Traveling abroad used to be a luxury far beyond the reach of everyday people. Yet discovering the riches of foreign lands is no longer an inaccessible fantasy. The world has opened up, and tourism has become one of the fastest-growing industries. According to the World Tourism Organization, 1.5 billion people traveled the world in 2019. And even after years of international turmoil and crisis, tourism is getting back on its feet.
As exciting as planning a trip abroad might be, though, it does cost quite some money. But the silver lining is, packing your bags and wandering the world has never been more affordable, provided you plan it carefully. So, here are some tips and tricks to go out into the world, even on a shoestring budget.
Travel off-peak
We start out with perhaps the most obvious advice of all. Granted, every traveller in the book dreams of seeing the cherry blossom in Japan or the fiery carnivals of Brazil. But such experiences come at a steep cost. With millions of tourists flocking in, accommodation options run low, and prices get sky-high, from car rentals to flight tickets. The same goes for the hot summer months, as beach-goers and vacationers on extended holidays hit the same spots.
If your budget is somewhat constrained, try and be flexible, as many destinations empty out off-season. Autumn is optimal for a city break in Europe without queuing endlessly in front of the Louvre Museum or the Coliseum, while the heat waves of Middle Eastern summer mean the Pyramids won’t be as jam-packed as usual. Of course, the weather might not always be on your side off-season. Yet you’ll discover another side to the destination of your choice and save money all the while.
Rely on public transportation
Road trips are all fun and games. But from the ever-increasing price of gas to the mere cost of a rental, travelling by car often ends up more expensive than you’d expected. If you want to keep your expenditures in check, thus, you might settle for a simpler itinerary. Many cities across the world are close enough for you to hop on a train.
Certain companies even allow you to move across borders smoothly by train. In Europe, for instance, the Interrail Pass will get you to as many as 33 countries for a fixed fee. Overnight buses are even less pricey, and some are surprisingly comfy. At last, many transportation options apply a range of rebates for travellers, such as student discounts.
Pick the right destination
Your spendings essentially come down to the destination you’re traveling to. Certain parts of the world are notoriously costly, from Japan to Scandinavia. Other countries offer good value for money, but unavoidable domestic flights to get from point A to point B will weigh heavily on your wallet. Working out a budget-friendly trip, therefore, means switching the focus. Instead of popular tourist magnets like Rome and London, you might turn to Belgrade or Sofia for your next European city trip.
Likewise, you may have to tick off certain spots entirely. For all the years you’ve been yearning to go on a safari, Kenya and Tanzania are not exactly budget travel destinations. And as much as you’d dream of rolling the dice at the casino, locations like Monaco are mostly playgrounds for the super-rich. Besides, platforms like Vegas Slots Online now conjure up the vibe of a brick-and-mortar casino for free. Thousands of slots are a click away without spending a penny. As for tabletop games, live dealer sessions send players straight to Monte Carlo and Vegas. Better yet, all games are mobile-friendly to play on the go while touring Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia.
Search your destination
Once you’ve made up your mind on where your wanderlust will take you next, doing some extensive research can save you as much time as money. Whether you buy a paper guide or scroll down travel blogs, read all you can about your future destination. This way, you might avoid some scams that often fall upon unsuspecting tourists.
This research phase can also help you weigh your options in terms of accommodation, from budget hostels to inexpensive homestays. Knowing a bit more about the habits and customs may also boost your confidence and allow you to stray from the beaten path, swapping the overpriced touristy restaurant for a cheaper dining outlet with a local flair.
