You have beautiful photos from all over the world, including Venice, Egypt, Bali, and Egypt. As photos of your friends enjoying a vacation in Peru’s Machu Picchu appear on your social media, you sigh with dread. Although you want to find out how you can travel on a tight budget, you are skeptical of people who claim they can. It would be so simple if it was that easy.
It is possible to travel on a tight budget. More people are discovering ways to do this. Here’s how to travel the world on a tight budget.
You can travel in the “off peak” season
Summer is the best time to travel. Summer is the best time to travel, but everyone thinks it is. This results in crowded venues and activities, and higher prices for everything, including airfare and room and board. You can avoid the rush and save significant money by travelling during off-peak seasons. To see famous sites and do popular activities, you won’t have the pressure of competing with the crowds. Because they aren’t surrounded by people, locals will be more friendly and willing to talk to you. Also, goods and services will likely be less expensive.
Go to cheaper locations
Let’s face facts. You may find some trips appealing on a very visceral level. I can picture myself standing at the Eiffel Tower and going on safari in Nairobi or touring Iceland’s black sand beaches. The big dream destinations can also have high prices. You don’t have to worry about them though. Some people use Travel Hacking Tools to get around them and still enjoy their trip. You might consider other parts of the globe that are less expensive and may be able to stretch your money further. Beautiful destinations are abundant on the Asian continent. South and Central are also great choices. You don’t have to spend all that money on a tour in Europe for one country, but you can see several countries in less-famous areas for about the same price.
Be a tourist!
What are tourists doing? They stay in hotels. They eat out. They purchase packaged tours. They pay for expensive entertainment. If you have the means to pay, this is fine. Traveling is not complete without food. You will find restaurants near the hotel that cater to tourists. You will find the same food you would eat at home but for 2-3 times as much.
Try local food. Street food allows you to meet locals, learn about their culture, and try it out.
Local activities are often free or very affordable. You will need to do some research about the destination and talk to people who have been there. Pre-packaged tours are expensive, but you can save money and see places that tourists never get to see.
Avoid 5-star accommodation
This is part and parcel of being a tourist. It can be expensive to stay in hotels or other formal accommodations. Consider staying in a hostel. You can find hostels for as little as per day, or even free, if you are willing to work in exchange. Many online networks will help you find someone in your desired country and arrange for you to board with them. For those who wish to live with locals and experience everyday life, Airbnb is a great option. You may also choose to backpack if you enjoy hiking and the outdoors. This way, you’ll be able to save money on lodging and board and get a better understanding of the country. You get the same benefits from traveling and staying in a campervan.
