Traveling can be expensive,
but it really does not have to be. If you’re willing to do your research and
plan ahead, you can reduce the financial burden of any trip you take. With that
being said, here are a few of my tips for traveling on the cheap:
Find a Grocery Store or
Market
Upon arriving in London, one
of our first stops was a local Tesco. There, we stocked up on water and some
snacks. It’s so important to stay hydrated when you’re on the go, and water can
be expensive when you’re near tourist attractions. I think we spent £1.50 on a
6-pack of water, compared to the £1 we’d pay for individual bottles. Also, it’s
a nice way to get fresh fruit and veggies that can be harder to squeeze in when
you’re eating out all of the time.
Travel like a Local
I can’t speak for every
city, but most cities I’ve traveled to have fully-functioning public transport
system that offer an inexpensive way to get around. When we arrived in
Amsterdam, we took a train that got us into the city straight from the airport
in 20 minutes for a few euros each – much cheaper than what a taxi would’ve
cost. In Barcelona, we purchased a 10-trip metro card, and it was more than
enough for the four days we were there, and also much cheaper than a 4-day
pass. It’s helpful to do research ahead of time and establish the most
effective ways to get from the airport to your lodgings, and to other desired
destinations.
Embrace the Pregame
Nights out on the town are
always a good idea, but they can get expensive very quickly, especially if you’re
buying drinks. One way I like to combat this is by picking up some wine or beer
at a local store, and splitting it with friends. We have a mini pregame prior
to heading out, and only end up buying a drink or two while out. Also, many
hostels have on-site bars with drink deals and happy hours for guests – they
are a great way to score cheap drinks as well as meet new people.
Know Dining Customs
Knowledge is power,
especially when you are trying to save buck or two. In Italy, if you ask to be
seated for your coffee rather than stand at the bar, you will pay more. If you
touch that basket of bread they set on your table in Spain, you’ll pay for it.
Heck, they’ll still charge you for it even if you don’t touch it (it’s easier to
just refuse it—unless you really want the bread). It is important to be aware
of local dining protocol, as many of the things we take for granted in the US
are money-makers for foreign restaurants.
Avoid Tourist Traps
On the same note, try to avoid eating near major tourist attractions. It's easier said than done (especially when you're famished), but totally worth it to walk a few blocks and have a better meal. Restaurants near popular sites are able to charge more and offer lesser quality options because they are more convenient. One tip I recommend is picking places ahead of time (using Google or Yelp or Trip Advisor), so you don't waste time or money for a lackluster meal. Or, if you're feeling bold, ask a local – most people are kind and will be more than happy to share their favorite spots.
Be a Good Student
If you’re a student, you
should definitely travel with your student ID card. Many museums and attractions
offer free admission with valid identification—for example, the Louvre and the Musée
d'Orsay in Paris were both free for me when I visited. Also, retailers will
offer discounts for university students, which can offer the perfect incentive
to get that top you’ve been lusting after.
What are some cost-cutting
measures you use when traveling?
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