Adventure trips are some of the most exciting and fulfilling types of travel experiences, but they can also become quite expensive. Here are our top travel hacks for mastering the art of budget adventure trips.
1. Travel during shoulder season
Shoulder season is the period of time in between the high and low seasons. For most countries, high seasons tend to be in the summer or the holiday season, and low season when the weather is at its worst. Travelling during this time means you can avoid all the busy crowds from high season, and just about miss the bad weather from the low season.
There are some exceptions to this to keep in mind. Make sure to research your destination beforehand to find out if any national holidays occur during the shoulder season. For example, Golden Week is celebrated across Japan at the end of April, making it one of the busiest times to visit, despite being in the shoulder season.
2. Search for the cheapest flights
The excitement for your upcoming adventure trip might be hard to handle, try not to jump the gun and buy the first convenient flights you find. Shop around on different price comparison websites – like Skyscanner – to find the cheapest ones out there.
When searching, use the Incognito feature on your browser. This will prevent airline websites using cookies to monitor your flight searches and bumping up the prices that they show. Essentially, you’re guaranteed to see the cheapest rates available.
If your travels dates are quite flexible, make sure to check the prices for the days before and after your initial search. You might find that leaving a few days later can change the cost of your flight significantly. And remember, the earlier you book your flights, the better!
3. Pack as light as you can
The less you pack, the less you have to carry and how could that not be a good thing! Packing light also means you avoid the possibility of getting caught out at the airport for an overweight bag. Those fines can be pretty hefty and could mean you’re off budget before the trip’s even begun!
Everybody overpacks, so when you think you’re finished, go back and take half of the things out. Don’t know what to get rid of? Try taking out the clothes that only match certain things, and you’ll be left with a solid selection of interchangeable outfits. That way, you’re left with all the essentials and you’re not wasting your energy carrying a heavy bag full of clothes you won’t even wear. Chances are, your accommodation will have washing machines for you to use, so re-wearing outfits won’t be an issue.
4. Stay in hostels
Accommodation is one of the biggest contributors to a trip’s expense. In most places, hostels are just as nice as hotels but usually much more affordable, so they’re a great way to keep your budget down. Planning an adventure trip somewhere in Asia? Check out our top hostel picks from Japan, China and Southeast Asia, here!
Since your travels are likely to be packed full of, well, adventure, you probably won’t actually spend that much time at your accommodation. Instead of paying for expensive accommodation that you’ll most likely just be crashing in every night, you can save the money or put it towards another killer activity.
5. Public transportation is your secret weapon
Using public transportation is a great way to stick to a budget when you’re travelling. In a lot of Asian countries, public transportation systems like the metros and buses can cost you under £1 for a single ticket.
We get it, sometimes public transport can be a nightmare to figure out, but once you understand it – it’s a hidden gem! If you need help understanding the routes, or translating things, ask at the reception of your hostel and no doubt they’ll be more than happy to help you.
6. Spend your money wisely
There are so many activities you could do on your adventure trip but trying to fit them all in is really going to break the bank. Just like when you were trying to pack light, try making a list of all the activities you want to do, and then re-writing it with all the ones that are unmissable. By cutting out the ones you aren’t as excited about, you cut down the cost and ensure that you’ll really enjoy everything you do on your trip.
Want to book a budget adventure trip but don’t know where to start? We can help! From camping on the Great Wall of China, to paddle boarding across a volcanic lake in Japan, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Flagship China Adventure tour, our Southeast Asia Circuit, or our new extended Japan tour. Or get in contact with any questions.
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