Save money while traveling | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Travel

10 Ways To Save Money Traveling

Traveling in your 20s is not only fun and exciting, it's pretty much a life goal.

56
10 Ways To Save Money Traveling

Usually this is something people do or would like to do after college. I found through blogs and forums, that one of the biggest regret people have is they didn't travel enough. Which is terrible because taking a semester or spending the summer abroad can teach you way more about yourself and life than a bio-physics class ever could. However it's unfortunate that most people don't take time to travel solely because they believe they can't afford it.

Lies! There are plenty of people taking time of from work or who are working jobs abroad to fulfill that so important life goal. They all utilize these tips and even more, in order to share the human experience.

1. Pack Light

Often stated and just as often disregarded. Packing light is the easiest way to save money on the initial travel. Checking baggage is one of the easier and most common ways airlines make extra money. If you're in the states and traveling domestically. There's really no reason to check a bag. Just pack some quality versatile peace's that wear well.

2. Pack A Minimalist Wardrobe

Something that's easier said than done but once you have it down it's a no brainer. I have specific pieces That are my go-to for travel. One of them is a MIAMI beach bag that serves as luggage. I honestly got it from at a tourist trap on SoBe but I've had it for years! In it I usually pack a good pair of jeans my north face Tri-Climate, a two in one jacket that's good for cold or rain, and a string pair of boots.

3. Window Shop Tourist Areas

Aside from getting that bag in South Beach I usually don't entertain tourist stops because they are traps for your money. They sell postcards and T-Shirts that are supposed to encapsulate the memory but they fall way short of the real thing. If throughout your adventures you come across location specific trinkets then yes! Treasure these because they won't be found at a gift shop by the hotel.

4. Make Friends With The Locals

Want to experience the best the city has to offer? Ask the locals. They know all the spots to visit, make sure you ask where they would go and not where they recommend because they'll recommend tourist traps. Also it's a great way to get to practice the language.

5. Learn The Native Language

While traveling I've noticed that people love when visitors attempt to speak the local tongue. It's a sign of respect and they'll reward you with a smile for trying. If you're lucky you'll find a closeted English speaker willing to practice with you. It helps you develop a deeper connection with the people which leads to favorable outcomes.

6. Cancel or Pause Subscriptions

Subscriptions are pretty insidious when you think about it. They're a small monthly charge that's easily forgotten about until you check your account and see that $50 just cleared. Audible, Netflix, Hulu, just pause them until you get back. Those $50 bucks will come in handy for booking lodging.

7. Book Hostels

This is something to take advantage of while your young or traveling solo. Hostels are great places to stay while traveling. Meet people who are sharing the same experience and create lifelong friendships. When you're older and traveling with family, they aren't such great options.

8. Eat Street Food

Save money and eat deliciously. Street food is made by locals for locals. Those who are coming home from work tired and hungry. So the food is delicious and filling. It also comes at a hefty price cut because, unlike going to a restaurant, street food vendors have less overhead and they transfer those savings to the customers.

One thing they don't sacrifice on is taste. Street vendors tend to work in groups, which means they're all fighting for the same customers. To keep the lines moving they have to blast the flavor consistently which means cheap flavorful eats time after time.

9. Work Part Time Locally

One of the greatest ways to immerse yourself in a culture is to become a part of it. As scary as it may be, there are amazing opportunities to work abroad and online that would facilitate your travel plans. It can be as basic as formal as teaching English abroad to working in a farm or for a small business in exchange for lodging.

10. Avoid All-Inclusive Anything

All inclusive resorts, festivals and events have a tendency to be a vacuum. They try and stuff as many tourists as they can in one place and charged them exuberant prices for access. What's the point in traveling if your going to spend time in a place designed to cater to western tourists. There's nothing unique about an open bar folks.


BONUS: Explore Wildly

Walk everywhere, take it all in and get lots of pictures (shameless selfies welcome). Few things will be of better use of your time abroad then making a point to explore your surroundings as much as possible. I mean you didn't travel to be cooped up in a hotel room all day, or lounge around on the beach your whole stay. At least you shouldn't.

Heading out for a hike, walking tour or visiting markets is a great way to bask in the culture of your destination. Chances are there are plenty of hotels and probably water where your from, so why focus on the same familiar experiences when there is literally a whole world out there for you to explore.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15107
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6552
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4847
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4264
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments