Your social media news feed is a constant reminder that most of the people you know are either vacationing or are planning to travel to exotic places. You also want to travel and experience the exhilarating feeling of venturing out into the unknown, but you let your desires die down because you can’t afford to travel.

One of the things social media does well is that it makes travel looks expensive – but it’s not. You don’t need to be rich to travel, but you definitely need to be creative with your money. With proper planning, better money habits, and a holiday loan, you can plan a stress-free holiday on a budget. 

We’ve listed nine easy travel tips that can make your travel dream come true. Read on.

1. Plan in advance 

The best holidays are the ones that are meticulously planned, considering every aspect of your travel. From bookings (accommodation, flights and car hire) to entertainment to documentation, plan everything much ahead of time. 

2. Create your travel budget

You can plan your travel budget in two ways: choose your destination first and then budget or plan your budget first and then decide the destination. Whichever way you choose, creating a budget is imperative. List down all the things you’ll need to spend money on and add the holiday duration to figure out the total travel cost estimate. 

3. Track your spending 

Once you know how much you need to travel, start tracking your expenses. Write down all your expenses. Figure out how much money you spend on your essential and non-essential needs. You will be surprised to know the amount of money you spend on things you can easily do without. 

4. Set up a travel fund 

Now that you have figured out your travel budget, and your monthly budget, it’s time to begin saving for your travel. Depending on how much time you have until your departure date, decide the amount you need to save every day, week or month. Set up a travel fund and start feeding money into it until you reach your target. You might have to cut down on your non-essential expenses to make sure you accumulate enough travel funds to enjoy your vacation. 

5. Choose your accommodation wisely

Don’t book cheap accommodation without researching. Check your stay in relation to:

• How far is it from tourist spots, restaurants, etc.?
• How safe is the neighbourhood?
• How good is the transportation?

For example, if your accommodation is far away from the places you would like to visit, it doesn’t make sense to book cheap accommodation when you have to splurge money on a taxi every day. 

6. Take travel insurance

Travelling without travel insurance is a costly mistake. Travel insurance protects you from costs associated with medical treatment, cancellations, repatriation and claims for lost money and baggage. To travel stress-free, make sure you have sufficient travel insurance. 

7. Get vaccinated and carry medication

Check with your physician what vaccinations are required to travel to your desired destination. Common vaccinations include vaccines for COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, and yellow fever. Bring over the counter medications for cold, cough, pain, headache, fever, and diarrhoea. 

8. Pack in advance

Make a list of things to bring and pack your suitcase well in advance. Rushing into packing by throwing in everything and anything you feel like spells like a holiday disaster. You are likely to end up with things you don’t need or, even worse, leave something utterly essential behind, which you’ll have to buy.

9. Stay updated with current info about the local area

It’s important that you equip yourself with information about the local area. This information can include:

• Local customs, norms and cultural and religious expectations
• Local risks and current political situation
• Pandemic restrictions

Once all the above is done, you are prepared for a stress-free holiday on a budget. Forget the daily grind, kick back, relax, unwind and make memories.  

Author Bio:

Tanya Singh works as a Content Marketer at LoanTube – a loan comparison marketplace where borrowers can connect with multiple lenders via a convenient and transparent application. She writes about topics related to personal finance and loans helping her readers in making smart decisions when they need to borrow. Yoga brings her inner peace and strength, and travelling brings her joy (besides her work of course).