Figuring out how to travel cheaper and still collect memorable experiences on your trip can be an elusive mission. Trust me, I have been traveling consistently for over a decade and I am still finding new ways to make my trips more affordable.
Travelling cheaper isn’t just about choosing the lowest cost for everything. It’s about minimizing costs while maximizing your experiences without compromising your comforts. (say that five times fast lol) Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you don’t have fun; you just have to be frugal.
So are you trying to plan your trip but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you feel it’s time to change up the way you travel but you’re not sure what travel accessories you need? Did you dream up a bucket list of countries (like I did 10+ years ago) and have been wishing to go. But you think it will be too expensive? Think again.
Here are 12 travel tips to get you started and on your way:
1. Start with an “Easy” Destination
Some trips are easier than others. This is Fact. If this is your first time travelling, then choosing to go to an easier country can make your experience that much smoother.
“Easy” is relative, though, and will mean something different to you or me. It could be that easy means no language barriers. Or maybe having to deal with visa application is too much of a hassle.
Sometimes it’s distance and the time it takes to get to a place that are a turn off. For instance I have a friend, from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who considers any plane ride over 4 hours as a “difficult trip” and so my 13-hour trip to India would never make their #wanderwishlist.
Or you know…cheaper is easier lol. Like I said, define what easy means for you and then start there!
2. Get Insurance to Travel Cheaper
Staying safe when you go abroad isn’t just about looking out for pickpockets and terrorists. And while international travel insurance covers all that and more, it is especially important for when you lose luggage, have a cancelled flight, or get sick overseas. Globally, healthcare systems vary widely across countries and getting a simple stomach flu can turn out very expensive, depending on where you are.
For international travel insurance, I swear by Travel Nomads. It took a lot of blood sweat and tears serious research to find travel insurance. So you can guess how happy I was to discover that Travel Nomads covered me…a Jamaican…in more than 100 countries! I am very adventurous and I have been covered for cave explorations, snow mountain hiking, ziplining, etc.
My experience with Travel Nomads has been great. They are cheap too. An entire month in Europe costs me a total of US$135.50 (that’s less than US$4.50 a day). They provide quick polite service; I can log in and see all my policies on my member dashboard; and the website is user-friendly with clear information. Oh! and they’re charitable and believe in responsible travel. Make sure to get a quote for your next trip.
3. A Good Camera Equals Better Memories (trust me)
And it doesn’t have to be expensive. The easiest and best travel souvenirs are photos. It’s simple…photos last forever (unless you didn’t follow my advice in #8). You get to look back and reminisce about your trip; and share great memories with your friends and family.
Having a great compact camera definitely helps you to travel cheaper. Photos are awesome, cheap and last a lifetime. Although it does cost money to have a camera, once you have a camera that matches your budget you can take years of photos at no extra cost.
Oh let me list the ways I love my Olympus Tough compact travel camera! The Olympus Tough Camera is:
- Waterproof (to 50 feet),
- Dustproof,
- Crushproof (220 lbs max),
- Shockproof (from 7 feet),
- Freezeproof (to 14 degrees),
- Anti-Fog lens
Source: @fainepearl on instagram
My Olympus ToughCam is rugged and I can take it anywhere. I recently took it to Iceland and I didn’t think twice to whip out my camera…at a snowy glacier, on the beach, and even when I walked behind a waterfall. (The GoPro Max camera is also another good option.)
A good camera means you get to capture those memories in the best way possible. Think of all the blurry low qualities photos you have of those parties and places you went. You may not be a professional photographer but don’t you wish you had a better camera back then?
5. Unlock Your Phone, Travel Cheaper and Save
Most countries have fairly easy phone plans that comes with 1Gb data for foreigners that you can buy at the airport. Instead of running around trying to find WiFi, just unlock your phone. You save money, you have more time to explore, and you travel cheaper by far. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about the dreaded roaming charges. Unlocked your phone yet?
