Whether we have ‘deep pockets’, or not, who doesn’t want to get the best return from their travel expenses. In many destinations, even the most popular ones, we can afford to have authentic experiences without breaking our budget.

It’s all about our mindset, and our choices.

A Quick Outline

In this Post, we shall explore:

Travel Budgets – Always a Challenge

When you are travelling, do you want to spend less, and see more?

I certainly do!

But, there are times when our travel costs can escalate, especially in the high season.

So, how do we stay within our projected budget?

Basically, it’s all about mindset and choices, moreso than simply counting dollars and cents.

How to be Cost-Effective

The most cost-effective way to experience any destination is to become like a local.

When we ‘live like a local’, that is we shop and eat as the locals do, we can not only save money, but our experiences will be so much richer and more authentic.

And, the chances are, that we will contribute to local merchants and the local economy.

Community…

Staying within a local community opens a window into their customs and traditions.

Yes, it can be easier to stay within our comfort zone, probably in the ‘tourist zone’, than it is to step into the unfamiliar world of a new culture in a local community.

But, ultimately the experience will be so much more rewarding.

Opportunity…

Becoming a ‘local’ moves us from being just ‘another tourist’, to become a more-informed traveler. We may even form long-lasting friendships.

By using local home stays, B&Bs, guest houses, or boutique hotels, and by eating, drinking, and shopping locally we have the opportunity to meet people and understand their ways.

We will also be supporting the local economy, and contributing to a more sustainable form of tourism.

Adventure…

Being cost-conscious when traveling does not mean dull and boring.

With the right choices, and a bit of research and planning, our travel can be filled with our own adventures, just waiting to happen!

Sometimes, something as simple as a ride on local public transport can be very revealing, as can taking a walk along local streets.

If we do want to know more, hiring a local guide will mean our tourist dollars are benefiting the local community.

Linger…

Traveling on a tight itinerary can be quite stressful, but the worst part is that all our memories quickly get jumbled.

Take the time to linger.

Get to know some of the people running the places where we are staying.

When we are shopping, be sure to meet the local producers and artisans.

Feel the ‘heart-beat’ of the local community, by sitting and watching the world go by.

Other Tricks for ‘Keeping a Balance’

Apart from ‘living like a local’, we can also be budget-wise by…

The Expatistan Cost of Living website allows us to make a direct city-to-city comparison of costs for any chosen cities:

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living

Your Take-outs

Apart from ‘living like a local’, we can also be budget-wise by…

Note : We are all different, and there is no right or wrong way; it’s about what we feel comfortable doing!

What about you?
Do you have some other travel costs and budgets tips?
I would love to hear about your ideas, and any travel experiences you have had with your costs and budgets
(use the Feedback section below).

My Take on ‘Tourists go Home!’

As a ‘responsible traveler’, I am well aware of the ongoing (and sometimes emotive) debate over Airbnb versus long-term rental of properties, and the rise of the ‘tourists go home’ movement.

As a ‘responsible traveler’, I am well aware of the ongoing (and sometimes emotive) debate over Airbnb versus long-term rental of properties, and the rise of the ‘tourists go home’ movement.

I find it curious how, in a supposedly ‘free’ society, governments which fail to provide the means for adequate public housing for their citizens, decide to impose this responsibility on owners of private properties (by restricting how they can rent these).

Surely, when governments cannot provide sufficient public housing, then they need to provide solutions around the affordability of private housing, especially for first-home buyers.

At the same time, it is interesting how many countries have a reliance on tourism to contribute to their GDP. For many nations, the contribution is around 3%, while for some it exceeds 10%.

Examples include: Egypt ±24%; Iceland ±21%; Greece ±20%; Spain ±14%; Malaysia ±14%; Italy ±10.5% (based on best available sources for GDP 2022-23). These countries need to encourage an ongoing and regular flow of travelers and tourists.

The final part of this ‘conundrum’ is how in many countries, a significant portion of the Travel and Tourism sector is owned and operated by offshore corporations, e.g. hotel chains, etc. And many parts of the hospitality industry, including hotel chains, employ staff who hold temporary visas.

While the reasons for this might be valid, the consequence does impact the local community, as opportunities, and money, ultimately go elsewhere. And, curiously, the hospitality industry also needs an ongoing and regular flow of travelers and tourists.

In short: