Traveling is amazing and doesn't have to be expensive.
Whether it's a long weekend or a well-deserved multi-week vacation, traveling can be a great way to relax and recharge after the daily grind. Wanting to be able to afford such an adventure can be a real struggle. Many myths about budget travel persist as a sort of “received wisdom” passed down from parents, friends, and the Internet.
Some of these myths could actually cost you money. Others might stop you from considering a trip because it's “too expensive.” So let's take a look at some of the most persistent myths about budget travel, in hopes that you'll be able to save enough money to allow you to travel more, now and in the future .
If you're interested in this sort of thing, check out my book Budget travel for dummies. It is available on Amazon, Barnes&Nobleand wherever books are sold!
Myth 1: All travel is expensive
It would be great if all travel was free, but unfortunately no one has invented transporters yet. On the other end of the spectrum, there is a common mentality that all travel is expensive. The truth lies somewhere in between. I've lived on $50 a day or less in cities all over the world. It is possible to get cheaper flights and accommodation that make a trip much more affordable than it might first appear. Two weeks just about anywhere for $2,000 all-inclusive is definitely a lot more reasonable than the $5,000+ I've seen mentioned in countless travel blogs.
Stratford-upon-Avon with a statue of the Bard himself.
Myth 2: The plane ticket is always expensive
Flights are almost always the largest cost of any trip. That said, there are ways to get cheaper flights. This may involve slightly changing your schedule or plans, but it could mean a difference of several hundred dollars saved per ticket. Booking months in advance could save you a little, but this is less true than is commonly believed.
Myth 3: Skiplagging, or “hidden city” ticketing, is a great way to save money.
Skiplagging is the “hack” of buying a ticket to a cheap destination with a stopover in an expensive destination, then getting off the plane at the stopover. For example, booking an $800 flight to Amsterdam with a stopover in London instead of a $1,000 ticket directly to London. This only works if you book a one-way ticket and have carry-on luggage.
Could this save you money? Yes, but it's also a great way to get in trouble with the airline. Airlines sued people and canceled frequent flyer programs for people who did so. It's not a good idea.
Myth 4: Hotels are the only places to stay
When looking for a place to stay, most people only consider hotels (and AirBnB, but we'll discuss that next). In most places there are many more accommodation options that can save you a lot of money. Homestays, couch surfing, and hostels all offer unique experiences for much less money than hotels. Maybe you're just looking for a luxurious getaway, in which case a hotel or resort is perfect, but if you're looking to save money, there are plenty of fantastic options.
Eagle's Nest and the valley below.
Myth 5: AirBnBs (and similar) are cheaper than hotels
Sites/apps like AirBnB, Vrbo, and others promise to save you money by letting you rent from people instead of staying in a hotel. The truth here is less clear. When these services first appeared, they often had great deals all over the world. Unfortunately, they are now all big companies. Often you don't rent from a person, but through someone's rental company. Added fees can easily push the price well above the cost of a hotel. Is it still possible to find an agreement? Yes, but thorough research and price comparisons are essential.
Myth 6: Hostels are for young adults only (or they're disgusting, dangerous, whatever)
Hostels, at least for most Americans, are extremely misunderstood. It's a fantastic way to save money on hosting anywhere in the world. Are there bad hostels? Sure, but there are also bad hotels and AirBnBs. There are review sites like Hostelworld.com which help you get an idea of where you are staying. Most hostels are aimed at people over 18 and many have private rooms that are cheaper than hotels. I've stayed in hostels all over the world and had an amazing time while meeting other amazing and fascinating travelers.
The Santa Elena Canyon hike in Big Bend National Park crosses the Rio Grande and continues into the … (+)
Myth 7: Points cards save you money
Airline and hotel rewards cards are everywhere, and they all promise to help pay for your next vacation. Theoretically, that is correct. It's possible to get enough of the benefits of these cards to justify their annual fees. The problem is that for most people who only travel about once a year, they're paying far more in fees than the card's benefits are worth. That's why banks (and airlines and hotels) love these cards. They earn more in fees than your benefits cost them.
Myth 8: Paying in your country's currency will save you money
When you purchase an item or service while traveling, you will often have the choice of paying in the local currency or immediately converting it to your country's currency. It's not a scam in itself but it's VERY close. I I wrote about this for Forbes many years ago and it's still a huge problem. The problem is that when you choose your home currency you are charged a fee and the exchange rate is the worst possible. The only time it's better to pay in your home currency is when your credit card charges you a foreign transaction fee. Most cards don't do this, so it's worth checking before you go.
In other words, for most people, pay in the local currency.
White Sands National Park in New Mexico.
Myth 9: Cash is king
I rarely travel with cash. Never more than the equivalent of 50 USD. Depending on where you're going, you may not need it. That said, some countries and services still operate in cash. Regardless, it is unwise and dangerous to carry tons of your national currency to convert to your destination. It's best to find a local bank and use an ATM, although there is a charge. It's much safer than having hundreds of dollars on you (or in your luggage). Some debit cards even reimburse you for ATM fees, so you can use any machine in the world for free.
Myth 10: There is a “best” time to travel
No. The best time to travel is when you have the time…and the money of course (free plug for my book!). Although some places are better at certain times than others, there is a fantastic adventure to be had whenever you have some free time.