6. Travel Cheaper By Going to Visa-Free Countries
I hate to say it, but you probably need a visa. As a Jamaican travelling on a “third world passport” I need to apply for a visa more times than not. It’s a fact of my travel experience. Fortunately, I have more funny travel visa stories than visa application nightmares.
That being said, Jamaicans can travel visa-free to about 81 countries or so. Check with the embassies or consulates of the country you’re planning to visit long before showing up at the airport. Not having a visa (when you really need one) would be a mighty expensive way to cancel a trip lol!
7. Travel Cheaper with ONLY Carry-On Luggage
Yes.
It can be done.
You just need the right carry-on luggage.
This might be the hardest thing you ever do when it comes to travel. I promise you that you don’t need all that stuff. And you don’t need to check that bag either.
One way to get cheap flights is to cut down on costs by travelling with a carry-on bag. Many airlines are charging up to US$100 for a checked bag…yikes! Also with carry-on luggage, you step off the plane and goooo. Ain’t nobody got time to stand around at the baggage claim. Adventure awaits!
The Hynes 38L Carry-On backpack is currently my favourite. It opens like a suitcase y’all!
8. Three Words…”Cloud Data Backup”
You don’t want to be backpacking in South America or on a luxury trip in Bali when something goes wrong with your phone/hard drive/camera and you lose all your photos of your trip. I have heard countless horror stories of people losing photos because they didn’t upload their photos to the cloud.
I would be sharing one of these horror stories with you right now…but I backup my files on the cloud 😉 The cost of losing all your files is too high a price to pay. One good thing about cloud storage is that there are many free options: Google Photos (what I use), OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox are popular cloud storage that sync well with the rest of your devices, free of cost.
Get on the cloud. You can thank me later.
9. Invest in Comfy Versatile Shoes
If you’re like me who love to explore and wander new cities then take my suggestion and invest in comfortable shoes. Versatile shoes help you to travel cheaper in the long run. For example, these Adidas outdoor travel shoes are for less than US$45 yet they are basically 3 pairs-in-one…they are for water, boat, and a sporty everyday wear. Also they’re really cute!
10. Buy a Space-saving Microfiber Towel
You won’t regret this. A Microfiber towel is thin, super fast-drying and cuts down on bulk in your carry-on. It creates more space for other treasured items and microfiber towels are completely multi-faceted. They have doubled as a scarf, a blanket or head wrap for me so many times hahaha! This cheap but high quality OlimpiaFit Set of 3 has lots of fun colours to choose from.
And it comes in a wide range of sizes for those of us who are taller, curvy, or who just like big roomy towels.
11. #PackLight with Reusable Travel Containers
Don’t bother spending on buying the “travel-size” version of your fave lotion, face wash, etc. Just get some reusable travel containers and pour-in your fave toiletries. Less hassle at the airport, no need for a checked bag…and you will still look fly as ever on your trip.
I have had this set for years and they’re still going strong. My travel costs are cheaper for it and I get to stock up on more souvenirs.
12. You Don’t Have to Book a Hotel. (Hostels and Airbnb are great alternatives!)
Do you really need to book that hotel? A few years ago it dawned on me…Diedre, why are you booking a hotel when you’re going to be out all day?
What you really need is a clean, safe place to sleep. Hostels andAirbnb are much cheaper alternatives! They are also quite safe. I have stayed in several hostels in Colombia, India, France, etc. and met other fun travelers there. No problems, only fun.
In addition, Airbnb especially offers good opportunities to travel cheaper because you can cook your own meals and even do laundry. It’s like a home away from home.
Going abroad is an inspiring mix of ‘daunting anxiety’ and a ‘rush of excitement’, all at once.
The new flavours, the interesting clash of cultures, seeing breathtaking sites and meeting locals (and new friends) are just a few of the fun you are sure to have on your trip.
Travel can be a lot cheaper than you think (seriously!). Yet the memories you will create and the ways your trip will impact you are priceless.
So tell me, what are some of the things you do to travel cheaper?
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I trust and the income goes to keeping the site up and running.
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