Many of us yearn for adventure – to see the world, explore new places, and immerse ourselves in different cultures. Unfortunately, it’s commonly believed that doing so requires an enormous financial investment, which we are unwilling or unable to make. However, being smart about how and where you spend your money can help you make your dreams of travelling come true. Here are some suggestions to help you save money on your next trip.
Of course, the best way to start is to do a little bit of research on your travel destination. Though we may assume that the most desirable locations are also the most expensive, setting your sights on a less conventional vacation spot is likely the best way to save cash. If you’re interested in exploring the world’s natural beauty, you are in luck, as many of the world’s most beautiful places are also the cheapest to visit. Laos, for instance, is home to beautiful waterfalls, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and staying in a hostel costs just $5 – $10. Prefer to stay in the Caribbean? Grenada offers scenic beaches and views of the ocean, and planning a trip during the off season allows you to find a great deal on air travel and lodging. And if you’re willing to rough it, backpacking the Sri Lankan countryside can make for an unforgettable experience.
Also take into consideration how the time of year you travel impacts costs. It’ll be different depending on where you choose to go, but the winter months tend to be cheaper than during the summer. And if you can book flights on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, you’ll be able to both save some money and avoid large crowds at the airports. And of course, the length of your stay will impact your expenditures – consider making your trip a long weekend instead of a weeks-long getaway.
Before you head out the door, you should sit down and make a budget. Plenty of tools exist online to help you do so – budgetyourtrip.com, for instance, provides average travel costs for a plethora of locations, and the iOS app Trail Wallet keeps track of your spending throughout your journey. You may wish to put some money away in a high-yield savings account far in advance of your trip so you’re not tempted to draw from your travel funds before you depart.
It’s important to watch out for hidden fees. The most frustrating added cost may come in the form of transaction fees at ATMs, as banking in an international setting can be more expensive than doing so domestically. The best way to avoid these fees is by making sure that you know ahead of time the policy of your credit card or bank – or, retrieve your cash ahead of time. If you plan on bringing your cell phone, make sure to check your carrier’s policy for service while travelling on your plan.
Finally, there are some expenses that you don’t want to sacrifice. Traveller’s insurance is always a good idea, especially if you are bringing elderly relatives on your trip, and can be a financial life saver in the event of an emergency. And if the place you’re travelling to is known for harboring certain diseases, make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Travelling doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream. If you’re smart with your money, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll be able to experience.
Tyler Olhorst is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. You can reach him at inquiries@thenationaldigest.com.
