Traveling is not only fun but an important educational opportunity. Traveling, particularly internationally, allows you to learn about different cultures, history, and points of view. Unfortunately, it can also be expensive. With hotels, flights, restaurants, activities, etc. The cost can add up. But there is a way to make traveling affordable.
1. Start Early
· The best way to save money for an upcoming trip is to book early. Flights and accommodation will be less expensive if you book well in advance of your trip.
· Travel in off season: Look at the school holidays where you are going and see when the high travel season is. Avoid these times. Not only will it save you money, but you will have fewer crowds at the places you would like to visit.
· Consider Time Frame: depending on where you are going, traveling locally can be cheap. For example, in Europe, you can get cheap flights for as low as 5 Euros (5.71 USD). If you have the time, you might consider a longer trip of 3-4 weeks and travel to several different countries in one trip. While you will have the added cost of food and accommodation, you could consider subletting your apartment to offset the cost of the added expense.
· When booking flights, use an incognito browser as booking platforms will track the number of views on flights and increase their prices accordingly. Browsing incognito can help keep a consistent price. We recommend Skyscanner.com for booking flights.
2. Set a Budget and Plan Ahead
· It is important to firstly set a budget, so you know what you can spend. Have a total amount you can spend for the trip and then plan around that. Once you have done so, you can begin looking up transportation options, accommodation, dining, and activities you’d like to do.
· Do your research before traveling. Look up local recommendations for site seeing, restaurants and where to stay. This will help you avoid tourist traps which will typically be more expensive and less authentic than where the locals hang out.
· Try to find as many free options as possible. For example, rather than pay for a walking/bus tour, look up the points of interest beforehand and be your own tour guide.
· Opt for Airbnb’s over hotels. Not only are Airbnb’s significantly cheaper than most hotels, but you can also filter for options with a kitchen so that you can cook your own meals. Bonus, they are typically located in more residential areas where locals live enabling you to have a more authentic stay. Additionally, browsing grocery stores/markets in a great way to learn about new foods and customs. It is one of the first things I do when I travel!
3. Avoid Scams : prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent!
· For the most part, traveling is safe and reliable. However, there are many scams that exist around the world which are geared towards tourists with the aim of obtaining your money. Here are some examples of common scam around the world.
At the end of the day, there is always a prepared place for a prepared person.
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