Money will never make a man happy. Benjamin Franklin: “There is nothing about money that can produce happiness”. This is so true! It is true of life in general and travel in particular. Travelling is a great way to experience “happiness”, ‘fulfilment’ and ‘learning. All of these can be achieved without spending a lot. Travelling is not without its costs. However, the fun part requires some cash. Not all of it, but some. Many of my friends often ask me how to plan an affordable trip without compromising on the fun. This article is an attempt to answer the question of how to make a budget trip fun.
Most of the things you need to make your travels enjoyable are still available for free. You must be alert and pay attention to what people are saying. Here are some clues.
This article is for:
This article isn’t for vacationers who don’t usually worry about their budget. It is also not for seasoned travellers who already know how to save money and still have a great time. However, it could be helpful for travellers who are on a budget but still want to have fun and experience. This is only for Indian domestic travellers.
Beginning notes:
- I’m not a fan of absolute austerity or even outright luxury. It’s about finding a balance.
- Saving money is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ thing. It’s about being aware. Over time, saving a few coins can add up to a significant amount. Budget trips should be a regular thing, not a one-off.
- You don’t have to cut back on every aspect of your travel, but you should try. One may not be able to compromise on transport, even if they are comfortable with a modest hotel. It is important to understand one’s priorities.
- This is not a comprehensive list. I’m only sharing my own experience for tips on how to have a great, budget-friendly trip. Some may be subjective based on my opinion or lifestyle.
- Budget trips can be fun and environmentally sustainable if they are planned correctly.
10 ways to make your trip more enjoyable on a budget
1. This is the right mindset for a low-budget trip
All in the mind. Budget trips are not for you if you love the act of spending money or only like expensive things. The key to “happiness” is to travel with a mindset that allows you to appreciate the little things. It is important to look for the beautiful, subtle aspects of everything and not just the material things.
Even small things can be beautiful. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach or in the forest, enjoy some delicious street food, see a sunset, visit a local market, snap a picture, or sit by the river or lake.
Enjoy the small things. MAKE MOMENTS MEMORABLE.
Decide what you want to do before travelling. It is important not to compare the small with the big, as they all have their charm.
2. Plan your budget trip by doing some research
Travel Research has never been easier than it is today. Google is fast and easy. Google gives us the exact information we need. Many websites and blogs are available that cover all aspects of travelling, including budgets. Google will help you plan a budget trip that’s fun and affordable.
Before you consume the information, screen out any commercial sites. You could end up paying more money than you intended to if your research goes wrong. Do not be swayed by appealing images or words. They can mislead. Try to imagine what the situation might mean for you.
Travel blogs can provide useful information on restaurants, places of interest and experiences (commercial websites may be misleading). When it comes to prices, you’ll want to go directly to the business/official websites. Travel blogs may have outdated information.
3. Travel Off-Season
Travelling off-season is one of the best ways for you to save money. If/whenever possible. Sometimes, peak season is the best or only time to go to a certain place. To witness Kullu Dussehra, for example, you have to visit only during Dussehra. Then, it’s impossible to avoid. If you can’t make it, try to find another date.
We generally consider the period just before or right after peak tourist season. This is when we can save money and still enjoy the best vibes. This is especially true for popular tourist destinations such as Goa, Manali, and Kerala. Non-peak season can offer discounts of up to 50%.
If you go to Goa in October, it is just before peak season, which runs from November to February. It would have similar weather to peak season, but the costs would be much lower. Less crowd means less hassle and more peace. A bike costs Rs. In non-peak seasons, a motorcycle that costs Rs. In peak season, you can expect to pay up to Rs. 900 per day! All other costs, such as food, lodging, activities, etc., are the same.
4. Book in Advance
This is the easiest way to plan your trip on a budget. Plan your trip ahead of time. You can save up to 20% if you book tickets in advance. You can save 20%. Book only the major expenses, such as transportation, accommodation, and major activities.
The price of flight tickets increases as the travel date approaches. Even if you’re not sure about your trip, it is a good idea to book tickets in advance if you plan to travel by rail. The cancellation fees aren’t too high. You may miss out on a flight if you wait too long.
5. Transport costs can be reduced
The most cost-effective way to save on a trip is by using public transport.
Reaching There:
- Flights on weekdays are 20% cheaper. Try to avoid the weekends whenever possible.
- If possible, take the night train/bus. You can save a night of accommodation.
- You may be able to get cashback, offers, and free flights by repeatedly booking on the same site.
- Look for share-car options like Bla Bla car.
- If you enjoy driving, you can also try a Zoom car (self-driven taxi).
The destination:
- When you arrive at your destination, try to walk as much as you can. If you’re with children or older people, this may not be feasible. Try to walk around the area whenever possible. This is not only a great way to save money but also the best method of exploring a new place and absorbing its finer details.
- We enjoyed a paddle-rickshaw ride in Mussoorie. Travel is made beautiful by the little things.
