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Travel on a budget in 2019

by Pauline Paquin

As you know, I am a big traveler. I am usually away from home four to six months a year, and even though my travels lately have been more around visiting friends and family, I have still managed to fit in a few new destinations.

Since this is a money blog, let’s talk about how you can make your trip both enjoyable and stay within budget without maxing out your credit card. First, let’s determine said budget. How much can you afford to spend, all in? Remember that there are a lot of hidden costs to traveling, such as getting a passport or a new visa, pet-sitting for your furry friends, parking at the airport, and so on.

The last thing you want is having to charge your card and pay interest on a trip long passed.

Then, let’s have a look at destinations. As a long term traveler, I often visit places for months on end. I spent six months just in the US and Mexico. So when people go to the other side of the world for a week, it surprises me. Yes, accommodation to stay in Goa or Bali are dirt cheap, but have you taken into account the cost of the overall holiday? Once you include a $900 flight, your daily average for a week jumps by over $125!


People often wonder how I can afford to travel so much, and the answer is simple: slow travel. If you minimize flights, you can stretch your budget for fun.

For short trips, I like to stay within the same time zone. Mexico offers great value right now, due to the cheap peso, it is a fascinating country and has a lot to offer to everyone. Plus, it is less that five hours away from most US cities.

Asia offers outstanding value, if you have the time to go all the way there and recover from jet-lag. What I love most about it, is it is completely different from everything you know. Gorgeous sights, delicious food, it is a feast for all senses.

One way to save big on travel is to be flexible. I have been going back to Europe for the past few summers, and when I book my flight, I pretty much look for any way to cross the ocean. Landing in Brussels, London or Barcelona for $300 less than Paris? Count me in. If you subscribe to a few alerts you can book a great deal.

Last minute “I’ll go anywhere” deals are also worth it, but in my case, I still want to go to a specific destination. If my trip is set in stone, I book flights and hotels as much in advance as possible. Otherwise, like when I am on my motorcycle and anything can happen (from a flat tire to a wonderful camping spot I don’t want to leave), I’ll book on the same day. Last minute bookings are a bit more expensive, but you don’t lose money on the nights you were not able to use.

I also try to define my priorities. I like good food, and am willing to pay more for a good table, but regarding accommodation, I’m ok with just a clean bed. Living on a lake most of the year, I am pretty spoiled and don’t need to spend $200 a night on accommodation. I don’t mind cooking a few meals at home or having a picnic if that means more money for a longer trip.

When it comes to traveling, everyone is different. Make sure your trip aligns with your priorities and you spend on what matters most to you!

Lovely comments

  2. Pauline,

    Great tip – air flight really can soak up a travel budget just like that! If we ever go long-distance with a flight, I definitely like to make the trip longer. One other money saving tip – if you leave and return on a Tuesday the prices are normally half of what they would be if you book travel around the weekends!

  3. Great read! I decided to go to europe this summer and airfare really did take up a large sum of the cost. For my next trip I decided to see a financial advisor in NYC and they helped me plan out how to best budget my money. What a difference it made! And over christmas no less.

  6. Great read! These are some amazing destination spots & being able to go to them and not break the bank sounds like a dream come true!

  7. Great article! I like the part You mentioned about being flexible.
    I myself am a big fan of traveling on a budget.
    Keep up the good work

  13. Currently on the way to FI, but as a 22 year old there’s a long way to go. I’ve got so many things I want to experience, but it’s just much better to wait and enjoy much more later in life.

    I do, however, plan to make a trip soon. I want to see so many places, but I can’t choose. Currently looking at Machu Pichu but as I’m based in Europe plane tickets are expensive. I really can’t decide.

    Thanks for the tips anyways. They’re bookmarked and I’m hoping to use them soon!

    Best regards

    Frederik

  14. Great tips Pauline. So true about changing the destination airport away from Paris will save you quite a bit. Also, if you are flexible to change the day of the week of your flight can save you another few hundreds.

  16. Wow! The life you have is so awesome. Someday I’d love to travel alone too and never have to worry about anything. Great stuff here Pauline!

  17. Hello Pauline, Thanks for your Article. I am a Lover of Travel. And I have read this post. The title sounds very easy and effective for any traveler “TRAVEL ON A BUDGET IN 2019” I am a new traveler, so the post is very important for me. Hare has clearly explained for next travel. Really, I am very happy to read the content. Have a good day! Thank You!!!

  20. Traveling is just great, I love it especially in the company of family and friends. Something I’m always looking forward to. Thanks for the tips.

  21. Great post Pauline!

    I’m looking to do more travel this year. My wife and I love to travel but it is so expensive. Your article really helped me.

    I had never though about “slow travel”. Your tip to minimize flights sounds so simple but I had never thought about that.

    Thank you!

  23. Great insights Pauline, defining priorities and Budget is very important if you want to travel more often. I will follow these tips on my next trip.

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  32. Good tips. I agree cutting back in day-to-day life goes along way towards making long term traveling possible.

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  36. Hi Pauline, Firstly, thanks for your sharing tips. I have read this Article. Really, we want to travel but the budget is a major part. So, this blog is one of them. Thank You!!!

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  41. Hi Pauline, you gave some great tips here. I love to travel but my budget doesn’t always agree with me. I will use your tips in the future for sure. Thanks for sharing!

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  46. Great information there Pauline. I’ve never thought about how minimizing flights could affect the budget positively. It surely will be interesting to try your “slow travel” concept on my next trip.
    Thanks

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  48. Hi, Pauline Paquin, It’s a really good travel budgeting tips. I love traveling sometimes budget makes the problem. I will use your tips in the future for sure. Thanks for sharing these tips.

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  54. Thanks for the amazing post. We have been travelling a lot since years and a lot of you tips is so matching with ours. Where have you been to recently?

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  60. Thanks for the amazing tips, really appreciate it!

    I always end up spending too much money on my travels, booking last minute or not willing to put the time to plan everything. Would love to change that, so I could afford to travel more often.

    Happy travels for the both of us! 🙂

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