“Money has never made man happy, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness”: Benjamin Franklin. How true is this! This is true for life in general, and travelling in particular. Some of the most important aspects of travelling are “happiness”, “fulfilment” and “learning”. One can have all of these without spending much. However, one part of travelling needs some money- it’s the fun aspect; not all fun, but some of them. A lot of my friends ask me often about how to plan a budget trip without compromising the fun part. In this article, I am trying to answer this question on how to make your budget trip enjoyable.
Fortunately, most of the things that make one happy while travelling, are still free. One must keep their eyes open, and listen to the right people. Here are a few clues to start with.
{{Relevant further reading: Travel is the essence of life}}
This article for whom:
This article is not for vacationers; they usually don’t worry too much about budget. Similarly, this is not for the seasoned travelers; they already know where to save, and still enjoy their budget trip. This might be useful for those who travel a bit every now and then, and are looking for clues to cut down on their budgets without compromising on the experience/ fun. And, this is for domestic travelers in India only.
Starting notes:
- I don’t believe in absolute austerity or outright luxury; it’s all about striking a fine balance.
- There is no ‘one’ way of saving; it’s the awareness that helps. Saving coins here and there adds up to significant savings in the long run. It’s always good to make budget trip a habit rather than a special effort.
- It’s not required to save on all aspects of travel; but as much as possible. For example, one may be comfortable in a modest accommodation, but can not compromise on the transport option. The key is to see one’s own priorities.
- I don’t pretend that this is an absolutely comprehensive list. I am sharing tips for a budget trip from my experience only. Some of them can be subjective from my perception or way of life and thought.
- Done the right way, budget trips are enjoyable, and sustainable as well.
10 ideas on how to make your budget trip enjoyable
1. That mindset for a budget trip
It’s all in the mind. If you enjoy the mere act of ‘spending money’, or you like only expensive things, you can not enjoy budget trips. That mindset to enjoy small things while travelling, is key to your “happiness”. You have to see the subtle beautiful aspects in everything, and not seek the mundane material pleasure.
Small can also be beautiful. Take that leisurely stroll on the beach/ in the forest, eat some tasty street food, watch a sunset, observe a local market in action, take a beautiful picture or enjoy sitting by the lake/ river.
ENJOY THE SMALL THINGS. MAKE THE MOMENTS MEMORABLE.
Thus, make up your mind before travelling. The key is not to compare small things with big things, they are enjoyable in their own ways.
2. Planning for a budget trip: Research a bit
Travel Research was never easier before than it is now. Google is easy and fast. It gives us exactly what we are looking for. There are plethora of websites and blogs out there writing on all aspects of travel, including budgets and reviews. Spend a few hours on google, and you are set for a budget travel that is enjoyable without making a big hole in the pocket.
Just screen out the commercial sites from genuine informative sites before consuming the information. Otherwise, the research can go horribly wrong, and you might end up spending more rather than less. Don’t fall for appealing words or pictures only; they can be misleading. Rather, try to visualize what it might really mean for you.
Travel blogs are good for information about places of interest, experiences, and restaurants (commercial websites might be misleading). However, when it comes to information about prices of activities, etc, it’s better to check out the official/ business websites (travel blogs might give outdated information) directly.
3. Travel off-season
One of the best ways to save money is traveling off-season. I mean, if/ whenever possible. Yes, sometimes peak season is the best season to visit a place, or the only good time to visit a place. For example, to witness Kullu Dussehra, one has to go only during Dussehra! In that case, of course, one can’t help it. Otherwise, look for an alternate date.
Generally, we look for a time just before or after the peak tourist season. That way, we don’t miss out too much on the best-time vibes, and also save on the costs. This applies especially to popular tourist destinations like Goa, Manali or Kerala. They can be at least 50% cheaper during non-peak season.
For example, if you visit Goa in October, it’s just before the peak season of Nov-Feb. The weather would be similar to the peak season weather, but costs would be far less. Plus, less crowd means more peace, and hassle-free travel experience. A bike that costs Rs. 400/ day in non-peak season, would be Rs. 900/day in peak season! The same goes for all other costs like food, accommodation, activities, etc.
