Did you know? Science has proven that travel is good for your health! Not only can it reduce your stress levels and increase your happiness, but traveling to new places, hearing new languages and meeting new people can keep your brain sharp and improve your emotional stability! That's why we love to travel, whenever we can!
For some, travel conjures up images of luxurious vacations, 5-star hotels, first-class flights and lots of money. But we're here to show you that you don't have to break the bank to travel. Traveling cheaper means traveling more, and that's never a bad thing! Here are our five tips for traveling on a budget.
Budget Travel Tip #1: Find the Hidden Gems
The cost of travel is all about demand. That's why some of the most in-demand cities, like Paris, Honolulu and London, are such expensive excursions. But just because everyone is going doesn't mean it's the only option. There are so, so many lesser-known cities around the world that will give you the vacation of a lifetime, and at a much lower price!
That's why our number one travel tip is to find the hidden gems. Choose an area you'd like to travel to and do your research. You can use the prices of hotels or flights in a large area as a guide. Find the cheapest places and do a little Googling. We're willing to bet you'll find an amazing place no one has heard of and have a great vacation!
Tip #2 for traveling on a budget: Keep your dates flexible
When it comes to hotel and flight prices, they are both extremely seasonal. Summer is obviously the best time to travel, but it's not the only time. Set up a flight tracking system for your chosen destination. They will notify you of any changes in flight prices, so you can buy when prices are low. You can even consider buying a last minute flight at a discounted price to travel even cheaper.
Tip #3 for traveling on a budget: Skip the hotel
Hotels are luxurious, sure, but they come at a huge cost. These days, there are tons of options that will save you a pretty penny. Hostels are a great option. While this may conjure up images of shacks with bunk beds and little privacy, there are many hostels that offer private rooms and hotel-like amenities. If you're in the mood for adventure, consider couch surfing! You'll be able to stay with people from all over the world and have a truly unique experience.
Tip #4 for traveling on a budget: Keep an open mind
When it comes to traveling on a tight budget, sometimes it's not possible to be particular. A budget-conscious traveler is a traveler who knows how to go with the flow and keep his or her cool in new and unfamiliar situations. That's why our best advice for traveling on a tight budget is to keep an open mind. Not only will being prepared for anything keep your budget down, but you'll likely be rewarded with an unforgettable life experience.
Of course, traveling can be stressful at times. That's why a budget-conscious traveler needs to know how to reduce stress. Here are our favorite methods:
Try meditation. Learn to calm your mind on demand. A calm mind is an open mind, and an open mind makes a good traveler!
Incorporate supplements into your daily routine. Ashwagandha or vegan CBD gummies can help you stay calm no matter what comes your way.
Exercise regularly. Making exercise a part of your routine will burn off excess energy that might be spent on stress.
Tip #5 for traveling on a budget: Explore what's free
Free activities are the best way to travel on a budget! Walking around downtown, exploring outdoor spaces and people-watching (one of our favorite pastimes) is always free! Be on the lookout for free museums, festivals or concerts. Plus, a quick online search can often turn up free tours or other activities you might never have thought of!