Traveling is ridiculously fun, but it can also be ridiculously expensive. It’s hard to travel when you have a strict budget. You don’t want to spend the money, but you also don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore a new place or have a new adventure.
So what do you do?
Here are eight ways to travel on a budget.
1. Use Airbnb
Hotel prices are no joke, and they are one of the most expensive parts of a trip. Finding one at an affordable price can be super tricky. One great way to find a cheaper place to stay is to book an Airbnb. With this type of accommodation growing in popularity, new vacation rentals are popping up everywhere, so you’ll be able to find them just about anywhere. They run a lot cheaper than hotels, and they often come with a cute and cozy atmosphere. Just be sure to read all the guidelines and rental policies to make sure you’re indeed getting a great deal.
2. Stay with Friends or Family
If you have friends or family who live in the area you are visiting, see if they are open to having you visit. It will make things a lot cheaper, and it could make the trip a lot more fun because you are sharing it with more people.
3. Bring Food
Eating out really bumps up your cost. As much fun as local restaurants are, you can really cut cost by bringing food along. Even if you just bring two meals a day and eat out for dinner, that’s still a lot of money you’re saving. Get a cooler and prepare food ahead of time to make bringing food even easier, and you’ll cut your spending down a lot.
4. Drive Instead of Fly
Plane tickets can get crazy expensive. Depending on where you’re going, try driving instead of flying. Not only can you save a lot of money, but you can also take the opportunity to have a fun road trip experience. You can cut costs significantly and make your trip a lot more fun. If you’re worried about doing a road trip because you’re concerned about your car, there are plenty of ways you can prepare your car for a road trip in advance. Plus, compare.com can help you find affordable insurance, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Don’t waste money on plane tickets, hit the road instead.
5. Cut Back on Souvenirs
Souvenirs are a lot of fun, but they can get expensive, and the cost adds up fast. Try cutting back and resisting the urge to buy them (no matter how cute they are!). Try taking a lot of pictures instead. Souvenirs often end up going to waste, but you’ll always cherish pictures because they are of the people you care about.
6. Split Costs
All the vacation costs add up when you’re handling it on your own. Grab some friends and travel together, that way you can split all the hotel and gas costs. Trips are always a lot more fun when you share them with others anyway.
7. Do Free Activities
The world is full of free things to do. Go on a hike, lay on the beach, visit a park, or go to a library. It’s crazy how many beautiful places you can find that don’t cost a thing. You can also invent some games with the people you are traveling with. Try doing a scavenger hunt that takes you all over the city you are visiting. That way you get to have a ton of fun while you explore.
8. Use Groupon
Groupon can get you some great deals on things to do. Search the city you are visiting and see what you can find. You may discover things you didn’t even know were there. It’s a great way to learn about places and find fun activities.
Who doesn’t love to travel? It’s way too much fun to miss out on, but it’s hard to do when you don’t have a lot of money, but with these tips, you can still have the adventure of a lifetime without breaking the bank. Get packing and have a great time.