World Tourism Day 2023: Know Tips To Plan Trips On Budget

The idea of embarking on a journey often comes with concerns about the costs associated with it, but it’s quite possible to plan budget-friendly trips without compromising your experiences.

Trips On Budget (Representational Image)

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Traveling is a wonderful way to expand your horizons, create lifelong memories, and escape the routine of everyday life. However, the idea of embarking on a journey often comes with concerns about the costs associated with it. The good news is that it’s quite possible to plan budget-friendly trips without effectively compromising your experiences.

Tips To Plan Trips On Budget:

Rajeev Kale, who is the President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited shared tips to plan trips on budget.

• Decide on a specific budget for the trip: This is the initial step towards planning a holiday as it determines the amount that can be spent on flights, accommodations and experiences while travelling. This will reduce the overall spends as last-minute booking of flights and accommodations can be more expensive. Research in advance to avail of deals on hotels, airfares, amusement park entry tickets, and more. 
• Avoid travelling during the peak season: Avoid travelling during the peak seasons and school holidays as the prices are high at this time. Try planning your travel during the low or shoulder season to avail off season pricing. 
• Embrace public transport: Try using local transport like buses, trams and trains to bring down the overall cost of travel. Additionally, an overnight train also reduces the cost of stay for one night.

In addition to him, Daniel D’Souza, who is the President & Country Head - Holidays, at SOTC Travel also suggested some tips to travel on budget:

• Research and plan in advance: Planning a holiday in advance is crucial especially when it comes to budget trips. This includes planning the destination, the total budget of the holiday, doing a thorough research on deals and special offers on flights/accommodation/sightseeing, visa processes/availability (for international).
• Create an itinerary: One can plan their trip along with experiences and activities they would like as a part of their travel – including tours and sight-seeing. If required, make reservations in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.
• Opt for value transportation options: Choosing cost effective options for transportation can help save on costs. One can choose to rent a bike or travel in a taxi for short journeys, use ride-sharing apps to go around, consider alternate routes if they are cheaper or have lesser traffic.
• Plan for emergencies: When travelling overseas, one must make sure to be covered for emergencies and in case of loss of luggage; also protection against delays or cancellations.

Saumitra Singh, who is the Managing Director at The Tigress Resort and Spa, Ranthambore also shared some valuable tips to help you plan memorable trips on a budget:

• Choose affordable places: Choose places where your money will go the most. Consider exploring countries or areas with a lower cost of living or exploring areas with less tourist demand. This way you can enjoy all the benefits of travel without breaking the bank.
• Cook: Save money by shopping and cooking meals, especially breakfast and lunch. Occasionally eat out for dinner and enjoy local food.
• Explore free or low-cost activities: Look for low-cost attractions and activities in your destination. Many museums, parks, and historical sites offer cheap or free admission during certain hours on certain days.
• Traveling with a group: If you’re comfortable with that, consider traveling with friends or family and sharing costs. This can significantly reduce the cost of housing, transportation and even food.

Lastly, Mihir Babaria, who is the CEO & Director, DNO Tours added that accommodation at Dharmashala/hostels can reduce cost to a large extent. "Most of the money spent while you travel is on accommodation and hotel rooms. You can select Hostels, that can save you a big chunk of money," he said.