How Do I Budget Travel?
The most time consuming part of travelling is not physically getting to a place, it’s working out how to get there economically! Some find this difficult and time-consuming, but personally I welcome the challenge. It’s not necessarily about jumping on a plane to the next country, because that’s sometimes not even possible- there are so many little ways to get from A to B. You just need to know where to look. If this is something that worries you, then you are not alone- loads of people across the world have dreams to go travelling but don’t know how to start.
Budget travelling is real, it is an ongoing process for many travellers out there, who are living varying budgets each day, discovering ways on how to get here or there, how to eat and drink for the week, etc. It is fun, rewarding and it adds to the excitement and wonder of a nomadic lifestyle.
Planning is quintessential to your initial budget travelling efforts. There are many aspects to consider but the most important ones are listed here:
Money
Well, yeah, obviously money is important to think about when budget travelling, but I just want to highlight this before I move on:
Don’t obsess over every single last penny. It will take away the awesomeness and freedom that you will have when travelling. Yes, it needs to be planned well, but it is important to keep a level head in this game. You may find yourself in a tight corner here or there, but there are always ways to work around an issue. Hence why this website exists, because I am one of the many that has, at times, struggled on the road, financially.
Transport
You will discover that the way you get around a country or town is part of the culture, the very identity of where you are. Cities will usually offer a more westernized and regular system whereby you are able to travel safely. It’s the places in the mountains, along the coast, the countryside- that you will find most difficult, although rather intriguing! Choosing the right route and method is key to being able to stick to a budget.
Accommodation
This is where it gets fun. Where do you sleep at night? Believe me, there are so many options available to you whilst budget travelling, and there are sooo many travel hacks that I can reel off on this very page, but they honestly deserve their own articles.
Again, accommodation is important to budget for when travelling on a budget but it doesn’t have to be included in your expenditure. Keep reading through this site and you will see why.
Food
One thing is for certain, your diet will not be the same as at home. I mean, it might be generally the same, if for instance you’re vegetarian, like me. But the foods of the world will swallow you up and change your very soul by the time you’ve travelled through a few countries. And yes, I am claiming that pun! You will also realise just how expensive food is back at home when you’re on your travels. So, that helps the budget plenty! Bon Appetit!
Alcohol
This is one thing I have learned to live without, or at least with a bare minimum, especially in recent months. Tax on alcohol seems to be on the rise everywhere, making it expensive to drink even in countries that have cheap everything-else!
However, we all know that a few beers and shots are the gateway to forging new friendships and opening up to new people much faster than if you were sober, so it shouldn’t be written off! Just like my time at university, I had to budget to include alcohol in my weekly spend.
You may find that you need to choose between a bottle of whisky for the night, or a ticket to another island the next day. Life of a budget traveller, right there!
Budget travelling is real, it is an ongoing process for many travellers out there, who are living varying budgets each day, discovering ways on how to get here or there, how to eat and drink for the week, etc. It is fun, rewarding and it adds to the excitement and wonder of a nomadic lifestyle.
Planning is quintessential to your initial budget travelling efforts. There are many aspects to consider but the most important ones are listed here:
Money
Well, yeah, obviously money is important to think about when budget travelling, but I just want to highlight this before I move on:
Don’t obsess over every single last penny. It will take away the awesomeness and freedom that you will have when travelling. Yes, it needs to be planned well, but it is important to keep a level head in this game. You may find yourself in a tight corner here or there, but there are always ways to work around an issue. Hence why this website exists, because I am one of the many that has, at times, struggled on the road, financially.
Transport
You will discover that the way you get around a country or town is part of the culture, the very identity of where you are. Cities will usually offer a more westernized and regular system whereby you are able to travel safely. It’s the places in the mountains, along the coast, the countryside- that you will find most difficult, although rather intriguing! Choosing the right route and method is key to being able to stick to a budget.
Accommodation
This is where it gets fun. Where do you sleep at night? Believe me, there are so many options available to you whilst budget travelling, and there are sooo many travel hacks that I can reel off on this very page, but they honestly deserve their own articles.
Again, accommodation is important to budget for when travelling on a budget but it doesn’t have to be included in your expenditure. Keep reading through this site and you will see why.
Food
One thing is for certain, your diet will not be the same as at home. I mean, it might be generally the same, if for instance you’re vegetarian, like me. But the foods of the world will swallow you up and change your very soul by the time you’ve travelled through a few countries. And yes, I am claiming that pun! You will also realise just how expensive food is back at home when you’re on your travels. So, that helps the budget plenty! Bon Appetit!
Alcohol
This is one thing I have learned to live without, or at least with a bare minimum, especially in recent months. Tax on alcohol seems to be on the rise everywhere, making it expensive to drink even in countries that have cheap everything-else!
However, we all know that a few beers and shots are the gateway to forging new friendships and opening up to new people much faster than if you were sober, so it shouldn’t be written off! Just like my time at university, I had to budget to include alcohol in my weekly spend.
You may find that you need to choose between a bottle of whisky for the night, or a ticket to another island the next day. Life of a budget traveller, right there!