How to Be a Successful Budget Traveler

Every one craves to travel someday, whether in the middle of the summer to enjoy the breeze on a sunny beach or in the winter to experience the Holidays’ spirits and the rainy weather. Sometimes traveling can be accessible, and sometimes it’s hard to visualize yourself going anywhere with a wallet like yours. Traveling can get expensive, considering the planning, the flight, accommodation, food, entertainment, souvenirs, and activities you want to experience. Note that, in the case of the US, International travelers spent 139 billion dollars in 2019. In other words, traveling can be a daunting experience, and sometimes people fear experience when they’re not too sure about what to do. Yet, it is not impossible to be a wanderer on a budget; it is not impossible to travel without being rich, and here’s a guide on how to be a successful budget traveler that will hopefully motivate you to do the first step and start your journey.

1. Find Budget-Friendly Transportation Options:

Airplanes are expensive, and that’s a fact, but it always depends on which agency you’re choosing and which period you’re choosing to travel in. Make a lot of research and you may find better airline choices. Otherwise, you can choose to travel by bus or car, with friends or strangers, locals or people from different places. Not only you’ll save money, but you’ll also get the opportunity to meet people and exchange stories. So, for example, if you’re traveling to Bangkok, one of the best ways to save money is to use travel guides like the one on this link. These guides can help you find budget-friendly transportation options, as well as provide you with information on the best attractions to see. 

Research Alternative Accommodation:

Sometimes hotels can be a little bit too expensive, sometimes a luxury that not everyone can enjoy. Instead of putting more money into booking a hotel room, and thus preventing yourself from doing other activities or purchasing a few things you have longed for, try to check other alternative places of accommodation. Sometimes, residents abroad are willing to accept travelers as guests and offer a place to sleep. This is a great way to save money especially for students and extroverts as they foster cultural exchange, get to know locals and connect with them. Another way is house sitting, through which travelers volunteer to watch someone’s house, pet, or plants in exchange for a roof. Otherwise, you can check Airbnb or pack your bags and camp outdoor with a group of people. In all these cases, the accommodation is cheap and on budget – you don’t need to worry about where to spend the night.

2. Off-Peak Travel Time:

Flights tend to become more expensive once the tourism season gets closer or during the holiday season. Travel industries take advantage of holidays and weeks off to increase their prices. Countries with exotic weather are more likely to be expensive in summer, while countries with intriguing festivities in cold seasons tend to be expensive in winter – and vice versa. If you choose to travel in periods other than holidays, you may save up a lot of money, hotels and airlines tend to lower their prices during seasons to attract customers. Therefore, do your research and find out the best time to visit your destination that will cost you less.

3. Book Early

You never know when things go wrong, maybe you’ll run out of time or money, perhaps you’re not sure if they’ll be available tickets for the date you’ve been wanting. Sometimes the prices increase when you try to book a flight for a closer date. To avoid all the trouble, it is better to book everything earlier – at least one month earlier. 

4. Opt for Street Food Instead of Restaurants:

Now that you’re alone trying to survive during your new adventure, you don’t have to impress anyone by spending every night out at a fancy restaurant. Remember you’re trying to save money and be a successful budget traveler. At the same time, you don’t have to stay home and spend the time you thought you’d spend outside sightseeing cooking, and prepping meals. Opt for street food; not only you can try cheap and delicious food while witnessing the beauty of the city and having a cultural exchange with the locals. Food by the end of the day is man’s love language, and trying street food is a good way to learn about the city’s habits.