You cannot ignore your wanderlust once it starts calling your name. Everybody has to go out somehow in search of new adventures. But you have to admit, going on a journey regardless if it is planned or unplanned can be a pain in the bank – and in the butt.
Airfares. Visas. Allowances. These are the expenses that every traveler has to bear. Unfortunately, that is just how the world works. Leisure comes at a price, but your sense of adventure shouldn’t be restricted.
Luckily, there are ways to get around the high fees and make traveling less of a financial burden later on. It’s only a matter of applying these budget-friendly tips to satisfy your wanderlust.
CHOOSE THE BEST CARDS
The choice of a credit card determines future travels. Every time you use your card to purchase a plane ticket, you earn points which can provide you a whole range of benefits for your next travel. Frequent flyer miles entitle you to freebies and special promos. If you are lucky enough, having the best credit card for points can also earn you free flights to certain destination.
RESEARCH TAXES AND FEES
If you’re going to another country, you should be aware of the rules regarding fees and taxes. Some airports would require you to pay extra fees to the government and, depending on the location you’re visiting, you should be aware of how much you’re going to pay based on the duration of your stay. This allows you to plan your budget accordingly and avoid putting yourself in a tight financial spot while in another country.
GET THE BEST HOTEL BOOKINGS
Accommodation is always important on every traveler’s checklist (unless of course you want to go on an unplanned, spur-of-the-moment trip). However, finding a place to stay for the duration of your visit has to be the most tedious part of travel planning. A great deal of it is spent on looking up listings for rooms that scream value-for-money before they run out. Quite often, you can only find the best and affordable hotels to be fully booked, especially if you’re planning to go in peak season. To avoid this issue, you need to decide on your itinerary and look up listings for the best last minute hotel deals using apps.
GO WITH FRIENDS
Going on a personal journey is always good, but if you opt to experience other cultures for less, you can always invite your friends to come with you. One advantage of this is that you and your friends can share the costs of traveling, making the financial burden that much lighter.
COMMUTE
Once you have reached your destination, you can start sightseeing to your heart’s content. But instead of hiring a local van service or a tour operator to help you get around, you can use a map instead and try out the local transportation system to get around. It’s slow, but at least it’s cheaper, and it offers a more immersive experience. You need to be cautious, however, since you are in unfamiliar territory. In this sense, it’s always safer to travel with a buddy.
