Contrary to popular belief, travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Many of the most incredible destinations in the world can be accessed and discovered during a budget weekend trip, as thousands of penny-pinching travelers have proven. So, what are their secrets for an incredible mini-break on a shoestring budget?
Go For A Hostel
We may be biased, but we believe that a great hostel is the best way to guarantee a cheap and unforgettable trip. We’re not alone - in 2016, Forbes reported that hostel travel was more popular than ever among millennials.
Hostels tend to be the cheapest option for accommodation in any given city, but that doesn’t mean you are compromising on quality. They have come a long way from their modest origins, and are now some of the coolest, trendiest, and most lively places to stay in any given city. Not keen on sharing a room? Many hostels offer private rooms at a cheaper rate than a hotel, giving you the benefits of an active social hub without the chaos of a dorm room.
Do The Free Stuff
Every city has a wealth of free activities available, so don’t just go for the big-ticket attractions. For example, instead of going to a museum that costs $20, why not do a free walking tour of a historical area? This list of the best free things to do around the world by the Lonely Planet is a great place to get inspired, but most major world destinations will have many detailed lists of free activities online.
Stay Safe
Taking a few safety precautions will not only minimize hassle and heartbreak during your trip, but can also save you a lot of money in case something goes wrong. First, make sure you invest in an anti-theft travel bag for walking around the city, as well as a sturdy padlock if you are going to be leaving your bags unattended during transport (such as on a long train or bus ride).
You should also take care of things back home. There are many ways you can protect yourself from burglars, like high-tech security systems that notify you in case of an alarm. You should also be careful about revealing you are going to be out of town online - if you can’t resist documenting your trip on Instagram, at least turn your setting to private.
Eat The Street Food
Some places in the world are famous for their street food: Thailand, India, Mexico, Turkey, and the list goes on. If you are lucky enough to be visiting one of these destinations, you can have your fill of delicious food for very cheap and with very little effort.
However, even if you are not going somewhere famed for its street food, chances are it’s there if you know where to look. Why not check out one of London’s many markets or Sydney’s topnotch food trucks?
Plan, Plan, Plan
Without a doubt, the biggest difference between a cheap trip and an expensive one is the amount of thought you put into it. Spontaneous travel can be exhilarating, but you often end up paying a very real price for it. Take the time to evaluate all your options using comparison sites to make sure you are getting the best deals, and check whether you can save money on any activities by booking in advance.
If planning is not your thing, you can look for package deals on discount websites like Groupon. Their getaway offers include complete holiday bundles, but you can also find discounts on individual hotels, activities, restaurants, and even transport. You can even find some very tempting offers for luxury all-inclusive resort holidays or scenic European breaks for your next big vacation. These are just a few tips to get you started on planning a perfect weekend trip on a budget.
There are hundreds of other ways you can keep your costs down, so make sure you ask fellow travelers about their best mini-break hacks. Just remember to not spend all that saved cash on souvenirs when you get there!
By Jane Moore
Picture via Pexels
Go For A Hostel
We may be biased, but we believe that a great hostel is the best way to guarantee a cheap and unforgettable trip. We’re not alone - in 2016, Forbes reported that hostel travel was more popular than ever among millennials.
Hostels tend to be the cheapest option for accommodation in any given city, but that doesn’t mean you are compromising on quality. They have come a long way from their modest origins, and are now some of the coolest, trendiest, and most lively places to stay in any given city. Not keen on sharing a room? Many hostels offer private rooms at a cheaper rate than a hotel, giving you the benefits of an active social hub without the chaos of a dorm room.
Do The Free Stuff
Every city has a wealth of free activities available, so don’t just go for the big-ticket attractions. For example, instead of going to a museum that costs $20, why not do a free walking tour of a historical area? This list of the best free things to do around the world by the Lonely Planet is a great place to get inspired, but most major world destinations will have many detailed lists of free activities online.
Stay Safe
Taking a few safety precautions will not only minimize hassle and heartbreak during your trip, but can also save you a lot of money in case something goes wrong. First, make sure you invest in an anti-theft travel bag for walking around the city, as well as a sturdy padlock if you are going to be leaving your bags unattended during transport (such as on a long train or bus ride).
You should also take care of things back home. There are many ways you can protect yourself from burglars, like high-tech security systems that notify you in case of an alarm. You should also be careful about revealing you are going to be out of town online - if you can’t resist documenting your trip on Instagram, at least turn your setting to private.
Eat The Street Food
Some places in the world are famous for their street food: Thailand, India, Mexico, Turkey, and the list goes on. If you are lucky enough to be visiting one of these destinations, you can have your fill of delicious food for very cheap and with very little effort.
However, even if you are not going somewhere famed for its street food, chances are it’s there if you know where to look. Why not check out one of London’s many markets or Sydney’s topnotch food trucks?
Plan, Plan, Plan
Without a doubt, the biggest difference between a cheap trip and an expensive one is the amount of thought you put into it. Spontaneous travel can be exhilarating, but you often end up paying a very real price for it. Take the time to evaluate all your options using comparison sites to make sure you are getting the best deals, and check whether you can save money on any activities by booking in advance.
If planning is not your thing, you can look for package deals on discount websites like Groupon. Their getaway offers include complete holiday bundles, but you can also find discounts on individual hotels, activities, restaurants, and even transport. You can even find some very tempting offers for luxury all-inclusive resort holidays or scenic European breaks for your next big vacation. These are just a few tips to get you started on planning a perfect weekend trip on a budget.
There are hundreds of other ways you can keep your costs down, so make sure you ask fellow travelers about their best mini-break hacks. Just remember to not spend all that saved cash on souvenirs when you get there!
By Jane Moore
Picture via Pexels