Want to travel the world but your bank account says otherwise? Here are some tips to fulfill your traveling dreams without breaking the bank.
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Save Up!
Set a goal of the amount you need to reach, and from every paycheck received save at least $20 weekly, reaching a yearly goal of around $1,000.
2. Airfare
Travel alerts are a great way to find cheap flight tickets. Apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Kayak can send you notifications on the latest deals, for example a $350 round trip to Spain.
3. Planning Ahead
The fun begins after purchasing your ticket. Plan ahead an itinerary of the places you’d like to visit and any sightseeing you would like to do. Leaving things for the last minute will make them expensive and complicated since many museums fill up months in advance. Start buying the tickets of the attractions you’d like to visit at least three months before departing. Also, check out city passes which often include the most visited attractions for a cheaper price.
4. Where to stay
Hostels are great options since you’ll get to meet other travelers from around the world. A great website to find these is hostelworld.com. Some hostels are very cheap but not all of them, I recommend comparing with hotels in Booking.com which sometimes are cheaper than some hostels. Another option might be booking an Airbnb since you’ll get to experience the country living like a local. Compare all options to decide which is more cost effective for your plans.
5. Transportation
Before arriving at your destination. learn about their public transportation since it’s usually the cheapest way to get around. Hopping on a taxi every time you need to get to a location ends up being pretty expensive, especially if you’re traveling to a big city. Download offline maps to limit the times you might get lost and help you find your way. These are available in apps like Google Maps and Visit a City.
6. Food
If you’re a foodie like me you might be dying to taste the wonders around the world. The restaurants that are the closest to main attractions like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or Times Square in New York, are usually a tourist trap and they’ll charge you double of what it’s worth. Ask locals about places to eat and they’ll send you on the right direction. Apps like Foursquare, Yelp, and Zomato recommend great places near your location and provide a range of the cost.
7. Enjoy!