Travelling is an exciting experience that everyone deserves to experience at least once in a lifetime. Many remove travelling and seeing the world from their bucket list due to the fact that it is quite expensive.
Many people forget is that is possible to travel and see the world without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick breakdown and a few simple tips on how you can go about seeing new and exciting cities without having to spend a fortune.
1. Alternative destinations:
I know seeing famous cities can be an exhilarating experience, but when travelling on a budget, one has to seek alternative options.
One example: Krakow, Poland over Amsterdam.
• You can visit the city of Krakow for 40% of the cost of visiting Amsterdam.
• Krakow has a weak currency.
• You can pay +- $66.00 for lodging, a meal and entertainment in Krakow, per day. Compared to $163.00 a day, which is what you’d spend in Amsterdam. This rate is according to Price of Travel’s Europe 3 Star Traveler Index.
• There are various museums, cafés and bars to visit in the city.
2. Transportation:
Instead of renting a car or using a taxi, which are generally over priced, why not use public transport or routes designed to show tourists everything that is a definite must see in every city. Often this option works in the traveller’s favour.
Or better yet…try doing your exploring by foot. This can save you heaps! Just grab your trainers and a map…and hit the road…;)
3. Budget Airlines:
Keep a look out for tickets where the airfare is really just the taxes. There are many airlines, particularly in Europe, like Ryanair and EasyJet, where you’ll find mind-blowingly cheap flights. If you plan a little and don’t leave things till the last minute (like I do), then you can snap up extremely great deals, especially when there are sales in the off-season.
But always remember to read the fine print though! With these budget airlines there are often fees and there are super strict baggage limits.
4. Toiletries:
Most of the time it is safe to say “leave your toiletries at home”. This may sound slightly odd, but most hotel rooms have a supply of soaps and shampoo’s available for your use. These freebies may save you luggage space and prolong your supply at home. If you’d rather safe than sorry, buy your supplies when you arrive at your destination.
5. Grocery shopping:
Even if you are visiting a destination with a weak currency, eating out every night can become very expensive and make a big dent in your pocket. Go shopping for groceries and have a fast and easy home cooked meal. Keep an eye out for coupons and discounts at local super markets. Visit a restaurant for a quick bite to eat, but rather stay in for those big meals.
6. Souvenirs:
Instead of buying tons of expensive souvenirs, grab your camera and capture those special moments with your loved ones. Those pictures will be worth more than any trinket you buy at a gift shop.
7. Window shopping:
Just because you are browsing though all these shops does not mean you have to buy something. Do some window-shopping.
Travelling may seem impossible to do when on a budget, but remember nothing is impossible.
Save every penny and grab any opportunity you can to go see what the world and its infamous cities have to offer.
You will not regret it!
