There are people who have managed to travel the world completely free or at a very low cost. It shows that you don’t have to have a lot of money to travel. All you need is to be creative. Here are 20 easy ways you can stretch your travel dollars.
1. Start saving
As part of saving for your trip, make a plan. When planning, list all the things you would like in one column. In another column, list how you can reduce or eliminate these costs. Project how much money you’ll need now and save for it.
2. Sign up for flyer miles benefits
Many companies now offer them as part of their product offerings. For example, banks will offer travel points on credit cards every time you travel and use them.
3. Keep an eye out for airline ticket deals
Popular airlines often have deals and ticket sales for certain times of the year. Schedule your trips around these times so you can save on airfares. Also, time your flights for the middle of the week, when most business travelers or vacationers don’t fly.
4. Look for destination packets
These are great ways to save money. You can get all-inclusive packages, especially at the resorts, for less at certain times of the year.
5. Check with your employer
If you work for the government or a large corporation, check with your employer to see which destinations around the world have benefits for employees when they travel. Take advantage of these benefits and save your money. Travel with proof from your employer to your destination. These can even apply even if you are retired.
6. Check with your school
If you are a student, especially a college student, check with your school about travel benefits they may have for students. You may also be able to access international student programs that will save you money when you travel.
If you’re in high school, ask your parents or guardians to look up places for potential school trips. There are usually discounted group packages that will save you money and are cheaper than doing it on your own. Typically, a teacher or school employee will accompany students on the trip.
7. Join a charity or religious organization
There are some charities and religious organizations that have missions abroad. As a member on a mission, you will be able to travel for free. However, keep in mind that you are on these trips to help others and not for your own gratification.
8. Make a travel budget
It is very tempting to get carried away during the trip. You will find many things to spend money on. Make a travel budget and stick to it.
9. Stay in cheaper accommodation
If you’re not on a travel package that offered cheaper hotels, consider accommodations that cost less but are safe. These include bed and breakfast offerings in private homes, rooms on college campuses, convents, motels, and cabins.
10. Try sofa surfing
You may have a friend or family member who lives in another country. If they don’t mind having you, consider staying with them instead of paying for accommodation. Another thing you can try is a stay-at-home arrangement. This is where you occupy and guard someone’s property and their pets while they are away. Lastly, you can join couchsurfing communities where you can connect and stay with locals for free.
11. Walk a lot
Save money by using your feet and not spending it on taxis or Uber. You can also wear a pair of smart shoes during your trip. It can not only guide and give you instructions, but also burn calories.
12. Rent or buy your own means of transport
Instead of paying for taxi rides to places, consider renting or buying your own transportation. Two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles, are usually the best to rent or buy, as they cost less. You’ll get more mileage out of these to go many places for less cost.
13. Use electronic guides
There are now many types of guides you can access to help you get around your vacation spot. You can access many of these GPS applications on your mobile phone. This will help you save money on tour buses and tour guides.
14. Cook instead of buying meals
Don’t consider cooking on a trip to homework. You can make it fun by trying some new foods where you are. Buy fresh food at your local market and experiment with some new dishes. You can do an internet search to find out how to cook them, and it doesn’t have to be fancy. This will not only save you money, but you will also be able to learn about cooking in another culture.
15. Look for meal deals
Meal deals are not only available at international fast food restaurants. You can also find them in other places. For example, buffet-style restaurants, where the size of the dishes far exceeds what you pay for. There are also all-you-can-eat restaurants and other places that offer discounted dining on certain days. Some of them don’t mind that you walk away with a “doggie bag” either.
16. Drink boiled water
You don’t have to spend money on bottled water, which can add up. Use normal tap water and boil it. Chill it and drink that. You can even use it to make drinks instead of spending on them too.
17. Entertainment Offers
If you took a package holiday, then you don’t have to spend more on entertainment. This will be provided every night free of charge. If you are traveling alone, due to negative world events, avoid entertainment late at night and in certain places. Consider a local movie or concert.
18. Use your debit or credit cards instead of cash
Make sure your card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. Then, if you have to pay for something, use your debit or credit cards instead of cash. You may be able to save money on currency exchange differential depending on the country you are in. Plus, your card may have benefits like insurance that protects your purchases or points that you can redeem for something else later. Every little benefit helps.
19. Shop at discount stores
You do not have to buy things in expensive stores for visitors or tourists. Airport duty-free shops and hotel shops charge much more for the same items than you might find at a local discount store. Look for these, they shouldn’t be that hard to find.
20. Gifts for others
If you must return gifts for friends and family, look for inexpensive items. Small souvenir items are great and you don’t have to buy them from expensive souvenir shops that cater to tourists. If you’re out exploring, you can find gift ideas at local shops and craft markets.
