No matter whether you’re off on a hiking adventure, or relaxing by a poolside escaping the daily grind, it’s helpful to know how to travel on a budget. Even if you’ve been saving, there are ways to make your travel budget work harder for you, and pack even more into your next trip.
How to travel on a tight budget
Here’s how to make some simple travel savings, for more fun in the sun (or snow, if you prefer!):
The world is your oyster
The excitement of finding a holiday destination is half the fun. But when it comes to choosing, make sure you’re thinking about the full picture. It can be easy to be lulled into flight deals to exotic places, but consider the accommodation costs when you get there. Likewise, an overwater bungalow deal on a remote island may seem enticing, but could travel or food costs blow your budget?
Make sure to take advantage of amazing deals and offers, but be savvy while you spend and keep your savings happy. Travelling on a budget doesn't have to mean compromises!
Travel agent vs. DIY?
With so much information available from comparisons sites to reviews, is it better to plan yourself or use a travel agent? Ultimately, it depends on your trip. Travel agents can give you advice on flights, accommodation and activities, and are usually able to unlock deals or bonus nights not available to the public. There are likely savings to be made when you're travelling on a low budget if you book through an agent.
However, if you’re after off-the-beaten-track experiences and authentic accommodation, it could pay off to plan it yourself. From free walking tours to local expeditions, you could make savings by missing tourist hotspots. Comparison sites also often offer you flexible cancellations, should a spontaneous decision change your trip.
When making the decision between using a travel agent or going DIY, bear in mind the possibility of something going wrong whilst you're travelling. It can be a costly exercise if you're not familiar with resolving issues, such as cancelled or missed flights.
Research is key
Depending on the type of holiday you’re jetting off on, you’ll want to spend some time doing some research. Look up the sights to see, places to eat and places to stay, so that you don’t miss any of your 'must-dos'.
Then it’s time to think about saving for your holiday. Make sure that you’ve got enough money to cover all the things you want to see and do in your plan, and then look for the areas you wouldn't mind cutting back on. It may mean a cheaper hotel one night to fit in a pricey tour, but it’ll be worth it when you can experience everything you want to.
While you're there
The most important thing to know if you’re jetting off overseas is the exchange rate and your internationl bank fees. It could be smarter to take cash (if you can buy when the exchange rate is good) to avoid being stung while you spend. You may want to try to minimise card purchases and ATM withdrawals, as you could see fees for purchases add up quickly. Currency cards and credit cards can be useful, but always check the small print about restrictions or what you'll be charged when using them in a foreign country.
Make sure to keep your money safe, and only spend at reputable places. Always keep your personal items close and be aware that some cities have more pick-pockets than others.
Keep on top of talk time
Everybody’s been there, turning to Google Maps when they’ve taken a wrong turn and gotten lost on a stroll. But turning on your data or making lots of calls to the family whilst overseas could bring about big costs when you get home.
Your phone provider will usually have a package designed for when you're travelling, but also consider purchasing a dedicated travel sim card or even hiring a secure, portable Wi-Fi device. They usually cost the same or less than a roaming package but with a much higher data limit. That way you can stay in touch easily, and slip it in your bag to connect to the net or Google Maps when you get lost in the back streets.
Your holidays should be just that, a holiday. So to minimize the stress and set yourself up for success, it can pay to get your travel budget sorted before you go. When your dollar is working harder, there’s no need for you to. Take a look at more hints for saving for a holiday and travelling.
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