Traveling is one of the most enjoyable activities for most people around the globe. Not only is traveling an opportunity to see the world, but it is also a perfect way to relax and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.
Have you yearned to visit the Mediterranean seaside? Have you dreamed about falling in love in Venice? Have you always wanted to sit in the cafes of Paris? Who hasn’t? Indeed, many people would love to travel to different countries. Unfortunately, too many of us are often constrained by our finances or responsibilities at home. Is there a solution for how to travel the world on a budget? Well, several tactics can be used to see the world without putting too much of a dent in your pocket.
Well, it is time to treat yourself and ditch all of your responsibilities at home and start seeing the world. Our planet is gorgeous and offers all sorts of sights and sounds – natural and manmade. This will be the biggest regret in your life, and it is uncertain if you can travel in your senior years.
Even if you don’t have a lot of money, that shouldn’t limit the scope of your dreams. There are plenty of ways to travel the world with cheap expenses. Here are nine tips that will teach you how to travel the world on a budget:
1. Plan your travel budget
When you travel the world on a budget, you need to plan the trip ahead of time. The more prepared you are, the less likely you will encounter difficulties.
For example, if you plan to visit the City of Love, there are some days when admission to the museums is free. Similarly, there are often promotions and discounts offered on certain days and/or certain months that can allow you to purchase tickets for popular tourist sites at very low rates.
That said, the best thing to do is plan ahead and keep your eyes and ears open for any promotions offered for places you wish to see.
2. Travel during off-peak times
The best way to travel the world on a budget is to travel during the off season. Most airlines that operate today have fluctuating ticket prices based on seasons, or you can check with an agency on the best times to travel.
For instance, summer is the most popular time that people travel mainly because schools are off, and families utilise this opportunity to plan long vacations. However, airlines offer low fares during off-season months, where historically, the number of travelers is less.
If you are on a budget, the best way to travel is to go off-peak times. This may mean going during fall, winter, or early spring when there are fewer crowds and many hotels also offer great promotions.
3. Buy cheap air tickets
For penny-pinching people, the key to cheap tickets is to have flexibility in your travel plans. You can often find cheaper air tickets if you travel on a weekday as opposed to on a weekend or holiday.
Airlines often announce ticket sales for days that are not heavily booked. Again, you need to keep your eyes and ears open for these special promotions. You may need to do this for several days or weeks. But if your travel times are flexible, you may be able to save a lot of money flying at a very low-fare.
4. Airbnb to the rescue
If you want to travel the world on a budget, check out Airbnb. Apart from the airline ticket, the second biggest expense for a traveler is accommodation. Traditionally, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast locations were usually the only options available to travelers. Today, however, Airbnb has changed the way people find accommodation.
Airbnb offers all types of accommodation in various price ranges. The prices for Airbnb are much lower than most hotels, and the room usually comes with many amenities. You can check out the place on the Airbnb website before you decide. Most Airbnb accommodations provide you with a kitchen and utensils, so you can save money on food by cooking your meals.
Overall, this is a great option for travelers who have a low budget.
5. Avoid tourist traps
If you are travel the world on a budget, you should avoid the usual tourist traps like Venice, Cairo, London, Barcelona, and Paris. Even if you do visit these places, your pocketbook should go during off-season months as both airfare and hotels will be fairly cheap.
You can also choose destinations that are not common. This will help you not only to avoid crowds, but you will get a chance to meet locals, learn about the culture, and spend less money.
6. Travel lightly
With the airlines charging travelers for everything these days, including luggage, you can save money by traveling light. Only travel with your personal care belongings and clothes, and leave everything else at home.
Remember the costs of extra luggage, even if you are over by just one kilo, can cost you a minimum of $50.
7. Don’t buy travel souvenirs you’ll throw out
When you are on a budget, it would be prudent to avoid buying souvenirs and trinkets for family and friends. Most of these items are junk and a complete waste of money. Indeed, paying $20 for a photo of you standing near the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a total waste when you can simply take the same picture from your mobile device.
8. Eat on a budget
One of the best ways to save cash is to eat where the locals do. In most places, the cheapest places to eat are where nearby residents patronise. In many parts of Asia and the Americas, some of the cheapest food can be found on the streets sold from carts.
9. Gather basic travel information
Before you book your flight, read online reviews about the place you plan to visit. Know what the cost of the visa is (many countries do not require a visa for North American tourists) and how to get from the airport to your Airbnb, etc. The more homework you do here, the more likely it is that you can have an enjoyable trip on a budget.