How to travel on a tight budget

1. Save on your accommodation

When I travel, all I need is a decent clean place and bed to sleep on. The majority of the time I will be outside touring the place, so why do I want to spend a hefty sum on it? Cheap accommodations does not mean it will be dirty, smelly or uncomfortable. Read the reviews and the ratings. I will usually book from hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com if I'm travelling alone, or airbnb if I'm travelling with friends. Do you really need the additional frills some hotels and hostels are offering like swimming pool, gym, breakfast, personal toilets, kitchen facilities, television? I would rather spend the money on a good experience, e.g. a local spa/massage; eating in a nice restaurant etc.

Another platform you can consider is Couchsurfing. I would recommend this option if you are travelling alone or in pairs, and would love to experience more of the local culture. Basically someone with an available room/couch will avail his place for travelers like you and I to live in. It's completely free, but it's always a nice gesture to do something for your host in return! Please do not be a cheapskate / freeloader and treat your host place as a hostel though.

2. Live like a local

Do what the locals do! Eat at the local food joints; Take the public transportation; Hang out at the local attractions, parks, amusement parks etc. Tourist areas are usually tourist traps. They offer food and souvenirs at a premium, and many times the quality may even be poorer! In some places (e.g. Switzerland), eating out is very expensive. If you are on a really tight budget, and have experienced most of the local cuisine already, you can consider making/cooking your own food. Buying food and individual ingredients from the supermarket or local markets is often much cheaper.

3. Wait for the right time

If your schedule is relatively flexible, wait for all the airline/hotels/attractions promotions and deals! Flight tickets often take up a significant portion of travel cost and the cost savings can be substantial. Scrutinize the additional charges and taxes before making the final payment. Can you do without the checked-in luggage? Do you need the flexible air fare option? Do you need the additional airline insurance?

4. Free tours, discounts, promotions

Many big cities have free walking tours. Ask google, the tourist offices, or accommodation owners about it! Do some planning beforehand and you will be able to find offers, discounts or promotions that may be relevant for your trip!

5. Work and Travel

Many places offer this, such as being farm workers in Australia and New Zealand. Hostels are often keen to take in part-timers too. In some countries, you can try offering your talents and services such as busking. Please check the local regulations/laws before doing so!

#Travel #Budget #Nofrills #Cheap