I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel many times this year. I have grown a deep passion for exploration and stepping out of my comfort zone into something new and exciting. However, with flight tickets, room and board, food, and transportation, traveling is not cheap.
Here are some things I have done to experience life while on a tight budget.
Here are some things I have done to experience life while on a tight budget.
- SAVE UP: This one seems obvious but instead of purchasing that $5 Starbucks drink everyday, take that money and put it towards a vacation fund. You will be surprised at how much money you can save when you cut out little things. If you still need coffee, buy a press and make it at home. Its exponentially cheaper.
- Plan Ahead: Last minute travel plans are never cheap. Be sure to plan your vacation at least a couple months in advance.
- Shop Around: Don't settle on the first flight you find, check flights daily and plan ahead! Here is a great website for tips and tricks for saving money on flights. Also, if you can handle it, look into taking a Greyhound.
- Use your Connections: Go places where you know people. Go visit those family and friends that live across the country, even if it is somewhere you normally wouldn't think to visit. Remember: Always be a good house guest; clean up after yourself and offer to cook or buy them dinner while you are in town. Help them in any way you can and maybe they will invite you back.
- Take a friend: If you don't have someone to visit in the area, travel with a friend. Traveling in pairs can save loads of money on room and board.
- Buy Groceries: If you have access to a kitchen, purchase groceries and cook your own meals. Eating out every night can rack up quite a bill. Save that money for the attractions or a special night out while you are there.
- Uber: Calculate the costs of travel in your destination, sometimes using an UBER or taking public transportation (if available) may be cheaper than getting a rental car.
- Buy All Inclusive: This one takes quite a bit of saving but if you are able to save up enough you can buy all-inclusive packages for resorts or cruises. All-inclusive is amaaazinng! Try it, you won't regret it.
- Vacation doesn't have to be far away: Take a day trip to the lake near you or go explore the nearby caves. Whatever area you live in, there is bound to be something you haven't tried. Explore your local area and enjoy the blessings around you.
- Do your Research: Know where you are going and the area around it, don't go in blind. The more you know about an area the better you can plan and save money.