Thrifty ways to remarkably plan your next adventure
Your handy guide to a budget vacation
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- If you're 20+, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel. As far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them, wherever you go. – Anthony Bourdain
Images from Freepik
Having a small budget for your vacation doesn’t mean it will take away the fun or adventure from your next journey. If anything, it will help you appreciate the trip even more as you make do with what you have. For those of you running tight on expenses, here are some surefire ways to ensure even the simplest of adventures can be a memorable one.
Find hidden gems
Not every location you visit has to be a major tourist hot spot. Allot some time into searching for lesser-known areas. Learn more about any hole-in-the-wall spots and places locals frequent rather than joining the crowd. Often, these experiences provide a more authentic feel of the place and can even make you feel right at home even as a tourist.
Opt to eat in local markets
You don’t need to queue for several hours for popular dining destinations. Stopping by the local farmer’s market offers one a good look into the local culinary scene and saves you a lot more than a high-end restaurant. Plus, the food is fresh and often prepared in front of you. There’s also the added bonus of directly supporting the local farmers and market stall owners.
Visit free parks and museums
Not every park or museum has an entrance fee. Be on the lookout for any special events hosted by the park management or museum that can give you an added appreciation for what they have to offer. These often come in the form of free art classes, walk-in tours, or guest speakers discussing about certain topics related to the venue.
Use public transportation
Avoid the hassle of renting a vehicle or paying pesky cab fares. Familiarize yourself with the local transportation scene. Learn how to take the train or bus system to keep things light on your wallet. Taking public transportation can also give you a different glimpse of the destination you’re heading toward. You might even find unlikely stops along the way worth checking out.
Make friends with locals
Before venturing out, try visiting forum sites like Reddit to befriend locals. Once you’ve made a trustworthy friend, you can suggest meeting up when visiting the area. They can act as your new travel buddy and even give you memories that will last a lifetime.