You don’t need a big budget to satisfy your wanderlust. These tips will help you travel more and spend less.
It’s officially travel season, and it feels like almost everyone you know is going on a trip somewhere dreamy. Your social media feed is flooded with posts of swimsuit-clad bodies, airport selfies, clear skies and blue waters. Don’t worry, you don’t need a first class ticket or a five-star budget to join in. Here are a few tips to enjoy the wanderlust season while staying on a budget.
Go for all-inclusive packages
With all-inclusive packages, you get accommodation, meals, drinks, entertainment — and sometimes even excursions — all wrapped into a single price. This allows travellers to enjoy a cost-effective and stress-free way to explore new destinations. For travellers on a budget, all-inclusive resorts can provide incredible value by bundling major expenses together in one upfront cost. This makes planning easier, allowing for a fun getaway without constantly checking your wallet.
Buy flight tickets in advance to save big
The best tip for purchasing affordable tickets is to buy them in advance. Prices usually go up the longer you wait to get your ticket.. Look for indirect flights with a few or more stops to keep prices low. Choose budget-friendly airlines and compare prices to get the best deals. If you are not sure where you want to go, try using Google Flights — enter your travel dates, and explore destinations that fit your budget
Read also: You app-soultely need these travel apps for your next trip to stay connected
Book multi-city flights
Instead of booking a traditional round-trip, consider flying into one city and out of another. For example, fly into London and out of Paris. Take the Eurostar train to travel between the two cities. This often costs the same as a regular return ticket but allows you to visit two countries in one trip.
Travel off season
Another tip you shouldn’t overlook is visiting popular destinations during their off season. You’ll get better deals on flights and accommodation with the added benefit of fewer crowds. Early to late fall is the perfect time to visit Europe and Southeast Asia. Consider early spring for destinations in the Americas and summer to late fall for the Caribbean.
Buy a city pass for day-to-day movement
In cities like London, Paris, New York or Toronto, a city pass can unlock discounted or free access to public transportation, museums, tourist attractions and more. City passes can save up to 40% off on regular fees. So, before you book that trip — check if a city pass is available for your destination.
Zero budget? No problem
Just because your budget might be tight doesn’t mean your travel dreams have to wait. Whether you are a creative looking for inspiration or a content creator eager to see the world, there are ways to make it happen and sate your wanderlust. There are exciting opportunities that don’t require you to foot the bill. Big dreams, tiny budget? You’ve totally got this.
Free brand trips
If you are an influencer, the best thing about summer is all the free brand trips. Make sure your passport is valid and social media accounts remain updated. Don’t be afraid to reach out via email to brands you like, asking about brand opportunities, especially if you are a regular customer. Brands tend to want to give their loyal customers an experience they won’t forget. So keep posting content and keep reaching out. Based on all the success stories I’ve heard, it’s only a matter of time before you are on your first brand-free trip.
Paid-for artist residencies
If you are a writer, painter, photographer, craft maker and overall professional artist, there are artist residencies that will pay you to travel out of your home country. Some will provide visa support, a monthly or weekly stipend, housing and local activities to enrich your practice. Make sure to do your research into the type of artist residencies you are applying for; a few of them are work-oriented and culminate in a gallery show or at least one finished artwork. Many artists use artist residencies to see the world and make international connections in the art industry. What’s more rewarding than a trip with covered costs and a boost to your career?
