How to Become a Master Traveler? A Budget-Friendly Guide
“True champions aren’t always the ones that win, but those with the most guts. ”
Traveling can be an expensive hobby unless you know what to do. After years of traveling, I have concluded that traveling cheap is possible if you are willing to put in some effort. People who travel often need to get their priorities straight. Otherwise, they will go bankrupt soon. Once you have mastered the art of saving money, you will become the true master traveler!
Want to find out how you can travel while staying well within your budget? Keep reading this article!
1. Take a First Aid Kit
Always have a first-aid kit with you
Cuts and scrapes happen during traveling, and there is nothing odd about it. This is why you have to be prepared for them. Have a basic first aid kit with you, so you don't need to bother to go to the hospital for a minor cut. In your kit, make sure you have bandages, antibacterial cream, pain killers, sunscreen, and some hydrocortisone cream. Going to the medical store in a foreign land will be time-consuming and costly.
2. Ask Around
Always ask the locals
There is hardly a better source than the locals themselves when it comes to finding out about a new place. The locals will be able to tell you everything you need to know. What tourist spots you should visit? Where should you eat?
The locals will also be able to guide you about transportation. In many countries, some modes of transport are more expensive than the other. Most of the tourists make the mistake of going with the obvious choice when they should research it first. For example, I found that in some places it is cheaper to ride on a bus than booking an Uber.
How are you going to communicate if you don't know the native language? Learn a few basic phrases and sentences, and you are good to go! A good way of earning some money while traveling is by teaching your own language to other foreigners. Refer to this page for details on how you can take teaching courses.
3. A No-Fee ATM Card
No fee ATM cards are key to have
It took me a while to figure it out, but once I did, it changed my life. Instead of giving your money to the bank, get an ATM card that does not charge any extra fees. You can use that money for more traveling!
When you consider the long term effects, even $2-3 charges will add up. You can also find many other banks that offer no-fee accounts.
4. Eat Local Food
Eat like the locals at any given destination
Culture is best experienced through food! Forget about fine dining when you are traveling, you have plenty of chances of doing that in your hometown/city. Instead of splurging on food in fancy restaurants, try to eat street food. In my experience, that food can be even more delicious. Don't be afraid to try new food. Get out of your comfort zone because you may never have a chance like this again. And look at the bright side, you may actually like it! With street food, you will be able to try out more things in lesser money.
5. Book Early
Book your flights as far out as you can
The first thing you need to book is your flight. You can only afford to leave this task until the last moment once or twice.
Sometimes I book my plane ticket at least a year in advance! That has two advantages. One benefit is that the prices are low. The second benefit is that I don't have to face the possibility of not finding a ticket at all. The earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket will be. The prices of plane tickets rarely go down in price unless there is a sale (which, more than often, you can miss).
7. List Your Space with Airbnb
I had heard about Airbnb from a lot of professional travelers and finally decided to try it myself. I must tell you; it was the best decision I ever made.
When you are out and about, you will be leaving an empty space back at home. During this time, you have the perfect opportunity to rent it out for some time. While you are searching for a place to stay in a new country/city, someone in your native city is also searching for a room to rent. Take advantage and list your space with Airbnb.
This way, you can earn some money which can be enough to cover your own living expenses while you are away.
In Summary
Traveling is something more than fun. It gives you experiences of a lifetime and memories that you can cherish forever. With the all the simple yet effective tips mentioned above, you will become a master traveler in less than no time!
I hope the article helps you out. Let us know in the comment box below! Have a wonderful day!
Guest blog post by: Marcel S.
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