Travel on a Budget

When funds are limited, travel on a budget is a must.

It may seem like an impossible dream, but all it takes is some careful planning. In fact, planning a holiday is one of the most exciting parts of the whole trip, no matter how much you're spending.

You can do a lot of research online to learn about your destination, including reviews that other travellers have written.

You can get some really useful “inside” information that can save you money on everything from accommodation to local attractions.

So before you start, check out this great holiday budget worksheet and work out exactly what you can afford for the entire trip. 

Having a detailed pre-planned budget makes it easier to travel on a budget, because you can work out the particulars of your holiday knowing you will not suffer any financial stress.

If things are looking a little too expensive then think about how you can take out some of the more costly items by considering the following.

• If you are travelling by plane, take your lunch or some snacks on board with you and take empty water bottles through security and fill them up in the departure lounge.  Airports are notoriously expensive places and they are designed to help you spend money, so stay away from the shops by distracting yourself with a good book or maybe a card game with the kids.

• Buy yourself a good guidebook.  You will more than recover the cost of the book itself by learning where you can get the best prices for things like accommodation, meals and tourist attractions like museums and other points of interest.

• Contact tour operators before you leave home to find out exactly how much day trips will cost you.  Where there is more than one operator, compare prices first before you decide which tour to take.



• To save money on expensive restaurant or cafe meals choose accommodation that allows you to cook at home.  Self catering can save you enormous amounts of cash leaving plenty for the things you really enjoy on a holiday.  If you take a packed lunch with you during your daily outings you won't have to pay for overpriced lunches, but you will probably have enough to treat yourself to something else.

• Do things that are free.  Every tourist destination has free attractions like museums and points of natural beauty, especially beaches, so make sure you visit those beaches and spend time around the swimming pool at your hotel.  It is surprising how much money you can save by using these free resources that are right on your doorstep.

When you really think about it, learning how to travel on a budget is not as difficult as it first appears.  By taking the time to carefully plan your holiday you’ll really maximise your spending power. You’ll also be able to relax more; knowing that you can afford other little treats that make a holiday all the more special for you and your family.

If you are thinking of travelling to New Zealand and are looking for some good ideas for budget travel, visit the Explore New Zealand website and find out about New Zealand discount travel deals with some great tips on making budget travel bookings.