How to travel on a budget
Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t always have to be. In fact, it is still possible to have a weekend trip to Switzerland with a small budget of 400 Euro. Here we are to help you with these 18 cheap travel tips, so that you could save money but still go on a wonderful trip!
1. Find free things
This would be the number 1 among all these cheap travel tips! Yes, the best things in life must be free thing! Here are some suggestions for you that cost absolutely nothing.
- Take a walk around the city. This is also one of the best ways to discover a new place.
- Go swimming at a lake or beach.
- Go hiking.
- Visit a local market
- Watch a sunset or sunrise
- See a street fair, concert or outside event.
- Sit in a park and people watch.
- Find free movie screenings in cafes or hostels
2. Leave your ATM card
When heading out for the night make sure to only take the amount of cash that you is needed. This way you do not have the option to withdraw more cash. Your pocket will thank you!
3. Travel like the locals
Instead of taking a taxi, why not use public transport? Sometimes, it is such a good way to not only save your pocket but also experience the way of living like local people.
4. Rent a Bike
In case public transport is unreliable, renting a bike is a good alternative. Good thing is that, it is usually cheaper than buying a day bus ticket. Extra bonus is that you can get some extra exercise!
5. Share transport cost
If you do end up having to take a car, try and share the cost with your travelmates. If you don’t have one, please find one (or some!). Chances are there will be other people willing to share the ride with you.
6. Avoid dining out for dinner
A lot of places will raise prices considerably for dinner. If you wish to eat out, try a late lunch instead as the prices will be lower. This should be one of the most important cheap travel tips for you!
7. Walk as much as possible
See things at your own pace. Walking around a new city is the perfect way to see things you may never discover on a bus or train.
8. Sleeping on the go
Another tips to save money on travel is to book overnight busses or trains. This way you will be able to go without booking a nights accomodation as well as getting to a new destination.
9. Sleep outside
Camp in a park or a site. Make sure camping is allowed, as you could get left with a hefty fine. You also need to be prepared for outside conditions, but this would be your cheapest option.
10. Use coupons
Do your homework before and find travel discounts around the places you will visit. Most likely there will be discounts on trips and accommodation. Therefore, do not forget to add “coupons” to your cheap travel tips.
11. Call hotels directly
Instead of booking online, call hotels directly. Experiences show that the prices online are higher than if you call.
12. Ask for discounts
They can always say no, but it never hurts to ask. If you are a student, always ask if they offer a student discount. You better take every chance to save money while travelling.
13. Fly midweek
This should be listed in the cheap travel tips as well. Typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest times to fly. Flying at unpopular times, such as the red-eye or early AM increases your chance of getting cheaper flights.
14. More time in fewer places
Instead of rushing and cramming many cities into a short period of time, take your time in places that you enjoy. This way you will be taking fewer buses, flights and trains that will really affect your budget. So take your time!
15. Find the days with deals
Visit museums or tours on free days, or when there is an available discount. Most museums have a ‘cheap night’ once a week, so ensure to check this out before you pay full price.
16. Take advantage of the free stuff
Nothing is better than free. Make the most of it at your hostels. You can almost always find coffee and tea, some fancier ones will even offer free wine. A little goes a long way.
17. Ask the locals
Using social media is a great tool to ask your friends and family for recommendations. But once you you’re at your destination, don’t be shy. Locals know the best kept secrets, where the cheapest happy hour is and where to score some delicious food that won’t break the bank.
18. Travel during ‘Dead Week’
Don’t let the name discourage you. This is a term used by tourism professionals that refer to the absolute cheapest time to travel through the year. It falls between January 2nd until January 15th. The reason why it is so cheap is because no one is traveling. After Christmas most of us have no money left to hop on a plane. However, if you plan it in advance you can save a lot on your trip. Hotels rates, airfare and travel packages drop considerably.
Don’t let money get in the way of your next adventure! Plan well, budget carefully and ensure to follow these cheap travel tips so you are able to travel and discover somewhere new.
A great way to save money while traveling is to go with a group so you are able to save money of costs. Check out JoinMyTrip to find travel partners, either join someone elses already planned trip or create a trip today!
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