Are you putting off your travel-dreams thanks to a tight, shoe-string budget?
Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage~ Paulo Coelho
If you are living on a budget, as most people are, it is possible to feel like travel is a luxury that you can’t possibly afford.
But…what if I told you that itโs possible to travel on your budget, without breaking the Bank or winning the lottery (Sport-Pesa)? ๐
If you’ve been postponing your dreams of travel, for โsomedayโ, then stick around! This is definitely for you! ๐
5 Ways to Fit Your Travel Dreams to Life on a Budget!
1. Plan Ahead & Start Saving
Are you the person who waits until the December holidays to check out travel, and hotel costs’โฆ? Perhaps the numbers you see break your heart, in seven different places, and you conclude that traveling is too expensive…
Do something today, that your future self will thank you for~Anonymous
Well, many of us fail to live out our dreams of travel, because we fail to plan ahead.ย Most holiday destinationsโ prices can be daunting, particularly over the peak seasons…
But, there is a way around all the holiday madness…and the first step is ‘Planning Ahead’! ๐
Did you know?? >Most hotels and airlines give major deals during the low seasons?
Tips:
- Book your travel tickets early. If traveling by plane, book your tickets months in advance. You can save up to 50% off ticket prices.
- Plan to get your leave from work in advance. It would hurt to miss your holiday bookings, because you couldn’t get off work.
- Create an itinerary of the places you intend to visit beforehand. This will help to manage costs.
- Most importantly>> Start saving as early as today! Piggy banks are not for kids only! ๐ Put away a set amount of money monthly, and you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes!
- Be an early bird! You are more likely to get better rates if you travel at the start of the holiday season, than if you set your dates at the heart of the holiday, like over Christmas.
2. It’s All About… Discounts, Discounts, Discounts!!
Who doesn’t love a good, real discount? A perfect discount is the one that you know about!
Did You Know?? You can now make up to Kshs. 300,000 in savings with DisCoucher?
What is it you ask? ๐ I discovered the DisCoucher book thanks to my friend Grace Njeri, of The Blendie.
The word ‘Discoucher’ is like music to my ears! It’s derived from two lovely words-Discounts and Voucher! Again, who doesnโt love a good discount? And by a show of hands, letโs see how many people like vouchers? Just kidding, donโt put up your hands, but if you didโฆI love you for it! ๐ ๐
Discoucher is Kenya’s first ever book of discounts! Yippee! ๐ It is a book compilation of restaurants, hotels, spas, businesses with discounts tailored just for you!
With Discoucher, you gain access to numerous travel opportunities, plus deals upon deals that you can take advantage of.
Tip: Always Look out for other discount offerings on Social Media, travel agency websites…you might stumble upon an excellent discount deal!
UPDATE: I would suggest reaching out to DisCoucher on Instagram to inquire whether the book is still in publication.
3. Find Budget-Friendly Hotels
I have come to learn that wherever you travel, there is possibly a more affordable option.
Do your research in advance… Such places may not be widely outspoken on adverts, or at the top of your Google Search. Speak to friends, or locals as they are likely to have some ideas. Are there cheaper options in the area, as opposed to a 5-Star hotel?
Places like Masai Eco Lodge are fashioned for the budget traveler.
Are there Self-Catering lodges? In most Kenyan National Parks for instance, you will find self-catering lodges. These are usually much more affordable, and will provide you with basics, as you bring your own food.
Did You Know?? The first ever ‘Limited-Service Concept’ hotel recently launched in Kenya… Tune Hotel operates on a โPay for what you useโ concept- literally! I will be reviewing Tune Hotel in the near future, look out for the post! ๐ ๐
4. Get Creative
Let’s face it, living on a budget is tough, and travel can feel like a luxury. Well, this is why creativity is key… in other words, break all the rules!! ๐
Who says you have to stay at a hotel when you travel? It might be the most comfortable option, but it is certainly not the only option. ๐
How about camping instead? This is not nearly as expensive as checking into a hotel, and it certainly provides a bonding experience for friends and family.
Do you have friends and families who reside in the cities or towns you wish to travel to? Consider staying with family/friends, and allocating your budget to exploring instead.
How about going on a road-trip, as opposed to flying or taking the bus?
Did You Know?? One of the most affordable accommodation options recently made its debut in Kenya… Airbnb, which refers to Air, Bed and Breakfast, is a concept where people put up their houses online for travelers, as vacation rentals, on daily,monthly or seasonal basis.
Airbnb is a great alternative to staying at hotels. It is also international, with hosts in over 191 countries. This is a good option for large families, as you would not have to incur individualย hotel-room costs. It is also more private, and homely.
Tip: Be sure to read the hosts’ airbnb reviews, to find out about issues to do with security, location, costs etc.
5. Travel Local
To many of us, the word ‘travel’ invokes ideas of going to farawayย ย places… And with such thoughts often comes the idea of ridiculous expenses.
However, the truth is that you do not always need to go faraway, to travel. Remember the post on Kinangop? Some of my readers were surprised to learn that there are such amazing destinations, right at their fingertips….
Get curious about where you live… Explore your environment, and you might just find that you are sitting on a goldmine! Well, travel-speaking!
Is there a new cafรฉ you can try out? Have you been to a Park near you?
As you become more curious, you may discover local travel opportunities that fit right into your budget! You will not only be happier, but our local tourism industry will thank you for it! ๐
ย Did you know??ย Most Kenyan Hotels at the Coast close entirely during the low season-months? Be the reason that our local businesses stay open! >> Start Saving Today and Travel Local.
