Thinking of going to Asia during your year abroad? Check out Her Campus’ tips for travelling on a budget!
1. Travel light
Ditch the hair straighteners, embrace your natural beauty and opt for practical clothing. Nobody looks their best travelling and you’ll be thankful when you’re not lugging a 50 tonne bag around whilst on the hunt for a hostel.
2. Embrace the Hostels
You may be tempted to splurge on the luxury life, especially in Asia where you can find a hotel at around the ten pounds mark. But, why spend unnecessary money when dorms are available for as little as a pound? Hostels provide a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers, ask about hidden spots and I can honestly say my favourite place to stay was a £2 hostel because of the incredibly friendly atmosphere. (If you ever go to Chiang Mai in Thailand, I couldn’t recommend Julie’s enough!)
3. Overnight Travel
Catching the overnight train or bus kills two birds with one stone. You can save a night’s accommodation money and gives you the perfect opportunity to sleep away your boredom – 14 hours stuck on a train wide awake is not ideal. One word of warning: if you are travelling China, I would recommend spending the extra money and getting a sleeper. Unless, of course, you want the full experience and are able to tolerate spending half a day on a wooden seat with fellow passengers dribbling on you.
4. Ditch the souvenirs
Photos and memories are all you need. As for your friends, they honestly don’t need another keyring from a country they’ve never been to.
5. Bargain Bargain Bargain!
The entire Asian population has mastered the art of bargaining. From accommodation to food, there is no harm in trying to lower the price. I was once told you should try to get at least 50% off the price, although foreigners are expected to pay 75% more than locals… Best start learning the language now!
6. Research
When it comes to travelling it is certainly best to go with the flow, but it is always good to have a vague plan. Research potential places to stay, the local delicacies, must see places, transport, the exchange rate and how much you should expect to pay.
7. Avoid Tours
Make your own way to tourist attractions and save your pennies. Using public transport can eliminate the majority of your costs and you can spend as long or as little time at the sight, without a man screaming pointless information down a megaphone.
8. Street Food
Street food isn’t quite the same as street food in Asia. Don’t expect to see any burger vans or jacket potato stands. Many of the Asian delicacies are available on the streets and are often just as good and if not better than restaurants. Who can complain with freshly made food at dirt-cheap prices? (No reference to hygiene intended).
9. Bring comfortable shoes
Save money by travelling by foot. Comfortable and supportive shoes are a must, or else you’ll be wasting away your money on plasters, nursing blisters and find yourself buying a new pair of shoes.
10. Contact your bank
Make sure you have informed your bank you will be using your card abroad. If possible, increase your maximum daily withdrawal amount to decrease ATM costs, but with this runs the risk of thieves stealing your money.
Edited by Mackenzie Orrock
Image Sources
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http://www.china-mike.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/chinese-souvenirs-small-300×214.jpg
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http://fineprintnyc.com/images/blog/history-of-logos/google/8_google_logo_by_ruth_kedar.jpg
http://gordoncstewart.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/tourbusclipart.jpg?w=584
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