How To Travel On A Budget

I love traveling and the sense of adventure I have my first day in a new place. Everything from trying what the locals love – to shopping, and meeting new people! Creating memories that will last on the hardest days and on the best, that’s why traveling is so important to me.

The end of August my best friend and I are going on a trip together to North Carolina. While planning it has been so fun, the stress of finances and how everything will flow is showing it’s challenges.

I’m so excited to travel with just my best friend for the first time! Going on 9 years strong and to think we’ve never taken a girls trip! We decided on North Carolina because that’s where her brother lives that we haven’t seen in forever, and my aunt and uncle who I’ve never seen in their home state.

We’ll be staying at her brothers house to take out the most expensive part of a vacation- hotel stay. Her brother will also lend us a car to drive around and therefore saving us money on uber and rental car. By eating one dinner with her brother, and one with my aunt and uncle, two dinners will be very low cost on our extremely low budget.

One day on a hike and exploring Durham, one exploring where her brother is from and one on the ocean! My favorite part of traveling is getting emusled in the culture. I love going where the locals go and finding hidden, in the wall places that only locals know about.

For my honeymoon, I went to Cancun, Mexico, and I didnt love where all the tourists went, I loved doing what the local population did. I ate where they ate, and did excursions that they loved. I don’t go to spend time with other tourists, I go to see a new culture.

Here are some low budget, travel friendly ways to get out there and explore:

Step one:

Like we have done by creating a detailed day-day adventure list, it’s important to set a plan. Although I’m sure we all love traveling spontaneously, that can take a major hit on our wallet.

Step two:

Avoid traveling when the masses go. That means traveling out of the most popular season. Avoid holidays and when it’s the hottest outside. Not only will you save the extra expense, but also keep cooler in the cooler months.

Step three:

Ditch the nice hotels and go for Airbnb! By making this switch, you’ll be able to cut your hotel expense in half. Plus staying in a local’s home will really show you the culture and way of life. I love staying in Airbnb’s even in my home state! The homes are way cooler than hotels and the hosts are always very friendly! Plus, animals are usually always okay whereas hotels are a common no.

Step four:

Only take a carry on. No need to pack heavy! The extra charge is not worth it. My friend and I are only taking a carry on for our 5-day vacay and although I’m nervous with everything fitting, I’m excited to make it even easier on myself. Making outfits work with one another is essential in packing light.

Step five:

If you’re flying, book in advance! Booking last minute will cost you way more than planning it out a few months in advance. With a cheaper flight, you’ll have extra to spend on even better things- food! The closer you book to the day your vacay is, the more expensive the seats are. Try booking a year out, you’ll end up thanking yourself later, I promise!

Step seven:

Shop around before you buy the first meal you see. Ditching the restaurants and eating from a supermarket, you’ll save big time! If you think you know what you want, keep looking. Usually, the first thing that catches your eye isn’t the BEST option. Take the time to weigh out the places to eat around you. That extra few minutes may introduce you to a good deal.

Don’t suppress that travel bug simply because of the cost! Find your location, do your research and have the time of your life!

After North Carolina, next on my list is Sweden. Then the Bahamas, England, New York, Oregon, and Ireland!

Get out and enjoy the world! There’s so much beauty surrounding us it’s unreal!

All my love,

Talesha

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