Travelling on a Budget
Taking a holiday overseas is always going to be a pricier than heading somewhere local. But that doesn't mean it's out of reach for the budget conscious (or just plain broke) would-be-backpacker. By planning your trip, applying a few tips and tricks and sourcing the latest travel deals, you can see the world for a lot less than you'd expect.
Pick your destination
The world is your oyster when it comes to choosing an overseas holiday destination. But when you're on a budget, you really need to be a bit picky. For Australian budget travellers, it's hard to resist the allure of Asia. There are often sensational deals on flights to countries such as Vietnam and Thailand that get you there and back for under a grand. So you're already at least a thousand bucks ahead on a trip to Europe. The second big consideration when selecting a destination is the cost of living. For the price of dinner for two in a Parisian restaurant, you could eat for a week in Indonesia. So try to plan your itinerary for places where the Aussie dollar has some clout. As any Thai traveller will tell you, nothing tastes sweeting than a 75c beer.
Pick your time
It's more expensive to travel in peak season, so try to plan your holiday for the period after the airlines drop their fares. Many tourist destinations also offer discounted accommodation and entertainment during low season. So while you may miss out on the best weather, you'll avoid the crowds and save cash.
Plan your itinerary
When travelling within a country, look into all the transport options to see which is the cheapest. It’s also a good idea to research options like a Eurail pass to see if it could save you money. In major cities spend some time working out which is the best public transport option for you. You can often buy a weekly ticket or one that takes in all the major tourist sites for less than the standard one ticket per trip price. Places to stay
Hostels are often presented as the cheapest option for backpacker accommodation. But this isn't always the case. Pensions and hotels can often provide a lower cost alternative, especially if you're travelling in a group. Listen to the people offering places to stay at the bus stop or train station when you arrive. (You can usually haggle them down a bit too.) Another great friend of the budget traveller is taking the free option. Sign up on the couch surfing website or call in favours from friends. Eating & entertainment
Invest in a knife, spoon, bowl and plate. These trusty tools will stand you in good stead for whipping up a sandwich or bowl of cereal in place of eating out. Shop at the supermarket then head to a picturesque locale to enjoy your picnic. In some countries eating at local restaurants or street stalls can also be just as cheap as making your own food (and less monotonous). Try to stick to free entertainment like going for hikes, strolling through the markets or hanging out on the beach. When visiting art galleries and the like, always ask for a student discount (even if you don't have the card to prove it). It's worth a try. Travel insurance
While you're trying to save on every cent, there are certain things that are worth investing in. As a budget traveller you're the last person who can afford to get sick. So holiday insurance is a must. Get online and compare options to get the best deal possible.
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