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Over the past two years, travel has steadily risen to the top of people’s to-do lists. And that’s no surprise. After all, the “revenge travel” period following the pandemic-imposed travel restrictions was a natural reaction to most of the world being holed up in their apartments for almost two years. And not many people were surprised when travel from America to Europe increased by 600% in mid-2022.
But the thing is, most people’s wanderlust hasn’t been satisfied. Recent survey data shows that as many as 49% of Americans plan to travel more in 2023. Yet, due to current inflation rates, this could be easier said than done.
So, does that mean those working with limited funds will have to stay home this year? Absolutely not. You can travel on a budget! In fact, there are lots of great ways to satisfy your wanderlust on a budget. Here’s how.
Familiarize Yourself with Money-Saving Tools and Techniques
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about travel is that it needs to be expensive to be enjoyable. And that’s just not the case.Â
Not only is there a strong case for traveling on a budget — like genuinely getting to know a place instead of staying at a generic resort. But most people don’t understand that travel prices tend to rise exponentially based on seasonality.Â
Sure, you could pay north of $100 per person per night for a mediocre bed and breakfast in Croatia in July. However, you could stay at the same place (or even a nicer one) for a quarter of that sum in September, when the weather is milder and the tourists aren’t that numerous.
Similarly, learning how to use tools like Google Flights to book cheap airfare could save you a ton of money, giving you the opportunity to visit far-off destinations — even on a tight budget.
Consider a Workcation
One of the most commonly overlooked facts about traveling is that people think they need a lot of vacation time to be able to travel. And, sure, completely immersing yourself in a city is better when you don’t have to attend online meetings at 3 a.m.
But here’s the thing: if your current workplace allows flexibility, you could make travel a part of your day-to-day reality.
For instance, renting a cute little apartment in a nice neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro could be cheaper than what you’re paying at home. Moreover, some destinations like Portugal, Thailand, and Spain have a relatively low cost of living, meaning that you could potentially spend a few months in these destinations, allowing you to explore at a slow pace while still getting all your work done.
Of course, the thing with workcations is that they’re not for everyone. If you’re easily distracted, you might find the excitement of being in a new place too much to handle. Nonetheless, if your life goals include traveling the world, then some form of digital nomadism might be a good thing to try. Just so you can see whether it could be the key to satisfying your wanderlust.
Keep an Open Mind
Lastly, when you dream of traveling but have to work with a tight budget, the best thing you can do is keep an open mind.
Sure, a fortnight at a fancy hotel in the Seychelles may not be accessible right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. You could visit a dozen equally beautiful destinations for far less money and have the time of your life.
By being flexible with where you go, when you visit, how you get there, and where you stay, you can see a great deal of the world without breaking the bank. Moreover, remember that you don’t have to travel far to see something new. Chances are, there are a dozen or more places that are a short drive from your home, which could be the perfect getaway for the weekend.Â
So, don’t hesitate to check out the nearest national park or visit a nearby city for a short break, as these travel experiences are just as likely to recharge your batteries as a week in Italy or a beach holiday.
In Closing
There you have it, the three main rules of satisfying your wanderlust on a budget. As you can see, exploring the world doesn’t necessarily depend on your financial status — as long as you can be open-minded. So don’t hesitate to explore alternative ways to travel, especially if it’s something that makes you feel good.
This guest post was authored by Sara Kaminski
Sarah Kaminski is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
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