Our planet has a lot of beautiful destinations for any kind of travel goal. Be it a short-term vacation or long-term travel plan, if you are not planning sensibly, you might end up running out of money. You can plan to travel solo, travel with friends, a family trip or an adventurous one. You can set up any kind of travel goal. Travel budget is the first concern that hits the plan when you choose a destination to travel. I would like to share a few tips that I find helpful in planning travel in a budget-friendly manner.
1. Think of the cheapest ways to travel
When it comes to travelling on a budget, air flights can actually be the luxuriant way to travel. By booking early, you can get an air ticket at low rate. But, there are other modes which you can think of for your travelling. Travelling by bus or train can also be an option available for you. Consider travelling by other means of transport available for your destination.
2. Grab Last-minute deals
If you know exactly what you want, the last-minute deal is not for you. Last-minute deal means more saving with offers available to grab for your need. Be flexible in your choices when you are travelling. Take a look at offers going on travel websites. You have to make quick decision and be flexible in order to get great deals last minute.
3. Prepare your Saving plans during the trip
I know life is expensive. The cost of products, services, and commodities are increasing day by day. You have day-to-day requirements to maintain. But, there is always something you can cut. I believe there is always a way to save a little more. An old man says, “A kid saving one rupee daily can add up a lot over time”.
Get into the habit of saving money for your travelling requirements regularly. Every little penny will help you in your travel budget. Saving for a traveller is like an addiction. The more you save for your trip, the more you will be eager to save.
4. Prefer group travelling
I am a solo traveller and I am well aware of the freedom and benefits one can reap from solo travelling. In many destinations, travelling solo can be very expensive. If you want to go to some costlier destination, plan in group.
For friends and family – Sharing is caring, but for a traveller – Sharing is saving. When you rent a car for your trip – the more people you share it with, the less you will have to pay as an individual.
5. Use your Credit cards perks for higher savings
Most of travel credit cards offer a healthy sign up bonus. If you travel frequently, pick a credit card that offers more rewards points and bonus on every booking. With the right credit card, you may be able to save a lot and enjoy privileges. Lounge access, free checked bags, booking cancellation insurance, theft – are just few of the benefits available with the best credit cards. These benefits can help you a lot in your travel budget.
6. Start using Sharing Economy
Sharing economy provides a new way to travelers for saving money on things they need. I have experienced that sharing economy is a fantastic way when it comes to find things and services at lower prices.
One of the interesting things about the sharing economy is that it is powered by real people. The locals can provide real help to experience local flavor.
7. Use Public transportation
Transport is an important aspect to consider when planning a budgeted trip. I am sure that you have probably worked out on the mode to travel at your destination. I prefer traveling by public transport rather than booking a private taxi.
You can book a taxi, or a bus. The best way to get around in budgeted manner is to copy the locals and use public transport.
8. Book your accommodation wisely
When it comes to cheap places to stay, you must look for last-minute bookings in nearby hotels. There are various travel websites from which you can compare the rate of various hotels and book the cheapest one.
9. Time to revise traveling rule – Travel like you live
As I have observed during my trips, locals don’t spend money to visit the same place like tourist does. During my first trip, I recall that I used to spend now and then. If I need water, then I used to buy a new water bottle rather than using a reusable water bottle. One water bottle of Himalayan Edition used to cost me 59 bucks. I was in habit of buy the water bottle, use it and crush it. Very soon, I realized that there are bottle filing station available at tourist places. I changed my habit.
There are several other changes which I made in my traveling ways. This helped me changing my mindset. I started paying attention to all my expenses when I am on the road. I started realizing that this helped me saving my money.
You can also be smart with your budget by traveling at your destination point as you live there.
If I conclude: For a traveler, there are different ways available to travel on a budget. You have to figure out where to look and when to book.
Use these tips to enjoy your trip with the travel budget you have decided. Higher chances are you can save more from your fixed travel budget for your next trip.
It doesn’t matter that you save only 100 bucks or 1000 bucks in your first trip. What matters the most is that you take the first step and have started learning the art of traveling with satisfaction in a budget friendly manner.
