Travelling Cheap
Before you go
Pay yourself first
This is not a new concept; you’ve probably heard it before, set up your main account so that at least 10% of your paycheck is deposited into a separate savings account automatically. This saves you having to worry about making the transfer, and you quickly become accustomed to living without it.
Start a change jar
When you walk in the door at the end of the day empty all the change from your pockets and purse into a jar you keep in your entrance way. Having the jar be one of the first things you think of when walking through the door helps to make it a habit. At the end of even a month, left untouched, the change jar can hold a surprising amount.
Get off the Beaten Track
Don’t follow the herd and avoid the tourist trap. When you follow the same route as everyone else and travel only to the top attractions then the This means obscure Eastern European countries or simply smaller cities in town where you won’t get so much culture but you’ll definitely get a more in-depth look at the people.
Choose to travel in off peak months
The months of April, May, September and October are all ideal times to take a trip, you’ll be able to see and do more as you’re not tripping over other tourists. Also, transportation costs are cheaper, often admission prices are reduced and you can swing a better deal on your accommodation. Hotels and hostels charge less when they don’t have people fighting for a bed.
Limit the amount you carry
The less you’ve got on your back, the easier it is for you to squeeze into a jam packed under ground. By increasing your mobility, you’re increasing your opportunity.
Limit what you spend
Unfortunately this had to make the list, there’s no way around it. The easiest way to do this is figure out what’s your biggest vice: smoking, drinking, CD’s, shoes, lattes? Now you need to come to terms with just what you want more. Drinking coffee at home or better yet giving up altogether saves you £3-£5/day, depending on your habit. After a month that can add up to £150 extra in your bank. When you travel you need comfortable, reliable shoes and a very limited wardrobe, so why are you splashing out on those new clothes now? Quitting smoking will have you with more money than you know what to do with. And having drinks only once a week rather than 4-5 times per week will give you something to look forward to and will help you save. You get the idea.
On the road
Set up a budget
When on the road looking to save a little coin, the easiest way is set up a budget, and don’t carry more than your daily allowance with you. This helps you avoid impulse buys, if you find something you really want, then you’ll want it just as badly the next day and you can go back to it. Most likely you’ll forget all about it.
Share food
Sharing food, not always eating out rather making your own meals and asking around for scrumptious inexpensive restaurants for when you can’t be bothered are also great ways to save without scrimping. Don’t buy your souvenirs from the designated tourists areas, you can usually find the same item for half the price when you head into the locals part of the city; you’re also less likely to buy counterfeit items this way.
Bring a tent
Especially if you’re travelling in the summer months, why not take advantage of the warm weather and spend a night under the starts. Camp sights are often much cheaper than hostels. And in some cities you will find hostels that will allow you to pitch a tent in their backyard, giving you the convenience of bathroom and kitchen facilities at a fraction of the price.
Walk everywhere
Not only do you get to see more, you’re staying fit and saving money in the process. Usually a nice walk will get you lost somewhere along the way, and it’s the shops, people and restaurants that you find unexpectedly that make your trip worthwhile.
Always check the rides board in hostels
Even if it’s not going all the way to your destination, a new friend, some company while travelling and the chance to see an unexpected location is all part of the fun. Of course you already know to have a hostel card; YHA, VIP or ISIC cards are all great for discounted accommodation at reputable hostels.
Talk to other backpackers
Don’t be afraid to ask for tips, especially if you meet someone leaving a country when you’re just starting out. Saves you from making the same mistakes and you might just find something you never knew you were looking for.
A final tip
Get travel insurance
Protect your money, your tickets home, your credit and debit cards, your safety and your peace of mind. If the worst should happen and you’re robbed, having prepaid for your insurance will guarantee your coverage. Instead of having to cope with being stranded or shell out more money that you don’t have, your insurance coverage will get you money or get you home.
