When life makes you want to pull your hair out, sometimes all you need is a quick escape. Humans are born travelers, so its no wonder travel increases happiness.
There’s a problem, though. You’re broke.
You remember something. You’re crafty and resourceful. You can use that to your advantage.
With a bit of know-how and mental fortitude, you can travel without breaking the bank.
When you find yourself with a few dollars but an insatiable wanderlust, you can still get that much-needed escape. Here’s how you can start traveling on a budget and get away from it all.
1. Avoid Tourist Destinations
Your Instagram may suffer from a lack of a selfie at the top of the Eiffel Tower, but you can instead spend your day taking a stroll along the Seine.
When you find your way off the beaten path, you’ll find that there is so much more to see. If you focus on popular destinations, you’ll spend more money and miss out on some cool experiences.
Focus instead on meeting new people and making new connections. Immerse yourself in what it is like to just be somewhere.
While it is cool to visit popular destinations, you stand to gain more from places that lie off the beaten path.
2. Timing is Key
Avoid peak traveling seasons. Airfare and other means of transportation will be more expensive. If you are going to be driving, gas prices are higher in the summer.
A higher demand leads to higher prices.
Plan ahead. Book your tickets and accommodations in advance.
As it gets closer to your travel date, prices are sure to go up. You will save yourself from paying ridiculous airfare or hotel costs.
You will also be able to rest easy and think clearly about how you will spend your money once you reach your destination.
3. Pack Only the Essentials
If you want to focus on the traveling aspect, travel light. Pack one backpack and a small suitcase, if not less.
You will save yourself from having to pay checked luggage fees.
Make a list of all the toiletries you need and remember that you can always do laundry. Pack your bag as densely as you possibly can.
Fold and roll, ensuring you have the space you need.
4. Bring a Water Bottle
You should always plan on drinking water. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Not only will the planet thank you, but so will your wallet. Buying water every day could quickly deplete your funds.
The money you save here could buy you another night in a hostel each week. You could also use the money to splurge on something a little more exciting.
5. Find a Job to Earn and Save
You may not want to work and travel at the same time, but you need to have a financial cushion of some sort. What happens if you find yourself stranded in the Dutch countryside?
You can find a variety of jobs that you can do from nearly anywhere.
Look for jobs teaching English. You can do this via video chat with some services. Pick up freelance writing jobs.
If you need to, find a hostel that will allow you to work in exchange for accommodations.
6. Don’t Go in Blind
It can be fun to have no clue what you are doing. It keeps things fresh and interesting.
However, you need to keep an eye on your safety and financial security. Do a bit of research before you go anywhere.
Figure out how much you will be paying for accommodations, food, and travel. Shop around and talk to other people about their experiences.
Find blogs and reviews about any of your desired travel destinations.
7. Stay Flexible When Traveling on a Budget
If you are dead set on any particular destination or plan, you could miss out on good deals and experiences.
Allow yourself to flow easier with the tides and be more open to change. Take advantage of anything that arises.
If your goal is to travel and experience new things, don’t shut yourself out to these experiences. Be prepared to drop any existing plans at a moment’s notice.
You’ll find yourself with more travel options when you remain open to change.
8. Shop and Eat Local
Shop around at the local markets. You’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables and a range of meats.
When you eat what is available to you, you will save money. You will also get a taste of what it is like to live locally.
Get to know the locals. Try new cuisines.
9. Walk as Much as Possible
If you can, walk everywhere. You will save money on public transportation and other means.
You will get some exercise in and get to reach some of the tighter corners of each place you visit.
Some companies offer free walking tours led by experienced locals. You’ll get to see parts of a new city that most travelers will overlook.
10. Keep Track of Everything
Unless you plan on completely going off the grid, you will need to track your finances.
Check your accounts daily and make sure to count your cash somewhere private.
If you need, you may be able to find personal loans no credit check. Be careful not to take out too many loans and destroy your credit.
Only do so if you can absolutely pay it back.
You can find apps to track and budget expenses. As a safety net, keep a paper journal where you write down expenses and account balances.
Don’t Limit Yourself
You are only limited by your imagination and creativity. If you really wanted, you could travel with absolutely no money.
It all depends on how much you are willing to give up.
The desire to wander is in all of us. Don’t be fooled into believing that you need wealthy parents and a trust fund in order to see the world.
Traveling on a budget can be as easy as it is exciting. You just must be smart and use your resources.
Do a bit of research. Talk to other travelers.
For more travel hacks, visit our blog.
