Travelling on a Budget without missing out
With more and more young people turning their attention to pastures new following an unsuccessful few months trying to utilise their hard-earned (and expensive) degrees, ‘travelling on a budget’ is becoming a very common theme in most hopeful travellers’ pre-trip research. There are different views on the tactics required to make the most of your budget when travelling, with the common one being ‘whatever’s cheapest’, but there are always other things to consider…
Whilst it is understandable to want to make your money pot last as long as possible, it is important to keep in mind why it is you wanted to go exploring the world in the first place. It is common knowledge even amongst traveller virgins that in many countries a tourist is seen as somewhat of an ATM and efforts will be made to extract as much money from you for a service as possible. However, it is very important that you don’t become so concerned with avoiding such tactics that you miss out out on opportunities. Some times, an experience IS worth the money. If there is something you really want to do but the price surprises you, don’t just dismiss the possibility, consider the bigger picture. In a years time are you going to regret refusing to spend the equivalent of a few drinks in your local bar on a once in a lifetime experience?
One of the best ways to get quality information regarding tourist sites, accommodation and restaurant options is to research some relevant travel blogs and local expat sites/forums (for each destination) so that you can get some more subjective and less bias views on things. Join yourself up to a few pages and get in touch with as many people living locally as possible so you can get the best idea of how you should be spending your time and money in each location. Such will also give you a chance to make a lot of friends on the way which is always great.
Flexibility is also key to getting the most out of your time away and your budget: go with the flow! Transport options and prices vary from day to day and trying to stick to a rigid schedule is sure to be a costly exercise. Just go with it and enjoy yourself!