Have you ever wanted to travel with little money and heard someone say that it is impossible to save on the trip? We came to help you prove otherwise!
Although we know that traveling means having a list of expenses for which the traveler should always be prepared, we also know that it is possible, yes, to reduce these numbers and go around the world with a slightly more limited budget. And the best part: planning a trip with less money doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have fun exploring other corners around.
Is this your first trip with the lowest budget?
We’ve brought you tips so you can plan better on how to save money:
1. Search, search, search
The first important point when it comes to finding out how to save on the trip: if you plan from information about your destination.
More than knowing when to make a trip, it is important to understand what this trip demands. That’s why it’s worth spending a little time looking at your travel location on the Internet and talking to people who have been there.
This research will help you better understand the specifics of this destination, such as city prices, public transportation and the attractions or tours you can do. This way it will be easier to understand if the trip fits the budget you had in mind and decide if this would be the best time to do it, for example.
2. Bet on low season
And speaking of planning, if you’ve already traveled in high season, you’ll understand exactly why our second tip is to run away from these periods when you’re looking to save on the trip.
Ticket prices and accommodation, city attractions and even local commerce: everything in high season gets a special price and tourists end up spending more than expected. That is, if you are traveling with little money, try to visit the chosen destinations during your low seasons!
And here’s an important point: the low seasons won’t always be the same in each place. That’s why, besides avoiding more universal dates, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s important that you make a research about the chosen place so that you can choose the best season to visit it.
3. Deciding the destination? Save on tickets!
Once you’ve decided which destination fits in your pocket, it’s time to save on the tickets that will take you to it – and that’s easier than you think.
That’s because what was once almost an urban legend has become increasingly real: getting cheap airline tickets to travel.
4. Expand your accommodation horizons
One thing that can really help you save on your trip is the place where you decide to stay during your stay.
And we say this for two reasons: the location and the price of accommodation:
- Location: if you want to save on the trip, it is interesting that you think about strategic points when choosing where to stay. Remember the research you did, open the city map and try to find a more central point within the activities you want to do and places you want to know, so you can accomplish all your schedule on foot and have no expenses with transportation. If this is unfeasible, try to find a lodging that is close to some transportation line, so that it is easier to come and go through the city;
- Type of lodging: today, the lodging options are many and, if you want to save some money, it’s cool to take a look beyond more traditional hotels and inns. Hostels and platforms like Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and Worldpackers are a good request for those who want to travel economically!
5. Yes, you can save on your luggage
Destination chosen, cheap airline tickets purchased, accommodation booked, now it’s time to pack!
We know it makes you want to pack the whole closet for travel and take everything a little, right in the line of thinking of the “go I need…”. But between you and me: it’s probably been a few times that you’ve used everything you’ve packed for a trip, isn’t it?
6. Save on meals
A large expense we may have on travel is related to daily meals. Because we are not used to the city, it is difficult to know which restaurants, bakeries and cafes have the best cost benefit and easy to fall into the most obvious options, located near the tourist spots (much more expensive than other establishments in the city).
Some tips to avoid this are:
- Avoid the main streets and tourist spots: we don’t want you to fall into the “tourist traps”, so our biggest tip is that you avoid eating in more touristic places. Adventure yourself through the streets and neighborhoods of the city – besides getting to know the most everyday side of your destination, this is a great way to bump into more affordable food options.
- If possible, talk to people in the city: the best way to know good places to go and save money on your trip is by talking to those who know the region. Ask for tips on your accommodation, search the Internet and talk to friends who have been there.
- Believe in your potential as a chef: one of the best ways to save money is by preparing your own meals. If possible, try shopping at a local supermarket and eat more at home.
- Always have a snack on hand: beat your hunger but the cheapest restaurant option is still a bit far away? Having a snack in your purse is a great tip for you to be able to hold your hunger until you leave the most touristic area and find more viable meal options.
Of course we know that part of the journey is to have the experience of local gastronomy, so saving on meals doesn’t mean you can’t eat anything more exquisite at any time. Take a few moments to delight yourself with the local food without being guilty of spending a little more!
7. Think of the most economical forms of transport during the trip
Remember we talked about trying to get to know the city by foot? We know that’s not always possible. So always try to stick to the means of transport that give you greater mobility at the lowest price.
Some destinations can be known by renting bicycles, others have a more robust subway line and there are still those you will find in buses the best means of transportation. Do a research and understand the most economical way to get to know that specific city.
8. Make a daily budget
Our last tip goes against the first one: one of the biggest enemies of the travelers in question of spending is the lack of planning. Thinking about it, a good idea is to create a daily budget in order to save on the trip.
Understand your total budget and how much you would be willing to spend per day, on average. During the trip, write down your purchases and make an overall balance at the end of the day. This will help you keep your spending under control, know exactly how much money you can still spend and make more strategic decisions during the day (whether it be food, transportation, tours, etc.).
Being on a tighter budget doesn’t have to stop you when it comes to getting to know the world: the truth is that you can save on the trip and have fun at the same time. And, whatever destination you choose, we’ll help you find the ticket that fits in your pocket!