I am a random traveller. I’m not that type of girl who has a list of “dream-to-go-to places”. Though, to be honest I do keep an updated checklist of all the places in the Philippines that I must (absolutely) see and explore. But since I travel with cheap pants I have to think of ways to be able to afford, enjoy and get the most out of my adventures. For travel-buffs that have a monthly salary of an employee as source of funds, this blog is for you. I believe that all Filipinos (and foreign tourists alike) must be able to explore the beautiful parts of the Philippines. I hope this blog can help you spend less but have more out of your adventures.
Let me share with you some tips how to travel cheap and smart.
1. You don’t have to travel every month, you can do it at any rate, or anytime of the year depending on your available funds and time.
2. Always set a budget for your adventures/vacations (each one may vary depending on your destination). When setting a budget, consider how many persons you will be paying for (eg: wife and kids, girlfriend, etc). Also, keep in mind your other expenses at that time like rent, bills, groceries and all that jazz, so you won’t regret spending too much on your trip later on.
3. Do your research. The best way to set an ideal budget for the trip that you’re planning is to know the details and foreseeable expenses of your adventure.
You can ask around or read some blogs on the net. There are a lot of blog sites (including this one) that provide specific details on directions on how to get there, how much the fare would cost, what modes of transportation you can take, rates of activities and accommodations (just ensure that you read the updated ones).
4. Go backpacking. Just by backpacking, you minimize your expenses throughout the trip. Commuting and/or walking means you don’t have to spend more than a thousand bucks in gassing up your car and the hassle of getting lost. You’ll only spend some hundred bucks for fare rates per person (depending on the destination).
5. Bring a tent. This is only applicable for small groups of travellers. Having a camping tent allows you to save a huge amount of money for your accommodations. It also lets you camp anywhere you want; as close to the beach or as deep into a forest. This is definitely ideal for the more adventurous and thrill-seekers.
6. Bring your own food. This is the most basic necessity you have to bring with you. In some destinations, specially hiking trails, there are no establishments that can sell you food or cook food for you. Because in some tourist spots there are a few establishments that sell food, drinks and supplies, buying these items on site can make you spend more than what you have already saved.
7. Travel in groups. Sometimes when you are leaning into a vacation with friends or family rather than a couple’s getaway, it’s much safer and cheaper. When travelling in groups, you tend to divide the overall budget for food, accommodations and activities which makes the individual expenses less.
8. Bring all basic necessities. Bring everything you will need with you. The hassle of bringing too much things when backpacking is easier to deal with than trying to find stores that sell the items you need. Not to mention the additional expenses you will inflict upon yourself.
9. When your dream/planned destination would cost you more than your set budget, try to look for a different destination that can meet your interests and most specially your budget. The Philippines has 7,107 islands. I’m sure you can find somewhere you’d like to go to.
One thing I do when planning a trip, I look at the map of the Philippines and try to decide which province i would go to. Believe me, all provinces have something to offer tourists, just choose one that will satisfy the kind of trip you want to have then research on it. (going back to number 1.)
When travelling in two’s or more:
1. When you have already determined all the expected expenses, divide it into your group members (except fare and entrance fees) to make the individual expenses less. Before setting out for your adventure, assign one person to collect the money and be responsible with purchasing all the things you will need to buy. These make it easier for the group to know if they are overspending or sticking with the budget.
2. When bringing toiletries and other necessities, make a list of everything. Divide the list into the group members and assign them to bring enough of that item for the group to share. This way, expenses for toiletries and the effort of carrying it around is shared. But please advise everyone to bring their own personal items if they’re not okay with sharing it with others.
3. Apply the body-body system. Travelling in groups increase the risk of some members to get lost or left behind without being noticed. Always have extra cellphone batteries or if none, try to save the one you have. This may help you in contacting others when lost. But in some places where there are no cellphone receptions you can use the ringtones in your phone to get their attention or just always bring a whistle.
When travelling alone:
1. Don’t. Avoid travelling alone.
2. You don’t get to save from some expenses. Since you have nobody to share the expenses with you would have to shoulder everything. (especially those expensive ones like island hopping, kayaking and accommodations)
3. It is not safe. When you get lost, no one will know. When you get injured, no one will help you. When you are lonely, no one will talk to you. When you run out of money, you’re screwed.
So far, these are all the tips I can share with you. But I promise to update this entry every time I discover another effective way to travel cheap. Travelling in cheap pants with deep pockets is not all that bad. You just have to make it look chic and fun! Happy tripping! Always stay safe and money-smart!
PS: don’t forget to bring a camera. You wouldn’t want to waste all that memories and beautiful sceneries ryt?
Blog sites which you can check out:
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