Donโt give up on your dreams of travel just yetโฆ It can be done, and it is possible! I certainly donโt have it all figured out yet, but I intend to keep going, one destination at a time. ๐
Will you join me? What tips would you add to this list? I look forward to your feedback and comments below. ๐
Stay Inspired> Always.
P.S. Never miss a Post! Subscribe to my blog, on the left>>
25 Comments
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Carole
October 23, 2016 at 4:09 pmI totally loved my snorkeling experience at wasini and I’d absolutely do it again… it was so magical! I also didnt have an umderwater camera…
Watamu is now on my “next on the list” as I check out everything else. Thanks Marion
#going everywhere
#doing everything
Scrapbook Journeys
October 27, 2016 at 1:59 pmWhoa! It’s comments like yours that make this all the more worth it!!! I know you will love Watamu 100% Now I am now tempted to look up Wasini and plan a trip there some time! Yes that’s the spirit>> #goingeverywhere #doingeverything Keep On Carole! Thanks for reading!
Patricia
October 19, 2016 at 9:32 amThanx a lot for the travel tips and really opening my mind on saving for a holiday the biggest mistake I make is not planning early I’m learning a lot from this blog thanx again
@Claude I totally agree with you
Scrapbook Journeys
October 22, 2016 at 10:02 amKaribu sana! Yes, indeed that’s the beauty of life… We are ever learning, so it’s never too late to start saving up for that next holiday. I know you love to travel, so this will come in handy ๐ Thanks dear!
Erin
October 16, 2016 at 4:25 amGreat read! So many people think travel has to mean an airplane and some far away destination, but there are a bunch of awesome places to explore locally! ๐
Scrapbook Journeys
October 18, 2016 at 7:44 amThank you Erin for reading, and for the comment ๐ True, I also get super surprised at how much we have going on locally!:D I hope we can change the mindsets, one destination at a time ๐
KC
October 15, 2016 at 12:44 pmMany of the reasons why people perceive travel is expensive is either because of of lack or research and/or planning. Thank you for sharing these great tips, I’m sure they will come in handy for many.
Scrapbook Journeys
October 18, 2016 at 7:47 amHi KC! I couldn’t agree more! ๐ Perhaps we are walking into a future, where travel is perceived in a whole different light ๐ …though it will take some work on our part to show just how achievable it is. Thanks for reading, I appreciate it tonnes! ๐
Claude
October 15, 2016 at 10:40 amThank you so much Marion .Awrsome read. We get to gain all the inside tips from a well experienced traveller as you are. In between I truly beleive Kenya Tourism Authority should recognize the tremendous dedication you putting into making us all discover those magic exciting places in Kenya. and by the same token Inspiring us at one point to go and visit them all..
Keep up the good job..
Until the next post stay well..
Scrapbook Journeys
October 18, 2016 at 7:50 amHello Claude, I am humbled by your positive feedback-thank you ๐
To have inspired the desire to visit our Kenyan destinations, is indeed the best achievement of all-and for that I am grateful! ๐ Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment-truly appreciated! Karibu Kenya ๐
Stom al-Madusi
October 14, 2016 at 7:02 pmLovely.
This post (and site in its entirety) is always helpful in opening up my mind to the beauty of my land Kenya.
I have been waiting on these tips
Scrapbook Journeys
October 18, 2016 at 7:53 amYay! Thank you Stom! Nice,I am glad you find the post and blog helpful, that is super exciting on my part! I just had a thought!>> I sure hope we will see more pieces about Magical Kenya, as we inspire change from every front… Give it a thought! ๐
style struck
October 14, 2016 at 11:01 amGreat information especially for those of us who love traveling but have strained resources lol. guess ill get myself a piggy bank in that case.
Scrapbook Journeys
October 18, 2016 at 7:55 amHehe ๐ Yes, it is never ever too late to start on a piggy bank! ๐ I look forward to hearing about your future travel escapades! If not taking them together! ๐ ๐ Thanks for reading dear ๐
Nesh
October 13, 2016 at 6:56 pmThanks for the post, this means I have no reason to miss out to go on holiday any time of the year going the tips given above are so much on point.
Tip: plan as friends and family to save on cost and widen ideas that you get to visit, numbers works wonders.
Scrapbook Journeys
October 14, 2016 at 10:26 amWow, thanks for that tip! I agree, nearly all travel operators have group discounts! And YES to more holidays and trips, with good planning! I appreciate the read, as always-thank you ๐
Muthoni
October 13, 2016 at 6:46 pmSoo true.. Travelling is very affordable when properly planned.. Nice article marion.. I agree with you 200%
Scrapbook Journeys
October 14, 2016 at 10:25 amThanks Muthoni ๐ Yes, I do hope we can change the mindset around travel…and realize it is well within our reach, with proper planning. Thanks for reading! 200% Nice! ๐
Eve
October 13, 2016 at 5:38 pmVery educational!
Interesting new concepts in travel i didnt know about,
thank you!
Scrapbook Journeys
October 14, 2016 at 10:23 amThanks Eve for reading! I am happy to share ๐
Oliver
October 13, 2016 at 4:56 pmGreat article!! Now i feel like a holiday..
I too have one more tip you can consider while planing a holiday. Flights have seasonal charges and there are days that are cheaper to travel than others. Tuesdays & Wednesdays are in most cased cheaper than all the others. Its all about numbers
Scrapbook Journeys
October 18, 2016 at 7:57 amYess! To that holiday!! ๐ And wow, thank you for that valuable tip! I will be sure to keep that in mind, for future travel, and a future tips’ post ๐ Many thanks Oliver, super appreciated!