Budget travel tactics
Studying in Sicily or backpacking in Bolivia, there’s one issue always at the forefront; traveling on a budget. No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or first-time traveler, these budget travel tips are sure to save you cash.
Budget Travel Basics
You already know how to scour the Internet for off-season, mid-week travel bargains. Here are a few budget travel ideas you may not have thought of.
- Forget Packages: Budget travel means being your own travel agent. Ditch the advertised budget travel tours, and put together your own travel package to control expenses.
- Make U-Turns: If going direct to your destination is too expensive, see if it’s cheaper to overshoot to a nearby city and double back. You’d be surprised.
- Take Buddies: Stretch your budget travel by splitting costs with three friends. You just cut your travel budget by 75 percent.
- Swap Houses: Take budget travel local big time by swapping houses (primarily in major cities) or staying with a host family.
Paying for Budget Travel
Traveling on a budget is one thing. Paying for your budget travel with limited funds means it’s time to get creative.
- Frequent Flier Miles: Got ‘em? Use ‘em! If you don’t travel much, ask jet-setting relatives to donate miles to you.
- Uncle Sam: Tax refunds are perfect for paying for budget travel expenses. A nice way to reward yourself too.
- Student Loans: Students looking to study abroad might be able to use leftover loan money to finance budget travel. Ask first.
- eBay: Sell your stuff! Don’t worry, you won’t miss last season’s Prada handbag riding atop an elephant in Thailand.
Avoiding Budget Travel Fees
Everyone is trying to make a buck off you when you travel. Think with a mind towards budget; travel savings will follow.
- ATM Plague: Hit the ATM as infrequently as possible. When you do, take out as much as you can to avoid going back. Some budget travel pros ask their bank to waive currency exchange fees before they leave.
- Pack Light: Seriously! Airports will charge you excess-baggage fees, and each one has different weight restrictions. Budget travel pros pack a duffel bag to check that excess weight and avoid the fees.
