Budget travel websites, magazines, and newspaper articles make big promises they rarely can keep. Sure you can travel throughout South Asia on $10 a day—if you stay in Spartan guesthouses and subsist on rice. Europe on $100 a day requires staying in youth hostels during the off-off-season, and becoming comfortable with being hungry.
Travel bargains for bona fide adults are out there. You just need to know where to find them.
One key to nabbing the best rates is flexibility. That’s where older adults who are retired and freelance writers have an advantage over younger travelers. Last minute travel deals tend to be the best bargains. But even if you need to plan your trip weeks or months in advance, being flexible on the exact dates will help.
Follow these tips for stretching travel dollars:
Airfare—Researching cheap airfare can become a full-time job. Airfares, even when purchased through consolidators, can vary dramatically based on time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day. Airports within a 50-mile radius of each other can feature significantly different prices for flights to the same destinations. You can comparison shop fares by date on Momondo.com. When you type in your city of departure, destination, and travel dates, Momondo displays a graph that allows you to see if you can save money by traveling a day or two—or a week or two—earlier or later.
Accommodations—Staying in hotels is expensive, and means you’ll be eating most of your meals in restaurants. In many destinations, you’ll also pay additional taxes and fees. You may be able to save money by renting an apartment or home from its owner. You’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience of a home, save money on food, and perhaps have access to a vehicle as part of your agreement. If you’re traveling with children or pets, a home vacation rental can make traveling smoother. Numerous websites connect vacationers with homeowners throughout the world. Try VacationRentals.com.
Dining—Make eating out a treat, rather than a routine, while traveling. You’ll save money if you choose restaurant dining for a hearty breakfast or lunch, and keep dinner light. Pack your own food for planes, trains, and long drives. Buy large bottled water; skip cocktails.
Get advice—TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor.com) publishes reviews of hotels, restaurants, attractions, services, transportation, and more by other travelers. It is an unbiased source for practical information.
Don’t plan everything in advance—If your idea of the perfect trip involves backpacking in the Andes or Himalayas, hiring a local guide may help make the journey more authentic and affordable than hiring a U.S.-based outfitter.
Budget for the occasional bump in the road—Create a travel spending plan and stick to it. Remember to allot a certain amount for unforeseen expenses—an impulse purchase, being ripped off by an unscrupulous taxi driver.
The Internet has made the world much smaller and much less intimidating to travel. With Skype, cell phones with international calling plans and texting, you can stay connected to home even when you are abroad. You don’t have to be a 20-something recent college graduate to get out and see the world on a shoestring budget.
Timely for me. Yes, I can travel comfortably without my little house on wheels. Thanks. Good tips!