This is a sponsored guest post.
Many people would like to travel and explore the world but are scared of the costs involved. The fact of the matter is, you don’t need to be wealthy to afford to take a trip around the world. What you need is to learn how to save up enough to get you started and ingenious ways to cut on unnecessary expenses. You can do more with limited resources, a great touring agency and if you do adequate research and just get started. Here are a few tips to get started.
Image source; https://pixabay.com/en/map-globe-world-earth-plan-show-3656375/
Consider backpacking
Image Source; https://pixabay.com/en/photographers-scenery-nature-1150033/
If you want to save money when traveling around the globe, you should ditch the suitcases and get a good backpack. Backpacking is one of the most affordable ways to travel on a budget since you have everything you need in your bag. You can live off your backpack. You need essential tips on how to pack correctly for the ultimate adventure. If you’re bringing any electronics, check out RUGGED RATINGS’ guide on power banks for backpacking that will keep your devices charged.
As a backpacker, you don’t have to worry about your luggage, and you can access the most remote parts of any country that you visit. You can interact with the locals better and learn more about their way of life.
Backpacking also allows for affordable accommodation. You can camp, crush, or sleep at cheap motels. You save money which you can use on your next leg of the trip.
Get into some rewards systems
Reward programs are a great way to save on money when you are traveling. Most airlines have a reward systems that allows you to accumulate points which you can redeem later. You can use the points to upgrade your ticket or get free flights. If you want to stay at a good hotel, many hotels also have a similar systems that allow you to redeem the points. Services like Hotwire allow you to save on accommodation costs at the hotel located anywhere in the world.
Plan adequately
Image source; https://www.conundra.eu/blog/page/3
If you are planning to travel the world, it means that you may have to be away from your home for at least a couple of months at a time. You need a solid plan on how to undertake your travels. Sit down and list down the countries that you would like to visit and check the costs involved, find cheap flights to austin. Once you have this in mind, you can create a budget and make sure you stick to it. You may have to make some changes while you move forward to suit what you are doing, but with a solid plan as a foundation, you should be great.
Proper planning will help you avoid peak touring times in certain countries and location. During these times, air fares and accommodation can be costly.
Use local transportation
Hiring a car is one way of saving money since you are in full control of your trip and you have the freedom to go anywhere. However, compared to using local means of transport, you will use up a lot of money. It is always cheaper to use local transportation such as buses and trains to move around whenever you can. You can use cabs and hired vehicles when necessary but try as much as possible not to if you want to save a ton of cash.
Eat at local joints
Image source; https://pixabay.com/en/bangkok-eat-food-nutrition-feed-280746/
As a tourist in many places in the world, vendors will try to take advantage of you. Eating in hotels will only prove to be extremely expensive. That’s not the way to go if you are on a budget. When you travel, opt to eat at local joints where you get to enjoy local cuisine. You can have all the continental foods that you want once you are back at home. If you are traveling in Asia, you must try out the night markets where you can get local food, clothes, and other gems at mind blowing bargains.
Travel when it’s off-peak
You must know that when it is peak season prices are usually hiked. Many places are typically crowded so you might not get the ultimate experience. That is why you should always travel when it is the off-peak season. Prices are lower then and the experience is better. You also get a better feel of what it means to live in that city or country. Therefore, when you are planning, check that there are no holidays during the period you want to travel.
Stay in hostels and cheaper local hotels
Image source; http://www.travelalltogether.com/tag/hostels/
Staying at a hostel is one of the most significant ways of saving on accommodation expenses. It is a favorite among backpackers so there is a likelihood that you will meet some people on the same journey as you. Most hostels around the world cost about $5 for bed and bath then you can visit a local joint for food. Local budget hotels are also a good idea. Many of them offer a simple breakfast even though they are still incredibly cheap at about $10-$15.
Choose your destination wisely
If you are on a tight budget, then you should visit more affordable countries. Generally, South East Asia and parts of Africa are cheaper so you may want to start there. Check states where you don’t require a visa with your passport as that too will save you cash. Remember that it is best when you travel region after region at a time since that saves on cost and you can maximize on your trip.
Research on free activities
Most places require a fee for you to enter and since you are a tourist, that fee is usually more than that of locals. If you make a couple of these payments, you will notice that you are in a bit of trouble budget-wise. That is why you should identify activities that don’t require payment. There are also some budget activities you can engage in so those need to be at the top of your list.
Be flexible
Having a solid plan when traveling is important. You should never travel without one. However, things may not always work out as you had hoped and often, this may cost you. That is why you need to be flexible to changes and make the required adjustments at any point.
Traveling around the world is an excellent experience for anyone, but it can get quite expensive. That is why you need to be money smart and save up whenever you can. Have your facts in hand when planning but don’t forget to have some fun once the serious stuff is done.
