While many of us dream of travelling the world (or at least taking a few off days from work in pursuit of adventure), it is not always possible even for those with the best of intentions. A lot of things can get in the way, travel is privilege not everyone has access to.
Many people think that travel is luxury and you cannot travel in a budget-friendly manner, and sometimes not everyone has the time or interest in taking an extended trip.
So, how about if you get to know the travel tips while you are short of money and time? Yes, yes, I know everyone’s waiting for that eagerly.
Don’t worry I have had you sorted! Here are some vacation ideas that are light on the pocket and don’t take too much of your time.
1- Think Outside the box
Forget Mexico and go to Greece (it’s really cheap)! Forget Paris and head to BudaPest!
Don’t follow the crowd, if people are going in the summer choose spring and winter to go. Off seasons are relatively cheaper. Also, there are many travel destinations which are not very popular but are more worthwhile to see than the popular ones and they are light on the budget too.
2- Travel Regionally
The other idea is to travel regionally, every country has tourist attractions you can go on just a road tour with your family on the serene, green roads of Islamabad or you can just ride a horse on Mall Road, murre or may be sit by the lake in Kaghan valley! You will witness the most beautiful sights and scenes.
This is if you are in Pakistan and this goes for every other country. You can even look for different restaurants in your country that serve the food of some other culture to enjoy your vacations.
I kid you not you are not going to regret to spend your time here.
3- Grab a cheap flight
The third idea is to grab a cheap flight to go on vacations. Now a days, you don’t have to guess where a cheap flight would be from your home you can look for a whole list (from cheapest to expensive) on google or using a site like Google Flights.
With these sites, you can find the cheapest flights and then decide where to go, that’s how I decide my vacation place when I don’t know where to go!
Some other great airline booking sites where you can find tempting deals include kiwi, Air Treks and Skyscanner.
4- Become a home sitter
Last but not the least is become a home-sitter for someone!
Your travel costs can be reduced to a great extent if your accommodation expenses are cut down, and living in the comfort of your house with your family on a vacation that too free is a win if you can get it!
The best way to secure house -sitting gigs is by setting up your portfolio of reviews by starting small. Once you start doing it, you will get to know the wisdom behind this suggestion.
5- Go to National Parks
The great outdoors presents a great chance to go somewhere on the cheap.
Camping after all costs very little money as compared to accommodation at any other place.
And it is an experience you should not miss out on! Yes, you can sit by that lake side at any time of the hour and shoot long hour videos with this landscape.
Just to give you an idea camping fees is as low as $15 USD in America and $10-$16 in Australia. Surprising much? Well, yessss.
6- Take a vacation on a weekday
That might sound you a little weird but it actually works. Budget for a quick week-end getaway and you might be blown away by how affordable it is! (Thank me later for this)
7- Book in advance
Not telling you to book a year before but you should at least book at least a month before, so you have a greater probability of getting good prices. Last minute travel services are mostly as expensive as crash courses in academics.
8- Book a rental car with your Debit Card
I don’t know if many people know this but you can get a lot of discount offers by simply using your debit card or credit card. Many banks have their collaborations with different travel agencies and restaurants so watch out for that!
9- Stock up on Snacks
Instead of stopping for snacks and drinking at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants along the way, bring your own snacks.
You will end up eating much healthier as well as saving money.
10- Be Aware of the Exchange Rate
If you are not good at math, knowing how much you are spending abroad is much confusing. Make sure you understand the exchange rate of the country you are visiting or download an app to make it more convenient.
11- Pack light
Instead of stocking up things, pack only those things which you will actually need. To be safe, do your search on luggage requirements and before you pack and stay within the limits so you don’t have to pay any extra charges.
12- Set your priorities
Instead of splurging on every other thing you should set your priorities that how you are going to spend your money.
Some are foodies and like to spend on food and some want experiences in life so they spend on adventures, the choice is absolutely yours!
13- Plan shorter trips
Whether you are travelling for exploration or relaxation, you don’t need to jet off for weeks at a time.
Plenty of shorter trips can help you recharge, explore different areas and experience something new- even if it is something in your own home state.
14- Go in Groups
If you want to save money, this should be your go to choose to travel in groups! Plan along with your other family members or go on a vacation with your friends, travelling in groups don’t only get you a lot of deals but also saves you money as it gets divided among everyone.
It is also more fun and you can make lots of fun memories!
15- Be Flexible
The more flexible you be, the more you are likely to save money.
That specially applies to your travel dates and times, get that 6:30 am flight that no one really wants and travelling on a Wednesday instead of Friday can save you a lot of airfares. Just know to be little flexible to yield these benefits!
I hope all of you will benefit from these ideas, will continue to share more in future till then Happy Vacationing!
