How To Travel Cheap But Feel Loaded
Most bohemian travelers prefer to live on a budget but that doesn’t mean the occasional splurge is off limits. Here are a few tips for traveling cheap while feeling loaded.
1) Befriend a Local
This is by far one of the best ways to travel free and fabulously. If you are traveling to visit a local, even better. When you make an effort to meet locals, it’s a great way to learn about their culture, discover off the beaten path restaurants and potentially make a lifelong friend. Another perk is that most locals own a car or know somebody who owns a car. While public transportation is a good option to use on a regular basis, buses and trains don’t always have routes to neighboring towns.
2) Find a “Local”
Even if you are passing through a city for a few days, finding a local bar where you can get to know the bartender and other patrons helps create a more comfortable environment. You may not get free drinks just because you become a regular, but going to a bar more than once gives you a more relaxed feeling and you won’t be just another face at the bar. While picking your local, make sure the drink list is within your budget. Then see if they offer happy hour specials.
3) Manage Spending without Obsessing
This can be a hard concept to master but it will most likely make your trip less stressful. While last minute flight and hotel deals can be tempting, sometimes it helps to book in advance. This way, you’ve already covered the major expenses, allowing you to focus on saving up for local transportation, daily meals, entertainment and anything else you are hoping to include on your cheap but luxurious trip. Try to stick to your budget but don’t punish yourself if you miss your goal one day.
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18 Comments
I definitely approve of the ‘befriend a bartender’ approach. I’m going to be trying this out on more than one occasion on my trip
David @ That Gay Backpacker recently posted..The Ultimate Guide to London’s Gay Neighbourhoods (Gaybourhoods)
I wish you luck David!
“Manage spending without obsessing” is key when you get fired after booking a trip! I have learned I can go to Paris, not shop and still have an excellent trip.
Eva recently posted..Hotel Heroes of Hurricane Sandy
Very true Eva! I’ve never done much shopping in Paris either and have also had a good time. I have spent a bit too much on coffee there though – I just love people watching
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..How To Travel Cheap But Feel Loaded
I fully agree with you. Just talking to people you meet on the street or on public transport while you are travelling can be a great way to find out about local hotspots, or set your journey on a new and unexpected direction. More than once I’ve been invited around to peoples house after starting a casual conversation.
Nico recently posted..Trials of a Travel Blog: Thanks For All the Spam
Wow – good for you Nico! The whole talking to locals thing has been great for me because I’m naturally shy and it’s helped me break out of my shell a bit.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..How To Travel Cheap But Feel Loaded
Befriend students and then you’ll save lots of money
Students know how to have fun and do lots of interesting things when you are on a budget
Izy Berry – The Wrong Way Home recently posted..Travel Musings: The Now
That is so true Izy! I remember as a student I was all about living cheap yet fabulously.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..How To Travel Cheap But Feel Loaded
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I definitely agree with you Tyler – there’s certainly nothing wrong with a bit of splurging!
I think meeting a local is certainly one of the best things that you can do, esp when they take you to less pricy touristy restaurants that might even have better food.
Cheryl recently posted..Weird and Offbeat Sites: The Invisible Exhibition In Budapest.
Sure worked for me in Berlin! I got to hang out with you
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Sunny Sightings in Ireland
Hey Megan, nice article, it’s so true. There’s nothing like a local host. The Turkish friends I met spent so much money on me that I felt guilty. They took me on boat rides and bought me food and they never gave me a chance to pay them back
Leif recently posted..Ask and You Shall Receive
Wow – sounds like an amazing time Leif! Finding locals can definitely add some unforgettable moments to your trip. That boat ride sounds so fun.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Slowing Things Down in East Village
Hi Megan,
I agree, befriending a local is a fabulous idea for all the reasons already mentioned and then some! A local can give you tips that can save you a lot of money, stress and headaches on your travels.
I agree! Locals are the best insight into a city/town.
Befriending is the best way to get freebies. Yepey!
Beth recently posted..digitale ontvanger
Yup! It certainly is sometimes.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..My 2013 New Year Resolutions