January isn’t called ‘Janu-worry’ for nothing. Most of us are still feeling the effects of the festive season and for some of us, our 2017 budgets are already starting off on the backfoot.
This, however, shouldn’t stop you from fulfilling your New Year’s Resolution to go on an adventure, travel more and give in to wanderlust. In one of our previous blog post ‘Need to save for a holiday?’, we gave you some tips on how to save for a holiday, in this post we’re going to help you save money while on holiday! Here are some expert tips on how to enjoy your next adventure, even when you’re in a pinch:
START WITH A PLAN:
This approach may seem less spontaneous but planning ahead and setting an agenda will help you save money for ad-hoc things that really take your fancy, like visiting a local farmers market.
Planning your activities will help you figure out a daily budget and allow you to save money for other interesting and exciting activities. Will you need a bus pass? Should you hire a bicycle? Planning also gives you time to figure out the most affordable way to explore a city.
OFF-SEASON IS AN OBVIOUS CHOICE:
Off-season doesn’t mean visiting a destination when the weather is horrible and that’s why nobody is on vacation. Off-season means travelling in-between big holidays and specific times of the year when families go on holiday, such as during school holidays or the festive season.
Every destination has a peak time. A time when the cities are flooded with visitors and prices go up so local businesses can make a profit. This isn’t a bad thing at all, in fact it’s what helps make economies stronger, but if you’re travelling on a budget, it’s best to avoid these times.
SPEAK TO A LOCAL:
A great way to explore a new city, or even a new country, is to see it through a local’s eyes. Look up a friend, find out if you have a relative or even a business contact who can show you around or give you advice. Locals will know where to eat, what to see and which tourist attractions aren’t worth your precious pennies.
So, don’t let Janu-worry stop you from pursuing your next big adventure. Just remember to budget, be safe and be smart about what you do and where you go. Often exploring a city as a local can be infinitely better than seeing a city as a tourist.
Don’t have the means to travel to far and distant lands? Check out our blog ‘Why not be a tourist in your own city?’ and start exploring!