The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the World on a Budget
Are you dreaming of traveling the world, but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. The good news is that it’s possible to travel the world on a budget. In this guide, we’ll share tips and tricks for saving money while you explore the globe. So pack your bags and get ready to go!
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the World on a Budget
-
Traveling Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Don’t assume that traveling is reserved for the elite. Or for those who can splurge without thinking about their bank account balance. As many people have proven, you don’t need a lot of money to travel – all it takes is some creativity and self-control.
There are many ways to cut costs while you travel. Some of the best options are to look for flight promotions, take advantage of free activities, stay with locals instead of at hotels, follow our guide to finding free wifi hotspots around the world, and pick up some useful travel skills that can help you save money along your trip. Of course, using a credit card that rewards your spending is another great way to save money on travel expenses.
-
Find Low-Price Flights
The biggest obstacle standing between most people who want to fly somewhere and their goal is cost. With average prices hovering around $400 for a round-trip ticket from the US, airfare costs can quickly add up if you aren’t smart about booking your flights.
Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to bring down the cost of flying. First and foremost among them is using a credit card that rewards your spending. By earning cashback, airline miles, or hotel points on every purchase, you can significantly reduce (or even eliminate) the money you spend on travel each year. Depending on how much you fly and where you’re going, these cards can pay for themselves in no time. And since many travel cards offer signup bonuses worth $150+ when redeemed toward statement credits or flight purchases, they’re an excellent way to save big right out of the gate!
If you don’t have a travel credit card or loyalty program membership to take advantage of flying deals, you can also save money by timing your purchase to make sure you get the best possible price. For example, Tuesday is commonly thought of as the cheapest day to buy tickets, but there are other factors that can change the price based on the date and time.
-
Get Creative With Accommodation
Many people assume that staying in hotels is simply what you do when you’re traveling. However, this isn’t always true – especially if it means spending way more than necessary just to have a place to rest your head at night. You may be surprised at how many other accommodation options are out there for travelers who want an affordable place to stay without giving up any comfort or convenience.
To start, let’s talk about avoiding hotels in the first place. The world is full of unique places to spend the night, from Airbnb to hostels and beyond. If you haven’t already considered these options when planning your next trip, give them a try! Not only are they often much more affordable than hotels, but they can also be an excellent way to meet new people – even if you’re traveling alone. Plus, with enough preparation ahead of time, it’s not difficult at all to find lodging that suits your particular needs during even the most adventurous excursions.
-
Get Off the Beaten Path
One of the best ways to stretch your travel dollar is getting out of tourist areas. It’s no secret that heavily touristed areas catering to foreign visitors can be incredibly expensive. That’s why many travelers seek out more isolated locations where they can enjoy a more authentic and low-cost travel experience – bathing in naturally heated pools and eating homemade pizzas with friendly locals is way more fun (and affordable) than being stuck on a generic resort island!
-
Stop Actively Shopping for Deals
If you’re constantly scouring the web for coupons, discounts, or anything that’ll help you save extra money as you shop, then it might be time to rethink your approach. In fact, just as there are places around the world where it’s best not to wonder if you want to avoid being hassled by street vendors, there are certain stores that benefit from customers who are always looking for the next best deal.
The truth is that every time you don’t buy something because you know you can get it cheaper somewhere else, there’s another person who paid full price – simply because they didn’t bother to shop around. While it may seem like a good idea to keep an eye out for discounts so you never overpay, in reality, this habit often results in paying more than necessary. The trick? Stop actively shopping for deals and start waiting until something comes along that’s actually worth buying.
So there you have it! Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive if you take advantage of your credit card benefits, book flights strategically, avoid tourist areas when possible, look for hidden gems in the countryside, and stop shopping around for every deal imaginable.