Whether planning your dream vacation or looking to go traveling for a year, money can be a huge stumbling block. However, if you keep an eye on your budget and implement the right strategies to avoid waste, travel becomes more affordable.

Even if you don’t necessarily need to enjoy budget-friendly travel, the savings can fund other life goals. Or open the door to more frequent travel. Here are six simple tips to help you.

#1 Stay Private During Research

If you’ve ever researched flights or hotels only to find that they become more expensive when you are ready to book, you’re not alone. This is due to the use of trackers that monitor individual habits as well as general supply and demand. Knowing how to change IP address on Mac systems may help the costs stay low. Of course, online privacy will protect you in other situations too. A great option for this is a VPN like Nord VPN. It allows you to do your research privately, and to stay secure while you’re traveling.

While you’re searching, keep your options open. Have fun researching flights, accommodations, and cities to visit. Read blog posts like this one on where to stay in Lisbon. This process doesn’t have to be arduous, especially when you get creative in your research.

#2 Travel At The Best Times & Save On Essentials

There is no escaping that travel at peak times will be more expensive. Off-peak travel is a great cost-cutting option. When visiting a particularly hot location, you may also find that visiting in a slightly colder season is more comfortable. Booking midweek flights is another wise move. When combined with packing essentials like medicines and power chargers, you’ll save money (and time) by not looking for these at the destination.

This photo was taken in the heat of July in Corfu, Greece - not peak travel season because of the heat.

#3 Consider Internal Travel

Getting to the destination is one thing, but exploring it is another. Internal travel can cost a fortune depending on the location. As such, it’s necessary to determine whether public transport or a rental car would be better. On a similar note, you should consider the location of your accommodation. Paying a little extra for a central location may save you a lot of money in the long run.

#4 Work And Travel

The growth of digital nomads should open your eyes to new opportunities. By doing a few hours of remote work, you can fund all aspects of your travel. It is especially true when working for a client in a county where the cost of living is higher than where you are currently located. Whether visiting a single place for a fortnight or traveling the world, this move is ideal. Not least because it offers flexibility.

#5 Pre-Book Attractions

Visiting attractions is a key part of any vacation, but they do cost money. Thankfully, pre-booking tickets to tourist attractions and events will save money. Better still, you’ll avoid long lines or the threat of missing a sell-out. When visiting popular cities and destinations, you may be able to secure a bigger discount by booking tickets to multiple events at once. It also helps build your itinerary. This even includes things like Big Bus Tours for larger, more popular cities.

#6 Consider Alternative Travel Types

The typical travel packages aren't the only option at your disposal. Volunteering opportunities are another fantastic way to see other countries. You get to meet real people and integrate with their cultures while making a difference in the world. The fact you’ll learn valuable skills may also enhance your future. Crucially, accommodation and other costs will be heavily reduced when you take this path. Perfect.

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Tips for Traveling for Less || Stay Bougie on a Budget While you Travel this Year