As we’ve spent more time at home than ever before in order to stay safe during the pandemic, we’ve also had to put a lot of travel plans on hold. However, with restrictions easing across the world, it might be time to dust off your suitcase and start planning your first-post pandemic trip – whether you’re hoping for a week at a luxury hotel or a few months of exploration and adventure.

However, it’s important to remember that traveling in a post-pandemic world will be a little different. More regulations are in place than ever before – which also means more paperwork. Furthemore, as we’ve all felt the financial impact of the pandemic, you need to find a way to make every penny count.

How To Travel On A Budget

With that in mind, here are some top tips for traveling on a budget.

  • The first step towards traveling on a budget is actually putting together a budget. Write down a list of the places you want to visit and your accommodation and travel options, and figure out exactly how much this will cost you. Put together various different options – and then figure out which one fits with your current savings and financial habits.
  • Sign up to travel newsletters so that you’ll receive regular updates on travel regulations, alongside access to deals that can save you money on all aspects of travel, such as flights, accommodation, and excursions.
  • Start thinking seriously about your savings so that you’re able to set some money aside to use for your trip. Remember, it’s important to stop feeling guilty for spending money on yourself, as you deserve to have fun (especially in light of the past two years).
  • Find ways to make money while you travel – whether you choose to run a blog or pick up shifts at a local bar or restaurant when traveling. However, if you’re going to be earning a steady income while traveling, you must ensure you’re up to date with the legalities of working abroad and paying taxes. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have to do this, you may find this guide useful: Am I liable to pay tax on overseas income?
  • Monitor your spending carefully so that you can avoid wasting money abroad. For example, while you shouldn’t spend every moment of your trip thinking of your budget, you should try to set yourself daily or weekly spending limits (and allow only a few exceptions).
  • Before booking your accommodation, ensure you are getting the best possible deal. For example, third-party sites often apply large booking fees to your final bill, which could be avoided if you contact the hotel/hostel directly to enquire about their prices. In these cases, they’ll also be able to avoid third-party fees, which means that it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
  • While you should ensure that you are getting the best possible deal for your accommodation, you should also make sure you aren’t overspending on flights. Right now, flight prices are changing every single day – with some dropping prices to encourage customers and others increasing them due to reduced schedules and staff. Therefore, it’s important that you do plenty of research ahead of time to save money on flying (and stay within your budget). One way in which you can do this is by using free price comparison websites, such as SkyScanner.
  • Tourist traps – or popular tourist attractions – often have high admission prices. However, there are various steps you can take to avoid these costs. For example, you can avoid visiting at peak times (when they are likely to be at their busiest) or book far in advance to get the lowest price. Alternatively, you can try to avoid tourist traps altogether in favor of finding something a little off the beaten path. For example, you can ask locals for recommendations on places you should see or visit during your trip. This way, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also be able to discover some true hidden gems along the way.
  • Airlines often up their prices depending on how much luggage you are taking with you (typically measured by weight). Therefore, if you want to travel on a budget – pack light. Packing light is also advised for those intending on traveling for a long time or to multiple destinations, as you’ll have less weight on your shoulders to carry from place to place. It also means you’ll spend less when shopping for clothes for your new trip, as you’ll know you have to work with limited space.