Vacations are a lot of fun, but it's easy to overspend money, leaving a costly trail following your good time. However, there are a surprising number of fun things to do, eat, and see for as little as $20 or less, if you know how to find them.
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“Often, it’s the simple, low-key experiences that create the most meaningful memories anyway,” according to Anjali Chawla, family travel blogger and founder of Travel melodies.
“The best thing about traveling cheap is that it forces you to authentically engage with communities,” she said. “It's not about flashy tourist attractions, it's about slowing down to discover small cafes, street performers and secluded viewpoints that give you a real insider's experience.”
She and other travel experts explain the Best Ways to Spend $20 on Vacation.
Food
Food should be your first choice if you only have $20 to spare, according to David Ciccarelli, CEO and founder of the vacation rental platform. Lake.
“Choose a popular food truck, market vendor or local restaurant, which tends to be much cheaper and more authentic than tourist-oriented restaurants,” he advised.
Local markets
On the topic of food, Elaine Warren, travel expert, founder and CEO of The family cruise companionsuggested visiting local markets to buy snacks with your $20.
“The food on a cruise is good, but you don't see how the locals eat. Markets offer treats like filled pastries in the Caribbean or meat sticks in Asia. Try real local foods, it's interesting and not too expensive. Speaking of tastes, another inexpensive option is to stop at cafes or cafes… You can taste special drinks and feel the local ambiance.
Then, once your belly is full, go visit the museums with free admission, Ciccarelli said. “Spend the money on public transportation; You might even have a little left over at the end of a day full of culture. Or take a walking tour and discover local art, sculptures, and architecture, stopping for a snack along the way.
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Outdoor experiences
For any vacationer with $20 to spend, Jonas Zook Jr., an Airbnb host with Cabins in the valley of Swedenrecommended investing in memorable outdoor experiences.
“For example, Cherry Springs State Park offers exceptional stargazing, often for free or for a nominal park entrance fee. It fits perfectly with spending little but gaining big: connecting with nature and enjoying spectacular celestial views,” he said.
Likewise, in the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest, near his home, there are numerous hiking trails, accessible free of charge, except perhaps for parking.
“These trails not only provide physical activity, but also expose travelers to breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife, maximizing the value gained from a low-cost or no-cost activity.” Additionally, the mental and physical benefits of time spent in nature provide a substantial return on a minimal investment,” Zook Jr. said.
Local community and cultural events
Zook Jr. also suggested that if you're interested in cultural experiences, “local community events such as festivals or markets in small towns can be incredibly enriching without hurting your wallet.”
These events often feature local crafts, food and sometimes free performances, providing a taste of local life and community spirit.
“My experience lodging near such a vibrant, community-oriented outdoor space has shown me that the most enriching travel experiences often come from authentic interaction with the area's natural and social offerings, all while respecting a limited budget.”
Youth hostels
Although accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling, if you're traveling outside of the United States, many countries offer hostels, essentially shared accommodations where you can sleep in a dormitory, for very little , according to Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert and marketing director of FreeTour.com.
“It depends on where you're going on vacation. For example, if you were visiting Bolivia, you could spend $20 on a hostel, $9 on a delicious meal… and spend the rest on a minibus across the city,” she said.
Similarly, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, you can find accommodation in a hostel from 5 dollars, street food for 1 dollar or in a hotel for 5 dollars, and you can visit museums, markets, etc., she explained.
Many cities offer these kinds of deals on hostels.
Day passes for public transport
Another tip Chawla recommends is to take advantage of public transportation day passes.
“Whether it’s buses, trains or the metro, most major cities offer passes for short-term tourists that allow unlimited trips in one day. For about $20 or less, you open up a lot of affordable tourism opportunities,” she said.
She explained that this is how her family was able to cover twice as much ground in one day in major cities like Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago.
Museums, monuments and monuments
Plus, you'd be surprised how much free or inexpensive culture you can soak up in one place, too, Chawla said.
Many museums, monuments and landmarks offer discounted or even free entry days, which only require a little research online first, she said.
“Just $10 for the price of admission means my children get an education while we travel. It’s amazing what you learn while walking around admiring the exhibits and history. I always come away feeling like I understand a destination better after a few hours spent at its cultural attractions.
Don't forget what's free
You can also save your $20 by taking advantage of some free options, according to Rob Burley, tour operator expert and founder of General traveler.
He recommended free “cultural days” at local museums, zoos and attractions.
“During my last trip to Washington, DC, I was amazed at how much history and education I absorbed at several Smithsonian museums, all without spending a dime. Another major recommendation is free walking tours. Not only do you see the sites, but you also get invaluable insights from local volunteers who share their city with pride.
He also urged people not to forget libraries.
“On rainy days, they entertained me for hours with movies, books and more. And in the summer, public parks around the world host wonderful free concerts and shows, perfect for meeting locals,” Burley said.
Public squares or parks sometimes host concerts by street artists, Warren added.
“Even historic sites can have outdoor spaces open to everyone, allowing you to see beautiful buildings or ruins for free. And don't forget cheap postcards to send your friends photos of your trip,” she concluded.
Whether it's food, public transportation, or culture, there are plenty of ways to spend a day traveling on just $20 if you get a little creative.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: Budget Travel: Best Ways to Spend $20 on Vacation
