation or settling for less. It's about being creative, resourceful, and open to new experiences. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time explorer, the world is your oyster, even with the smallest travel budget!
