Travel tips for budget travelers

I know, when you hear the words “Budget travel”, the first thing that comes to mind is cheap. But I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be. It just means that you can travel well and spend your money on what matters, such as the experiences. Backpacking across the world on a meager budget has been a trend for young college students for a very long time. It is probably everyone’s dream to be able to travel carefree like that for weeks or months on end. But if you didn’t do it when you were young, don’t worry, you are never too old to travel. I will share some tips that I have learnt through my experiences that could come in handy for anyone looking to save some time and money while traveling.

1. Do your Research
   • Read blogs, travelogues or other publications written about the place you plan to visit and make a plan accordingly.
   • Tour operators/travel agencies have done this research and they charge you accordingly. Keep in mind that these agencies generally only provide tours for famous sights, so if you want to go off the beaten path, this may not be for you.
   • However, if organized tours are your cup of tea, then you do you.
2. Make a Plan
   • Decide where to go and how long you have.
   • Have a general idea of what places you would like to visit and the route you’d like to take.
3. Flight/trains/buses
   • Visit various trip planning search engines such as Google flights, Expedia, Cheap tickets, Kayak, Momondo, Kiwi, etc.
   • Try several options – round trip or multi city prices along with nearby departure and arrival cities to get the best deal.
   • My go-to website when I am planning is Rome2Rio – it is great for short distances as well, and it gives you different options such as flights, trains, buses or drive to travel between locations.
4. Local/Public Transport
   • Most countries have good public transport services such as buses and taxis and it is easy to get around, be it locally or for intercity travel.
   • Most major cities also have Uber services or an equivalent which are quite convenient and safe.
5. Hotels/Apartments
   • If you have a limited amount of time or a fixed schedule, book your hotels for your entire journey.
   • My trips are usually more flexible, so I only book my initial destination and change things up as I go. This way, if a particular place needs more time to cover all the sights, having a flexible schedule will help.
   • I prefer to stay in an apartment vs a hotel, especially if I’m staying for longer than 2 days. Airbnb is a great option for this, but Booking.com also has a lot of homestay/apartment options available at reasonable prices.
6. Language
   • Learn some simple words or common phrases such as how to ask for directions, ordering at restaurants, enquiring where toilets are, etc.
   • Google Translate (or other language translation apps) is an absolute need because I cannot tell you how many times it has come in handy during our travels.
7. Food / Diet Restrictions
   • In case you are on a restrictive diet such as vegetarian, vegan, etc, planning is very important. This is where Airbnb’s come in handy as you are free to cook your own meal.
   • Most major cities do cater to different diets, so it is not very difficult to find places to eat. But smaller towns will have less options. So make sure you plan to carry your own food or atleast snacks to tide you over.
   • If you are a foodie and want to experience different cuisines, then “The world is your oyster”. Make the most of it, try to eat local. You get authentic food, a real feel of the place and not to mention, it will go easy on your budget.
8. Packing and Luggage
   • Don’t carry huge/heavy luggage – try to limit yourself to 1 check-in and 1 carry on. Larger suitcases become very cumbersome when you have to lug it up stairs and across streets. So the lighter the better.
   • If taking a domestic flight, keep your check-in luggage below 15 kgs/33 lbs.
   • Pack all your clothes in packing cubes. Bring clothing that is lightweight, versatile and limit yourself to a few pieces that can be washed or reused.
   • Weather appropriate clothing like jackets are necessary but make sure they are not bulky. I usually carry a lightweight puffer jacket that can be rolled into its own pouch and takes up very little space.
   • Swimwear is essential + swim shoes (we like to bring goggles as well). And if you like to snorkel, carry a snorkel mask and vest, though you may also be able to rent it locally.
   • Shoes – 1 pair of hiking/walking shoes, 1 comfortable everyday pair, 1 pair of nice sandals for an evening out (women)/dress shoes (men), 1 water/swim shoes and 1 pair of flip flops.
   • Food – If you plan to cook, items you carry will depend on your diet. Most Airbnbs will provide cooking utensils, dinnerware, salt and oil. (For us, since we cook Indian meals, I prefer to carry some items in travel size containers such as spices, pulses/dal, Indian coffee powder (+ a small percolator), a small lightweight pressure cooker and a couple of serving spoons). You may find the rest of the items at a local grocery store.
   • Camera – I take pictures with an iPhone and videos with a GoPro. GoPros are convenient and small enough to carry, take amazing wide view photos and videos and are great for underwater footage. DSLR cameras are great for landscape pictures but are quite bulky. Don’t forget your selfie stick for your phone, tripod/selfie mount and a floating handle accessory for your GoPro.
   • Plug converters and extension cords are essential – carry more than 1 universal plug converter and a multiplug extension cord, preferably with a long wire to easily reach the wall access points. And don’t forget your power banks for your phone and camera.