Thrifty Travels: Unveiling 9 Budget-Savvy Secrets for Affordable Adventures Abroad.
Embarking on a journey of a lifetime doesn't have to break the bank – in fact, it can be a masterclass in thrifty travels. Our six-month escapade (so far) has unveiled a treasure trove of budget-savvy secrets, allowing us to explore the world without compromising experiences.
Unlocking the Secrets of Budget-Savvy Adventures Abroad .
From the cost-free joys of walking to navigating public transport wonders and securing better accommodation deals in person, each revelation contributed to a richer and more affordable adventure. Join us as we spill the beans on street food revelations, smart vaccine savings, layover adventures, and light luggage wisdom. Get ready to dive into the world of sensible sightseeing and budget brilliance, where every penny saved contributes to an unforgettable travel experience.
Vale Dos Homens beach during my time in Portugal.
Thrifty Traveller’s Handbook: 9 Savvy Tips for Budget-Friendly Adventures.
1. Step Lightly: Embracing the Cost-Free Commute of Walking.
This has to be the biggest money-saver we've found. Getting taxis back and forth really adds up; when things are within walking distance, always walk - you always see way more of the culture and end up seeing sights you otherwise would have missed as they whizzed past the window of a cab! For example, in Nepal, we wanted to go to the Buddha Stupa, which was about 2-hour walk. We started walking with the intent of getting a bus or taxi but just continued walking; on the way, we stopped for drinks and snacks and saw a fully gold cow monument. We got chased by some street dogs and had a lovely Nepalese man come to our rescue! While walking for 2 hours is definitely excessive when you're in no rush, cherish the walks as you stumble upon so many places you would never have seen! 
Goa, India. View Of Road Lane Path Way
2. Public Transport: Riding the Affordable Wave of Metros and Buses.
Metros, trains, and buses are expensive in the UK but pretty affordable in most countries! Always look for these before taking a cab when it's too long to walk! For example, in Goa, India, we looked at getting a taxi that was around 1 hour 30 mins for £25, which sounds pretty cheap, but it's about a week's worth of food in India! We instead took two public buses. It was undoubtedly much hotter and less comfy but cost just over £2.50 for the two of us! A fabulous saving of £22.50! 3. In-Person Perks: Securing Better Deals by Booking on the Spot.
Always turn up at hostels or hotels before booking on online platforms (Hostel World, booking.com, etc!). There is often a cheaper price when you go in person, especially if you're doing a couple of night stay! For example, in Thailand on Ko Tao, we found a place for £10.70 per night and got it for £9, which doesn't sound like a lot, but we planned to stay for nine nights, which gave us a £15.30 saving overall! 4. Breakfast: Nourishing Your Day without Draining Your Wallet.
Breakfast is one of the meals you can eat cheaply and is super easy! We found a lot of places in India that had breakfast included, but in more expensive countries like Thailand, we used cheaper accommodations that didn't include breakfast. In that situation, we tried to find places with a toaster and kettle. We could then buy butter and honey and keep it with us. Then, when we have a place to cook, we buy a loaf of bread, some fruit, and sometimes eggs! It works out way cheaper, as you can load up for the day! It is also great when you need to get out early and don't want to wait for food elsewhere! 5. Street Food Revelations: Dispelling Myths and Savouring Savings
Street food: Many people are very divided on street food, and there's a lot of negative information online about it for Westerners! But I'm here to say Filipe and I ate street food much more than in restaurants in India, and we were absolutely fine. In hotter countries like India, steering clear of meat can be a good idea; it's easy because there are so many delicious veg options. But in countries like Thailand and Nepal, we ate meat street food and have had no issues. If you are more wary, look for queues. Queues usually mean the food is being cooked fresh, which may help your peace of mind! 
6. Boots Bonanza: Smart Savings on Vaccines and Travel Essentials.
Vaccines: if you need vaccines, get them at Boots! Sign up for a Boots Club Card, and make sure you use it for each one! Vaccines are the same price in most places, BUT if you have them at Boots, you can collect the points to spend in-store. I got over £30 of Boot points to use!! I brought a shed load of sun cream for our trip (sun cream is WAY more expensive out of the UK), basically for free, so stock up if you can!
If you are navigating menstruation during your travels, consider buying a menstrual cup, as it can be invaluable, especially when you are far from home. Read more here.
7. Layovers Unleashed: More for Less during Extended Transits.
Flight splitting! Layovers are the way to go if you're more time-rich than money-rich! You can drastically cut down on flight prices whilst seeing some pretty cool places! We needed to get from Portugal to Uzbekistan, which was around £600pp with one short layover! Instead, we opted to go from Faro to Barcelona (2 nights), Rome (1 night), Athens (2 nights), Abu Dhabi (4 hours), and Uzbekistan for £284pp! Granted, you spend money on food, sights, and accommodation, but personally, I would much rather pay money to see more places than to sit on a plane! It was a pretty tiring week as we were moving around so much, but I can't recommend it enough - it was so much fun, and we met some very cool people on the way! 8. Light Luggage: Maximising Efficiency with Hand-Carried Essentials.
This tip depends on where you're going and for how long, but if you can, try to use hand luggage or personal items. This trick helped us reduce waiting time at the airport and saved us so much money by eliminating the need to pay for extra luggage on short-haul flights! We also wore a lot of stuff on the plane to save even more room! I often opt for double trousers, a jumper, and a coat, which makes your bag that little bit smaller!
9. Sightseeing Strategies: Prioritising Views To Save.
There are some sights that are a no-brainer that you just have to see. But since travelling for six months, we've realised sometimes the best view is from afar.
Some countries have very disproportionately expensive sights. That can be around £10pp, which sounds very little, but when you travel for some time and food per day costs around £2pp, it's a lot!
Plan and decide what you want to see because often, you can see very similar architecture from what you've already seen, or a smaller, less significant sight, etc. Sometimes, appreciating the view is best from afar, so read reviews and do your research so you don't end up paying for excessive amounts of expensive sightseeing!
One of the budget friendly places we stayed in for two nights.
Conclusion: Crafting Memories with Budget Brilliance
As our journey through thrifty travel concludes, budget brilliance is evident as the key to unlocking a richer and more fulfilling adventure.
Whether meandering through scenic routes on foot, savouring affordable street food, or maximising layovers to explore more for less, each decision becomes a strategic move in the game of smart spending.
The wisdom of in-person bookings, light luggage efficiency, and the art of prioritising views over expensive sightseeing contribute to an ethos of travel that's not just economical but also culturally enriching.
So, fellow adventurers, as you embark on your own budget-savvy escapades, remember that every penny saved adds up to craft a journey teeming with diverse cultures, unexpected delights, and unforgettable memories. Safe travels!
