Don't let expenses hold you back from your dream vacation; here are some tips to help you travel the world on a budget.
If you've always dreamed of globe trotting, but you're on a tight budget, don't despair. If you are resourceful and flexible enough, international travel can become a reality even on a modest budget.
AIR FARE
When searching for international flights, avoid flying into major cities such as London, Bangkok or Sydney. You can usually find much better deals if you head for smaller nearby cities, and hop a bus to get to your destination.
If you are traveling alone, and you can be flexible with travel dates and destinations, consider signing up with an air courier service. You do have to compromise- usually you'll only be allowed a carry on bag, available flights are on short notice, and you can't always get the destination you wanted. However, since you can get tickets for less than half, and sometimes free, it can be worth it if you have the flexibility.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Youth hostels- they're not just for youths anymore. People of all ages can find a cozy hostel for a great price, often under $20 per night if you are willing to share a room. There are hostels now with family accommodations, though most ask that children be well behaved and quiet. Accommodations are often very basic, yet serviceable. There is a very casual atmosphere in youth hostels, as well as a comradery among fellow travelers.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider pitching a tent instead of staying in hotels. In many countries, for half the price or less than budget hotels, you can spend the night at a campsite with all the basic provisions you'll need.
Intentional Communities are springing up all over the world, and many are welcoming guests and visitors for a small fee or donation. Meals are often provided for a small additional fee. Social factors and religions at communities vary, from the ultra-conservative to the ultra-liberal. Be sure to check ahead of time and make sure you are comfortable with the community's policies; for example, if you are offended by nudity, you wouldn't want to find yourself at a clothing optional community.
If you have your own house or condo, you may be able to find free accommodations with all the comforts of home. Join an international house exchange list. Usually there is a joining fee and annual membership (often under $100), but once signed up, you can connect with other home owners living abroad who are willing to swap houses during vacations. You search listings by country, time of travel, and the size of the house you need, and if you find someone who lives near that location and is willing to travel the same dates, you simply trade homes for the time, sometimes cars as well. Of course it pays to take precautions- check the reputation of the service, check references of the person you are planning to swap with, make sure your insurance is up to date and ask a trusted relative to store your valuables for a time being (or put them in a storage facility). This can be a very inexpensive way for families to travel internationally, not only because it can save you money on hotels and car rentals, but because you will also have a kitchen in which to store foods and prepare inexpensive meals.
FOOD
Save money on food by either bringing or purchasing at a grocery store some simple non-perishable items for snacks and at least one meal per day. It may not be gourmet, but a daily afternoon meal of peanut butter on saltine crackers with a serving size can of fruit cocktail will save you a lot of money on restaurant lunches.
If at all possible, stay somewhere with a kitchen facility. Even a small kitchenette with a sink and a microwave at your disposal can prove to be a money saver.
Avoid tourist areas when going out to dine; search for business sections or a favorite meal spot of the locals. Often you will get the same, or better, meals for far less money.
MOBILITY
Rather than renting a car or purchasing costly commuter tickets, consider renting a bike, or purchasing an inexpensive second hand bike when you get to your destination. Another fun and inexpensive option, if your feet are up to it, is hiking.
ATTRACTIONS
Again, stay away from the tourist traps. Search for smaller destinations off the beaten path. When planning your trip, get some pen pals who live in the area, or people who have traveled there frequently, and find out some of the hot spots off the tour maps. Not only will this save you money, but it will help you avoid crowds and discover the simple, uncommercialized beauty and uniqueness of a place.
