If you want to travel more, it doesn’t have to be more expensive. There are many ways to travel like a minimalist— travel lighter while saving money for future traveling. Here are my six recommendation for traveling like a minimalist.
# 1 Sign up for travel deal alerts
There are many airfare deal websites where you can subscribe for updates on the latest deals. This is a way to be in the know about cheap flights on certain dates and take advantage of them. Since one of the biggest costs of traveling is usually airfare, this is a way to save up to hundreds of dollars.
#2 Look for alternative hosting arrangements
With options such as Airbnb and hostels, you can look for accommodations that work best for your traveling needs. For example, if you’re staying a bit longer and would like the ability to eat in a few times, perhaps you can find a small apartment or room to rent with a kitchen. The cost can be cheaper than more traditional options, especially if you look for locations outside of the main attraction area.
#3 Invest in a durable, carry-on friendly travel backpack
To save you luggage fees and time, I’d encourage you to invest in a durable travel backpack if you don’t already have one. If you’re checking a lot of luggage, the fees for that will add up to more than the cost of a high-quality backpack in just a few trips. Traveling lighter will not only save you luggage fees, it will save you time as you won’t need to wait for checked luggage. This also ensures that you never lose your luggage as well. If a travel backpack doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of luggage choices that can fit in the overhead bin of the plane or under your seat.
#4 Ask locals for suggestions on things to do
One of the best ways to get to know an area is to ask locals for recommendations on where to go and what to see. Whether it’s your taxi or rideshare driver, your accommodation host, or local people at the market or a café, this is a way to bypass the usually more expensive touristy attractions and go to some cool places you wouldn’t know about otherwise.
#5 Download Google maps using Wi-Fi
If you don’t have cell service where you’re traveling, you can download Google maps for the area through Wi-Fi at a café or where you are staying. This way, you can still use GPS to get around even without cell service. You can also search for information on free walking tours that are tip-based if you’re looking for a more cost-friendly way to experience the area. With these tours, there is usually a meeting location where you’ll meet up with other people who are also traveling and the guide will take you around.
#6 Eat one meal per day from a local grocery store
You can cut down on some expenses by eating a meal from the local market or a grocery store. This is also a way to experience more of the local scene, people and foods, while having more money to spend at restaurants and other places you’d like to experience.
By following one or a few of these tips, you’ll be able to travel more, travel longer, or just save money as you experience new places all around the world.