4. Booking in advance
It’s the most obvious one for executing your budget trip. Plan your trip in advance. Book the tickets and major activities you are interested in, in advance. You can save up to 20%. You don’t need to book everything; just the major expenditures like to-and-fro tickets, accommodations, and major activities.
Flight tickets are much costlier closer to the date of travel. If you are going to travel by train, it’s advisable to book the tickets well in advance even if you are not 100% sure of the trip. Because cancellation fees are not too much. If you keep it for too late, you may not get a ticket, and then will have to book flights.
5. Saving on the transport
Transport has the most number of methods of saving on a budget trip depending on one’s comfort requirement or convenience.
Reaching there:
- Flights during week-days can be 20% cheaper. It may not be possible always, but try to take at least one day before or after the weekend days.
- Take a night bus/ train whenever possible. It saves you a night’s accommodation cost.
- Booking on a particular site regularly might enable you to have offers, free flights and cash backs.
- Look for share-car options like Bla Bla car.
- Or, you may try zoom car (self-driven taxi) as an option if you like driving.
At the destination:
- While at the destination, walk around as much as possible. Again, if you are with elderlies or children, it may not be possible. But whenever you can, try to explore the place by foot. It not only saves money, it actually is the best way to explore a place and enjoying the finer details.
- I remember us enjoying a paddle rickshaw-ride in Mussoorie immensely. These are the little things that make travel beautiful.
- Look for free/ cheap walking tours. In many popular tourist destinations, there are travel agencies or/and local government departments offering free walking tours around major heritage/ cultural centers. They are not only free, but also are authentic.
Moving around the place:
Use public transport:
- This one is tricky. Though cheap, public transports in local areas take a lot of time, in waiting, transit, and changes, etc. So, one can opt for public transport only when time is not a concern. However, local shared taxis or jeeps are good options to go from point A to point B.
Taxi/ cab:
- If you have to book a taxi, go for Ola/ Uber rentals; they are invariably much cheaper than the local travel agencies.
- If there’s no such option available, look for hostel mates, or fellow travelers for sharing. Never shy of asking. You never know if someone else is also looking for the same. Moreover, you can have new travel-friends.
- Renting a bike is an amazing option. They are cost-effective, and give you a lot of freedom in exploring the places around.
- Try hitch-hiking if you are alone. It’s not always safe though; administer your judgement appropriately.
6. Saving on accommodation
This is a very subjective aspect- many factors like tariff, preferences, comfort level desired, health condition, activity plan for the trip, views, hygiene standards, proximity to important places, etc. affect one’s decision. Thus, I generally don’t suggest much on accommodation.
Home-stays/ hostels:
Personally speaking, the best places to live while traveling are home-stays and hostels. Apart from being cost-effective, hostels give you a platform to meet-and-greet fellow travelers, and learn from their experiences. More often than not, you make great travel friends as well. Home-stays give a nice experience of the way locals live, and a peek into their culture. If you haven’t tried one yet, go for one, and you might just love it.
Budget hotels:
If you don’t like these options, you may still choose a decent hotel as per your budget. These days there are many websites (like Trivago) offering comparison of tariffs for hotel rooms. You might get the benefit of a discount because of a promotional event on a particular site! So, it’s always a good idea to compare prices on different sites before booking.
Couch-surfing:
Another way of saving on accommodation, and also enjoy the local cultural experience is choosing couch-surfing. It’s not that popular in India yet, but definitely gaining momentum.
Exception:
You might like to stay in a great heritage hotel, even though it’s expensive for your budget. Staying there might be an experience in itself.
{{More relevant reading: How your lodging choice makes a difference}}
7. Saving on food on a budget trip
Like accommodation, food is a very personal matter, and depend on health standards one sets for self. However, there are a few pointers one can keep in mind to make one’s budget trip enjoyable.
