So you want to travel? Tips to Travel Cheap and Efficiently

The world is constantly on the move. Cheap flights, digital communications and economic freedom have all played their part in the world as we know it. And yet for many it remains a source of some concern when trying to work out where and how to travel.

There are so many options and open ended questions. How much money will I need? What vaccines will I require? Will I be safe? And most importantly who am I going with?

All of the above can be overwhelming when you first sit down to plan your escape from everyday life and yet they should be looked on with excitement as the revelation of each answer moves you progressively closer to the destination of your future. In fact you can travel much of the world when you know how to travel on the cheap. So the following guide has been put together to help you get the most from your experience. I hope you enjoy.

Figure Out Where

When you are planning on traveling the first thing that you have to consider is the place. I find it best to choose inexpensive countries as a starting point. Pick places situated in South-East Asia, South America of Africa because they usually provide lower prices for basic commodities meaning you can stretch your budget further and travel for longer.

Travel Light But Thoughtfully

Sure you are going to travel but you are not going on an expedition to conquer every mountain range (well unless you happen to be called Bear Grylls) so travel light. All you have to bring are some clothes, your passport, a camera, some medication and maybe a small laptop and you’re away. No need to pack every last item of clothing for every possible scenario as needs must and you will pick up what you require on the journey. Traveling light relieves a lot of the burdens from the travel experience.

Be Knowledgeable

Do your research. Learn the prices for excursions and basic costs like taxi fares and tariffs. Don’t be ripped off through ignorance. More often than not you can find such information in a good guide book or on internet forums and blogs. Informed is prepared so go with some price guides in mind and you should see yourself free from ‘Schmuck’ pain.

Bring a Laptop & Unlocked Cell Phone

If you want to go backpacking all around the world having a laptop with you is not a bad idea since you can communicate with your loved ones and update your blog on the go. This is especially true since the widespread adaptation of Wi-Fi especially in urban areas. You should also unlock your mobile phone so you can use local SIM cards in other countries which will save you a great deal on roaming rates.

Book Flights Early

If you want to grab hold of some cheap flights then book early. When the booking is made out of season, early and on smaller carriers you generally secure much cheaper options so look into these options at the earliest opportunity. At the same time ensure you secure a broad travel insurance policy before heading off to avoid some of the more painful pitfalls of being left high and dry when the small print leaves you indemnified. So whilst a rather dull experience its worth checking your documents at length before you travel.

Bring Your Student ID

If you are a student take your student card with you as there are always places on the journey that will surprise you by accepting them. You can slash the price of all manner of payments from museum entrance fee’s to accommodation and beer. The least you can do is chance it by showing it as you never know how kind some strangers can be (something I’ve learnt through great experiences).

Try Local Street Markets Instead of Fancy Restaurants

Fancy restaurants equal expensive meals, so whilst they can be great as a one off reward after a particularly hard road travelled try to limit such indulgence. Instead turn your attention to the varied street foods that will be on offer on your journey. Just be sure to follow some standard travelling hygiene rules like never consuming ice, salad or unpeeled fruit when doing so. Alternatively you can go to your favorite fast food chains which tend to be ubiquitous everywhere in the World these days or try the local supermarkets.

Take Lots of Photos

Don’t overdo it when buying unnecessary trinkets and souvenirs. Firstly they can be overly priced garbage once the initial rush of excitement has worn off and secondly you’re going to have to lug it around with. Before you know it you’ll be dropping it in a bin in the next country on your travels or giving it away to some bemused looking local. In short take priceless photographs every time as they should be souvenirs enough once you’re home.

Learning to travel on a shoe string is incredibly rewarding. You’ll pack in more countries, regions and expeditions than you can even contemplate at the start and all without returning heavily in debt. Enjoy the world on your doorstep as the memories will last a life time.

About The Author

Josh Aggars is a well published travel writer who combines his two passions of surfing and travelling to explore the wide world. He travels everywhere in his battered old havaianas flip flops which remain his favorite men’s flip flops after years on the road. Connect him on Facebook any time.