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Travel is an almost universal passion among people around the world. If most of us could, we’d be roaming the world constantly, seeing all the different sights. See the sun set at the great pyramids of Giza? Check. Paddle a canoe through the Grand Canyon? Check. Sign us up for a long term stay at some cheap hostels in faraway places, exploring the world one country at a time.
One thing that stops this from being a reality for most of us is the eternal struggle of money. Travelling can be very expensive & very time consuming. This creates a problem for many would be nomads. Saving the money people think is necessary takes time & effort with most giving up. International flights, budget accommodation, food, drink, gifts for all your friends. It can all become overwhelming and result in a budget well outside your limit. What most people don’t know is that you CAN travel on a low budget. You don’t need copious amounts of money to see the world. Read on for a few of the best tips on how to manage travel on a low budget….and enjoy it.
Research your destination
As with any plan, the most successful ones lay on the foundations of solid research. Get ready to become a detective & do a great deal of research on the different places you might consider. You’ll want to research flights & ticket prices. Find a middle ground between your interest in the location & what it costs to get there. Another major consideration is budget accommodation & housing options. Then there is food, drinks, even the exchange rate to consider. Some destinations will always be more affordable than others. Asia & South America are two favourites that have lower base costs compared to Europe. Also have fun. Planning your trip can be one of the most exciting parts.
Stay in Cheap Hostels, or better yet, Couch Surf
Large hostel dorm rooms are the best option for paid budget accommodation. Not only are hostels cheap, they are an experience in, and of, themselves. You’ll meet heaps of likeminded travellers that are in the same boat as you. They usually have heaps of free activities that will either help you see the sights or get you meeting new people. A lot of cheap hostels provide free breakfast which is a great way to save money. If you can, be a bit sneaky, and load up on the free food so you’ve got lunch covered as well.
For those that want to save on budget accommodation, you could try couch surfing. This is the ultimate way to manage your budget while travelling. There are plenty of apps, websites, and message boards you can check out couches & want to be surfers together. Make sure you check it out. But remember to stay safe & do your research first.
Cook your own food
Depending on where you travel this can be the hardest tip to follow but can end up saving you the most money. Try & cook all your own food. Ok, maybe not all, but the clear majority. This can be particularly difficult walking through town past street after street filled with the best smelling local dishes. Your best bet is to try and get the best of both worlds. Talk to the locals and find out how to make the local delicacies. Then head back to your budget accommodation (most hostels have kitchens and utensils you can use free of charge) & get cooking. Try and involve other travellers and get cooking as a group. You’ll have a good, get a full belly & won’t put a dent in your wallet. Food you cook yourself always taste better anyway.
By keeping these 3 tips in mind, you can do what you thought impossible. Travel on a low budget. To help you get started, consider Melbourne for your next destination. Budget accommodation and cheap hostels don’t get much better than www.discoverymelbourne.com & their low cost accommodation. All that’s left is for you to get researching. Your next travel adventure is within your grasp & will cost less than you ever imagined.