Budget travel in may not be the first choice of many of the people but it certainly is a dire need of all those passionate traveler out there, who do not have enough money to support their passion.
At the personal front, I have done all kinds of trips from time to time. The time when my passion for travel dashed, truly speaking there was not sufficient money to support any comfortable travel to be precise.
1. PLAN AHEAD, but don’t always make bookings ahead!
You will definitely want to plan ahead so as to get things under your budget. But that’s not the case while you plan for the mode of transport.
Train– Prices remain fixed for normal and tatkal time (Check before for trains with dynamic pricing). But you should definitely try to book early if this is a preferred mode. As unavailability of seats later may compel you to opt for pricey options available.
Bus– Here comes the tricky part. For this, you need to know the peak season for the place you will visit. For the peak season, it is a smart move to book well in advance (probably a month). However for the non-peak season, you should definitely give a chance to last minute booking. A lot of operators would put up great discounts to fill up the seats.
Flight– Flight bookings should always be made in advance to avoid fare surge due to demand.
2. SEASON matters!
If you don’t have any specific focused plans, why not chose for places where the non-peak has set in. Believe me, every place is as beautiful in the peak season.
For example, I have visited Mcleodganj (India) in all seasons. It has its all different charms every season. Same goes with Sethan, Himachal Pradesh. The pictures below show Sethan in different seasons. Won’t you want to see both?
Sethan in other seasons 
Sethan in winters
So why we are talking about seasons here? It’s because during the peak season, all the local people are well aware of the fact of peak-ness and the prices surge for everything. Be it the taxi fare, food prices, local handicrafts, accommodation etc. So for budget friendly travel, make sure to keep a track of season also.
3. Keep Cash– to keep you budget under check!
It’s a very important trick to help you save money. Guess an estimated amount of expenditures and keep cash with yourself. Do keep some designated amount for shopping of your souvenirs. This cash will help you not be extravagant by using your cards.
4. Mode of transport– Choose wisely for budget options!
Frankly speaking, I started off traveling in Government Road Transport buses which are the cheapest. And if you really tight budget, then travel in Non-AC whenever the weather allows. This can save you a big deal! If not bus, next option is Sleeper class in Trains. Oh well, yes it’s not the luxury expected, but sometimes doesn’t matter when you are with friends.
So now, there are two things to be considered. How many people are there and how much time can you afford to spend on your transverse.
No. of travelers- If you are a large group of people, going for the option of Taxi seems fair. As the distributed amount is pretty cheap.
*You can only go for above options if you have some time to spare in travel. Otherwise flights have got great connectivity these days!!!
5. Stay/Accommodation under budget!
Well there are a lot of travel booking website with lot of tempting yet deceiving offers. I would like to say the peak/ non-peak peak factor comes here also.
Non- Peak season: Well if you want to be adventurous enough, go for the on spot hotel search and booking. Usually you would get cheaper rates as compared to online options. Moreover, the last minute hurry to sell off the room and your minute bargains can be an added advantage.
Peak Season: Well definitely go for a quick review of rates on atleast 3-4 websites. However, the peak demand dynamics of rates for flights apply here too. Do a booking pretty much advance to suit your budget and save the rest for travel ahead.
6. Use local Public transport (more budget friendly)
Well it not a compulsion to act like a tourist always. Sometimes be like a local and travel in local transport such as Magic vans, Buses, metro rail, etc. Usually they take you everywhere and that too in cheaper prices.
7. Equipment/gadgets/gears– essential for your for your budget in long run!
If you are a frequent traveller and do a lot of hiking and trekking expeditions, always remember to buy your gears. You might think you can take them for rent, say tents, backpacks, sleeping bags etc. However buying these things can save you a lot in the long run.
Check out some of these for any type of sport or oudoor you are going for: @https://www.amazon.in/gp/browse.html?node=1984443031&ref_=nav_em_0_2_14_15_sbc_sportslugg_all_sports
I will definitely elaborate upon my favorite brands in another blog soon.
8. Museums/Monuments
This is particularly for students be school or college student. Always remember, most of these places have special student passes provided for free. You only have to show your IDs.
9. Rent a bike/Scooty if available
This can prove very budget friendly if you are staying in a city or town for 2-3 days. Taking them on rent and riding all over, can save you loads when compared to cab/taxi. Plus its fun! No predefined schedules or waiting time, just whenever and wherever you want to go.
10. Hostels or Dormitory– Chiefly economical!
Ever thought why you should always look for hotels, when there are so many accommodation types available as per you need. If you aren’t a couple and privacy is not an issue, then definitely you may opt for dormitories or hostels. You will get all the facilities at much cheaper prices than hotels. And anyway you get to interact with so many people, who doesn’t wanna make new friends while traveling.
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Thanks for sharing these amazing tips with the readers. After reading this post, I realized that I was making the mistake of booking the bus tickets in advance. Keep sharing such amazing tips and educating the readers.
Hi Rahul, Thanks! It is bit of a game but being informed is always nice 🙂