Close to 40 million Americans traveled outside the country in 2017.
Though many people would like to travel abroad, the high cost of travel always gets in the way.
However, adventure should not cost an arm and a leg.
Traveling costs are very flexible. You would be surprised at the number of destinations you can afford to visit if you are willing to forgo some luxury during transit.
Feel like you want to venture out? The following are some of the cheapest ways to travel.
Pay for Tickets and Accommodation with Points
Do you have a travel card? Using travel cards to make purchases will earn you points and miles for every swipe. These rewards can be redeemed for air tickets, accommodation and other travel expenses that may qualify.
Fly Budget Airlines
You can save quite some money on regional flights by using budget airlines. Of course, you might have to compromise on some comforts. Pack lightly and be open to squeezing into the middle seat of a cramped row.
Getting better perks on budget airlines will cost you more. You will have to dig deeper into your pockets if you want the window seat.
You may also incur charges for luggage that is bigger than a backpack. Some airlines may even charge you for meals that may be complementary on other flights.
When using budget airlines, be sure to inquire on additional charges before requesting anything.
Get a Travel Group
Traveling solo can be convenient. But if you are looking to reduce the costs of your travels, consider going with friends or family.
As a group, you will be able to split accommodation and car rental costs. Squeezing into motel rooms or finding accommodation via Airbnb will be less expensive per person.
The perfect group size is four. Most hotels will charge you for an extra room if you exceed four people.
Seek out Less Convenient Airports
Bigger and busier airports often have higher priced tickets. Opting for less popular airports can save you some dough. You should, however, be flexible enough to travel further and out of big cities to get better rates.
Be sure to factor in the added cost of travel to the airport as you calculate your savings.
Rent a Cheap Campervan
Accommodation and car rentals are one of the most expensive aspects of traveling. By renting a campervan, you will be able to slash those costs significantly.
Also, they make for a fascinating way to travel and come with a lot of freedom. With a campervan, it easier and cheaper to extend your stay at a destination you enjoy.
A campervan can also help you save on meals. That is if you do not mind preparing them yourself.
Using Public Transport Systems Is One of the Cheapest Ways to Travel
Avoid taking taxis in the cities you pass through as they can be costly.
Though taxi services like Lyft and Uber are relatively cheaper, public transport will save you the most. This way, you will get to see and experience the city in its truest form.
Do some research about the city before you get there. Find out if the public transport there is safe for tourists. Get a city map and familiarize yourself with the public transport routes so that you do not get lost.
Get Your Meals at Supermarkets
Supermarkets are a great money saver when it comes to food. Rather than eating in hotels, cafes and restaurants, try shopping for meals in supermarkets. Implementing this strategy for lunch alone can still give you some mileage.
Sandwiches and yogurts will keep you going through the day and allow you to channel the savings to more exciting activities.
Carrying your food is also another way of saving on meal costs if you get accommodation from Airbnb. You can prepare meals for the day before you leave.
Skip the Cities and Venture into the Outdoors
Plan your trips to the outdoors rather than in cities. The cost of accommodation, food, and car rental tend to be very high in and around cities.
Additionally, the best views and experiences are rarely within cities. You probably live in a town, why not spend your vacation exploring jungles or serene landscapes.
Experiencing nature will cost you a fraction of what is required to explore a city. In the US for example, you can visit all the national parks with an $80 pass valid for a year.
As you venture into the outdoors, do not forget to carry a nice pair of outdoor boots.
Plan for the Major Expenses in Advance
When coming up with a travel route, take note of all the major activities in each destination and include them in your budget before leaving.
These will be the most memorable aspects of your trip. Wherever possible make bookings for such activities.
Doing so will help you avoid
incurring surprise costs during your trip.
Also, do not underestimate the costs that may arise during the vacation.
If you are low on finances, consider taking up a payday loan just to be sure that everything goes smoothly. Visit this helpful page for more information on these kinds of loans.
Get a Job Overseas
An easy way to travel without actually incurring significant costs is by seeking employment overseas.
Teaching English is especially a good method of making money as you travel. Many countries in Asia need English tutors. Some companies will even pay for your flight.
Alternatively, you can volunteer overseas. This is a good option for graduates. Volunteer programs often offer discounted housing for your services.
Take the Bus
Bus fares are generally cheaper than air tickets. Rather than take a flight from one city to the next, why not take the bus?
It may even be faster and more convenient if you take aspects like airport location and stopovers into consideration. Traveling by bus will also allow you to experience the countryside and the people there.
Get Moving
Every once in a while it is important to get away from normal routine and rejuvenate yourself. Exploring the world is an excellent way of relaxing and getting some exercise done.
Now that you have tips on the cheapest ways to travel, nothing should hold you back from going camping in a far away destination.
Check out this article to learn about one of the best camping tents there is in the market today.