Do you want to travel the world but are worried about the strain it will put on your pocket? We got you! With the increasing inflation rate across the globe, traveling the world seems impossible. To add further, the process looks incredibly expensive as the cost of everything from airfare to accommodation has increased. But you can make it work for you. It’s just a matter of careful planning and smart choices. With the right guidance, you can fulfill your dream to travel the world on a budget. Let’s dive into some practical tips to make it a success:
Plan Ahead
If you want to travel on a budget, planning is key. Start by setting up a budget for your travel and stick to it. Research destinations that cost less and have a favorable currency exchange rate compared to your home country. Be flexible in your planning and consider traveling during the off-season. By traveling off-season, you can save on many expenses from flight to accommodation and will be able to avoid the crowds. You may also get a more authentic experience and have a chance to interact with locals without the influx of tourists.
Come Up with a Savings Plan
Based on your chosen destination’s cost, think of a savings plan. Create a personalized plan and set aside some amount every week or month, whatever suits you, to make your dream to travel the world one step closer to reality. You may set up a dedicated savings account at your bank for your travel. This way, you can visualize your goals and be motivated. If required, you may need to cut on some expenses.
Look Out for Flight Deals
You might think that traveling by air will exceed your budget, but you can secure flights at a reasonable cost. Look out for flight deals or low-cost airlines. Many airlines offer reasonably priced deals on flights during the fall and winter seasons. The key is being flexible with your plans and schedule. You can make the most of your travel savings this way.
Use Public Transport
Once you have reached your destination, opt for public transport. It will be easier on your pocket. Private cars and cabs may sound convenient, but they add additional cost. You can have an authentic travel experience using metros, railways, and buses. You may also look for tourist travel cards that some countries offer, providing you with unlimited rides using public transport at a minimum cost.
Use Local Tourism Offices
Local tourism offices are an asset for tourists who are equipped with a wealth of knowledge. They are not only capable of providing you with information on the right spots to visit, but they can also provide you with discounts on transportation, accommodation, and restaurants. Do not skip visiting them on your world exploration journey on a budget. You can search for them online while planning your destination.
Seek Out Cheap Accommodation Options
If you want to pay for accommodation, choose places that cost you less. The local tourism offices can be a great help to find one. You can stay with the locals and gain an inside knowledge of the people, culture, and traditions of the destination you are exploring. You may also offer to volunteer at a destination and they can provide you with accommodation in exchange for work.
Organizations like United Planet can help you provide a volunteer opportunity including an accommodation with an added opportunity to explore the authentic life at the destination you chose.
Enjoy Free Activities
You don’t have to spend a hefty amount to make your trip to a destination memorable. Many destinations offer a wealth of free activities like hiking, amusement parks, sightseeing, cultural events, and museums. Grab the opportunity and make the most of it without spending a dime.
Eat Local Cuisines
The true cultural heart of a destination lies in savoring the street food and local cuisines. You can easily find it in local markets and grocery stores. Enjoy the authentic flavors and delve into the cultural blends of spices. These foods are delicious and affordable. Once in a while, you may also cook your food if your accommodation allows.
Travel As You Live
In general, when you travel, you spend more on food, shopping, and other items as compared to the routine expenses at your place in your city. Avoid overspending while traveling. Follow your routine and spend as much as you would spend in your hometown. You can still have a wonderful experience.
Work and Volunteer to Save
A study shows that the travel cost, including accommodation and other living expenses, costs around twice and thrice as compared to the cost of traveling when you volunteer abroad with an organization. United Planet is such an organization. They charge you a minimum program fee and make effective use of this amount. The average annual cost with United Planet is around one-third of the cost it takes otherwise keeping in view all living expenses. The fee covers expenses including your stay, meals, medical insurance, monthly stipend, language training, transportation, 24/7 in-country support, and pre-departure training. That too at a minimum cost. Isn’t it great?
What else can be more affordable? Grab this opportunity to enroll for the volunteer abroad quest.
How to Do Budget Travel?
It all starts with your mindset. Instead of thinking “Will I be able to travel abroad on a budget?”, think “I can make it happen!”. With this mindset, start saving and planning for your trip. Choose a way of living on your trip that is not too extravagant. Enjoy the local culture and traditional food, use public transport, and avail offers and discounts on transportation, accommodation, and dining out.
Happy traveling!
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
