Ten Top Tips for a Budget Gap Year
18th of November 2008
Hostelbookers tell us about their ten top budget travel tips.
Money-saving Advice for Gap Year Plans
From famous sights to accommodation and flights, traveling costs can begin to add up! So whether you’re inter-railing around Europe, backpacking in Southeast Asia or surfing in Australia, here are some great tips on how to stick to that gap year budget.
1. Research
A few words of the local language and a bit of background reading about your destination can go a long way when it comes to your budget. From navigating public transport to heading away from the tourist traps, a little research can help backpackers to find the best deals.
2. Shop around for flights
Getting there can be the most costly part of your gap year travels. But whilst flights are getting increasingly expensive, fares can vary a surprising amount from website to website and day to day. With some flexibility, cheap deals are still available.
3. Go overnight
Overnight trains and buses can also help gap year travelers save a packet. If rather slower, it’s cheaper than flying over long distances and traveling overnight stops you missing out on precious sightseeing time. It’s also often quieter and involves fewer stops. Avoid supplements for sleeper cars in Europe as they can be pricey, although in general it’s still great value if you’re saving on accommodation for the night.
4. Book a hostel
All across the globe, hostels offer budget beds in dorms or private rooms to travelers and gap year students. More affordable than the average hotel, they have great facilities for long-term stays, including kitchens and common rooms, and are a fun, sociable option for backpackers around the world.
5. Explore on foot
Once at your destination, many of the sights and attractions will be accessible by foot. As well as saving on the cost of public transport, walking about opens up the local atmosphere and culture more than the metro!
6. Eat local delicacies and brands
Imported goods are designed to cater to tourists and have a higher mark-up than local ingredients. Plus it’s a great experience to sample the region or city’s culinary specialties
7. Head to ‘local’ restaurants
Strike up a conversation with a local resident or staff at your hostel – they’ll know the best spots to head for a quality meal away from the tourist traps and high prices.
8. Don’t always eat out
Even with these money saving tips, dining in restaurants every day can certainly add up. Instead, find some simple ingredients at a cheap produce market for a picnic or take advantage of the self-catering facilities at your hostel and cook up your favorite dish.
9. Look for free entertainment
Free concerts, music and art can be found across the world. Watch out for special events in your destination, as well as certain days when entry to the big attractions is either free or much cheaper.
10. Avoid the famous sights
The top tourists sights featured in every guidebook can often get away with charging a premium for admission so head off the beaten path for a budget-friendly – and more authentic – cultural experience.
Hostelbookers are a leading online hostel website, offering Hostels & cheap rooms for students, backpackers or travellers in over 2,500 destinations worldwide.
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