10 tips for millennials on how to travel like a pro

Travelling refreshes both the soul and the mind. These days, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, any day or time you decide to travel is an excellent time to begin planning your next adventure. It doesn’t have to be a long journey; a weekend trip to a different location can satisfy your wanderlust! Because millennials enjoy travelling but may not want to splurge, it’s critical to take advantage of all opportunities to save money with these travel tips before you start packing your suitcases:

Plan in advance: You are possibly the most liberated you have ever been in your life. You are not constrained by the responsibilities of maturity, such as children, spouses and other obligations. While the world is your playground, and packing up and leaving sounds appealing, you should think about organising. With so many options, it’s best to plan your trip around the cheapest times. Even if it’s off-season or at an odd hour of the week, it may be worthwhile. Do your research before deciding on a time and date.

Draw up a budget: Planning and budgeting are typically tedious tasks, but this isn’t just any budget; it’s a travel goal budget for an adventure you’d like to embark on. After you’ve determined where you want to go, it’s time to figure out how to get there. Learn more about the destination to which you intend to travel, calculate your expenses according to your budget, and look for deals online to compare and cut costs throughout your stay.

A road trip: Booking alternative modes of transportation can be time-consuming and expensive. Getting in the car with all of your friends for a few hours may be the most enjoyable part of your journey. A road trip can be a great way to save money while still having a fun holiday. Stopping along the way at camp sites or homestays, for example, eliminates the cost of luxurious hotels and resorts, allowing you to truly experience the journey on your own terms.

Travel during the off-season: The time of year you travel may have a significant impact on your expenses. Off-season travel, on the other hand, usually results in lower airfares and hotel savings. Travelling during the off-season may result in less-than-ideal weather, but the savings usually outweigh the inconvenience. As you plan your next vacation, play around with different travel and lodging options. You might be surprised at how much the rates fluctuate.

Pack smart and light: Gone are the days of packing a huge suitcase and lugging around 30kg of clothes, shoes, your entire dressing table and more. With more and more restrictions on how much baggage you can carry on flights, and the possibility of losing your luggage, it’s advisable to pack light. There are hundreds of videos online on how to pack at many days’ worth of things into your carry-on luggage. There are some ingenious tips and trick on how to maximise what you pack; whether it’s basic clothes that can be mixed and matched; or multi-purpose skincare products; or even methods of folding and arranging items to make it all fit in the correct bag size.

Rent a vacation homestay instead of staying in a hotel: The costs are usually lower, and you get the opportunity to ‘live like a local.’ It usually includes amenities such as a kitchen and a washer, which can help you save even more money. You won’t be charged extra luggage fees, for example, because you can do laundry. Alternatively, instead of eating out, cook a couple of meals at home.

Use public transport: Ubers and taxis can add up pretty quickly. So before you arrive at your destination, make sure to do your research about public transport and how to get around like the locals. It’s helpful to have internet services on your phone so that you can be up to date about the timings of busses and trains etc using local apps or Google Maps. This is extra useful in case the local language is not your own. However, keep offline maps on your phone and note down your hotel name and its location in case you ever get lost.

Don’t eat at restaurants every time: It can be expensive to be a foodie on holiday, especially if you’re going to a location that’s expensive. Pick a few days where you plan your meals to be simpler and less expensive so you can splurge on the good stuff. A box of cereal can be breakfast a few times, while a hearty sandwich and an apple from the deli can be lunch on some occasions. Also scope out local restaurants for some fresh, tasty and authentic meals on a budget. It also means you’ll be supporting small businesses while on holiday!

Find the freebies: Millennials love a good bargain and there’s surely lots of cheap or free things to do on holiday. Before your trip, find websites and forums that compile lists of things to do in the location you’re visiting. Check out whether there are any free events that can be attended such as concerts, fairs, classes or walking tours. Museums and galleries might also have discounted days so you can explore these spots for less.

Travel like a local: Explore destinations other than the usual tourist traps. Don’t be afraid to explore your neighbourhood and interact with new people! This will enrich you with new experiences and create a journey that you will remember for the rest of your life. It’s important to remember that travelling does not have to be as expensive as some people make it out to be. Don’t let others tell you that you’re too young and inexperienced to see the world. If you are adaptable and open to new experiences, it could be the experience of a lifetime. Choose a destination, plan ahead of time, and go have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.