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Travelling on a budget is the only way we get around here at Kiku Corner. As poor students Tomiko and I would jump on a plane every chance we got, even when we were only working part-time. Over the years we have collected a list of our favourite travel tips, which we are happy to share with you. The general theme is be patient and plan ahead when possible. We’d love to hear your suggestions as well!
1. If you’re travelling alone, stay in a hostel. Hostels have a collective atmosphere and mean it’s easy to chat with fellow backpackers and pick up travel tips. Bring flip flops and a small travel lock.
2. If you can, stay in a place with a kitchen and do your own cooking. This is one of my favourite ways to get to know a country and culture…by eating their food! Go to the local grocery stores and shop at the farmers’ markets. Impromptu picnics are often the most unforgettable food memories.
3. If you’re travelling alone, travel by bus or train. Buses are great from hopping from city to city in some places, while in countries like Italy, the train system is affordable and far-reaching.
4. If you’re travelling in a group, rent a car. Splitting the price of the car and gas money can be cheaper than if all of you were to travel by bus or train.
5. Go camping! This covers accommodations and food. Park permits are generally quite affordable.
6. Don’t eat in restaurants: some places, like Japan, have delicious, great quality, hot and cold ready-to-eat foods at convenience stores like Seven Eleven or Lawson’s.
7. Visit and stay with friends or family. Prioritize your vacations with places you can stay with people you know, even if it is for a small portion of the trip.
8. Book tickets anonymously. Go into incognito mode so the website doesn’t know that you’re searching around.
9. Travel in the off-season or during the shoulder-seasons. Hotels and car rentals will be cheaper, plus any tourist line ups will be shorter.
See some of our travelling adventures below, all of which were travelling on a budget.
- Exploring Trinidad in Four Days
- Travelling Utah with a Campervan – Canyonlands National Park
- Finally in Tadoussac!
- Road Trips: Providence, Rhode Island
I love travelling! We try to only eat out one meal a day, dinner. Bfast in the hotel (cereal, muffins and fruit are easy to keep in the room) and picnic sandwiches for lunch. It makes such a big difference!