More people are traveling post-pandemic even though air travel is less affordable than it was before. However, maximizing travel experiences requires stretching every dollar. The following are some of the best ways to travel on a budget.
Be flexible with time and destination
Today’s flight comparison sites allow you to search for “any destination” and you can also search for flights over a month-long period on these sites. This is perfect if you are indifferent between South America or South-East Asia as your destination for your long-haul trip. Using a discount fare search engine, you can find the lowest fares.
Traveling during super-off peak times and staying longer in some places will help you save even more money. Avoid traveling on Fridays and Sundays if you can. In addition, stay on top of early airfare sales from airlines. Ticket deals aren’t always what they seem, and seats at the lowest price are rare, but they do exist, and sometimes you can find a good deal.
Travel overland
You should try to continue your onward journey overland as much as possible once you have booked your greatest one-time cost, which will likely be a return flight, or one-way if you’re lucky. Taxis and extra small costs add up quickly, while long-distance bus stations are usually close to the center of most cities and cost a fraction of the price of flying.
Furthermore, looking out the window will allow you to see much more of a country. In a continent with expensive international airfares, bus transportation in South America is especially efficient. It is also possible to select different levels of comfort where more often than not, a reclining bed with a three-course meal on a long-distance bus still costs less than a flight.
Do your research
Getting to know a destination before arriving is a smart way to get to know it before you arrive, and not just for traveling. With a little bit of research, you can figure out what a taxi should cost. You can then figure out whether you can save more by staying in the old part of the city, which is the heart of the action.
Make sure you do a lot of research. For instance, many museums and galleries will offer free admission on particular days of the week. Are you hungry and thirsty? Then you need to know where the best happy hours are. After all, you’re traveling. Who cares if you eat half as much at 5 pm rather than 7 pm? Being flexible will always allow you to get a better deal, so make sure to do everything you want.
Be adventurous
Embrace local cuisine and street food. You will likely try new things at a fraction of the cost of eating in restaurants. It is especially impressive how delicious street food can be, especially in Asia. You’ll also save a lot of money! Alternatively, if you have access to a kitchen, you might want to try cooking with friends from the local market. Besides saving you money, it’s social as well.
Free tours
There are many cities that offer free walking tours where only a tip is required. So, don’t miss out on these walking tours. Generally, attractions are grouped together in most cities, so even if you can’t find free walking tours, plan them yourself. You can find new places and find hidden gems by doing some research, so take your time and see a destination at your own pace. It is always good to get some exercise while traveling with all the eating and drinking you do.
Earn, or at least save, while you travel
If you’re going to stay somewhere for a few weeks, consider helping out, and you might get your accommodation, food, a few drinks, and maybe even some pocket money, all for having a good time and making new friends.