What responsible adults can’t look back and say they should have done more to have a bigger travel and adventure budget? What would have been better to have money to spend on experiences than repairs on old cars?
The good news is that you can do something to flip the script. You can learn to travel more on a budget.
Spend more time exploring exotic places, new restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path sites. Maybe you always wanted to learn to surf, dive, or paraglide but never found your way to having the time or money.
Whatever it is you’ve always dreamed of, you are closer than you think. Explore this guide for how to travel more on a budget, even if money still has you tied up.
Plan Early
Planning a vacation ahead is one of the best ways to reduce costs when traveling. It’s impossible to plan too early; the closer to the date of your departure, the higher the prices become.
When you plan early, you save on transportation costs, hotel stays, and activities. Creating an itinerary and budget ahead of time can also help. Knowing how much you can spend before you arrive will help to ensure you stick to your budget and avoid any costly surprises.
Booking transportation and accommodations months in advance will also get you the best deals and help to maximize your travel budget. With the internet, it’s easier than ever to research and plan in taking a trip well ahead of time.
Combine Destinations
Rather than take separate flights for each travel destination, plan your trip so that you are able to get from one place to the next on less expensive means of travel. For example, if you are visiting cities that are close together, you may be able to take a train or bus from one place to the next.
You might even be able to rent a car and drive yourself. Doing this allows you to save money on airfare and also allows you to get a better feel for the area in between.
When visiting multiple destinations, look for a hotel that offers packages and discounts for longer stays. This allows you to save on both accommodation and transport costs.
Contact Hotels Directly
By making direct contact with the hotel of your choice, you’re able to speak directly to someone employed by that hotel to get a better rate. You can also ask for additional amenities and upgrades such as early check-in, late check-out, or a free night’s stay.
You can inquire about special discounts that the hotel offers, such as AAA discounts, senior discounts, and other discounts that may be available. Most hotels are willing to work with you to make sure you get the best deal possible.
Stay Consistent
Making small changes to your lifestyle can help free up more funds for future travels. From meal prepping to cutting down on coffee and entertainment expenses, it’s important to start small.
Try to put a bit of money aside each month to save up for trips. Start with a smaller destination close to home, it’s a great way to budget without taxing your wallet. Get creative when it comes to dining and lodging, look for hotel deals, and consider Airbnb.
Pay in Local Currency
This means avoiding using your home country’s currency when paying for goods and services abroad. Using a foreign currency can often be more expensive than paying in the local currency due to exchange rate fluctuations.
If you purchase items in the currency of the country you are visiting, you can avoid additional bank fees altogether. As a bonus tip, shoppers should always try to negotiate prices if they are able to do so.
Oftentimes, locals will be more willing to bargain when dealing with visitors who are willing to pay in their local currency. Travelers who pay in this way will find that they will be able to spend less and get more for their money!
Pack Smart and Stay Organized
With the right tactics in place, packing smart and staying organized can go a long way in helping you save money. When it comes to packing, try to stick to a minimalist approach by packing only what you need.
Try to refrain from packing bulky items that will be difficult to transport and add unnecessary weight. Think of multi-purposeful items like scarves and jackets that can also act as a pillow or blankets.
When it comes to staying organized, it’s best to plan ahead and know where you’ll be going and staying before you set out on your adventure. Map out your journey and know which destinations you won’t be able to miss.
Use Public Transportation
Cities all over the world have incorporated public transportation systems to help reduce the use of cars while giving people a way to travel at a fraction of the cost. From local buses or metro lines, taking public transportation is almost always the cheapest way to get around if you are wanting to save money.
Doing some research ahead of time is important as different countries offer different options, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Public transportation can provide great insight into local culture without needing to pay for expensive taxi rides.
Take Advantage of Special Discounts
Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer significant discounts to customers who book in advance, sign up for newsletters, and enroll in loyalty reward programs. Credit cards and apps like Groupon and Travelzoo often offer deals on travel packages.
Researching different sites and comparison shopping can also help the savvy traveler take advantage of discounted airfare and hotel rooms. For longer stays, renting an Airbnb or looking for hosts on Couchsurfing can save money as well.
You can even try to utilize DVC point charts to stay in a deluxe-level Disney resort for a much lesser price!
Learn How to Travel More on a Budget Today
Traveling doesn’t have to break your budget. By following the tips in this article, you can save money and enjoy how to travel more.
It’s time to start planning your next exciting trip! Remember, the best way to have experiences that last a lifetime is to travel more and on a budget!
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