Many people have a desire to travel the world, but it can quickly become a prohibitively expensive hobby. For hopeless adventurers on a shoestring budget, learning to be a frugal traveler is a crucial lesson. There are many ways to be a frugal traveler that will not only allow you to travel more, but will also help you enjoy your trip more.
Many people are drawn to the glossy, photo-filled guidebooks that line bookstore shelves. Unfortunately, these charming tomes often come at a high cost, which can eat into a budget-conscious traveler’s budget. Many people resell their guidebooks after their trip is over, so look for them secondhand. Alternatively, for up-to-date information and ratings on restaurants, lodgings, and services at a planned destination, consult travel review websites.
Tourist accommodation areas in many destinations have higher prices and the added inconvenience of crowded parking and tourist trap shopping. Staying off the beaten path in lesser-known areas at inns, bed and breakfasts, or short-term rentals can help you save a few yen, euros, or dollars. While this may distance a budget traveler from tourist attractions, it also allows them to live like locals and find restaurants, shops, and experiences that are not inflated to tourist prices.
A frugal traveler can quickly learn about the most and least expensive seasons to visit a destination by doing some Internet research. The best weather, the most attractions, and the largest crowds are usually associated with high seasons. Low seasons are less expensive and generally quieter, but they may be accompanied by bad weather and fewer tourist attractions. Consider traveling during the “shoulder” season, which occurs between the end of a low season and the start of a high season. Shoulder seasons may still offer lower prices, but they may also bring better weather and a revitalized tourist industry.
While dining at fantastic restaurants can be a highlight of any trip, a wise traveler will quickly learn how to save in order to afford the occasional treat. Find lodgings with a refrigerator and microwave, or a community kitchen, so that food can be purchased at a nearby supermarket and prepared at the lodgings. This is an excellent way to save money on at least one meal per day while also allowing the frugal traveler to save leftovers from restaurant visits for a later snack. Consider bringing or purchasing a box of energy bars and a flat of bottled water from a discount local grocery store to ensure that you have the basics without paying tourist prices.