Today's post is a guest post is about traveling on a budget and is brought to you by my boyfriend, Anthony. 
Anthony and I have successfully gone on numerous vacations while staying to a strict budget, helping us save a ton of money to prepare for our futures. Today, Anthony is sharing his frugal vacationing/travelling tips with all of you!

Traveling on a budget: Enjoy a 5 star vacation for a 1 star price - perfect for millennials!

When thinking about traveling or going on a vacation, it’s easy to worry about the large amount of money which it can cost. As someone who lives frugally, this is something that’s constantly on my mind. Recently, I have learned how to unlock the secrets to traveling on a budget.

However, over the years, Dani and I have discovered how to travel and take simple vacations on a budget!

While the first step to being able to take a vacation on a budget is identifying the budget and the amount that you would like to stay under – how do you make sure that you’re able to enjoy yourself while not going over or stressing about your budget?

Here are some tips to getting in those vacations for cheap.


Where to stay?

where to stay while traveling on a budget

Do you have family in other states or cities? A hotel will most likely be the highest expense of a trip. If you can crash with family you could potentially save hundred of dollars.

If you don’t have family in the area in which you are traveling you can still be smart about lodging. Look into options cheaper than hotel rooms, such as AirBnB’s. If you’re going with a group of people you can split the cost of a hotel room or AirBnB, which can really lower your spending.

If you do go with hotels, look into hotels 20-30 minutes out of the city in which you are visiting, they are usually much cheaper.


How to get there?

traveling on a budget

Do the math and look into all the options for travel. If you have the time, driving can get you there cheaply, and it comes with the added bonus of having a car to get around when you get there. Shop around: sometimes just changing airlines can save you big money. Do you need to check a bag or can you fit in all in your carry on and save that fee?

Other options: Look into trains or buses for real cheap travel.


Where to eat?

getting food while traveling on a budget

Trying local delicacies is an important part about traveling, but eating out for every meal can really add up quickly. Choose a few meals that you’ll eat out at restaurants, but don’t plan on eating every single meal out. Look into restaurants in the area find the ones that look the most appealing to you and plan those meals into your budget.

TOP TIP: If staying with family, you will usually have access to a kitchen cook some meals and save some money. Dani and I love to cook, and while we’re traveling on a budget it’s no different. By going grocery shopping at local markets you’re able to immerse yourself into the culture that you’re visiting even farther. Then by cooking that food at the place where you’re staying you can save money and enjoy a healthy home cooked meal!

Tip: If you’re staying in a hotel it might be worth it go get some microwave meals at the start of the trip.


What to do?

Do your research ahead of time to find what you want to do and budget them out in advance. Looking up “travel guides” in the city that you’re planning on visiting on Pinterest is a great start!

See if there is a “city pass” or tourist pass that includes a few things you want to do at a discounted rate. Check for discounts that might apply to you such as student, Military, senior, etc. Look for free activities like going to the beach or parks. Plan to visit some places such as museums that have discount or free days – schedule your trip to include those.


Other thoughts:

While budgeting money is the main point of this don’t forget to budget your time as well! Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you should miss out on important activities.

I like to arrive in the morning on the first day and leave at night on the last day. This allows me to to get as much time as possible in the cities I’m exploring. Don’t underestimate doing nothing: make sure to do what the point of every vacation is and relax.

Don’t get caught up in running from one thing to another.

Lastly, don’t budget yourself out of a good vacation, save money where you can but don’t forget to have fun too!


About the Author

antauthorAnthony

Anthony is a 23 year old living in Southern California while working with lights in the live entertainment industry. He loves making stuff, blowing stuff up, flying stuff, and his fluffy enormous golden retriever.

 

Also check out: The Young Adult’s Guide to Starting a Budget


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4 thoughts on “Traveling on a Budget

  • June 4, 2019 at 5:14 am
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    My husband and I usually try to save money by picking a less expensive hotel or airbnb and then splurge on experiences while we are on a trip. We also choose to stay in very walkable areas so we don’t have to take many taxis and when possible book a space with a kitchen or at least a decent mini fridge so we don’t eat every meal out.

    Reply
  • June 4, 2019 at 9:21 pm
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    These are great tips, I usually save money by looking for cheap flights and not eating out. Staying at an airbnb and cooking Saves so much.

    Reply
  • June 5, 2019 at 9:56 am
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    Great tips! When I’m traveling on a budget, I make it a friendscation and rent an Airbnb together to split costs and then go grocery shopping and cook at said Airbnb at least once to save money!

    Reply
  • June 5, 2019 at 11:54 am
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    These are great tips! I always usually try to stay at friend’s or family house. Luckyly I have family all over the world hahaha

    Reply

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