When it comes to travel, there’s really no upper limit on spending. You can spend all the money without even thinking about it if you go crazy, but with good planning, you can also save a lot. And saving on one journey means a longer trip or a bigger budget for the next one. Let’s find out what you can do to travel like a pro.
1. Use an eSIM app for affordable data plans
Staying connected is crucial when traveling abroad, and using eSIM apps is the best way to do it. eSIM apps are like marketplaces that offer a variety of data plans for many countries. For example, when you buy an eSIM for Italy through an eSIM app, you get a mobile data plan in Italy at a much more reasonable price than if you were roaming with your home phone carrier.
Not only are eSIM apps affordable, but they are also convenient. eSIMs eliminate the need to purchase a physical SIM card at the airport, and you can activate a new eSIM card with just a few taps.
2. Hunt for cheap flights
Airline tickets are notorious for their dynamic pricing, which means that it’s difficult to predict how much a flight will cost. It will most likely be more expensive in the high season than in the low season, and prices will gradually increase each day until departure. Supply and demand also play a role here. Therefore, finding cheap flights is difficult but not impossible. You just need to plan ahead. Many flights are cheapest 3-4 or more months before departure, so start planning early. Use tools such as Skyscanner and Google Flights to search for flights, and check them often, as prices can change daily.
3. Try to avoid the peak tourist season
This isn’t always possible, especially if you’re traveling with family, but if you can, try to book your vacation at a time when most people are home. Avoid special holidays and the middle of summer, when people travel most. Instead, travel during the off-season. Hotels, flights, and attractions are much cheaper then, and in most places, early fall and late spring also have good warm weather but aren’t crowded.
4. Get to know local cooking recipes
As long as you rent a place with a working kitchen, you can cook your own meals. Of course, eating in restaurants is great, and we encourage you to try the local cuisine, but you can save a lot by simply opting for one restaurant meal a day and grocery shopping for the rest. Shopping with the locals is also a good way to immerse yourself in the culture.
And while you’re at it, buy some snacks. You won’t be tempted to buy overpriced street food on the go.
5. Research free attractions
There are many free attractions available at any tourist destination; you just need to know them. Some museums, parks, and historical sites sometimes don’t charge admission or have “free entry” days. Hunting for them is a great way to save money, which can be spent on getting to know the place even better later.
To get an idea of where you can go for free or very cheap, check out the websites of various attractions. Google is your friend here—just type in the name of the attraction and go to the website to see if there are any discounts.
6. Walk if you have the opportunity
Walking is healthy, provides a good cardio workout, and is entirely free. In many cities, especially old ones, you don’t even need a car to get around. Getting around on foot allows you to breathe the city instead of just moving from place to place, and you can discover many hidden gems along the way. Of course, there are situations where an Uber is necessary, but many attractions in old cities are within walking distance of each other.
7. See how the locals get around and copy them
There are many ways to get from place to place without using a car. Public transportation is a great and inexpensive option. But there are others, such as public bikes and scooters. They’re present in many cities around the world as a form of healthy and eco-friendly transportation alternative and are operated via mobile apps and websites. They usually cost pennies to rent for a short time. So, if walking isn’t an option, maybe a bike will do?
Remember, at the end of the day, how much you save and how enriching your travel experience is all comes down to your choices and planning. Prioritize what matters most to you, and you’ll find that traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean skimping on experiences.
