How to: Travel on a Budget

When travelling, money becomes the dominant fear factor. Whether you'll have enough to do an activity AND eat or having to choose between this and that because you spent too much the day before. It's all a constant struggle (Believe me, I've used the "Eh, I'm tired, I'll pass" excuse but really had no

money). So to avoid having to be totally wary of money, here are five top tips to get by on a budget:

1) Know what you're bringing and budget in advance: Planning out the cost requirements of your trip beforehand- Where you will go, what does it cost etc. will help you decide how much you plan to spend daily and if you'll have money to spare. If backpacking, it's safe to stick to a cheaper daily budget so that you can keep money for more places. Reading reviews from previous travellers to the area will help shape the state of your wallet and which areas are more expensive.

2) Avoid tourist heavy places when dining: It is known that areas with dense tourist populations i.e London, Paris and New York, you would expect to pay highly for a meal. Businesses shape their menus and retail prices because they depend on the demand of the tourist to spend money. Take Madrid for example, in the main areas like Sol or Gran Via that are heavy with hotels and hostels, the restaurants close by will hike up prices for tourists and expect to make money. But take a five minute walk away from the tourist heavy areas and go to side streets, you will find local restaurants that sell good quality food for lower prices, and that is where your money will stretch, is on finding low priced places to eat. Which means you must be open to trying local food!

3) Try learning the language and barter: If you are travelling to a country that doesn't speak your language, chances are that street vendors and places that aren't price regulated will do their best to make a high dollar from you. So

learning snippets of the language and learning how to barter would save you from getting ripped off easily and may even save yourself some money!

4) Accommodation Variety: Just because you have money initially doesn't necessarily mean you need to stay in high quality, high priced accommodation because that splash of cash may be what stops you from doing an activity! Look at staying in hostels, couch surfing or taking friends up on an offer to stay at their house! It saves money, you will get tips on where are the best places to visit and has a friendlier atmosphere than some hotels!

5) A biased opinion of course, but the most important- Travel Blogs and Review Sites: Travel blogs give advice on where to go and may give you helpful hints on the area you are staying in, Better ways to save money and maybe even itineraries for you. Review sites will give you feedback on places to go, how to get there and the affordability, which could save you making a financial mistake!

*PIC CREDIT: elmolinoonline, derekpando.com*

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I hope these tips prove useful to you! These tips are what I've learned myself or have heard from people who travel!

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If you have any other tips, feel free to comment or email and tell me what you think!

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