The best way to escape a hectic and stressful life is to plan a trip. It gives you the opportunity to visit new destinations, learn about new cultures, taste new foods, and much more. However, most people do not plan a budget for their trips and end up spending a lot of money.
Doing research and following some habits can save you money on a foreign or domestic trip. For instance, if you wish to go on an international holiday but want to remain within your budget, you can consider visiting visa-free countries for Indians. Keep reading for more such useful tips!
Top 10 Tips for Indians to Travel on a Budget
There are many ways to save money while travelling within or outside the country. However, the following 10 tips can help you travel within your budget:
1. Avoid Travelling in Peak Seasons
As per the Indian Tourism Statistics Report 2022, 14.7% of Indian tourists travelled to Thailand in December and 15.8% to the UK in September. However, these months are not the best time to visit the locations. Visiting a tourist spot during the off-season helps you avoid the rush and saves on your travelling costs.
The crowd is smaller during the off-season so that you can get accommodations at cheaper rates than during peak seasons. Moreover, flight fares are affordable during the off-season, offering you the best deals. Lastly, the local sellers may not stick to the fixed price due to fewer tourists, and you can bargain while buying local commodities.
2. Choose a Budget-friendly Accommodation
Most of your travelling funds are spent on the accommodation you choose while on vacation. Thus, you can select cheaper accommodations like hostels and homestays if you want to travel on a budget. These places allow you to stay comfortably without spending more. Hotels with basic amenities also charge affordable rates, so you can choose them to save on travel costs.
3. Plan Early
When you plan for a trip early and use travel credit cards, you can save a decent amount on your vacation cost. A travel card with sufficient balance allows you to avail air tickets or accommodation at low prices.
Planning your trip early also helps you enjoy a budget-friendly travelling experience as you get discounts while booking the tickets and accommodation. In most cases, booking hotels and travel tickets at the last minute involves extra charges. So, avoiding last-minute bookings and opting for early planning is better.
4. Save Money on Food
Exploring local cuisine is an exciting part of travelling, but it can drain your money if you dine out every day. So, you can cook your food to save on travelling costs. Homestays, guest houses, and hostels often provide you with kitchen facilities to prepare your food. You can utilise this feature to save more money.
Besides, you can also eat at places where the local people eat instead of trying out posh restaurants or eateries. This will help you save money and also allow you to taste the local cuisine.
5. Choose Visa-Free Countries to Travel
Another good way to stay on budget while travelling is to choose an affordable spot. If you are travelling within the country, you can easily research budget-friendly travel destinations and make your plan accordingly.
However, if you plan to visit a foreign destination, you can choose from the visa-free countries for Indians. These are places where Indian passport holders can travel without a travel visa and save the expenses of applying for a tourist visa. Some of these countries are Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mauritius, Bhutan, etc.
6. Go for Couchsurfing
Couch surfing is another way you can save money while travelling to a new country. It is a way to stay with a friendly stranger and save on the accommodation cost. Moreover, they can be your local tourist guide free of cost. It is more like staying at your friend’s home and exploring his/her home city.
This way, you can share your interests, learn about others, and bond while travelling. However, while choosing one, you must thoroughly research to check if the person is reliable.
7. Get a Travel Insurance
When travelling to a new location, your expenses can increase if you have any medical emergencies. Having travel insurance in such situations will help cover your healthcare costs. You can buy travel insurance online and stay protected against health-related emergencies.
Not only that, but it also covers you in the event of passport loss, ticket cancellations, loss of luggage, etc.
8. Booking in Advance for Discounts
Reserving hotels or accommodations beforehand offers numerous benefits for travellers. By securing early-bird discounts, tourists can save money while ensuring access to preferred rooms and special offers.
Flexible cancellation policies allow for easy modifications without hefty fees, which is particularly advantageous during peak travel seasons when accommodations fill up quickly. Early bookings also aid in budget management, helping travellers avoid last-minute price hikes. Overall, planning reduces stress and allows travellers to focus on enjoying their trip.
9. Use Currency Exchange and Optimise Payments
Optimising currency exchange and payments can help you save on travel costs. Using multi-currency forex cards provides competitive exchange rates and avoids conversion charges. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and rewards points for flights or hotels are beneficial.
Embrace digital payment methods like mobile wallets, which offer competitive rates and convenience. These strategies provide better control over expenses, reduce fees, and offer rewards, ultimately lowering travel costs.
10. Use Public Transport
Public transportation is a crucial and cost-effective option for travellers, offering an affordable way to navigate cities. It provides extensive connectivity, allowing easy access to various destinations while immersing travellers in local culture. Utilising public transport can significantly reduce travel expenses compared to taxis or rideshares.
However, it’s essential to remain vigilant, as crowded areas can attract pickpockets. Keeping belongings secure and being aware of one’s surroundings enhances safety while enjoying the benefits of this economical travel mode.
Thus, following some easy tips can help you experience an exciting trip within your budget. Don’t forget travel insurance, which can safeguard you in a distant land. You can conveniently buy travel insurance online, whether you are making a foreign trip or a local one, to ensure a seamless travel experience.