How to travel inexpensively

What are the best ways to travel inexpensively in 2021?

The world is an amazing place with so much to see and do, but traveling can seem like only for those with sufficient income. Fortunately, it’s possible to see the world on a budget if you’re willing to learn to travel on the cheap and are willing to be flexible.

While traveling to remote parts of the globe might sound exciting, there is more to you than you might think. This doesn’t mean that international travel on a budget is impossible, you may just have to get creative to save money. Traveling on the cheap is easier than you might think if you spend time planning.

Remember to stay local

We do not suggest staying in a motel 10 minutes from your home, but rather staying in your home country rather than traveling abroad. Depending on where you live and where you want to go, that could mean a few hours of driving to the nearest beach town or a domestic flight. Either way, it’s cheaper than traveling abroad, not to mention the fact that international travel could still be off the menu for many people in 2021.

Search for cheap flights

Booking directly through an airline’s website is not always the cheapest way to travel. Instead, it’s best to use travel comparison sites that search the web for the cheapest flights, much like a search engine, and display the results so you can easily see the cheapest flights. expensive for the route of your choice. Popular comparison sites include Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.

Bring hand baggage only

Some inexpensive airlines reduce their costs by charging additional fees for checked baggage. So you will save money if you can get by with just bringing hand luggage. You should be able to pack enough for a week or two if you buy a roomy cabin suitcase and take advantage of the personal items allowance to bring an extra bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. the Skyway Luggage Nimbus 3.0 20 Inch Spinner Hardside Luggage is an excellent but affordable choice of carry-on luggage.

Fly at less busy times

Night flights or flights arriving late at night are generally cheaper than flights departing during the day. You will also find that midweek flights are cheaper than those that leave on Mondays or on weekends. If you’re willing to be flexible with the days and times of travel, you just might find a good deal.

Off-season travel

Traveling at less popular times of the year not only beats the bulk of tourists, but also makes travel and accommodation cheaper. It’s often more enjoyable to visit cities in late fall or early winter, when you won’t be spending all your time roasting in the sun. Doing your research on your destination will help you find the best travel time out of season. For example, it is best to avoid visiting the Caribbean between June 1 and November 30 due to the hurricane season, but some islands, like Grenada, are outside the hurricane belt and are rarely affected, which makes them relatively safe to visit during this time and much quieter and cheaper than rush hour.

Reduce accommodation costs

Smart travelers can find plenty of ways to cut accommodation costs or even get accommodation completely free. Before packing your luggage and head to the airport without hesitation, here are some cheap travel ideas.

Use comparison sites

Much like their flight comparison counterparts, accommodation comparison sites, such as Trivago and Tripadvisor, search different accommodation providers and booking sites to bring you the best deals. You can often find cheap travel deals this way and maybe find hotels or other types of accommodation that you would never have discovered otherwise.

Stay in hostels

They aren’t for everyone, but hostels are great for saving money. If you don’t mind sharing a room with strangers, you’ll get the cheapest deals, but some hostels have private rooms as well. Hostels may vary in quality, you may want to travel with a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner in case the bedding is not up to par.

Work for accommodation

You can often book accommodation for free if you are willing to work for it. Some hostels offer free beds in exchange for a few hours a day at reception or behind the bar. Outdoor enthusiasts can check out Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), a platform that connects people interested in working on organic farms with farm owners who will provide free accommodation. If you have experience or qualifications, there are other options for you, some of which might pay in addition to providing accommodation, including teaching surfing or yoga. However, you will need a work permit to take paid employment outside the United States.

House sit or pet sit

You can find people willing to let you stay in their home for free in exchange for watching the home or looking after their pets. You’ll need to be flexible with the dates, but it’s a great way to get free accommodation. TrustedHousesitters is the largest website that connects house sitters or pet sitters with people who need their services.

Stay in independent accommodation

If you eat out for every meal while you are traveling, it adds up quickly. Staying in self-catering accommodation allows you to cook your own meals and save a lot of money. Of course, you don’t want to cook all the time you’re on vacation, so consider supplementing with cheaper street food and casual dining options. When self-catering is not an option, packaging CLIF bars or granola bars can at least take care of breakfast.

Visit cheaper cities

You will find many inexpensive places to travel in the United States and they can be cheaper for various reasons. For example, Washington, DC isn’t the cheapest place to stay, but it has plenty of museums and other free attractions, so you won’t be spending a lot on entertainment.

Atlanta is a huge hub for flights from all over the country, so it’s often possible to get there on the cheap. Knoxville is smaller than other more popular cities in Tennessee, such as Memphis and Nashville, but accommodation and food are significantly cheaper.

Think about flights, accommodation, and expenses when looking for inexpensive places to travel outside of the United States. If you want to go to Europe, for example, tickets to Paris and Prague can be similarly priced, but food, drink, and accommodation are significantly cheaper in Prague.

Bring reusable cups and bottles

Instead of buying water bottles on the go, bring your own reusable water bottle, like a Chilly’s Reusable Water Bottle – and fill it up wherever you find water for free. You can also bring a reusable coffee mug because many cafes offer a discount when you bring your own. It might not seem like a huge saving of money, but every little count adds up, especially when you are traveling for a long time.

Walk when possible

You can save money and see more of where you’re staying by walking as much as possible, rather than paying for public transport or taxi tickets. Just make sure you pack a good pair of comfortable shoes so that your feet don’t hurt from all this walking.

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Lauren Corona written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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