Tips for getting the local experience abroad
Affordable travel may seem like a term that is strictly reserved for describing the cheapest travel options, however, affordable is often a relative term.
For some, affordability means staying within a pre-set budget and not booking three connecting flights that last 34 hours. With this in mind, I thought that it would be good to address those who are budget-driven by talking about extended trips to developing nations.
Though hitting up some popular destinations in Europe can be an amazing experience, it can also be pretty pricey. Instead, by choosing countries like Thailand, or other nations in Southeast Asia, or even Africa, a trip can be both affordable and life-changing. This starts with the ability to tailor the trip to the specifications of your budget. By using apps like Kayak and Skyscanner, you can choose your location and time based on flight costs, and can add alerts to different flights to watch for any changes.
Another aspect that lends to the student budget is the cost of living once you arrive at your destination. Most developing countries tend to have currencies that exchange very generously with the Canadian dollar—though you will want to bring American money, as many places usually don’t accept Canadian. This means that, once you arrive, you will be able to save quite a bit of money and make it last longer by making smart choices.
Look into staying at a hostel or a guesthouse. They can be just as nice as some hotels and will cost you much less than a resort or a Four Seasons. The staff will be very knowledgeable about the area and will likely be able to suggest options for local excursions that are less touristy. Further, try taking local transportation.Rather than calling a taxi or an Uber, try jumping on a motorcycle taxi or a bus. Not only will it make a great story for later, but it will also save you from overpaying for transportation.
In addition, watch out for tourist pricing at restaurants and attractions. Avoid places that cater to the traveller and try something different. You would be surprised how easy it can be to order food in Kenya, even if you don’t speak the local dialect—tons of people speak English. Again, this will lead to a better experience and a wallet-friendly one as well.
In the same stream, look for attractions that may not be as touristy. Try out historical sites, like the Old City of Sukhothai in Thailand. Bike rentals for the whole day will run you approximately 100 Baht, plus another 100 Baht for admission to the 600-acre property, bringing your grand total to about $2.50 USD.
Overall, it is possible to make a big trip much more affordable if you just plan ahead. Once you have a simple structure, or some idea as to what you want to spend, going on the trip of a lifetime is definitely doable.
Photo by Heinrich Damm via CC BY 2.0