As the world heals from the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates continue to increase, and travel restrictions start to ease, a lot of parts of the globe are now open for tourism again. After over two years of quarantines and lockdowns, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, it will not happen all at once. Places with low risk of virus transmission are the first ones to open up and admit tourists; but eventually, as the year progresses, more places and tourist destinations will start to bounce back and reopen again. Because of this, we will all be able to enjoy the one that brings us a lot of joy that was once deprived to us by this pandemic: travelling!
However, even if travelling is now allowed to partake, let’s admit it: travelling is not for everyone especially if you do not have enough budget to do it. No matter how much you like to travel again after the pandemic, if your wallet says otherwise, then it should be a problem.
On the brighter side, travelling and exploring new places and heights does not have to cost you a fortune, if that hinders you! There are a lot of places and things to do even if you are on a budget. Worry no more because in this article, there are 14 powerful tips for you in travelling on a budget!
Creating a Plan
Travelling spontaneously is heaven, if you have the luxury of time and money. However, in travelling on a budget, the primary thing that you need to do is coming up with a plan. In your plan, you must consider your budget for the whole duration of your stay, and how much you are willing to spend for tours, food, and accommodation. Remember, travelling on a budget does not have to be any less fun. You must plan out everything first in compliance with your budget, and get ready for your much awaited vacation!
Choosing the Right Destination
Some places are naturally more expensive or cheaper than the others. It is only a matter of choice and decisions. Part of your plan in travelling on a budget is to research places that are very gorgeous and good with your wallet. Maybe choose a destination somewhere that is cheap and is easy to get to, somewhere where the exchange rate gets you a good value of money, or somewhere that has a very low cost of living. Maybe you can opt for local or domestic travel rather than out-of-the country. Wherever you want, the most important thing is you choose the right destination.
Travelling Out of Season
Travelling on a Christmas break, Holy Week, or any holiday for that matter, will only cost you more because the travel industry hikes up prices during these times. Travelling out of season is a great tip for people on a budget like you. In order to do this, first, you must research the best time to visit in your chosen location, then travel just before or after these dates. Even though the dates you have chosen are not the best like the sun will not shine as brightly, you will still have an enjoyable trip. On a positive side, it will not be as hot as compared to the peak season dates. Hotels, accommodations, and air fares often lower their rates during these times to attract tourists to visit. Aside from saving up money, one of the most significant advantages of traveling during the off-season is avoiding and not having to deal with swarms of people at major tourist attractions. With fewer people, you may enjoy a much more intimate exploration of the destination.
Booking in Advance
Most of the time, last minute flights and accommodations are far more expensive than booking in advance. Thus, making an advance booking will save you a generous amount of money. You also need to allot time before going on a trip because this will help you prepare financially when the time comes.
Also, there's no need to upgrade if you're flying economy, no matter how wonderful Business Class appears. You can use the money you save on cheap tickets to pay for food or lodging when you arrive. Low-cost, budget airlines are ideal for short flights and offer a variety of low-cost options. If you're going on a weekend trip, try to pack light and only bring hand bags to save money on hold luggage.
Scheduling your trip on a Midweek
Travel on a Tuesday if possible. Weekend flights include a surcharge; thus, midweek flights are less expensive. By purchasing between Sunday and Thursday, travelers can get the best available deals on hotels and airline tickets. That means more money for fun or saving for your next vacation!
Additionally, you do not have to worry about waiting in long queues because there are shorter lines at airport check-in counters and security during midweeks. Another advantage of scheduling your vacation on a midweek is that you will avoid the crowds at tourist spots. Long lines might be expected at local restaurants and attractions on weekends. Also, you can take your time exploring the local stores, restaurants, and other attractions without feeling rushed.
Having an Overnight Flight
If you have a long journey to accomplish as part of your trip, traveling overnight is one option to save money. You must pay to get from point A to point B regardless of the time of day, but traveling overnight saves you the cost of lodging for that night. Plus, you won't be wasting time traveling during the day, giving you more time to explore!
In addition to this, Many pilots find it easier to fly at night than during the day because of the lower levels of traffic and the chilly breezes that occur at night. This is because there is less friction on the wings, allowing for a smoother and hopefully turbulence-free flying. Thus, having an overnight flight is both cost-efficient and safe for travelers like you!
Packing your Stuff Well
Before travelling, make sure you pack your stuff well and lightly. Realistically speaking, you will not get to wear everything you packed, and most of the time you will only wear half of the clothes you bring. Just take whatever you need, and make sure that before you leave, everything is checked and is in the right baggage. It would cost a lot of money if you have excess baggage.
