Story of My Life - Budget Traveling

Traveling for a long duration of time can be quite expensive or that's what you may think. There are a few alternatives to hotels and tour arrangements that will help your wallet when you're traveling on a budget.  For starters, the best way for anyone to save on accommodation is to utilize Couchsurfing. It is a "free" system where people allow you to sleep on their couch (or if you're lucky enough an extra room) for the night you're in town. The experience differs from person to person, place to place. But for one, you'll meet tons of amazing people, if you are smart about the hosts. Couchsurfing is not the safest alternative for both the couchsurfer and host. There is a lot on the line and it is a system based on trust. Second, they know the area and most are willing to show you around and give you a tour from the locals perspective. For many places, this is important so you can dodge the tourist traps. One of my favorite things is sharing meals with hosts who knows where and what all the food foods are. Just be mindful and respectful of your host, Couchsurfing is not made for travelers to abuse the hosts who offer a home. Some hosts have more than one surfer at a time which allows you to explore with another person and share even more stories.

The other option is to go with Air B n B where you can rent a room or share a sleeping space with the locals. As an important travel tip to those who are traveling in big groups or with a family, going for a place through Air B n B is recommended with the amount of money you can save for a larger space. Most places are fully furnished which allows for you to cook your own meals and do laundry if needed. Depending on the space, it differs from host to host, but at the very minimum the privacy is respected and this is definitely more reliable than Couchsurfing because there is money on the line. Hosts build their rental space and page through the recommendations of those who stay which promotes a safer and cleaner environment. It is also less likely for a host to cancel on you which occasionally happens though Couchsurfing and requires you to stir for a new space at the very last minute. 

If you're not comfortable with sharing a space in a stranger's home, budget traveling can be done by staying at hostels and renting a bed for a few nights. With all sorts of dormitory setting, girls can go with the all female dormitory to play it safe but the cost is a little higher than the mixed dormitories. Staying at a mixed hostel dormitory room once, it was actually not bad at all. Most travelers are friendly and would like to hang out and do things with you! but you'll have a few long term hostel renters that just want to keep to themselves. Don't be deterred by this because the staff is usually extremely friendly in providing information and there is always a lounge area that allows for you to converse with other travelers. Some opt out to have a more personal space by paying for a private room, but this does not mean they aren't lonely. Getting a private room in a hostel is always a cheaper alternative than to a hotel room, so don't forget about that option. With the price though, comes the lack of hotel service that you would normally get. 

In addition to accommodation, finding things to do by dodging the tour groups is through a lot of research (maybe not so much). Utilizing the tourist information helps with planning day to day activities as well as finding special activities the town has to offer. Doing your research before visiting a specific location is another way to travel on a budget. This is probably the better option because utilizing websites like Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet allows you to receive extremely informative travel tips and even an estimation of travel costs. You'd be surprised at how much you can save on not only money, but time as well. Doing your research online also allows you to plan your time accordingly. Because there can be so much or so little to do, planning day of can be difficult. 

You may also find that there are free tours offered in certain cities. This is flexible for those on a budget since tour guides do not ask for a fee, but getting the a coffee or small meal is recommended if you're on a walking tour. For those who have to travel with use of public transportation or into tourist areas that require tickets, it is almost mandatory for you to pay for their ticket. Still, you're saving on the extra fees and tips with paid tours and practically doing the same exact thing. 

Should you need to book anything else which includes activities or travel options, remember to get a quote online before going with a travel agent or even the concierge of your hotel and hostel. For many companies, they will match the lowest cost you have found online in order to maintain business. Another recommendation is to stay away from hostel-hotel concierge and travel agencies on main streets. The reason for this is their convenience may come at a price. Walking into smaller companies and those that are further out allows for you to save on money and many of the time, it is the same tour company at your local concierge. 

As a last tip, just remember to give yourself a budget and travel the way locals do. You'll be surprised at how much more money you save if you plan ahead. Always ask around for recommendations, people do not bite and no, you don't look stupid doing so.