Many of us have a plan of places we would like to travel to, whether it’s a trip around Europe or hopping state to state in the USA. However, traveling is expensive, and money can very often stand in the way. There is the transport, accommodation and living costs to consider, which can quickly add up to a significant amount especially if you want to see multiple locations. So, below we have created a guide for you to go through on how you can see more of the world without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out more.
Creating A Map Of Where You Would Like To Go
The most important aspect of travelling is to plan every detail and step in your journey. Start by creating a map of every location you want to visit and organize the route you will take by what will make the most sense geographically. Consider transport routes, will you need to fly or are there good rail links? If you’re travelling in a camper van, factor in places to stop and rest for the night along the way, fueling stations and toll roads. Keep your budget in mind when mapping out your routes. Will your budget stretch far enough to reach all the places you want to visit? Research the areas you’ll be going to and their associated costs for accommodation, food and drink, transport, and tourist attractions.
Working Out Your Budget
Be realistic about your funds and how far they will get you along your journey. If you are visiting multiple locations, instead of having a budget for the total trip, have a set budget for each location and try to stick to it. This will allow you to plan ahead and reduces the risk of you running out of funds and potentially having to miss out on visiting places you want to go to. As mentioned previously, researching the places you want to visit and reading blogs from people that have been before will give you an idea of what costs will be involved so you can create a plan. Deciding on what kind of accommodation, transport and points of interest you want to incorporate into your trip will allow you to create a budget plan and split up your funds from location to location.
Consider Backpacking
For those travelling on a budget, backpacking is a great option for saving money and getting out to really experience life in the places you visit. It can give you more opportunities to interact with the locals and experience the culture in each location. You will be able to really see your surroundings and enjoy views more when walking. If you’re backpacking with companions, you’ll have plenty of time to talk to each other so you can have quality-time and you might be able to experience places together that you might miss out on with other forms of travel. Backpacking is also great for your health, building up cardiovascular strength, muscle strength, stamina, and endurance. You can also reap the benefits of backpacking for your mental health. Being out in nature, socializing with your travel group and enjoying new experiences are all great for your mental wellbeing.
Choosing Budget Friendly Transport
The options for budget friendly transport will vary depending on the places you are visiting. Rail routes can be a great option to hop from different locations, especially in Europe where you can purchase a Eurail pass that covers most European train journeys in one ticket. Another great option is bikepacking between your desired destinations. It’s a way of backpacking that can get you around quicker than walking, whilst still being able to enjoy the views and see the local sights. Find out more about how to get started with backpacking here.
Finding Budget Friendly Accommodation
It’s common sense that if you are travelling on a budget, especially in multiple places, you won’t be able to stay in five-star luxury hotels. When someone mentions staying in hostels you may immediately cringe at the idea, worrying that they are overcrowded and unclean. However, there are many fantastic, clean, and safe hostels for you and any travelling companions to stay in together. Make sure to look into hostels in the areas you plan to visit and read reviews to get a better idea of whether you would like to stay there. In recent times, sites such as Airbnb has also become an increasingly popular choice when it comes to travelling on a budget. There are many rooms, apartments, and houses to choose from in a wide range of prices, so there is bound to be something that suits your needs. You can read reviews and ratings from previous visitors and some hosts are on hand to help with any information you need about the local area, tips on places to eat and things to see.