There are people who've managed to travel the world completely
free or at very little cost. It proves that you do not have to have a lot of
money to travel. All you need is to be creative. Here are 20 easy ways in which
you can stretch your travel dollars.
1. Start saving
As a part of saving for your trip, make a plan. When
planning, in one column list all the things that you would like. In another
column list how you can reduce or eliminate these costs. Project how much money
you will now need and save towards it.
2. Sign up for flyer miles benefits
Many companies now offer these as part of their product
offerings. For example, banks will offer travel points on credit cards whenever
you travel and use them.
3. Look out for airline ticket deals
Popular airlines often have ticket deals and sales for
certain times of the year. Schedule your trips around these times so that you
can save on airfares. Also, schedule your flights for the middle of the week
when most business travelers or vacationers don't fly.
4. Scout for destination packages
These are great ways to save money. You can get
all-inclusive packages, especially at resorts, for less at certain times of the
year.
5. Check with your employer
If you work for the government or for a large corporation,
check with your employer to see which destinations worldwide have benefits for
employees when they travel. Make use of these benefits and save your money.
Travel with proof from your employer to your destination. These may even still
apply even if you are a retiree.
6. Check with your school
If you are a student, especially a college student, check
with your school for travel benefits that they may have for students. You may
also be able to access international programs for students that will save you
money when you travel.
If you are in high school, get your parents or guardians
to look for locales for possible school trips. There are normally discounted
group packages that will save them money and are cheaper than if they were to
do it on their own. Usually, a teacher or school employee will chaperone the
students on the trip.
7. Join a charity or religious organization
There are some charity and religious organizations that
have overseas missions. As a member on a mission, you will get to travel for
free. However, please bear in mind that you are on these trips to assist others
and not for your own self-gratification.
8. Make a travel budget
It is very tempting to get carried away while traveling.
You will come across many things to spend money on. Make a travel budget and
stick to it.
9. Stay at cheaper accommodation
If you are not on a travel package that offered you
hotels at cheaper rates consider accommodation that will cost you less but are
still safe. These include bed and breakfast offerings in private homes, rooms
on university campuses, convents, motels and cottages.
10. Try couch surfing
You may have a friend or family member living 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 house sitting
arrangement. This is where you occupy and watch over someone's property and
their pets while they are away. Lastly, you can join couch surfing 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. Not
only can it guide you and give you directions, but also burn calories as well.
12. Rent or buy your own transportation
Instead of paying for taxi rides to places, consider renting
or buying your own transportation. Two-wheel vehicles, such as bicycles,
scooters, or motorbikes, are normally the best to rent or buy as they cost
less. You will get more mileage out of these to go many places at less cost.
13. Use electronic guides
There are now many kinds of guides that you can access to
help you get around your vacation locale. You can access many of these GPS
applications on your mobile phone. This will help you to save money on tour
buses and tour guides.
14. Cook instead of purchasing meals
Don't consider cooking on a trip a chore. You can make it
fun by trying out some new foods where you are. Buy fresh food at their local
market and experiment with some new dishes. You can do an internet search to
find out how to cook them, and it does not have to be elaborate. Not only will
this save you money but you get to learn about cuisine in another culture.
15. Look around for meal deals
Meal deals are not only available at international
fast-food restaurants. You can find these elsewhere too. For example, buffet
style restaurants, where the size of the dishes far outweigh what you pay.
There are also all-you-can-eat restaurants and other places that offer
discounted meals on certain days. Some of them don't mind you leaving with a
"doggie bag" either.
16. Drink boiled water
You don't have to spend money on bottled water, which can
add up. Use the regular water from the tap and boil it. Cool it and drink that.
You may even use it to make drinks instead of spending on those too.
17. Entertainment deals
If you took a vacation package then you don't have to
spend extra on entertainment. This will be provided on a nightly basis for
free. If you are traveling solo, due to negative worldwide 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 the currency exchange
differential depending on which country you're in. Additionally, your card may
have benefits such as insurance that protects your purchases or points that you
can cash in for something else later. Every little benefit helps.
19. Shop at discounted stores
You don't have to buy stuff in expensive shops for
visitors or tourists. Duty Free shops in airports and shops in hotels charge
way more for the same items than you can find in a local discount store. Look
around for these, they shouldn't be that hard to find.
20. Gifts for others
If you must take back gifts for friends and family, go
for inexpensive items. Small souvenir items are great and you don't have to buy
them at expensive souvenir shops catering to tourists. If you go out an
explore, you can find them gift ideas in local stores and craft markets.
Author: Bob Tom
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