- Eat where the locals eat; they are invariably light on the purse, and are true to the local tradition
- Look for authentic local cuisines. Ask the locals, trust them; and take their advice. I remember once having a traditional dish called “siddu” in the Great Himalayan National Park (picture below). In fact, we heard about it for the first time there only!
- Avoid the food that you can have in your own city any day
- Exception: It’s always nice to visit old restaurants/ cafes, whether modern or traditional, for that food experience, even if they are a little costly.
8. Don't shop too much
Shopping can drain your budget quickly. One leads to another, and soon you have a bag full of stuff, and a big whole in your purse. If you take a gift for one, you will soon feel like taking something for someone else! So, avoiding gift shopping is most advisable. However, I do collect souvenirs for memory, especially with a local flavor.
- Look for small souvenirs from authentic local sources, especially if made by local craftsmen (like the one below- Shilpgram in Udaipur)
- I look for post-cards, just for the memory, or future gifting purpose.
9. Spend on experiences only which you are interested in
I feel that fun and adventure activities are grossly over-priced at tourist destinations. So, please keep this in mind that not everything that is hyped up is meant for you. Choose your fun activities and adventures carefully, and cost-effectively; see if they are worth spending the buck. Don’t fall for the advertisements.
For example, paragliding is indeed a great experience, but if you have height sickness, there is no point in pushing yourself to have that adventure. No point proving unnecessarily “dar ke aage jeet hai” (it takes courage to win) all the time. Mind you, it’s a clever advertisement punchline by a soft-drink company to drink unhealthy soda+sugar!
So, choose authentic local experiences over commercial fun. I promise you will cherish this much after the trip is over. Avoid the activities that you can have anywhere you want; for example, visiting a fun-game center in the evening. Rather choose to spend some time with a local musician. I have fond memories of such experiences, especially a particular occasion in the deserts of Jaisalmer.
10. Use social media smartly
Use of social-networks smartly to connect with local friends or fellow travelers is a great idea. I have enjoyed the company of good friends at a destination many a times. And I also give company to friends from social-networks when they visit my city.
It helps us make new friends and saves costs as well because they will tell you the most cost-effective ways to enjoy at their destinations. Sometimes, they may offer you their places to stay or have food with them. Besides, they will give you the most authentic information about their places.
Miscellaneous:
- Pack smart: While packing less is important, packing smart is equally important. It’s good to visualize the important things that you might require frequently, and carry them. Otherwise, buying them means unnecessary costs.
- Don’t forget to take those lovely pictures! Absolutely free! Take great photographs. Learn a bit of photography, I mean the basics. You will remember the places, moments and experiences vividly through your photos. Selfies are not the best way! Spend some time and develop the interest.
You don’t need to be a great photographer to take good pictures. Capture the moments well, and share with your friends, and re-live them long after the trip is over. A good photograph is like a good wine; their value increases with time! Pictures don’t cost anything; so, make your budget trip memorable with a simple click.
A concluding note on how to make your budget trip enjoyable
I feel that money is a necessary condition for happiness, but not a sufficient condition. In other words, it’s an enabler. No amount of money can ever guarantee happiness. It’s the attitude and mindset that determine happiness.
A frequent traveler can hardly afford not to be mindful of costs. Nor does a true traveler need too much money to have that fulfilment from travel.
If you liked (and if you disagree too) these tips on budget trips, please write to me. And if you have better ideas, also share with me; I would like to incorporate in my habits.
Rini Macwan
I will save this Information for future reference
stampedmoments
We are so happy to know this!
Thanks a lot for the feedback; keep connected.
Soumen Chatterjee
It’s an excellent information for a person like me who look for budget trips
stampedmoments
We hope this was useful for you.
Please share your own experience of budget travelling with us.
Thanks!
Jayvanti Einjen
V.nice pics and information
stampedmoments
Thank you so much!
Sarita Rout
Perfect ideas for budget trips. Very helpful. And I love the cover picture as well 🙂
stampedmoments
Yeah, budget trips can be enjoyable, if planned properly.