Once you start traveling in earnest the travel bug bites you and there is no cure for it but to travel! This is all well and good until you start looking for flights and you see the cost of the trip... then you rethink your plans. Fortunately we hope that these budget travel advice would help you save some money and still travel
Fear not, wanderlust warriors! Here's a treasure chest of creative ways to book a trip that won' travel you straight to the poorhouse:
Become a Travel Hacker:
Flight Deal Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from flight deal websites like Scott's Cheap Flights or Google Flights. These services scour the web for error fares, flash sales, and hidden discounts on flights. I personally like Google Flights option to see when is the cheapest months to travel. I had also signed up for alerts
Shoulder Seasons: Peak season travel comes with peak season prices. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when prices typically dip and crowds thin out. This is specially true in most of our Europe trips. Europe can get expensive specially when it comes to flight and hotels but if you are willing to travel when it is a bit rainy or cold then this a great way to save some money. I got rained on in Rome but I still had a good time.
Consider Alternative Airports: Flying into a smaller, less popular airport near your destination can sometimes be significantly cheaper than landing at the main hub. Be prepared for potentially longer travel times or additional transportation costs. There are a couple of regional airports around St. Louis. We've not have any luck yet but there a couple of regional airports that offers non-stop flights to Europe.
Accommodation Adventures:
House Sitting/Pet Sitting: Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect you with homeowners who need someone to watch their house and pets while they're away. Free accommodation in exchange for a little TLC for their furry (or feathery) friends!
House Swapping: Swap homes with someone in your dream destination through platforms like HomeExchange. It's a fantastic way to experience a new place while living like a local and saving on accommodation costs.
Consider Hostels or Unique Stays: Hostels offer budget-friendly dorm rooms, perfect for solo travelers or those seeking a social experience. Unique accommodations like eco-lodges, farm stays, or even monastery guesthouses can offer a more immersive experience at a lower price point.
Travel with Purpose:
Volunteer Vacations: Give back and explore simultaneously with a volunteer vacation. Organizations like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connect volunteers with farms in exchange for accommodation and meals. This is a fantastic way to learn new skills, immerse yourself in a new culture, and contribute to a good cause.
Workation: Sometimes you have the money but no vacation days left. Why not combine the freedom of travel with the structure of work by going on a workation?Look for destinations with reliable wifi and co-working spaces. Remember to check visa requirements, as some locations might not allow remote work on tourist visas.
Travel Competitions: Keep an eye out for travel competitions on social media or travel blogs. You might just win your dream vacation (or at least a major discount on it)!
Remember, the Journey is More Than the Destination:
Focus on the experience, not just the final destination. Explore hidden gems in your own backyard, take a road trip to a nearby state park, or even plan a staycation in your own city, rediscovering it with fresh eyes.
By being creative and flexible, you can unlock a world of travel possibilities without draining your bank account. So, pack your bags (lightly, to save on baggage fees!), unleash your inner travel hacker, and get ready to explore the world on a budget!