10 Tips for Mid-Budget Travellers
When the travel bug bites, there’s nothing we can do to stop it. We all know that travelling isn’t exactly cheap, but if you’re hoping to travel more, stretching your budget is key! Don’t think that budget travel means missing out — these are my favourite tricks for saving money without skimping on experience.
Sign up for free walking tours in the city you’re exploring.
It’s a great way to see a lot of the must-see spots, and often the guide has a few local favourites to share. Remember to bring some cash along to tip your guide because though they’re “free” they are “tip-based” meaning, the guides make nothing if they aren’t being tipped.
Pack light!
I know if you’ve never travelled without a checked bag, it probably seems impossible. But if you really try, you’d be surprised how much can fit in a carry-on, saving you up to $100 (CAD) per bag! Even moving abroad for a year I managed to only bring one checked bag, so I promise you it is possible.
Track flights and book when prices are low.
Use a flight scanner – Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner are some of my favourites. Enter the destination and days you’re looking at (even better if your dates are flexible) and turn notifications on. Then sit back and relax until the price-drop notification comes through.
Sign up for loyalty programs.
Whether it’s becoming a Genius Member on Booking.com, signing up for the local gas station rewards card while on a road trip, or saying “yes” to the loyalty card at the grocery store, these discounts add up. They’re so worth the 5 minutes of effort to register.
Take public transport or walk when you can.
Sure, Uber and taxis are convenient, but when you add them all up, they can be so expensive. Do a quick search on transfers from the airport before you land. Google “how to take public transport in Paris.” And look into day/multi-day passes if you’re planning to see a lot of the city.
Grocery stores are your friend.
I love eating out while I travel, but the reality of it is, you don’t need to eat three meals a day at a sit-down restaurant. In town for 3 nights? Do two dinners out, grab your lunches at a hot food counter, and keep some light food for breakfast at the hotel or apartment. Remember, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing kind of thing — this is how you make your budget work while still indulging in that one meal you’re dying to try!
Get an e-SIM instead of using your home country’s roaming plan.
I know it’s convenient, and they make it seem like a great deal. Honestly, more often than not, you end up paying way more than you ever would with a travel e-SIM, especially on long-term trips. But if you’re only spending a couple of days abroad, the convenience of using your regular plan might be worth the fees!
Pack a water bottle.
A lot of countries have clean drinking water available from the tap. You will save so much if you don’t have to buy a bottle of water every time you sit down at a restaurant. Depending on the country, half the time they’re selling you bottled tap water anyway!
Locate free toilets in the city you’re visiting.
If you’re like me, your bladder will demand to be emptied at least once during a day of exploring. Rather than buying a drink (which will only make you need a toilet again later), locate publicly accessible washrooms. I find the best places are in malls/shopping centres and museum lobbies.
Do some light research before you land.
I hate being tied down with a strict itinerary, but finding free activities and discounted prices only happens when you have time to plan. The balance between spontaneity and planning is where the magic happens.
