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Most businesses in the United States offer some amount of paid time off. This can be utilized for either sick days or vacation time, depending on what you want. However, many people avoid utilizing PTO for vacation due to the overall cost.
Traveling can be fun without breaking the bank. In fact, there are plenty of ways to cut costs, save money, and experience all of the same things more affluent travelers can.
Here are eight tips on how to travel more on a budget.
1. Try Out Shorter Trips
Taking a vacation doesn’t have to be a long-winded and drawn-out affair. It doesn’t always require careful planning and sticking to a strict itinerary. You can always travel over a few days and pack them full of various activities.
For example, cruises can run for as little as two nights. You can spend that time taking in the food, music, and atmosphere. In addition, you won’t have to worry about traveling, arranging meals, or sticking to a schedule.
2. Buying an RV
One of the best travel tips you’ll get is driving across the country instead of flying. You’ll save money, get a chance to experience the open road, and have your own vehicle with you. However, you may also want to consider utilizing an RV for your road trip.
A 5th wheel RV allows you to travel across your state or country inside your living accommodation. You can store everything you’ll need inside of it and sleep in it without worrying about hotel reservations. It’s especially useful if you want to spend time in multiple different cities over a longer period of time.
Keep in mind that RVs come with their own share of costs, so they may not be as budget-friendly for everyone.
3. Plan Travel Around a Long Weekend
It can be difficult to find time to take a vacation or go on a trip. You have to take into account travel time, when the places you want to go will be open, and the overall cost.
However, there’s always the option to plan out your travel around a long weekend. Maybe you know you’re getting off early on a Friday and can get started on your weekend earlier. Or maybe there’s a holiday that turns your two-day weekend into a three-day one.
You’ll find yourself traveling more when you plan around your free days instead of only during your vacation days.
4. Find Inexpensive Travel Destinations
Planning a trip is much easier when you pick the right destination. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
For example, India will only cost you around $25 a day if you find a cheap room. Transportation is very affordable, and meals will only cost you around $6 per day. Of course, you can always find more pricey restaurants for a more high-end experience.
5. Learn How to Budget
A budget means figuring out how much you can spend at any given time. If you ignore your budget, you can easily find yourself in debt or running out of money while you’re traveling.
Take the time to break down your expenses, and you’ll learn more about what kind of trips are realistic for you. You can even start saving money to afford a trip later on.
Remember to stick to your budget, though. Examine your priorities and eliminate any unnecessary expenses.
6. Reduce Unnecessary Spending
Consider why you’ve traveled to an area to avoid any excessive spending. If you’re working with a budget, then you only have so much to spend.
What places do you want to visit? What foods do you want to eat? How are you planning to travel?
While the touristy attractions seem the most appealing, they’re also often the most expensive options. The same goes for restaurants in those areas.
Instead, try to explore outside of those stereotypical spots. Travel by bus or by foot instead of renting a taxi for every location. Sign up for a bike tour to help you get around and learn more about the city.
7. Rent Out Your Home
As a traveler, there’s a good chance that you’ve rented out someone’s home or apartment at least once before. But have you ever considered renting out your own space to make some money while you travel?
When you use a service like Airbnb, you can let someone else pay to stay in your home while you’re not using it. Normally, this may be a risk you won’t consider worth taking. However, companies such as Airbnb provide an extra level of protection just in case you take in an unruly guest.
That extra income will also mean you can spend more on your own vacation.
8. Travel in a Group
Some travelers are afraid to go to new places alone without some kind of safety net. One way to solve this issue is by traveling in a group.
First of all, there’s safety in numbers. You know that there’s a much lower risk of getting assaulted or robbed if you’re in a group. Even if someone does steal your wallet, you can always rely on one of your fellow travelers for assistance.
Additionally, renting hotel rooms with multiple people is more affordable than getting a one-person room. You can also cook meals together, split cabs, and even get access to group discounts at certain tourist attractions.
Research How to Travel More
When it comes down to it, the best way to learn how to travel more is with research. Look up affordable hotel rooms and deals on tours. Work on your budget and consider taking shorter vacations that won’t drain your bank account.
And most importantly, travel with other people. It’s much more enjoyable that way, and you get to share the experience with friends and family.
Check out some of our articles to learn more about other topics like entertainment, health, and finance.
