Save Money and Travel Cheap

Okay, so you want an adventure; something that is cheap and exotic. Therefore, backpacking is your best bet! This way, not only you get to save money, you’ll also be exposed to a wealth of information and cultures you’ll never get when travelling first-class. However, sometimes you can really go on a spending spree and hurt your wallet in the process. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid that:

1. Get a travel buddy - What kind of adventure will it be when you can’t share it with a friend? Having a buddy or buddies along on your trip isn’t only more economical (most places charge less when there are more people), it’s also fun! The best number of people you should have in a group if you want to save money is four. That way, there wouldn’t be too much people for it to be crowded, nor would it be too little to be boring.
2. Know your destination - If you want to save money when travelling, you should do proper and enough research on the country or countries you’re visiting. That way you won’t be duped or conned when you get there. Knowing the currency exchange rate is one of the first things you have to do, lest you want to be shortchanged at the currency exchange desk. Also, it won’t hurt to know the social and political climate of the country you’re travelling while you’re at it. Is there any chance that the country you’re visiting is undergoing a military coup? These kinds of things not only lighten your wallet, but might also endanger your life.
3. Manage your finances - Check with your bank and find out if they have a branch in the country you’re travelling. If they don’t, check to see if they have any affiliation with the local banks. That way, you can save money by withdrawing cash at these banks instead of transferring your funds into a new account. Sometimes, cash is the best way to save money when travelling. Many banks charge exorbitant fees when you’re withdrawing in a foreign country. So, you’ll need to withdraw a certain sum and resist the urge to spend them all at once when you’re travelling. You can also use this creative security measure. Set up a new account and tell your bank to transfer a limited amount into it every week. That way, you’ll manage your spending better.
4. Check the flights - If you want save money and fly cheap, plan your trip a couple of months ahead. Some airlines charge cheaper if you book your flights early. They also waive certain processing fees if it’s done online. Also, you have to be careful of travel agents. They charge more than you’d like to think. It won’t hurt to go online and find the best deals.
5. Save some space in your bag - When travelling, you are guaranteed to bring home a few trinkets for souvenirs. So, don’t bring too many of your stuff when arriving. Bring the minimal amount of clothes and toiletries. You can always buy stuff like toothpaste or flip-flops when you’re there and at a fraction of the price you get back home.

Travelling in an exotic country is akin to a coming-of-age journey. You leave your country as a child and come back home an adult. Just make sure you don’t spend too much money in the process.