8 Ways to Travel Cheap in Any City

Have you been bitten by the traveling bug? The desire to explore new places is a common one. However, it can be nigh impossible to find money in your budget for all of your expenses (like that candy bar after a long day or asking for some help with the homework on https://sky-writer.com when you’re on your last leg). Here are few tips to travel cheaply in any city:

1. Stay in a Hostel or AirBnB

Sure, having a hotel room all to yourself is great. But that room comes at a price. Even the cheapest hotel rooms will likely cost more than a hostel. If you have a traveling buddy, you might even be able to book a private room in some places. Of course, hostels aren’t always available. Check AirBnB or similar services. If you’re willing to share a room, you can save quite a bit on your accommodations. Timeshare is also a good idea especially if you like to visit a certain city frequently. Just make sure you understand the timeshare cancellation services so you know how to close it if you no longer need it.

2. Ditch the Car

If you’re looking for things to scratch off your list, a rental car should be the first to go. Hopping in a rental car might feel like freedom, but, in a city, it’s very much a ball-and-chain. Besides the rental expenses themselves (which may not seem like a lot), parking in most cities is expensive. And you can’t forget buying gas or getting stuck in traffic jams. So keep the car at home, and you’ll probably lower your bill by a third.

3. Invest in a Travel Card

Just because you can’t travel by car doesn’t mean you have to walk! Instead, travel like the locals do. Almost every mid- to large-sized city will have some form of local transportation available. Buying a bus pass or metro card you don’t live in might seem ridiculous at first, but it’s a cost-saving alternative to taxis, ride-sharing apps, or, as mentioned above, renting a car. Just make sure to weigh your options carefully: You don’t need to buy a more expensive plan that lasts a month if you are there only for a week.

4. Rent a Bike

Another great (and greener) alternative to a rental car is a bike. It is a cheap and easy way to get around big cities. It might take a little longer, and run on your own power, you save a significant amount of money. Bike rental agencies are usually fairly cheap with different types of bicycle you can use like senior bikes with 3 wheels for the elders.

5. Avoid Expensive Restaurants

Food is one of the reasons people travel. But think twice before making reservations at that five-star restaurant. There are plenty of places where you can get good, cheap food while traveling. If you feel like eating out, look for little, hole-in-the-wall places. Pubs, bakeries, taverns, and cafes are just as good as famous black-tie restaurants. Up for a little cooking?

Hit a farmer’s market. (Yes, cities have those, too.) If you just want a meal, and you want it cheap, go to a grocery store. Many offer takeaway options such as salads, sandwiches, or full meals.

6. Pack Lightly

If you’re traveling by plane, you already know that you need to pack lightly. Extra baggage is expensive when you’re on a shoestring budget. While it might be tempting to bring everything you could possibly need, it’s cumbersome and will cost you money in the end. And don’t forget: If you pack it in, you’ll need to bring it back. Along with the souvenirs, you’ll probably splurge on. It’s better to pack lightly before you hit the road.

7. Communicate Online

In the old days, you had to worry about buying a phone card or calling collect hoping someone on the other end would accept the charges. And who could forget roaming? Now, it’s cheap and easy to keep connected using the internet. There are numerous free messaging apps, most of which include voice- and video-calls. Want to reach out to the entire family or friend circle at once? Tweet, post to Facebook, Snapchat it, whatever you want. Haven’t joined social media? Emails are as fast as a text.

8. Avoid Tourist Traps

This might be one of the hardest rules to follow. After all, most cities have numerous attractions that are billed as “must-sees”. And, sure, if you’re in New York, you’ll want to see the Statue of Liberty, in Rome – the Colosseum, Big Ben in London and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But don’t plan your trip around standard sight-seeing tours. Such package tours can be expensive, too.

Check the prices before going somewhere. Connect with the locals and ask for alternative places to visit or entrance fees to pay if there is a sight or two you really want to see. As for the souvenirs that come with tourist traps, avoid them. They’re not usually made in the area, and you could order the same thing online. Not worth the money or the effort of bringing home. Save your cash for a worthwhile keepsake.

Conclusion

There are many ways to travel cheaply. If you’re willing to go off the beaten track and sacrifice a few creature comfort or two, you can travel on the tightest budget. So pack your bag (with essentials only), grab your metro card, double-check your AirBnB or hostel, and hit the road!