Walking down the street of a new city, the aromas of the local cuisine, the hums of the music, and the unique architecture welcome you in with a warm hug. Immersing yourself in a destination so unique to what you are used to broadens your perspective, educates you on issues you were never aware of, and allows you to appreciate cultures different from your own. The luxury of being able to see more of the world does not have to be one only afforded by the wealthy. This guide will outline different money-saving tips for planning your next trip, allowing you to globetrot without breaking the bank.
Travel in the shoulder seasons
The shoulder seasons are before or after peak travel in that particular destination. During peak seasons, areas are filled with tourists, and prices of accommodation, flights, and tours typically skyrocket making it quite the expensive vacation. Shoulder seasons allow you to see more for a fraction of the price. For example, shoulder seasons in Europe are typically March to April and September to November.
Look at destinations where your money can stretch far
When planning your next trip, think about what you’re looking for and broaden your mind on where can give you what you want for less. More affordable regions of the world typically are Asia and Latin America. For instance, if you’re looking for an island paradise, Thailand or Indonesia can provide just what you need. Or, if you’re looking for a hiking adventure, Peru or Argentina have got you covered. In these regions you’re typically able to get more for less, so you don’t have to stress about pinching your pennies too much.
Turn on flight trackers
If you have your heart set on a certain destination, set up a flight tracker on apps like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner. These apps will let you know when prices go up or down and when will be a good time to book for the price you want.
Be flexible
If you aren’t too picky about where you want to vacation, then you can look at where might fit your budget best for when you want to go. If you search on Google Flights and select “Flexible,” the screen will display various flight prices and options departing from your location. You can see which price looks best for you, and plan your trip from there.
Use credit card points
Some credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred Card allow users to earn bonus points when spending a certain amount of money in the first 3-4 months. These points can turn into a free flight or a free hotel stay!
Work exchanges
More popular among backpackers, work exchanges allow travelers to do volunteer work in exchange for free accommodation and/or food. Jobs can range from working in hospitality, home improvement, or agriculture. This is also perfect for longer-term travel as most hosts have work exchanges for at least two weeks. Popular platforms to look for work exchanges are Worldpackers and Workaway. To apply for these work exchanges you do need to create a membership and pay a yearly fee, but the fee does not compare to what accommodation could cost.
While there, look for free options
Upon arriving at your destination, research free activities to do in your location that could replace the price of tours. Most cities offer free walking tours to see all the popular sites or food tours to munch on some of the best local delicacies. Other free activity options could be visiting museums, parks, botanical gardens, or markets.
Traveling on a budget does not mean you have to miss out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There are plenty of ways to still see the world, with some flexibility, planning, and research on what works best for you.