Guest post by Cynthia Madison
Travelling opens new horizons to embrace exciting cultures, experience other perspectives and ideas, and discover traditional foods, languages and traditions. You don’t need to be rich to be able to travel, as with careful budgeting and planning, you can make your trips quite affordable. It might not be the most glamorous holiday, but you will surely have a great time even if you travel on a budget. Now, thanks to technological advancements, travelling is easier than it used to be, and you can find good deals on plenty of hotels and flights with just one click.
So, if you want to learn the best tips to travel without breaking the bank, keep reading, as we will give you valuable advice on how to travel on a budget.
Travel during the off-season
Everyone knows that in the peak season, the prices tend to increase, so it will be better to travel during the off-season. In this way, you will not only save some money on your accommodation and flight, but you will also get a better chance to experience the destination more authentically, as you will not encounter the usual crowds. Although the sun might not shine as brightly at that time, you will still have a great trip.
Additionally, locals tend to be more receptive and friendly during the less frenetic times, and you can have a more valuable experience. So, if you want to go to Greece, you can try travelling in October or May instead of the peak summer months.
Plan in advance
If you want to travel affordably, planning in advance will be an excellent idea. A good plan will determine how much money you will spend, the duration of your trip and what attractions you want to see. If you think about everything before, you can eliminate unexpected spending or unpleasant surprises from the equation.
Book early
Booking in advance is also a great way to save money on your trips. If you choose to book early, you will avoid a last-minute rush and will not need to pay extra for the services you want. Also, airlines tend to offer discounts to those who book flights some time before. So, the sooner you book your flight, the better it will be for you. Generally, international trips should be booked 3-6 months before your trip, while for domestic flights, 4-8 weeks are ideal. Additionally, you will need to take your time to weigh your options and research all the possibilities you have to get the best possible deal.
Make sure you check the prices before
It is always good to check the prices before if you want to have a more affordable trip. For example, if you are looking for the best place to park your car safely, you need to research the alternatives you have to ensure you get a great deal. Parking at the largest airports can be quite costly, especially during the year’s busiest time. This is why, if you want to travel to Manchester, it will be good to check the price for the Manchester airport parking before to ensure you find an affordable option.
Parkos can help you in this matter, as on the website, you can compare different prices and reserve the best offers to leave your car in a safe environment. For example, locating a reasonably priced place at parking Stansted can be quite hard, especially in the rush hours, as the airport parking lot can charge up to £65.99 per day. However, you will find off-site airport parking lots on Parkos, which will be cheaper, at just £5.00 per day.
Explore free tourist attractions
You probably choose to travel to a location to discover as much of that city as possible, so sightseeing will be a must activity. But unfortunately, if you want to visit one of the most popular tourist attractions, you must dig deep into your pockets. However, you will have the possibility to see stunning tourist attractions for free as well. For instance, if you visit a destination with breathtaking beaches, you can relax under the sun, pose beside shipwrecks and collect seashells without paying anything.
There are also plenty of cheap or free things to try in the cities, like visiting natural and cultural heritage sites known worldwide. Although not all of them are free, they tend to be cheaper than the other tourist attractions. You will find numerous things to do if you search online, so look at your options before you arrive at the destination.
Travel light
Travelling light can have great advantages as it will help you reduce luggage expenses. Airports have additional fees for heavy luggage, which can add up, and you might spend more than you thought initially. But because you want to travel on a budget, you need to pack only the necessary essential items. This will not only save you money but it will also make it much easier to get around once you land in the new city.
Consider public transportation
Public transportation is one of the best ways to save money when travelling. This is because subways, trains and buses are less expensive than taking a taxi or renting a car-especially in big cities. Not to mention that public transportation is a more eco-friendly alternative, and will reduce air pollution in a great measure. So, using public transportation will not only benefit your wallet but also help the environment.
Wrapping it up
Travelling doesn’t need to be expensive, as you can find plenty of options that will allow you to travel the world without breaking the bank. You will just need to plan everything in advance, have a budget and stick with it to avoid additional expenses. Travelling on a budget can feel challenging, but it is doable. If you follow the tips mentioned above, you will surely save some money while having a wonderful trip.
