Traveling offers a wonderful opportunity to explore different places and experience new ideas, fresh perspectives, gorgeous landscapes, and diverse cultures worldwide. 

But, traveling can also cost a pretty penny. What if we told you that there are ways you can travel to that exotic destination of your dream even when you’re on a budget? 

This collection of travel tips on a budget will help you explore your dream destinations without having to burn a hole in your pocket! 

Plan in Advance 

If you’re traveling on a budget, the first thing you need to do is plan effectively.

Choose less expensive locations and have a lower cost of living than your home city, or where the exchange rate will give you good value for your money.

You don’t need an hour-by-hour breakdown of your itinerary; all you need is to know how long you’ll be staying at your destination, what sites you want to see, and how much your budget can allot towards the trip.

Knowing your budget will put you on a schedule and reduce any chances of unexpected spending.

Travel Off-Season

The travel industry hikes up prices during peak season and school holidays to capitalize on families traveling during the holidays. If you want to avoid the outrageously high prices of peak-season travels, try to travel off-season and be a little trip-savvy.

Find out the best time to visit your travel destination, then schedule your trip around those dates. This is known as “shoulder season” — when you can enjoy fantastic deals and excellent weather without spending a fortune.

You’ll also see fewer crowds, shorter lines at the airport, and be able to visit the best tourist destinations without getting tricked, so it’s well worth the wait.

Besides, most businesses in the travel industry, such as airports and hotels, will also lower their prices to attract more customers during the off-season, giving you access to their most lucrative deals.

Be Accommodation Savvy

Accommodations often take a large chunk out of your travel budget.
Instead of spending excessive amounts on expensive hotel rooms, you can offset this by booking rooms in hostels and guesthouses or apartments if you’re traveling with family. You could also consider sharing a room to save money and meet new people along the way.

Another popular option is to look into websites like Airbnb and Couchsurfing that allow you to rent a home or stay in a spare room in a local person’s house for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. You can even ask your hosts for tips and recommendations to find the best hot spots in the neighborhood. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

*Couchsurfing, particularly at a stranger’s home, can be risky. Prioritize your safety by carefully looking at the reviews and others’ experiences.

Travel Light

Traveling light is easier said than done. But, you can make a travel wardrobe capsule that is light enough to carry while also including everything you will need so you don’t end up shopping unnecessarily.

It will help you avoid the luggage fees that airports levy on large, heavy baggage and make navigating crowded train stations and airports easier.

Book in Advance 

Airlines release flight seats far in advance, so purchase your round-trip tickets as soon as possible. Booking your tickets months or weeks in advance will help you avoid the last-minute rush, which is normally much more expensive, as well as the high transaction fees and exchange rates that come with last-minute travel. This applies to accommodation and other travel essentials, too.

And while we’re on the subject, remember to be smart about how you fly. Weekend flights are usually more expensive because most people have time off during that period. One of the most cost-effective ways is to travel midweek when flights are cheapest.

Use Public Transport

Use public transport during your trip to save money. Suppose you have a rental car or carpool with other people going to the same destinations. You’ll probably enjoy excellent company while saving money on gas that would otherwise come out of your own pocket.

And if you can get to your location by train or bus, even better! You gaze upon the lovely scenery along the way, and if it’s an overnight trip, you will even save money on lodging for that night.

Get Travel Insurance

Although travel insurance may seem like an extra cost you can do away with, it is an investment that will help you save money if you find yourself in an emergency.

Traveling isn’t always sunshine and rainbows; there are times when you may face some unexpected troubles. You may get sick or lose your luggage during the journey — you never know what could happen!

Having travel insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that an unpleasant event does not ruin your experience and that you don’t have to pay hundreds and thousands of dollars in emergency bills.

Eat At Local Restaurants

Experiencing new cuisines, especially at expensive restaurants, can easily make you forget to keep track of your budget.

A better option is to explore local restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and street food. You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy the local gastronomical experience in a cozy, neighborhood-like setting at an affordable price. Plus, the food is likely to taste much better here.

When you’re not out exploring, go to the supermarket or a nearby store and stock up on groceries for your meals to save money by cooking your food.

Get A Local SIM Card

Stay connected with your friends and family members with a local SIM card. This will allow you to purchase data, text, and call packages far less expensive than data roaming.

It will also help you navigate your way through a new place while keeping in touch with your loved ones.

Learn How To Haggle

Prices of local goods and commodities are often marked up for tourists. If you intend to purchase souvenirs or any other products and services, make sure to put your negotiating skills to work.

Keep in mind that this requires you to be familiar with the value of items. This will help you know when a product is worth the asking price and when you’re being charged the “foreigner price.”

Travel in Style with 786 Cosmetics 

Traveling on a budget does not mean you can’t travel in style! You can still click lots of pictures to memorialize your visit and look stunning in all of them! 

Instead of paying for manicures at salons while traveling, opt for our vegan, cruelty-free collection of ultra-gorgeous breathable nail polishes to save money while looking and feeling your absolute best. You don’t even have to carry too many nail polishes.

Take some DIY inspiration from our Instagram page and create stunning nail art with just a couple of colors! 

Happy Travels!

 

Author: Keren Dinkin