5 Easy Ways To Travel on a Budget!

 

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 it’s possible to travel on your budget, without breaking the Bank or winning the lottery (Sport-Pesa)? 😀

If you’ve been postponing your dreams of travel, for ‘someday’, then stick around! This is definitely for you! 😀

 

 

 

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’…? 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.  Most holiday destinations’ 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’! 🙂

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! 😀 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? 😀 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 doesn’t love a good discount? And by a show of hands, let’s see how many people like vouchers? Just kidding, don’t put up your hands, but if you did…I love you for it! 😀 😉

 

Discoucher is Kenya’s first ever book of discounts! Yippee! 😀 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 ‘Pay for what you use’ concept- literally! I will be reviewing Tune Hotel in the near future, look out for the post! 😀 😉

 

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!! 🙂

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. 😀

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 individual  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 faraway   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 café 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! 😀

 

 Did you know??  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.

 

 

Don’t give up on your dreams of travel just yet… It can be done, and it is possible! I certainly don’t have it all figured out yet, but I intend to keep going, one destination at a time. 😀

Will you join me? What tips would you add to this list? I look forward to your feedback and comments below. 🙂

 

Stay Inspired> Always.

 

P.S. Never miss a Post! Subscribe to my blog, on the left>>