Travelling is one of life’s great pleasures, but it can be an expensive experience (particularly if you’re not prepared to rough it quite like you did when you were 18!)
There are all sorts of costs associated with hitting the open road, from actual transport, through to accommodation, kit, insurance, food, activities and a host of unforeseen expenses.
However, don’t despair! There are lots of ways to save money while you’re travelling – you’ll be able to have an amazing experience without worrying about breaking the bank.
There are plenty of obvious ways to cut back while you’re travelling, but these can often make you feel like you’re missing out or making sacrifices that actually inhibit your comfort or enjoyment. Here are 5 oft-overlooked tips that will save you money without ruining your trip:
Accommodation
Apart from transport costs, accommodation is usually the greatest expense associated with travelling. For that exact reason, accommodation can also be one of the best ways to save a significant amount of money on your trip. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives to hotels. Hostels shouldn’t be overlooked; even if your backpacking days are behind you, many hostels offer well-maintained rooms at amazing prices. Or, if you’re up for something a bit more adventurous, take a look at services like CouchSurfing.
If you’re hooked on hotels, consider just staying at one for few nights rather than the whole trip – you’ll save money, have a new experience and probably enjoy the luxury of your hotel even more once you get there!
Food
After transport and accommodation, food is usually the next biggest cost on the traveller’s budget. It doesn’t need to be. When travelling, it can be tempting to eat out for every meal – what an extravagance! A foreign country’s supermarket can often seem quite intimidating (usually because it’s not targeted at the tourist), but don’t be afraid to get your phrase book out and start shopping around. If you buy a pack of bread rolls and a filling, that’s lunch more or less sorted for the week.
Or, if you’re lucky enough to be staying somewhere with a breakfast buffet (this is particularly common in European countries), you can easily make yourself a quick sandwich from bread and cold meats.
If you start to feel like you’re ‘missing out’ by limiting your daytime restaurant visits, treat yourself to a local delicacy, such as a special drink or something sweet. It’ll be cheaper than a whole meal out, but just as much fun.
Souvenirs and gifts
If you’re travelling somewhere new and exciting, it can feel almost impossible not to buy lots of souvenirs and gifts. However, this practice can actually be very expensive, particularly if you happen to be shopping in a touristy area. Obviously it depends which country you’re in, but you might want to have a go at haggling.
And remember, gifts for friends and family back home don’t have to be lavishly expensive – even a photo taken in their honour and then framed on your return would make a lovely present!
Getting Around
If you’re new to a country or city, it can be tempting to rely on taxis (or the local equivalent) to get from place to place. This can add a reasonably large sum of money to your daily expenses so it’s always worth checking out if the public transport system is a viable option (clue: it probably is!) It’s best to just dive right in: ask at the airport or station when you first arrive for tips on how to get around (there’s more likely to be an English-speaker at an international thoroughfare than, for example, at a local bus station). Guidebooks are also incredibly useful for local transport advice and will also give you a good idea of how much you should be spending if you decide to opt for taxis.
Drink Local
Sampling the nightlife of your chosen destination is an essential part of the traveller’s experience. However, with a drink or two inside you, it’s easy to start spending too much, particularly if you’re drinking brands that you recognise from home. Instead of drinking imported beer or spirits, try and get your hands on something local. Find out what other people are drinking or simply choose something cheap that you don’t recognise the name of from the drinks menu. You might well discover a new favourite tipple!
Bonus Tip
As well as saving money while you’re away, you might be able to generate some income back home. If you own a house or a flat, consider renting it out while you’re away travelling. Even better, plan to go travelling during an important local event (such as a big sporting event or historic occasion) and you might be able to come back from your trip with more money than when you left!
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