The world’s slow recovery from the COVID-19 crisis promises new opportunities for would-be travelers. Last March, the United Kingdom removed all international travel restrictions, allowing U.K. residents to travel across the globe hassle-free. So if you’re planning on catching up on the adventures you couldn’t afford to take in the last two years, now’s the time to do it.
Travel doesn’t have to break the bank nor does travel doesn’t have to break your back. With the right resources and strategies, it’s easy for budget travelers to pursue their ideal adventures in complete comfort. To help, we’ve listed budget travel tips to cover the most important aspects of travel, including destination planning, flights, packing, transport, and accommodation.
Destination Planning: Go During The Shoulder Season
Some destinations are more popular in certain months than others. Most people need the assurance that the weather in their destination will be decent when they visit. However, if predictable weather conditions aren’t a priority for you, it’s smarter to book your trip for the shoulder season. Shoulder seasons refer to the months between peak seasons. Because fewer people are interested in travelling, rates tend to be cheaper.
Flights: Use Smart Search Engines
Less internet-savvy travelers might simply opt for uncomfortable budget airlines. However, those in the know can tell you that the internet makes it very easy to score good deals on flights. Flight search software such as KAYAK, Momondo, and Skyscanner will automatically look for the cheapest tickets for your departure dates of your choosing. If you’re flexible with dates, Skyscanner also has a “cheapest month” option, which allows you to find the cheapest possible flights within a certain year.
Packing: Less Is More
Bringing heavy luggage increases your flight costs. If you want to save money, your options are to either use a backpack or pack light. One common budget packing hack is to use travel-size objects. Bringing smaller sizes of the essentials — toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner — to limit your baggage weight. It can also help to use packing cubes. Packing cubes or bag organisers give you a clearer idea of how much you can fit into your suitcase. They can also make your luggage contents more space-efficient.
Accommodation: Skip Hotels
When it comes to accommodation, booking a room at a hotel usually seems like the most convenient option. However, this is also usually the most expensive. If you’re on a budget, you might find cheaper options in hostels, couch surfing, and Airbnb.
And if you’re willing to pay for your accommodation with work instead of money, consider the platform Workaway. Workaway is a network that connects locals seeking help with budget travelers that need accommodation. In exchange for a room in the host’s home, guests help hosts with small tasks, such as gardening, building, tutoring, or animal-sitting. The main focus of Workaway is to promote cultural exchange between guests and hosts. It is thus a great option for budget travelers that want to immerse deeper in their destination’s culture.
Transport: Find The Right Taxi Company
Public transport is easily the most affordable way to get around a country. However, those who value their privacy might not be too keen on the option. Taxis, given their privacy and comfort, can be worth the money if you find the right taxi company. To determine the quality of a taxi company, browse reviews thoroughly, and look at their website for services they offer. For increased convenience, look for taxi companies that allow you to book trips directly from their app or website.
You don’t have to sacrifice savings for comfort. With the right strategies, you can make your travel budget work.
Post solely for eurotaxis.com
By Jessie Caye
