Tips for Travel on a Budget
The word "budget" may make some people cringe but if during an economic crisis, it's essential to learn how to cut costs when possible. Travel is the perfect opportunity to attempt to cut costs since it's an extra activity. You don't have to sacrifice vacationing altogether but you should try to keep within spending limits.
Transportation
If you are going to fly, it's essential that you plan ahead in order to score the best travel deal. Prices for flights are very different depending on where you look. The internet is a great place to look for cheap flights but you should check out all of the different sites. The budget flight search sites don't always have the best deals. Sometimes you can find cheaper prices on the airline websites so it's always worth checking all of your options.
If you are traveling by land, you can save a lot of money if you take the bus or a train versus going in car. Train rides are very pleasant. You don't have to worry about getting lost and you can just relax, look outside of the window, and enjoy the scenery. If you are traveling in the US, there aren't very nice bus services but in other countries, bus travel can be quite pleasant. If you do decide to rent a car, search for the best deals and make reservations ahead of time.
Accommodations
A lot of people end up splurging on accommodations. There is no need to stay in a big, fancy hotel in order to have a nice vacation. You can save a lot of money when you travel if you stay in a cheap hostel. Some hostels have private rooms so you can stay only with your family members. If you are traveling solo, you may not mind staying in a dorm. It is a fun way to meet other travelers.
Where to Go
The beauty of travel is that options of where to go are practically limitless. You don't have to go to the tried and true resorts and amusement parks to have a good time. Try to go off the beaten path and explore lesser known areas. You'll find that by doing so you can save a lot of money.
Another way to save money when you travel is being careful about where you eat and what you eat. Don't eat at fancy restaurants. Instead, buy food at the supermarket and make sandwiches or bring your own stove and equipment to cook in your hotel room if a kitchenette is not provided. Hostels are often equipped with a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals.
The next time you travel, why not try to cut costs? You'll discover that it is still possible to have a good time and enjoy yourself without splurging. Travel in a budget is fun and it certainly does not take out the adventure out of travel. In fact, it may feel more adventurous experimenting with new ways to do everything on a budget.
