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The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
Traveling on a Budget and Working Holidays!
Make Your Trip During The Off-Peak Season
Schedule your vacation outside the summer months. AARP reports that The Pink Palm Hotel in the Caribbean offers a 51% discount in October, and the Kennebunkport Inn is 66% cheaper in November than in July
Use Low-Cost Airlines
Passenger advocacy website AirAdvisor ranks Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air among the most affordable airlines in the U.S. If you do your research, you may find discounted flights from other carriers, too, especially during the off-season
Use Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Many hotels offer discounts for booking in advance or joining a hotel rewards program. But you and your family might find better rates and spacious accommodations through websites. If the weather cooperates, you might consider camping at a national park
Pack Lightly
United Airlines offers a baggage fee calculator, and most airlines charge additional fees for bags exceeding certain weight limits — often 50 pounds or so. Packing light will help you avoid these fees
Walk or Use Public Transportation
In crowded cities, parking can cost you. SpotHero reports that parking in San Diego can be $15 to $30, and Washington D.C. visitors won’t find a spot for less than $2.30 per hour. Many cities offer discounts on public transportation, and places like Miami and Kansas City provide free rides throughout the city
Use Credit Cards With Travel Rewards
Many credit card providers have reward programs. Cardholders can rack up reward points when they use the card and later cash in these points for discounts on airfare, accommodations, or restaurants
MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to your travel needs and preferences
Eat at Local Street Food Markets
Many cities now have street food markets offering samplings of unique, local cuisine. Often, these vendors and food trucks are cheaper than high-priced restaurants, and you can feel good about spending money on the local economy
Think of Roaming Costs
Make sure to turn off data roaming on your phone when traveling, which will disable cellular data that can rack up high costs. If your phone is unlocked, you may be able to purchase a local SIM card to make calls, even on international trips
Book Tours and Activities in Advance
Chances are you can get cheaper tickets and rates on activities by buying them in advance, especially with theme parks. Walt Disney World, for example, offers discounted packages when you bundle park tickets with hotel accommodations. Concerts and sports events can also be cheaper when buying tickets in advance
Travel With a Group
Traveling with a larger group can help you save by dividing the cost of accommodations, such as sharing a beach house. Additionally, you may be able to save by purchasing groceries as a group and then delegating who will serve as chef for the evening
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
A typical bottle of water costs over a dollar. That may not sound like much, but it can add up on a trip, especially in hot climates. As long as you have access to potable water, bringing a reusable water bottle helps keep you hydrated
Research Free Walking Tours and Activities
Many cities offer free activities such as walking tours and museums. Alternatively, check the city’s website to research public parks or downtown events. You may be able to catch free street festivals and music performances or find a hiking or biking trail
Shop at Local Markets for Souvenirs
Buy your souvenirs from a local market. You’ll save on the markups from larger retailers, and you’ll come home with something truly unique to the local culture. By purchasing from local vendors, you can also have greater confidence that your money is going back to the community
Use Local Currency
When traveling abroad, make sure to pay in the local currency. This avoids any transaction fees when using your credit or debit card internationally. Paying with cash may help you more easily stick to a budget because you can only spend what you carry
Opt for a City Pass or Tourist Card
Investing in a city pass or tourist card can give you modest discounts on popular destinations. For example, in New York City, your pass gives you admission to five locations. Make sure to research the pass ahead of time to determine whether the destinations align with your desired itinerary
Use Budget Travel Websites and Apps
Budget travel websites and apps can offer savings. These sites help you sift through hotels and flights to find the best possible deals. You may get recommendations for restaurants or local activities to add to your trip
Avoid Tourist Traps and Scams
Do your research ahead of time and stick to your itinerary. Avoid places with aggressive marketing or that are located right outside popular tourist destinations, which are clear signs of scams. For a more authentic experience, eat and shop where locals eat. Join volunteer programs
Join a Volunteer Program
Not only will a volunteer program give you the chance to give something back, but you may be able to travel as part of the organization’s mission. Your itinerary may be limited, but you’ll still have the chance to explore the local culture and flavors
Consider House-Sitting or Pet-Sitting
Gain some extra cash through a side hustle. Even house-sitting or pet-sitting can give you additional income to put toward your trip. You may be able to offset the cost of airfare or accommodations through your side job
Start Saving Gradually for Your Trip
Start saving now — over time, you may be surprised at how easy it is to save for your next vacation. Alternatively, put your money in a high-yield savings account to let it grow in the short term
Save When Traveling
At the end of the day, budget travel is a mindset – a commitment to prioritizing experiences over extravagance. By embracing the budget travel tips outlined here, you may not only save money but also gain a deeper appreciation for the destinations you visit. Pack your bags, leave your fears behind, and embark on an adventure that you will love without crossing your financial boundaries!
