It's actually a pretty funny story but I'll give you the short version. My friend Chris posted that she got tickets to Milan, Prague & Thailand for $200. I immediately wanted to know how that was possible, she sent me a link to a blog explaining that Priceline was having a fluke that allowed you to put in this route & it would come out to around $200 dollars. I am pretty spontaneous & wanted to book it. My sister on the other hand is not as crazy as I am but somehow I convinced her to do it. So now here we are planning a worldwide trip!!
Planning a trip on a tight budget has been tough! But I've learned some tips along the way, here they are:
1. Save on Hotels
Staying at hotels every night can really add up. Why spend a ton of money for a place where you are going to be sleeping? We are staying at Airbnb's in Rome & Prague. You can also save money by staying at hostels.
2. Cook at Home
I love to try new food while I am on vacation. I believe it's part of the experience but you can limit yourself to eating out. If you stay at an Airbnb you will probably have access to a kitchen, which you can use to make a couple of dinners at home. Also pick up snacks to keep on you while you explore.
3. Use public transportation
You can save a lot of money by not taking cabs everywhere! If the place you are visiting has a public transportation system, use it. It's a great way to learn more about your surroundings & it gives you the opportunity to interact with locals.
4. Discounted Tickets to Attractions
Check to see if the attractions you're visiting offer a special discount for students, groups or certain ages. Some places offer hop on & off buses, which can be a great deal to see a lot of attractions for your money. In Rome we are considering doing the Roma Pass to save on attractions + public transportation.
5. Talk to Locals
Locals are your greatest resource! They can offer advice on cheap eats, attractions & may even invite you over. Talking to new people is something I really enjoy especially in a new place!
6. Walking Tours
Check to see if there are free walking tours. This is a great way to see the sites & get insight from a tour guide.
7. Rent a Bike Instead of a Car
Renting a car can really put a damper on your budget. Look up city biking programs & rent one for the day to get around. This really helps save $$ for other activities + it's fun!
8. Walk
I walk a lot! I know a lot of people are used to driving but walking is a great way to explore a new place. You may find hidden gems you might not have known about otherwise!
9. Experience It
Don't spend all your time shopping! I always tell myself "collect experiences not things." This is very true! Shopping while on vacation can be expensive. I would rather spend that money checking out museums, local hot spots & the sites.
10. Save Money
I have been saving money since the beginning of summer for my trip. Each paycheck I put $200 away for my vacation– I have also cut back on little things that add up (do I really need that #PSL?) I would rather spend money abroad & do what I can with the money I've saved.
Do you have any tips for planning a budget friendly trip? If so, I would love to hear!
2. Cook at Home
I love to try new food while I am on vacation. I believe it's part of the experience but you can limit yourself to eating out. If you stay at an Airbnb you will probably have access to a kitchen, which you can use to make a couple of dinners at home. Also pick up snacks to keep on you while you explore.
3. Use public transportation
You can save a lot of money by not taking cabs everywhere! If the place you are visiting has a public transportation system, use it. It's a great way to learn more about your surroundings & it gives you the opportunity to interact with locals.
4. Discounted Tickets to Attractions
Check to see if the attractions you're visiting offer a special discount for students, groups or certain ages. Some places offer hop on & off buses, which can be a great deal to see a lot of attractions for your money. In Rome we are considering doing the Roma Pass to save on attractions + public transportation.
5. Talk to Locals
Locals are your greatest resource! They can offer advice on cheap eats, attractions & may even invite you over. Talking to new people is something I really enjoy especially in a new place!
6. Walking Tours
Check to see if there are free walking tours. This is a great way to see the sites & get insight from a tour guide.
7. Rent a Bike Instead of a Car
Renting a car can really put a damper on your budget. Look up city biking programs & rent one for the day to get around. This really helps save $$ for other activities + it's fun!
8. Walk
I walk a lot! I know a lot of people are used to driving but walking is a great way to explore a new place. You may find hidden gems you might not have known about otherwise!
9. Experience It
Don't spend all your time shopping! I always tell myself "collect experiences not things." This is very true! Shopping while on vacation can be expensive. I would rather spend that money checking out museums, local hot spots & the sites.
10. Save Money
I have been saving money since the beginning of summer for my trip. Each paycheck I put $200 away for my vacation– I have also cut back on little things that add up (do I really need that #PSL?) I would rather spend money abroad & do what I can with the money I've saved.
Do you have any tips for planning a budget friendly trip? If so, I would love to hear!
Xo,
Emily
Congrats on your trip. That is my dream trip!! & Great tips! Airbnb has been a total game changer for me when it comes to traveling. It's significantly more affordable and I feel like a local stepping out of an apartment into the city. Bon Voyage!
ReplyDeletelove these tips! completely agree with going airbnb route. i have noticed it is sometimes half as expensive and you usually get a kitchen! so excited for you and your upcoming travels!
ReplyDeleteAnother tip would be to take a visa card with enough of a line of credit to get you out of a jamb if need be due to unforeseen circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThis is great and your trip sounds EPIC!! I can't wait to see photos from this. I think generally when I travel I try to relish the moments of just being there, and I'm not super ambitious with tours and sites. It saves money and I end up enjoying myself more-- even if I end up missing a few points of interest. Quality over quantity :) And cooking in a rented apartment is definitely the way to go!!
ReplyDelete<3 Daisy
Simplicity Relished
Thanks Daisy! I can't wait to go. Stay tuned to hear more :)!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! I will be doing that for sure. You never know what will happen when you travel. Love you!
ReplyDeleteLove Airbnb it's such a great deal! When I travel I tend to get sick of eating out so having the option to cook is very nice. Thanks Em, can't wait to share more! Hope you have a great time in Nashville.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I know I can't believe it's really happening. It's pretty crazy but I am super excited! I completely agree about Airbnb + when you stay at a local place they give you great tips. Do you have any fun vacations planned?
ReplyDeleteYes actually. New York in December! Already got the plane tickets and we are looking at some places on Airbnb, of course. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great article and it sounds like your trip was great! I am pinning this for my upcoming weekend trips.
ReplyDeletexo, katie // a touch of teal
That will be fun! I love New York (on my way there right now haha!) I am sure you'll find some great places on Airbnb. Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie! I hope the tips come in handy for your upcoming trips.
ReplyDelete