
You want to travel solo, but you are worried about being lonely. Sure, you can book an all-inclusive beach resort and throw your phone away, but what’s the point of leaving on a vacation and getting to encounter the same people, lifestyles, and culture, at high-end hotels. That’s what you wanted to escape from in the first-place—the sameness of it all, right?
But how do you travel solo, see the world the way you like, and have a raw adventure of sorts, if you are not willing to squander a fortune?
When it comes to traveling, there are many ways you can about it. You can join tour groups, use public transportation, or even just take your own car and a map to guide you. However, what do you do if you want to travel solo?
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to drag your tired old bones to beds in dingy hotel rooms. You can live well and eat fine food, while solo traveling, and it doesn’t have to mean you worry about the expenses.
If you are planning a solo traveling trip and you don’t want to break the bank in the process, go through the following money-saving tips that will help you improve your travel plans for the future.
Travel in the out season
If you’re willing to travel outside of what is considered peak season, you can enjoy a luxurious getaway for less. For example, you can save more than 50 percent by going to Asia in spring instead of in fall when it is flooded with tourists, according to the flight-booking app, Hopper.
If you want to go even farther off the beaten path, try visiting a place during the low season. For example, while many people visit Canada in the summers or winters, early spring is a great time to go there if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and also save money in the process.
Consider an all-inclusive resort, like the luxury cabin rentals Smoky Mountains or cruises where the cost of your food and drink are included in what you pay upfront.
There are plenty of ways you can have a luxurious vacation without going broke. The trick is to know what you are looking for — and where to look for it.
Book early to get deals on flights and room bookings
If you know where you want to go and book ahead of time, you can take advantage of the great deals on airfare by booking months in advance. The same goes for accommodations — if you plan to stay in an Airbnb, book early to get a room in your desired location.
One of the best ways to get the best bang for your buck is to book your trip well in advance. You won’t have the luxury of tinkering with a flexible schedule, but if you’re looking for a good deal, this is it. Flights get costlier as the date of departure draws nearer. You can also save big by booking your hotel room early, too.
Take advantage of travel rewards credit cards
Many credit cards offer points that can be used toward travel-related expenses, such as flights and rental cars. By using one of these cards year-round and paying off the balance every month, you can save money when it comes time to taking the trip.
You can also join a rewards program. If something is going to cost money anyway, why not earn something for it? Many airlines have frequent flier programs that reward passengers with free flights or upgrades after a certain number of miles flown. Some hotel chains offer points toward free rooms when you stay with them, and some credit cards give travel points as rewards for purchases made on the card.
Try public transportation
Some cities are very car-friendly, while others are designed for public transit or walking. If you’re traveling somewhere like New York City or Chicago, public transit is more efficient than self-driving anyway — and it’s much less expensive than renting a car or using ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft everywhere you go.
Consider an all-inclusive resort or cruise
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to pay a hefty bill after your trip has ended because you didn’t budget wisely enough for the food, drinks, and other expenses in advance. However, you can substantially lower your expenses by choosing an all-inclusive resort or cruise line for your vacation.
Enjoying a good, affordable trip is all about being in the right place at the right time. Here are three of the best cities to visit solo if you’re looking for a great time at a decent price:
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the cheapest places to visit. It has a wide variety of cheap lodgings and hotels, and you can have a meal for as little as $2 if you know where to go. Don’t forget to try Thai iced tea (cha yen) while you’re there.
2. Mexico City, Mexico
It’s not surprising that Mexico City makes the list. It has great architecture, beautiful art museums, and some of the world’s best cuisine (and affordable, too.) If you like to experience a bit of history and culture, this city is perfect for you.
3. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles may be in America, but for travelers on a budget, it has a lot to offer. The Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach are both free to visit, and there are tons of other great spots nearby. You can even go on a celebrity-spotting tour — it won’t cost much more than a day at the Disneyland.
Conclusion
Ultimately, with a bit of careful planning and creativity, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. You can have an awesome trip without having to spend a lot of money. For your next trip, keep the above-mentioned ideas in mind, so you can have a luxurious vacation on a budget.
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