Traveling on a Budget!

So you want to travel, but have little money? Well you still can. Traveling is only expensive to a high maintenance person. So if you aren’t high maintenance and can save a few hundred dollars, then you are two steps closer to traveling the world. With that being said, here are five tips to traveling on a budget:

1. Choose a three-star hotel. Yes I said it! A three-star hotel isn’t horrible, yes it might not have that view you wished for or the best mattresses. Instead this hotel will get you a place to lay your head down at night and to shower. Isn’t that the only reason we need a hotel? Think about it! How long are you truly at your hotel? When I travel, I’m there from midnight till 8 AM because let’s be honest, who wants to sleep in on vacation.

2. Don’t choose expensive restaurants. Of course you are going to want to try one good restaurant that is well known to the locals, but other than that go to McDonalds. It will save you money in the long run and there’s a chance you might not like the food, locals do. Quick story. My husband and I went to California and we ate at two places that we were told was good, so we tried it. And guess what we decided? It was disgusting. From then on, we ate at McDonald’s, Subway, or Taco Bell. The places we have at home. No need to spend extra money on food that we won’t eat.

3. Don’t buy all those souvenirs. Do you really need five shirts that say 'Los Angeles, California'? Or that shot glass that will never get you used because you don’t drink? No! Buy one small souvenir and leave the rest to a picture or a memory. I promise those pictures and your memories will last longer than any product you buy. Because always remember “you can’t buy happiness.”

4. Friends, friends, friends. This might sound self explanatory, but you don’t understand how cheap traveling can be when you take friends. Think about it. A trip that could cost you $800 could cost you $200 because you invited three friends. Split the hotel and split the gas since these are the two expenses that cost the most (excluding airfare). Even if you don’t have friends you want to hangout with, there is nothing wrong with splitting the hotel then going your own ways in the city.

5. Getting around that new city would be hard if you don’t own a vehicle or you flew. Now depending on what you are wanting to do at your destination will depend on your transportation. Now let’s face it, most individuals want to travel, but are under 24. So say goodbye to that rental car, but those are too expensive anyway. We spent $400 plus $300 deposit on our rental car in California. Now that’s horrible! If you are anything like me and just want to go on an adventure to see a new state, then choose the hotel that’s nearby or safe to walk around. Make some friends on social media and let a local show you around. This is the easiest way to save money and do things that don’t require payment. (Becoming an ambassador for different products helps you make friendships around the world) Go on hikes, to the beach, walk around the downtown area. Anything that excites you. Do it! Just save money while having fun.

And yes you might come home broke, but in the end is it worth it? We don’t get forever. We are constantly growing older everyday. Something could happen tomorrow, so take that trip and see the world because you need to live!