It has never been more simple to plan travel than it is now – thanks to the internet. It doesn’t take long to find a wealth of information about great locations, places hidden away from tourists, and even cheap flights. 

The internet is a veritable wealth of information for those who have a passion for travelling. 

But sometimes, the budget doesn’t quite stretch to a 5-star resort in Bali. So how do you travel without the huge price tag? 

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

Cheap Flights

Oh yes, one of the very first things you need to find is a cheap flight. Sometimes there isn’t any other option but to fly to get where you want to go. So here is how you find cheap flights: 

• Third-party websites usually have the cheapest options and will search for a range of flight options.
• Be prepared to take a long layover or an unusual route. 
• Expedia is a useful option, so is Skyscanner.
• Set up a Google Alert for flights to the destination on your wish-list

Drive

There are some destinations that you can only get to by flying, but there is a wide range that is in your home country or a short ferry ride away. Of course, this only works if you have a driving license and a car. If you ever needed a nudge to get driving lessons, the opportunity to travel further and even rent cars in other countries should be enough! 

There are some brilliant road trip route planners online that can help you find the perfect, most scenic route for you.

Accommodation

Safety while travelling is the most important thing. So you must research any accommodation thoroughly. Airbnb is a great option, and they vet the hosts, and the community can leave reviews. So you know what you are getting before you arrive. You must take photos upon arrival, and when you go though, so you have proof of how you found the accommodation – and how you left it. 

Hostels are ideal for backpackers, and there are some male or female-only hostels which can provide an extra layer of safety, especially for solo travellers. 

Eat Like A Local

Food and drink are some of the most expensive items when you are travelling. You could choose to head to a local supermarket and pick up essentials and make your own food for when you are exploring. Alternatively, you can do some research into where the locals eat. Tourist traps usually have a high price tag, and you might find you are paying much more for the same plates of food. 

Flexible

If you aren’t beholden to specific travel dates, you can choose the flexible options when booking. Combined with filters, you can find the cheapest travel dates and book that way. 

Free Events

Every city will have a wide range of free events that you can take advantage of. There are some websites that are dedicated to sharing free events. You can also usually find these on the local municipality/council websites for the area. 

It’s a great time to start planning your travel for next year, so take your time, set up the alerts and sign up to newsletters to get the cheapest travel options.