You don’t have to break the bank to see the world. If you’re interested in going abroad without sacrificing all your savings to do it, here are six tips for traveling on a budget.
1: Only book a flight after you’ve cleared your browser’s cookies. Many travel sites automatically log your activity and hike their prices when you revisit over and over.
2: Book all your arrangements together, like flights, hotels, rental cars, et cetera. There are special deals and discounts worked into vacation packages that you won’t find in their individual parts.
3: Before you go anywhere, get online and research free and inexpensive activities in your chosen destination. You’ll often find cheap alternatives to the “big attractions,” like public gardens that are every bit as beautiful as the high-priced private ones.
4: Eat locally. Western food in foreign countries is about the brand more than anything else, which is why you’ll see McDonalds logos flying high and golden over local restaurants. Their prices will be much higher than what the food is worth.
5: Work on your negotiation skills. If you’re traveling somewhere with a lot of street vendors, like South America or Asia, haggling is an expected part of the shopping experience. The first price they quote you will be ridiculously expensive because they expect you to talk them down.
6: Leave your toiletries at home. You’ll be able to pick up shampoo and deodorant wherever you go, and as a bonus, you won’t have to argue with the TSA.
