Traveling can be a luxury, given that you will have to spend on a lot of things — from airfares to hotels and tour packages. But it does not always have to be luxurious that you run the risk of losing your life savings. Traveling on the cheap is always possible, though you must embrace flexibility. Moreover, if you want to save big time, you will need to be prepared and always on the lookout for great deals.
If you want to travel without breaking the bank, you may want to keep the following pointers in mind. These are the type of tips that may make personal finance and accounting coaches nod their heads. However, remember that there is always leeway for your creativity:
Use a VPN when browsing flights
VPN does not only come in handy when you’re trying to stream shows that are not available in your country. But it can also help you get great flight deals. Because VPN keeps your location private, you can easily check the prices of flights by changing your location. The price of flight tickets is dependent on the local currency. With that, if you state that you’re from a country with a weaker currency when booking, you may get flights at a much lower price.
Don’t be picky with accommodations
As far as the accommodation is concerned, the first thing that may come to mind is a hotel. But there is a much cheaper alternative to this, such as bed and breakfast inns and homes on Airbnb. But don’t worry, as cheaper homes don’t mean low quality stays. Many of these accommodations are actually spruced up for their guests, and a lot of them might be even close to attractions, train stations, and bus stops, which will also help you save money. Just pick the one with great reviews (though the competition may be quite tough).
Go where the locals go
Shopping is among the experiences that make traveling wonderful. But as much as possible, ditch the malls for a much more authentic shopping experience. Go where the locals go! For instance, if you’re in Tokyo, you may want to avoid Ginza’s high-end shops (though they’re great places to visit, too). Instead, visit the likes of Shimokitazawa, Treasure Factory, and of course, Don Quijote. Also, duty-free shops may be worth the trip.
Pick a meal where you can actually splurge
Among the most expensive parts of the trip is the food. However, remember that you don’t have to splurge on food three or four times a day. You can pick a meal where you can have a feat. For instance, you can go for regular food for breakfast and lunch, but you may want to have a feast when it comes to dinner! Some restaurants may offer specials during this time of the day.
Have fun!
You may have the impression that cutting corners while traveling defeats the purpose of the trip itself. However, a lower budget does not mean that you will not be able to have unadulterated fun. With creativity, you can make it happen!
