Many people think that making an effort to be frugal, especially when it comes to traveling, is something that sucks all of the fun out of life, but actually, the converse can be true. When you’re being more careful with money, you can actually create some pretty amazing experiences that you might not have had otherwise.
With that in mind, here are some frugal travel hacks that can definitely make the trip more fun:
Stay with a host family
If you want to save money on the cost of a hotel, then it is often a better deal to stay with a host family who typically requires smaller payments for their accommodations, The good thing about this, is not only that you can often stay ins home pretty swanky places like luxury apartments in Rome, New York or stunning country houses in Europe, on your budget, but you can also get to know the host family who will give you the lowdown on all of the best bars, restaurant, and attractions to visit while you’re there.
Or sleep under the stars
Of course, if you’re in a place where it is possible to camp, spending a night or two under the stars can be absolutely free, and what’s more, it is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences being out in the open, watching the stars int he sky in a completely different part of the world. If you have a sense of adventure, this tip is definitely one for you.
Get off the beaten track
If you get off the beaten track when you are on vacation, not only will you end up seeing things that so few tourists ever do, but you will also probably end up spending less money too, Why? Because big attractions like Busch Gardens often charge a lot of money for entry, whereas smaller roadside attractions or less well-known museums often do not. Atlas Obscura is a great place to find unusual attractions all over the world, so why not take a look and see what you might want to do while traveling the frugal way.
Eat at local places
This is not always the case, and in places like France the local restaurants are often very expensive, but in many places, if you eat at small local cafes and restaurants, you can save money with ease. However, your experience will not be diminished for doing so – quite the opposite in fact. Family-run local restaurants are often the best places to sample, the authentic flavor of the palace you are in.
Barter
A lot of people hate bartering at marketplaces but it is not only a good way to get a bargain but also a good way to bond with the locals who enjoy a bit of haggling, and who will often strike up conversations with you during and after the process, Try it, it can be great fun seeing how much you can save, and who can bag the best steal.
As you can see, being more frugal about how you spend your money when you are traveling can lead to more exciting experiences and more memorable vacations overall. So, what are you waiting for?