Name - Anjali UID - 21BCS4100
Section - 408A
How to travel on a budget trip advice?
Often find yourself scrolling through your social feed, daydreaming about faraway lands, inspiring photography and life-changing adventure? Then you wake up and check your bank balance…dammit. To travel on a budget is a daunting thing to many people, and unfortunately can deter some would-be wanderers from experiencing this incredible planet.
Plan around off-peak travel times!
Be aware of the seasonality of travel. What is considered to be “off-peak” in one country might not be in another. Various destinations have different tourist seasons so make sure to do your research. With a little planning you can ensure you plan around the price hikes and tourist swarms!
Travel to countries whose quality of life is inferior to ours or during their low season. Maybe the flights are somewhat higher but, if you opt for Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa or even Latin America, you can find good prices on accommodation and activities. In addition, there are less tourists and you can enjoy other types of activities and landscapes. “But in Asia it’s rainy season,” they’ll tell you. Yes, but it is the best time to see the rice fields on that green colour they show in the catalogues. “
Stay in hostels!
This one is pretty obvious but it cannot be overstated just how much more wallet-friendly budget accommodation options like hostels are compared with hotels, resorts and rental homes. Not only are you getting lower prices (some hostel beds are literally just a couple of dollars per night), but you’re getting the authentic backpacker atmosphere, and memories to last a lifetime.
“There are all kinds of hostels: party hostels, relaxing hostels, exotic hostels, rural hostels, etc. Some of its advantages are that usually they have common areas where people meet, so you may end up finding someone to share transportation, dinner or day trips. These ones can be hired from reception. “
The Hostelworld app (free) is the most used by backpackers because you can find and book directly the cheapest and best rated accommodation in the country you wish to travel to.
Do your research!
This is such a common piece of advice, not just for traveling, but it holds true and can be fun as well when you start to get to know a destination before you arrive. A little bit of research can mean you know how much a taxi should cost to your hostel, or whether booking a place to stay in the old city for a little bit more is going to save you a load on transport costs, as that's the heart of the action.
Research as much as you can. For example, are many galleries and museums that will have free entry on particular days of the week. Feeling hungry and thirsty? Then know where the best happy hours are. You're traveling after all. Who cares if you eat at 5pm instead of 7pm if it costs half the price? Find everything you want to do, and the chances are, if you can be flexible, you can always get a better deal.
Free tours!
Most cities organise free walking tours where only a small tip for the guide is required, this is how they make their income so don't skip on this as nothing ever truly comes for free! In the majority of cities a lot of the attractions are quite bunched together, so even if you can't find free walking tours then plan it out yourself. It's a fantastic way to find new places, and stumble across hidden gems, so put together a bit of research and see a destination at your own pace and your own way. With all the eating and drinking whilst traveling the exercise is always good too!
Earn, or at least save while you travel
It's always worth asking if you plan on staying somewhere for a couple of weeks whether you can help out, and you may get your accommodation, food, some drink and even a little bit of pocket money thrown in, all for having a good time and making new friends.