- Find walking tours that are free or cheap. Many popular tourist destinations offer free walking tours of major cultural and heritage centres. Not only are they free, but they are also authentic.
- Move around the place:
Use public transportation:
- This is a tricky one. Public transport in local areas is cheap but takes a lot of time. Public transport is only a good option if time isn’t an issue. Jeeps and shared taxis in your area are a good option to get from A to B.
Taxi/ cab:
- You can always get a cheaper taxi by using Ola/Uber rentals than local travel agencies.
- You can also ask fellow travellers or hostel mates to share. Asking is never a bad idea. You never know who else may be looking for something similar. You can also make new friends.
- A bike rental is a great option. Renting a bike is a great option.
- If you’re alone, hitchhike. You should still use your judgment. It is not always safe.
6. Accommodation Savings
It is important to note that this aspect is subjective. Many factors, such as tariffs, preferences and comfort levels, health conditions, itinerary, views, hygienic standards, proximity of places of interest, etc., can influence a decision. Many factors influence one’s decision. I don’t usually suggest many accommodations.
Homestays/ hostels:
Homestays, or hostels, are the places I choose to stay when travelling. Hostels are not only cost-effective but also a great way to meet other travellers and gain from their experience. You will also make some great travel buddies. The homestay is a great way to see how locals live and get a glimpse into their culture. You might love it if you’ve never tried one.
Budget hotels:
You can still find a hotel that suits your budget if you don’t want to go with these options. There are now many websites that compare hotel rates (such as Trivago). A promotional event may offer you a discount! It’s a good idea, therefore, to compare the prices of different websites before making a booking.
Couch-surfing:
Couch-surfing is another way to save money on accommodation and enjoy the local culture. Couch-surfing is not very popular in India, but it’s definitely growing.
Exception:
Even if it is expensive, you should stay at a heritage hotel. It might be a unique experience.
7. Save on food when you travel on a tight budget
Food is also a personal choice and depends on one’s health standards. Here are some tips for a budget-friendly trip.
- Locals are always cheap and follow the local traditions.
- Find authentic local cuisines. Take advice from the locals. I once had a dish called “siddu”, a traditional dish, in the Great Himalayan National Park. (See below). We heard about it only there!
- Avoid food you can get in your city at any time.
- Even if the restaurants are expensive, it’s worth visiting old ones, whether they’re modern or traditional.
8. Shop less
Shopping can drain your budget quickly. You’ll soon find yourself with a bag of things and a hole in your purse. You will feel compelled to buy another gift as soon as you have purchased one for yourself. Avoiding gift shopping is the best thing to do. I collect souvenirs, especially those with a local flair, to keep in my memory.
- Find small souvenirs made by local artisans, especially those that are authentic and local.
- Postcards are a great way to remember a special occasion or for future gifts.
9. Spend only on the experiences you want to experience
I think that the prices of fun and adventure activities at tourist attractions are outrageous. Please keep in mind that everything that’s hyped up is not for you. Select your adventures and fun activities carefully and economically; determine if it’s worth the money. Do not fall for advertisements.
It is not worth it to push yourself to do something you are afraid of. There is no need to prove “darke aage jiet hai“. It’s just a clever advertising punchline from a soft drink company encouraging people to consume unhealthy soda and sugar.
Choose authentic local experiences instead of commercial entertainment. You will remember this trip for a long time. Avoid activities you can do anywhere, such as visiting a fun game centre at night. Spend some time with the local musicians. Such experiences are fondly remembered, particularly in the desert.
10. Social media can be used smartly
It is a good idea to use social networks intelligently to connect with friends and fellow travellers. Many times, I’ve enjoyed the company of good friends in a new destination. When friends visit my city, I am happy to give them company.
You can make new friends, and you will also save money because they will tell you the best ways to spend your time at their destination. They may even offer to host you or invite you for a meal. They will also give you the best information about their place.
Miscellaneous:
- Pack smartly: Packing smartly is just as important as packing less. You should visualize what you need frequently and keep them with you. Buying them would be a waste of money.
- Take those beautiful pictures! It’s free! Take some great photos. Take some great photos. Your photos will help you to remember places, experiences and moments vividly. Selfies aren’t the best! Take some time to develop your interest.
It is not necessary to be an expert photographer to take great pictures. You can relive the experience long after your trip by capturing the moment and sharing it with friends. Like a fine wine, the value of a great photograph increases over time. Make your trip more memorable by clicking a few pictures.
How to enjoy your budget holiday
Money is necessary but not sufficient for me to be happy. It’s a facilitator, in other words. Money cannot buy happiness. Happiness is determined by the way you think and act.
Costs are important to frequent travellers. A true traveller does not need to spend a lot of money in order to be fulfilled by travel.
Please let me know if these budget travel tips were helpful (or if they weren’t). If you have any better ideas, please share them with me. I’d like to incorporate these into my daily habits.