When you’re on a budget, it’s hard to get to do things you enjoy. You’re putting most of your money toward essential purchases like groceries, your gas tank and bills, and a budget means that after you pay for all of those things, you don’t have much money left. While people are going out to the movies and taking road trips, you’re back at home wishing that you could know when you’ll be able to do the same thing.
Wish no more! It’s completely possible to travel while you’re on a budget. If you make some adjustments to save even just a few dollars a month for a vacation, you’ll be on your way out of town before you know it.
First, think of what you’d want to get out of a trip. Do you want time to enjoy the sunshine or would you rather be able to play around in the snow? Does getting lost in a big crowd sound great or do you want time alone?
No matter what you prefer to get out of a vacation, you can reach your traveling dreams while budgeting your way through each month. It just takes a small adjustment to where your money goes and a bit of research to find some of the best places to visit while on a budget. Here are four of those places.
1. Spain
Spain is one of the best places to visit if you don’t have a lot of cash. Plenty of places allow self-guided walking tours for free, and you can see almost any museum without being charged for a ticket.
Meals also work differently, so if you go out and get a drink, certain places will increase the portion size of the food you order with each drink you have. Bottoms up to a good night and free food! Budget enough for the plane tickets and what you’ll need after reading up on some good tips.
2. Laos
If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in a totally new culture, Laos would be the best budget trip for you. You can float down the Nam Song river in an inner tube, explor local bars or even rent a motorbike and see the countryside. The exchange rate is so high that you can get a bungalow for $2 a night and meals for around that same price.
Just focus on saving for your dream destination. The only big purchase you’ll have to make is that plane ticket.
3. Belize
Belize is a paradise that’s a little closer to home, being on the southeast border of Mexico. It’s got the white sand and clear ocean water that makes everyone want to drop what they’re doing and jump in the waves.
You can lay out on your favorite secluded beach spot or explore Mayan ruins for cheap. Food can cost as little as 50 cents, and hotels range from $15-25 per night. Prepare to save around $1,000 for round-trip flights and a little extra for costs while you’re there.
4. Wales
Everyone wants to see the English countryside, which you can still do even if you don’t have a lot to spend. Once you get there, you’ll only need a couple of hundred bucks if you want to stay for a week.
The food is cheap, and lodging is too, plus you can go on a seemingly endless amount of free castle tours. The best way to save money while you’re there? Start a conversation with the locals to find out what inexpensive destinations you really should see before you head home.
If you put even a couple dollars each month toward a future trip, you can visit gorgeous locations like Belize and Laos. The memories you make and the pictures you post will be way cooler and less expensive than any theme park your friends get to go to.
Living on a budget can be difficult, especially since it limits how much money you can spend doing things that are fun. Don’t let yourself get down when your friends start going on vacations this summer. Take one of your own!
About the Author:
Matthews is a productivity and life-improvement writer who loves working remotely from her Pittsburgh, PA home. To read more posts by Kayla, subscribe to her blog, ProductivityTheory.com.
I heard a lot of good things about Laos, their rich culture and of course the budget for travelling, I’m also considering Spain but I guess i need work on my budget. Can I ask when is the best time to travel to Laos?