When New Year's rolls around, did you add travel more to your resolutions for the 10th time?
When you work full-time and have a limited budget, it can be hard to ever imagine having the financial freedom to really get out there and see the world.
Well, the good news is that many people have realized that traveling doesn't have to be as expensive as people make it.
Tourism is a flexible industry, and there are lots of ways to save without scrimping on comfort or enjoyment. If you're ready to finally make your travel dreams a reality, here's how to do it with a small budget.
3 Hot Tips of How to See the World on a Budget
Check out our tips for how to see the world on a tight budget:
Some Guidelines
Everyone's idea of a small budget is different, so we want to establish a baseline before we continue.
The average cost of a one-week vacation from the US to central Europe is approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per person.
The destination, type of accommodations, and itinerary will all have an impact on the final price, but this is what most travelers spend. Our budget is different.
These tips are meant to help someone experience multiple travels per year for $10,000 or less. That means trimming a few corners and using the internet to score great deals.
You can dip into savings, plan for at least a year and supplement your income with additional funds through a personal loan. Lots of aspiring adventurers take out personal loans from private lenders to bulk up their travel funds.
It can even be done several months prior to your trip, so you can pay it off and have even more money to work with when your flight departs.
1. Choose a Cluster of Countries to Visit in One Go
The great thing about Asia and Central Europe is that many countries are a short distance from each other.
Train trips cost less than $100 each way, so you can even take a day trip to a popular city in a neighboring country.
Before you take off, consider where you want to go, how many places you want to stay in, and how much you can save by timing your booking.
Don't bet on last-minute deals as sometimes you actually save more ordering tickets a few months in advance.
2. Plan an Extended Stay in One Country
You can absolutely still make your trip great while on a budget and if you want to get a more immersive experience, you can actually choose to stay in one or two cities for a month or two.
This costs less if you arrange lodging in a small rental or hostel, and you can see more of the culture without feeling rushed.
Many rooms are available for less than $25 a night, and there are gender-specific hostels that promote greater safety for independent travelers.
3. Compare Currency Conversions
A set budget can get you ten times more in one place than other. Stay on top of the current currency exchange rates to maximize your spending.
A flexible wallet is important, especially when planning an extended trip abroad and hoping to optimize what you see while you're there.
If you find that going overseas is a bit too costly right now, don't force yourself to dwindle your travel fund. Instead, plan an alternative trip to somewhere more local that can be equally rewarding.
Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.
