10 Tips on How to Travel When You Are Not Rich

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to start planning your vacation to avoid the rush that comes with the festive season, as well as last-minute planning. Vacations can be costly, but with careful planning and information, you can cash in on deals and help streamline your budget.

Here are some tips on how to plan your vacation on a budget.

1. Determine the cost of your trip

This year, do things differently. Start by sorting out your budget. Be realistic about how much you can actually afford to spend. Also, endeavor to pay for what you need in cash; this can help curb impulse buying.

2. Think local

You do not need to travel to Mexico to see the Inca Ruins before your vacation experience can be adjudged exciting. You can plan your vacation within your location and still have a good time.

For Nigerians, the country is blessed with natural attractions that you and your family can explore. From the famous Idanre Hills in Ondo State to the historic Olumo Rock in Abeokuta in Ogun state; from the rolling hills in northern Cross River to the lush waterfalls in the Jos plateau, the list is endless.

3. Define your vacation priorities

This will serve as a guide when making your vacation budget. You need to define what your vacation priority is.

• Is it to experience a new culture?
• Relax?
• Try new food?
• Visiting a specific location, such as a beach or historical site?
• Learning something new and interesting?

Once you have mapped out exactly what you want out of your vacation, you can then focus on how to achieve it.

4. Travel during off-season

For those with a flexible work schedule, it may be economical to travel during the off-season, when prices go down. Your desired destination would be less crowded during such seasons, and you would have a truly stress-free experience.

5. Save on accommodation

You can save some money if you choose to stay in non-traditional accommodations. These include hostels, vacation rentals, or staying with friends. The first option provides an inexpensive lodging option during vacations. You may have to share a room with other travelers, but you get your own bed. The good thing with this arrangement is that you make friends while at it and get to enjoy the vacation even more.

6. Plan short trips

Instead of planning a long trip that may increase your budget, you can plan shorter trips and still have a memorable experience. If you are trying to save some money, then you should consider the duration of your proposed trip. Note that shorter trips may not necessarily mean cheaper. Nevertheless, you could save money on accommodation if you book a shorter trip or make certain changes.

7. Look out for last-minute deals

This would require some flexibility on your part such as signing up for updates from airlines, hotels to monitor price drops or just staying up to date to take advantage of last-minute deals.

8. Plan a group trip

Group rates for hotels, flights and other services may include some discounts. Plan a group vacation with your family or friends to take advantage of these inexpensive offers.

9. Think of crowd-funding

In recent years, crowd-funding has become a thing, with most people, creating a crowd-funding account and taking to social media to garner support for their cause.

This is how this works: figure out how much you will need to cover the expenses, then write a blurb about your plans and use social media to promote your message. Friends and well-wishers can go online and donate to fund your travels.

10. Go on a volunteer trip

This is another way you can travel on a budget. You only have to pay a fraction of what you would typically spend. The organization you volunteer for would take care of certain expenses such as lodging, food, travel within a destination, insurance, and some local and cultural activities.

Final words:

If money has always been the reason why you postponed your vacations, this article offers a myriad of ways you can travel on a budget. You should adjust your priorities and be willing to compromise by assessing what inconveniences you can handle.

Travelling doesn’t have to be a four-star resort kind of trip or top-notch dining. Don’t let social media deceive you. You can still travel on a budget and have the most interesting experiences ever.

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