How do I Travel Cheaply When I am Still Young?
Search for discounts on accommodation and airfare. Youth hostels can be great places for young adults to travel and can be found in many places around the world
How Can I Save Money on Travel Insurance and Other Necessary Expenses?
Shopping around for travel insurance and other travel expenses can provide discounts. Additionally, researching travel costs can help you make travel plans that align with your budget
How Can I Stick to a Budget While Still Being Able to Enjoy My Travel Experience?
Plan ahead. Sticking to your itinerary can help you enjoy your experience without spending more than you intend to
How Much Money Should I Save Before Traveling?
A single person can expect to spend $1,400 for a three-day trip. But plan your budget based on your destination and the length of your stay
How Do We Travel On a Budget as a Couple?
Couples should plan their trip together. You can also hold one another accountable for your travel spending, which makes it easier to stick to a budget
This Section Has Been Written by Sarah Edwards
Sarah Edwards has been passionate about financial literacy and helping others conquer their money woes. She has a knack for breaking down complex financial topics into words that make sense to the average reader. Sarah regularly covers personal finance, credit, debt, insurance, crypto, and small business
Different Ways to Work and Travel
To combine work and travel, consider options like freelancing, remote work, or exploring career paths that involve travel, such as flight attendant or tour guide. You can also leverage programs like Summer Work and Travel USA or au pair positions for a more structured approach
Freelancing & Remote Work;
Freelancing
Offers flexibility in various fields, from writing and design to digital marketing. Focus on building a specialized niche to stand out
Remote Work
Many companies offer remote positions, allowing you to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection
Digital Nomadism
This lifestyle involves combining freelancing or remote work with travel, exploring different locations and cultures while working
Travel-Related Careers;
Flight Attendant
Work for commercial airlines, providing service and safety guidance to passengers
Tour Guide
Lead groups on tours, offering insights into a destination's history, culture, and attractions
Travel Agent
Help people plan and book their trips, providing travel expertise and customer service
Work and Travel Programs;
Summer Work and Travel USA
A cultural exchange program for students, allowing them to work in the USA during the summer and explore the country
Au Pair
Care for children in a host family abroad, often receiving room, board, and a small stipend
Volunteer Work
Explore new cultures while working on meaningful projects, contributing to communities abroad
Other Travel Work Options;
Teaching English Abroad
Get certified and teach English in a foreign country, earning income and experiencing a new culture
Travel
Blogging/Photography
Share your travel experiences and earn income through blog advertising, affiliate marketing, or photography sales
Starting a Local Business
If you have a business idea that can be adapted to local markets, consider starting a business in a new location
Getting a Working Holiday Visa!
Some Countries like Australia, New Zealand, France and Canada issue Working Holiday Visas
These visas are issued to visitors of specific countries only that have special agreements with the visa issuing country
The working holiday visa is for young people aged 18 to 30. It lets them visit the visa-issuing country for one year while giving them the chance to work to make some money!
What Does the Working Holiday Visa Authorise?
The working holiday visa allows you to remain in the visa-issuing country for one year as a tourist while letting you work. It is granted for a maximum of 12 months and is NOT renewable
The holder of the working holiday visa does not have to complete formalities on arrival in the visa-issuing country. He or she may stay in the visa-issuing country for the entire period of the visa without requesting a residency permit. A work permit is not necessary either for working, except for citizens of Russia
Who Qualifies for the Working Holiday Visa?
Only citizens, aged 18 to 30 years (35 years in some cases), of the countries with which the visa-issuing country has a bilateral agreement qualify for a working holiday visa. These countries are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan, and Uruguay
How To Obtain a Working Holiday Visa
Contact the visa-issuing country's consular authorities in your country of residence. To obtain a working holiday visa, you must submit a request for a temporary long-stay visa or VLS-T. Check the website of the visa-issuing country in the partner countries to learn about the specific conditions for obtaining a working holiday visa for each of the countries
In general, to obtain a working holiday visa, you must satisfy the following conditions
-- Be 18 to 30 years of age (35 for citizens of Canada);
-- Never have already partaken of the working holiday programme;
-- Not be accompanied by a dependent child;
-- Have a return ticket;
-- Have sufficient financial resources for the start of your stay;
-- The amount of these resources is specified in the agreements;