Expanding our horizons by exploring more of the world is a goal for millions of us this year. As we focus more on self-care and mental wellness, travel becomes a priority.
One obstacle to living our best lives is money, of course. In the past, people have turned to less favorable options, like unsafe and dirty hotels or timeshares, to try to save money on their vacations. But through experience, we’ve learned that “cheap” hotels aren’t always worth a dime, and timeshares aren’t as good a value as they seemed to be at first. (Learn more about the downsides of timeshare ownership here.)
The good news is that today’s traveler doesn’t have to sacrifice quality to save money. Follow these five tips and tricks, and you can have a fun and safe trip while staying within your budget.
1. Know Your Budget
The first thing to do when you decide you want to travel is to set a budget. From there, you can decide the rest of the trip.
If you already know your intended destination, this can help you determine a reasonable budget. For instance, what you should expend to spend, even with cheap travel tips, on a road trip a few hours away will be substantially different from your reasonable budget for an overseas destination.
Knowing how much you can feasibly afford to spend will guide all your next decisions.
2. Consider Adjusting the Destination
The great thing about tourist destinations is that they usually have plenty of enjoyable things to see and do. The downside is that they tend to be expensive.
If you’re not 100% set on a certain destination for your trip, write down a few places that seem interesting. Then, research the essential parts that don’t have too much wiggle room in cost, such as transportation and the non-negotiables that you’ll want to do while you’re there. Keep in mind that you’ll still need money for other things, like food, tips, and tours.
Compare those totals to your maximum spending amount, and cross off any that aren’t in your budget. You can still have an amazing time wherever you go!
3. Go on the Off-Season
Do you have flexibility in when you can take your trip? If you book it during the busy season, you’re going to spend more money on lodging, airfare, and car rentals. Try to schedule your vacation for the off-season when possible, or find places to visit that are in their “off-season” during your days off.
4. Do Your Research
You’ve chosen a place to visit, and you know your dates. Now, it’s time to dig into the research of planning your itinerary.
The internet makes it a cinch to find and compare lodging based on reviews, rates, and amenities. If you’re trying to travel dirt cheap, you might want to look in hostels and couch-hopping apps. These have come a long way over the years and are used by many people who want to explore the world on a shoestring budget.
Research the food options around your destination, as well. You can expect to pay more when you’re staying in a tourist hotspot. It could be worth the extra expense to get a rideshare or bike to the popular attractions, but stay, dine, and shop outside of the city limits.
5. Be Okay With Splitting the Cost
One of the best ways to travel on a budget is to go with someone else. Sure, you’ll have to share a room and possibly a car, but once you get to your destination, the two (or more) of you are free to do whatever you each want. You split the costs of shared expenses and only pay for your food and attractions. Another plus is that you can keep an eye out for each other’s safety in a strange place.
