With most countries’ borders open again, your long dormant travel bug is probably wide awake by now. Wherever you’re headed next, here’s a handy guide to make sure that your budget goes as far as possible. But first…
When planning your trip, write down all your expected expenses, like flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. It’s a good idea to plan at least part of your itinerary in advance, looking for good offers and, if possible, booking online to save money. Just make sure you leave a buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses, get a good travel insurance policy (it’s a must-have if you’re going overseas) – and off you go.
If you’re able to pay off your balance in full each month and avoid interest charges, using a travel rewards credit card can be an option. Some offer cashback, points, or miles for travel-related purchases, and even discounts on hotels or rental cars. However, keep in mind that there may be annual fees and high interest rates. These can offset the benefits of earning rewards if you don’t spend enough to justify the fee, or spend too much and can’t repay the balance in full.
Many like the convenience of a hotel room but eating out can also be expensive. If you book accommodation with a kitchenette or rent an apartment with a kitchen, you can prepare your own food. Could that be an opportunity to try local ingredients and recipes, while also saving money?
Free walking tours are exactly what they sound like – free. In many cities around the world, you can find free walking tours led by local guides, who usually also provide insider tips on the best places to eat, shop, and explore. It can be a great way to learn about the history and culture, without shedding a lot of money on ‘tourist traps’.
You need to stay hydrated on your explorations. The problem is that bottled water often costs a lot more than the equivalent volume of petrol, especially in touristy areas where prices tend to be inflated. So, bringing your own reusable water bottle can be a money-saving and eco-friendly choice. Many airports, train stations, and tourist attractions now have water fountains or refill stations, so you can easily fill up your bottle on the go.
There’s an app for everything these days. Some travel apps allow you to organise your trip by making an itinerary for you, which can include flights, accommodations, rental cars, restaurant bookings, and more. Others may be able to find steep discounts on same-day hotel reservations or bundles like flight+hotel. And you can often customise your travel preferences, enhancing your experience.
If you can and want, travelling with a group can be a fun and cost-effective way to explore new destinations. For example, you may be able to split costs for hotels and transportation, and even get group discounts for activities. And let’s not forget socialisation and safety: you can meet new people and share experiences, with an added layer of safety and security – a ‘plus’ in unfamiliar destinations. Of course, you might have to compromise on flexibility and privacy, but travelling with a group is a great option for the budget-conscious traveller.
By going minimalist, you can avoid paying extra fees for checked bags or overweight luggage. This can be the key if you’re flying with budget airlines, which often charge hefty extra fees for baggage. And let’s not forget how easier moving around can get. Consider bringing versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, and think about doing laundry during your trip instead of packing extra clothes.
Travelling on a budget requires a little bit of planning and discipline, but it doesn’t make a trip any less exciting. In some cases, you may be able to do more for less – and in good company too. Remember to set a realistic budget, plan ahead, track your expenses, and then all you will have to do is enjoy the ride.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion, and seek independent guidance.