I know that when I mention traveling to people lately, many people give me the stink eye. After all, it’s no secret that everyone has various needs lately. But you don’t have to be rich to travel. Hence, I will share my tested and tried budget travel tips because I care about you.
Well, I’m here to tell you that all hope is not lost! Yes, there are some budget travel tips you can implement to help you travel to your destination without breaking the bank!
Trust me, traveling on a budget does not mean compromising on experience. Typically, people do not like to share these budget travel tips, but you know that I am always here for you.
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Budget travel tips that will change your travel game
Money is a big factor for travel expecially if you’d prefer international trips. However, even local trips are now on the rise due to the world wide inflation.
How can you cut cost and travel on a budget? Do I need to put off travel till I save more or get rich? Girl bye. You don’t have to be rich to travel.
If I can’t convince you enough, check out my blog post on how to travel the world for free. Also, there are several discounts, travel offers and even black Friday travel deals that will make your travel cheaper.
Do well to check out one of the hottest travel savers on the market, WAYAWAY. For a small subscription, you get to save big on flight tickets, hotels and even earn cash back while doing what you love.
Anyhoo, today’s blog post would highlight 10 budget travel tips that can help you discover the world without emptying your wallet.
In no particular order, they are:
Travel Overnight to Save on Accommodation
For longer journeys, consider booking an overnight bus, train, or even a red-eye flight. It serves two purposes: transportation and accommodation. We all agree that if you land during the day, you would have to sort out accommodation for that night. However, you can reduce the number of nights you have to book if you fly overnight.
I wish I did this on my trip to c\Calabar to experience Obudu cattle ranch. First I took the wrong route. Secondly, I had to sleep over in several hotels because I always arrive during the day at my destination.
Sure, it might not be the most comfortable sleep, but with a good travel pillow, blanket, and maybe a sleep mask, you’ll rest enough to wake up in a brand-new city without paying for a hotel. Never tried this? You should!
Use Public Transportation or Walk Whenever Possible
I always say that one of the biggest costs for anyone when they travel is transportation as you will always have a need to move around from one point to the other. When you add up the sum of transportation costs, it could leave a dent on your pocket. So, skip the taxis and rideshares whenever possible.
Instead, familiarize yourself with the local public transit system or consider renting a bike if the city is bike-friendly. Walking is also an option as it not only saves you money but lets you see parts of the city you might miss on public transit.
Stay Flexible with your Travel Dates
I know that holidays are a common time for anyone to travel. However, these periods are considered as peak seasons and transportation costs may be higher.
If you’re open to traveling off-peak or adjusting your dates by a few days, you can score significant savings on flights and accommodations. Use search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights with flexible date options to find the cheapest days to fly.
Avoid Currency Exchange Booths at Airports
I wish I knew this on my trip to the Republic of Benin. The airport is the worst place to exchange your currencies. It is quite expensive and not worth the waste.
Want to change your money? Avoid the airport all together. You can do this at a local market or in the city.
Airport currency exchange booths often have the worst rates. To save on exchange fees, use an ATM at your destination. Just be sure to check your bank’s international fees before you go. Better yet, sign up for a no-fee international card to save on withdrawal and conversion fees.
Stay With Locals
Throughout my travel experience, I have learned that one of the best ways to explore a city is when you mingle with the locals. And what better way to do this than to stay with locals through a homestay network?
Yes, sometimes skips hotels and even hostels by connecting with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing, Workaway, or WWOOF. These are great hotel alternatives that will give the experience and of course save you cost on accommodation. Not only do you save money, but you also experience a destination through the eyes of someone who lives there.
Hosts may even show you around or give you insider tips about the area. You may feel sketchy about it at first, but it is always an enjoyable experience!
Consider free walking tours
I know that you want to go on tours of various places when you’re in a new city, but they quickly add up and can be expensive. Instead of missing out on the fun, consider free walking tours.
Many cities offer free walking tours led by local guides who work on a tip-only basis. This is a great way to explore a new place, learn some history, and get recommendations for food, shopping, and sightseeing. Look up “free walking tours” in your destination city ahead of time.
Also, you can choose to explore the city yourself. Whenever I arrive a new city, I plan my itinerary and check out free to access to things to do.
For example, in Lagos, which is the fun hub of Nigeria, there are so many free things to do. Like walking in the park, sightseeing, or free to access recreation. I wrote about 9 free things to do if you find yourself in Lagos Nigeria.
Book Flights on a Private Browser
This is one of the most popular tips and I’m sure you must have been waiting for. I know many people have heard of this tip but might not be sure how it works.
Ever noticed prices go up when you keep revisiting a flight search? That’s because airlines and booking sites use cookies to track your activity and sometimes raise prices based on demand signals. Therefore, try browsing in incognito or private mode to avoid this and see the best prices.
Aside this, use search engines like Google flights, trip.com to find cheap flight tickets for your travels. I wrote extensively on the best ways to score cheap flight tickets for your travels.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
It is said that when you are in Rome, behave like the Romans. In the same way, when you are in a new city, eat where the locals eat.
Touristy restaurants tend to hike up their prices, so look for spots off the beaten path. Street food stalls and small, family-run places usually offer better prices and authentic flavors.
It always helps to ask the locals where they like to eat as it is a surefire way to discover hidden gems.
Use Local Sim Cards and Free Wi-Fi Wisely
Roaming can be such an annoying itch in the pocket, especially if you are traveling to multiple countries. Instead, get a local SIM card upon arrival, which is often very affordable and offers local data rates.
Also, download apps like WiFi Map or Instabridge to find free hotspots nearby, perfect for staying connected on the go. However, be cautious of the sort of information you access with public Wi-Fi so that you do not compromise sensitive information.
Consider using a vpn when using public WiFi. And I highly recommend you use e-sims if your stay is not up to a month in your destination. One of the best e-sims on the market is Airalo. They offer data services in so many countries inclusive of Africa.
This way you will stay connected, use travel apps and reach out to your loved ones while traveling the world. Did I mention that they are budget friendly?.
Look for Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of a nearby smaller airport can sometimes save you a surprising amount of money. For example, instead of flying directly into a major city, check for nearby airports within a reasonable distance and take public transit or a cheap bus to your final destination.
Which of these budget travel tips can you resonate with? Have you tried using e-sims to avoid high roaming fees? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Ciao