Traveling is expensive, plain and simple.
Every trip seems to inevitably come with unforeseen costs and sometimes just getting to your destination can take its toll on your bank account. The expense can be well worth it and doesn’t have to wipe out your funds completely if you follow a few of our simple suggestions for the next time you jet off to foreign lands.
If you don’t want to come back home with an empty bank account, start saving and planning a budget now. You and your wallet will thank you later.
Include the prices for your hostel, bus tickets, tours, museums, souvenirs, food and whatever else you need during your adventures in a weekly budget. Try to factor in a little wiggle room for those inevitable expenses that will come up.
Chances are you’re going to want to try some local cuisine during your travels, but try to stay clear of the more tourist heavy areas or you will end up spending more than you want for a meal. Ask workers in your hostel for restaurant ideas that are within your price range.
If you are studying abroad and want to save money, it’s a good idea to find a group of friends to cook with during the week when you’re not traveling. You can split the cost of food, which will allow you to save up for your weekend travels.
When it comes to a place to stay during your travels, take advantage of hostels. They serve as a great way to meet fellow travelers and won’t completely break your budget like a hotel. Hostelworld.com is a great resource that allows you to sort hostels by price, location and rating. Make sure to print off directions and have a number available for the hostel before leaving or you might spend hours wandering through the streets of Prague trying to find your hostel (not speaking from experience or anything…) Couchsurfing.com is another option. Be warned though, you are staying with strangers. If this is something you’re not comfortable with, it might be a good idea to book a hostel.
Traveling to Europe? Here are our travel tips:
If you want to get around to multiple countries (which is the beauty of visiting the lovely continent), take advantage of discount airlines such as RyanAir. I once got from Germany to Ireland for fewer than 40 euros with this airline. They generally limit you to one baggage item, but it is well worth it.
Don’t want to fly? Enjoy a train ride—you’ll be sure to soak up some beautiful European countryside views. You can design your Eurail pass based on how many countries you want to visit and how long you want the pass to last. Although they can be a little pricey, it will save you money in the long run if you plan on doing most of your traveling by train. Some trains will require you to reserve a seat beforehand with the pass, so be sure to check with the stations where you’re country hopping.
(Feature Photo via Tumblr)