How to plan a budget-friendly trip
How to plan a budget-friendly trip
How to plan a budget-friendly trip has evaded many people for many years! However, with these 10 tips, you can’t go wrong. Traveling will no longer be gate-kept by high accommodation prices! It might take a little longer to plan than conventional trips, but it will be worth it!
So without further ado, here are 10 tips on how to plan a budget-friendly trip:
1. Decide what you want to do:
Yes. This seems like a lame tip, but it is probably one of the most valuable ones. When you go on a trip with a blindfold on, not knowing what to expect you might run out of money really fast, or end up having nothing to do at the location you chose.
So if you’re having a beach vacation, ask yourself exactly what you want to do for this vacation. Are you looking for a place to surf, or are you looking for more of a “read a book on the beach” type of vacation?
Once you’ve established the activities you want to do and where you want to go, you can actually start planning the vacation you want.
2. Set a daily budget:
Now that know where you want to go and what you want to do, you can see how much you want to spend and divide your expenses into relevant categories. Determine how much you are willing to spend each day on accommodation, food, and activities. Stick to this budget and track your expenses along the way.
Be mindful of your spending and avoid unnecessary expenses such as souvenirs or expensive cocktails if you have not budgeted for them!
3. Research and compare prices
Before booking anything, spend some time researching and comparing prices for flights, accommodation, and activities. Use comparison websites and travel apps to find the best deals and discounts.
Some nifty traveling price comparison websites include:
- Skyscanner, find the most affordable flights.
- Kayak, compare accommodation prices, and book on the most affordable site!
4. Travel during off-peak seasons
If you know where you’re going, you can find out when peak seasons are and avoid them! Even better if you can go in the middle of the week when you tend to snag some really good deals!
Apart from tropical states such as Florida and Hawaii, the off-peak season in Canada and the USA occurs during the winter months from November to March/April.
5. Be flexible with your travel dates:
This goes hand-in-hand with traveling in off-peak season. If you have the flexibility to travel on different dates, use fare calendars to find the cheapest days to fly. Airfare calendars are simple calendars showing you the starting price of flight tickets for each day in a time period. This way you can identify which days would be the most affordable to flu on and score yourself a great deal!
There are many types of fair calendars, you can check out some of these:
6. Opt for budget-friendly accommodation:
Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels instead of luxury resorts. You can also explore alternative accommodation options such as Airbnb or camping. Most booking sites have options to control your budget per night and the type of accommodation you are looking for.
Make use of these filters and find the best deal for accommodation!
7. Cook your own meals:
One of the big expenses that we don’t account for is eating at restaurants on vacation. Eating out can quickly add up, so consider cooking your own meals or packing a picnic for some of your meals. This will not only save you money but also give you the opportunity to try local produce and flavors.
Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore! It can be a fun and adventurous activity, especially if you are in foreign countries or new areas. Consider researching recipes you want to try ahead of time to keep the experience fresh and new.
8. Use public transportation:
This may not always be possible, but if you are traveling to a country or area where public transportation is available, make use of it!
Instead of renting a car or taking taxis everywhere, utilize public transportation systems such as buses, trains, or subways. This can save you a significant amount on transportation costs.
9. Take advantage of free attractions and activities:
Since you know exactly where you are going, and what type of vacation you want, you can find attractions that cost little to nothing. Activities like hiking and swimming and beach-sitting cost nothing, but can add an unforgettable experience to your vacation.
Many cities offer free attractions, museums, and walking tours. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore the destination without spending a dime.
10. Travel with a group:
Splitting costs with friends or family members can significantly reduce your expenses. Consider traveling with a group and sharing accommodation, transportation, and food costs.
By following these “How to plan a budget-friendly trip“, you can plan a trip that allows you to make the most of your travel budget. Whether you are getting a flight to a different country or exploring the American countryside, you can do it on a budget!
Let us know if you have any valuable traveling on-budget tips in the comments! We’d love to know.
