Travelling to exotic places no longer needs to be reserved for the rich and famous because wherever you are heading in the world there is always a way to do it on minimum dollars. Here are five tips for successful travel on a shoestring.
1 – Stay at Backpacker Hostels
One of your main expenses when travelling is accommodation. Fortunately you can cut the costs of accommodation by staying at a backpacker hostel. There are thousands of backpacker hostels around the world and there are few places you’ll visit that don’t have at least one to choose from.
In developed countries you’ll find decent hostels for less than $20 per night and even cheaper than that in less developed parts of the world such as Asia and Eastern Europe. You can book hostels online in advance or in most cases you can usually just turn up in a city and find a room.
Another great benefit of staying at a hostel is that you have access to a kitchen where you can make your own food rather than paying extra money to eat at a restaurant.
2 – Be Flexible
Flexibility is the key when it comes to cheap vacations. If you have the freedom to travel during off peak periods you will find that the cost of your trip will be considerably lower than travelling during peak periods.
It may be much more convenient for you to travel to your destination after work on a Friday – but you’ll find that airlines dramatically increase their prices for times like that as that’s when everyone else wants to travel! If you can travel mid-week or on the painfully early flights then prices will be much lower.
The time of year will also influence the cost of flights and accommodation – so try to travel when the tourist numbers are at their lowest.
3 – Go Where the Locals Go
Wherever you travel in the world you will be faced with the temptation of tourist traps. Shops, tour companies and restaurants all know where the tourists go and they put their prices up accordingly. For example, if you want to eat a baguette at a café opposite the Eiffel Tower you will find that you’re paying more than double what you would pay for the same croissant at a café two streets back.
You need to be travel savvy when overseas to ensure you’re not being ripped off. Go shopping at the local markets, eat and drink on the backstreets and choose accommodation that is slightly off the beaten track and you’ll immediately find yourself saving money.
4 – Choose Cheap Destinations
If you’re on a budget then you need to carefully choose where you travel to make sure your dollar goes as far as possible. For example, two week Vietnam holidays will cost you about the same price as a weekend in Singapore or New York.
It is not just the flights that you need to take into consideration; it’s the overall cost of living in a foreign place. Travelling to less developed countries is a great way for saving money on food and accommodation leaving you with extra cash to splash on enjoying the place.
5 – Find Free Things to Do
Not everything you do overseas needs to break the bank. There are plenty of fun and exciting activities available that won’t cost you a cent – or are at least very cheap.
Put your legs to good use and take yourself on a self-guided tour of where you’re staying. You can usually pick up a free map from your hotel or tourist information center and they can also give you advice on some of the best places to visit.
If you’re interested in history try visiting some of the historical monuments, churches and museums that are around. Most places charge either nothing or a small amount for entry. Or if you’re somewhere close to the ocean spend the day at the beach – fun and free!
About the author: Richard Greenwood from Flight Centre is a passionate traveler who enjoys sharing his travel tips and experiences with others. Flight Centre is a leading travel agent in a range of countries including Australia, UK, and Canada. They offer cheap flights across the world with a lowest airfare guarantee.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Dennis Archer.