5 Ways To Save Money While Travelling

To many people, travelling around the world might seem like an impossibly expensive dream. In reality, however, it is possible to travel for very little money, particularly if you are planning a long-term trip by yourself. A true backpacker, for example, typically spends very little money. The more experienced and brave among travellers can get by with next to nothing by making their own meals, spending time at campsites and hitchhiking. Travelling on such a tight budget is certainly not for everyone though. Nonetheless, there are ways in which you can greatly decrease your travel budget without having to sacrifice too much.

1. Avoid Travel Gadgets

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A lot of people spend money on completely unnecessary 'convenience' products before setting off on their big trip. In reality, however, many such items are not needed. For example, things like travel-friendly toiletries and other items made specifically for travelling tend to be overpriced just for the sake of a little extra convenience. Consider what you actually need to take with you and stick to that list.

2. Get Off the Beaten Track

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There is a key difference between being a tourist and a traveller. A tourist is someone who is on holiday for a short time. They tend to experience only the tourist traps and rarely step outside of resorts and big cities. A traveller, however, typically prefers to get off the beaten track. You will always spend more money in touristy places and you won't have the opportunity to truly experience the country either. Getting off the beaten path allows you to see and do things that few other visitors would ever even think about and it saves you money.

3. Stick to Local Food

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In any country, imported products are always more expensive than those which are made locally. While it might be tempting, particularly on a longer-term trip, to buy products from home on occasion, it will cost you a lot more money. After all, when you are travelling in a foreign country, half the point of being there is to experience that country and everything that it has to offer. Stick to local brands when you go to the shops or, even better, go to some traditional markets to experience some true local flavours.

4. Cut Down on Partying

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Backpackers love to party! Many hostels are self-proclaimed party places where you will get to meet people all over the world and go out and have a drink with them. Partying is a key part to the whole budget travel lifestyle for many people, but it is also by far their biggest expense. This is true even in countries where food and alcohol might be far cheaper than it is back home. You will be able to slash your budget by cutting down on the partying or drinking in the hostel before you go out.

5. Take Care Withdrawing Money

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Withdrawing money accounts for a considerable expense when you are in a foreign country. Typically, your bank back home will charge you a fee whenever you withdraw money. There is also the exchange rate to worry about. In spite of this, it is generally better to withdraw money than to exchange it. When withdrawing money, try to take out larger amounts, since you will usually end up paying less in transaction fees. Try to budget for your trip carefully so that you don't have much cash left when you leave the country.