They say that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. To an extent, this is somewhat true. There’s nothing better than exploring a new city, a new country. Observing the architecture, embracing the culture, and best of all, indulging in the food. While holidays enrich your life, they can be downright expensive. So, how do you travel without spending your life savings? Whether you’re planning a big OE, want to book the perfect destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip, or are ready to take your family on their first trip overseas, planning (and budgeting) makes all the difference. Here are 5 suggestions on how to travel on a budget.
Book in advance
Plan ahead. Do your research on flights, accommodation and transport. If you’re planning on visiting a few different cities, check the prices on different transport options. You might be surprised to find a quick domestic flight is around the same price as an overnight train trip for example. Make sure you check multiple websites for each to ensure you find the best price available, or sign up for a point reward system to get a bit of a discount on those big ticket items like flights and accommodation. When you fly out of Australia, most of the time you’ll have at least one stop over. Sometimes the longer the journey is, the more affordable it can be, so check out extra stopover options if you have a little extra time to spare. No one enjoys an extended transit time, but it can potentially reduce your costs.
Find accommodation with a small kitchen
It’s astonishing how much money you can spend on food. Eating out for breakfast, trying that famous restaurant you’ve heard about for lunch or dinner, feasting on snacks while exploring and splurging on the local traditions that you just can’t deny all adds up! It’s not hard to max your budget purely on food, and if that’s your thing, make sure you account for that when you’re planning your daily budget for when you’re exploring the streets of the city you’re in. If you’re more into the adventure side of life and can get by with one meal out a day, this can add up very quickly, especially in pricier destinations like Europe.
You don’t need to forgo hot meals just because you’re not eating out every day though. When you’re looking for accommodation, see if you can snag a space with a kitchenette. Even being able to make coffee and toast for breakfast, or a quick sandwich at lunch can be a major asset in keeping yourself on budget.
Buy tourist attraction tickets online – or research free activities
The internet is an incredible resource… use it wisely. You can have a look through all kinds of attractions and activities, ranging from relaxing options like natural hot springs and day spas to adrenaline-inducing extreme sports. When you’re doing your research, there’s often a few companies offering the same kind of experiences, so do your due diligence and check out a few options. You might also find discounts for groups, so if you’re in a hostel, make some new friends and get them involved! While booking in advance is best, sometimes last minute spots open up or can be discounted, so keep your phone close to hand and check for those deals.
There’s also a lot to be said for free activities. While the lines can be a little longer, there are plenty of incredible things to be seen and experienced for no money at all. Or, head further away from the main tourist spots for an adventure that doesn’t come with the premium that big ticket attractions often carry.
Time the trip wisely
Peak, shoulder, off season. Three key words you need to keep in mind when booking your adventure. Costs can vary significantly between peak and off-peak seasons. School holidays, Christmas holidays and the Easter long weekend are the busiest, and most expensive, times to travel. If you’re not restricted to these holiday periods, book your travel during a quiet period… your bank account will thank you for it. You should also consider the peak periods for certain destinations and local holidays which can bump up the demand for accommodation. Whether that’s going to Indonesia during the end of the dry season, or only getting the last of the cherry blossoms in Japan, avoiding the peak periods can give you a little more breathing room along with more money left in your pocket.
Walk…everywhere
If possible and safe to do so… walk! Not only do you save money on transportation, you get to experience what the city has to offer first hand. Walking decreases your costs, increases your blood flow and allows you to breathe in fresh air while admiring your destination of choice. If there are spots you can’t reach with your own two feet, check out the local public transport system and get a weekly pass. Or, for a private lift, see what the locals use – many countries have their own versions of Uber that can be pretty affordable, particularly if you’re heading to Asia.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for some extra budget to fund your adventure, look no further than Rapid Loans. We pride ourselves on delivering quick and easy personal loans, including travel loans that make it easy for you to see the world the way you want, which means if you’re approved the funds could be in your bank account on the same day.
We understand that everyone is unique and we tailor personal cash loans to suit different budgets, lifestyles and financial circumstances. Learn how it works before you apply online, or call 1300 727 431.
This is purely an opinion piece and should not be used as a sole source of guidance.