Looking out for a Cheap yet Comfortable Accommodation
One of the most crucial parts of travelling is finding a nice and cozy accommodation. However, since you are on a tight budget, you need to swap off your costly hotel suites for hostel dorm accommodations. Sharing a room automatically divides costs, and communal bunk rooms provide an opportunity to meet individuals who might be interested in going on an adventure with you.
If hostel dorms are not for you, there are other alternative accommodations you can choose from without having to shed a huge amount of money. A great alternative for this is booking on websites like Agoda and Airbnb. These websites offer cheap accommodation to stay. Airbnb for example offers private rooms, entire condo units, and homes for rent by the locals themselves. If you decide to go and travel up north, accommodations like a condo in Baguio are suitable for you! If you plan on travelling to a historical place with the right amount of vitamin sea, Cebu is the one for you! Opting for a place to stay like a condo in Cebu is a great choice especially for people with tight budgets. However, if you want to go all the way south, there are a lot of tourist attractions in Cagayan De Oro, and a condo in CDO is a budget-friendly accommodation. Additionally, if you want to stay a bit longer and you have always aspired to a condo living lifestyle, pre-selling condo in these areas are available.
It's also possible to stay with family or friends. Reach out to people you know, or arrange a vacation to a location where a long-lost relative or school acquaintance currently resides. This could lead you to areas you'd never considered before.
Taking Public Transportation
Taking public transportation such as buses and trains is generally cheaper compared to flying on a plane. If your destination can be travelled by land, then opt for public transits. Also, if you are already in your destination, transportation may cost a lot especially if you are planning to go to several tour spots. Instead of renting a taxi or uber, why not take jeepneys or tricycles? Plus, the possibility of meeting kind and generous locals is high!
Additionally, taking public transportation, even when compared to other gas-powered vehicles, is more fuel efficient. Some systems are entirely electric or run on renewable energy sources. This means that if you opt for a public transportation during your travels, you can be of great help in the environment!
Making your tour DIY
A tour guide will for sure help you a lot in your travel destination. But, if you are on strict control of money during vacation, this may not be possible for you. That is why the best and possible solution for you is to have a do-it-yourself tour. With this, you and your phone can be your own tour guide! All information now is readily available on Google, and with the help of some locals, you can achieve an optimum travel experience without having to break the bank. Plus, you can personalize your tour however you want without worrying about a tight itinerary.
Getting Recommendations from Locals
Locals in the travel destination you have chosen know more about the location than you. Sticking to these locals and getting recommendations from them will surely help you in budgeting your money and expenses. For example, locals definitely do not want to pay tourist prices for food, drink, and activities; thus, speaking from someone in the area will give you their favorite hotspots that surely will not disappoint you!
Walking Everywhere
Walking is the most cost-effective mode of transportation and the finest method to explore the area. Not only is it free from charge, it can also help you to stay fit while on a vacation! You will also get to meet locals, say hi to friendly dogs, and breathe fresh air. However, If you need to go a little further, renting a bike is often a good option.
Cooking Food to Avoid Eating Out
Other than the accommodation, food is one of the biggest travel costs. After all, everyone needs to eat. So in order to do this, another budget-friendly travel idea is to shop at the supermarket and prepare your own meals. If you can, include some local specialties in your budget, but otherwise, cook your own cuisine. The majority of hostels provide culinary facilities that are open to all guests.
Working while Travelling
Due to the pandemic, working in offices has been halted. This caused businesses and companies to decide on working remotely. Because of this, employees are given the chance to work wherever they are in the world. With this, other people opt to work in tourist hubs like Siargao, Boracay, and Baguio City. After their shift ends, they explore the area and have fun. A lot of people, especially freelancers, have shifted to this lifestyle already. If you are working from home or perhaps a freelancer, you can maybe do this as well. Just be mindful of the expenses you take.
Traveling is a fantastic experience, and being able to do so on a budget makes it much more accessible. You will have more money to spend on another adventure if you spent less on one. Travelling on a budget does not equate to less fun. There are cheap travel destinations all around the world, especially here in the Philippines, that are enjoyable and adventurous! Some are hard to find, but once found, they are as beautiful as gems.
Vista Residences is the condominium development arm of the country's largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. which offers top-tier properties across the country’s premier universities and developed business districts. It currently has rent-to-own, ready for occupancy, and pre-selling condo projects in Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Cagayan de Oro and investment-ready projects in Pasig, Taguig, Manila, Cebu, and Baguio.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
