What to know to Travel on a Budget

By Alyssa Laffitte on July 2, 2019

Traveling teaches us a lot about the world around us, and it can be a learning experience, especially for a college student. However, most of us don’t have the money to spend on a lavish vacation. In this post, we will discuss tips on how to travel on a low income.

Image via Isorepublic.com

Start saving money

This may sound obvious, but it is important to start saving money for your travels. You don’t need to set aside a huge chunk of money at once, but saving passively for a long time will add up in the end. For example, instead of eating out every week, eat out every other week and put away the money you would have spent. Setting aside a few dollars here and there for your trip will definitely help you travel on a budget. The sooner you start saving, the sooner you will have the funds for your trip!

Make a budget

Before you start planning your trip, it is important to create a budget. A budget will keep you accountable and ensure you don’t spend more money than you have available. I would recommend creating a spreadsheet and including in it a spending limit for each aspect of your travel journey. For example, a set amount for lodging and accommodations, food, transportation (to your destination and back, and while you are there), and entertainment. With a little research, you can figure out a fair amount for each of these. Your budget will help you gauge how much money you need to save for your trip, and will prevent you from overspending once you are there.

Travel during off-peak season

Traveling during peak travel season (spring break, winter break, summer break, and holidays) will almost always cost more than traveling during the offseason. You can travel on a lesser budget if you decide to take your trip in the middle of February when most people are at work or school than if you go in July when most people are taking vacation time. You will definitely save money if you plan your trips during off-peak season.

Drive to your destination

It’s no secret that although plane rides are convenient, they are also expensive. If you can, consider driving to your destination instead of flying to save money while traveling. You will still need to pay for gas when you drive, but it is cheaper than a plane ticket. Driving will also allow you to see more of the country. You can even stop every once in a while to take in even more beautiful sights. At the end of the day, if the distance to your destination is drivable, you should try to drive there rather than fly, since driving will save you money.

Don’t stay at a traditional hotel

Travelers spend lots of money on accommodations and lodging. After all, they will need a place to sleep at night! But if you are traveling on a budget, don’t stay at a traditional hotel. Instead, choose Airbnb or a hostel, since they will be less expensive (just make sure to be safe while you are staying in these places!). If you have friends or family in the area you will be traveling to, you can also save money by staying with them.

Plan your trips “last minute”

This might be risky, but waiting until the last minute to plan your trip could help you save money! Airlines, cruises, and other travel agencies will want to completely book their spots, so if there is an empty seat a couple of days before the trip, it’s likely they will sell it for a low price.

At your destination:

Here are a few things you can do when you have already arrived at your destination to save money on your travel experience.

Use public transportation or walk

Once you get to your destination, transportation costs can quickly add up. Uber and taxis are expensive! To save money, you should use public transportation or walk. Not only will taking public transportation or walking save you money, but it will also help you live like a local in the city. You will get the authentic experience! Not taking taxis or Uber at your destination will help you save money while traveling.

Cook your own food

Of course, part of traveling is tasting the local foods. However, eating out also adds up quickly. You can save money by cooking your own food. Even cooking only one meal per day will be cheaper than eating out all the time. Finding a balance between eating out and cooking your own food will make your travel experience less expensive.

Find free entertainment

Many of the entertainment options at your destination will cost money. Still, you don’t need to pay lots of money to enjoy your destination! The trick is to find free (or extremely cheap) entertainment at your destination. For example, you can take a walk at a park or beach, or see if there are any free shows happening in the area. These free entertainment options will be just as fun as the paid ones, but they won’t break your budget.

Traveling on a budget is definitely possible if you follow these tips!

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