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When I first started this blog I thought I was a budget traveller. I don’t have a big salary so my disposable income isn’t massive, however I also don’t have huge outgoings like some people and I don’t have child to care for so the money I earn is for me to do with as I please, I therefore try to save as much as I can so that I can travel as often as I am able.
However in the time I have been travelling and writing about travel I have reached a conclusion. My idea of budget is very different to others. I have a budget in terms of I know how much I can afford and even if I pay with my credit card I make sure that I pay it off as quickly as possible. However, the traditional idea of a budget traveller is a very different beast. I am what I like to call a comfortably frugal traveller.
Why I’m Not a Budget Traveller
The budget traveller is often thought by some to be the better kind of traveller, that by spending less money they are getting a more authentic experience. However, it is also important to think about how you could be depriving yourself of some even more incredible experiences by refusing to pay a little extra.
I was talking to a fellow blogger recently who had just returned from a trip to Peru, when I asked her about Machu Picchu I was surprised to learn that she hadn’t gone that far along the trail as she didn’t want to pay the £70 it would have cost her, so instead she simply took a photo from a distance.
When it comes to accommodation I like comfort and privacy. I have mentioned previously that I hate hostels and that I avoid airbnb. I personally can’t afford to stay in super swanky hotels, but I do like to treat myself occasionally with a sunrise/sunset view and a free breakfast buffet is an absolute must.
You may have read other blog posts telling you that a great way to save money is to book accommodation out of the main town and then to use public transport to get around. This is great advice. Sometimes. However, because I only travel part time my time is precious, I don’t want to be spending time first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening traipsing across towns and cities to get to and from my accommodation. I would much rather stay centrally and then venture out during the day.
Transport is another subject that is often mentioned by a budget traveller, that you haven’t really visited a place until you’ve walked so much your feet have bled, or that you spent 17 hours on a bus because it was cheaper than the train and that taking a taxi is cheating. In some ways I agree, if the destination has a perfectly adequate and affordable public transport system then why wouldn’t you use it, however there may be times where a taxi is required, especially at night.
Now don’t forget, at the start of the post I referred to myself as a “comfortable frugal traveller” – this means that as much as I like home comforts I’m also not made of money. When flying I will use Skyscanner to find flights (the search “everywhere” option is genius) and I will nearly always opt for the low-cost airline (although Ryanair is avoided as much a possible.) When searching for accommodation Booking.com is my go-to site for deals and the much-appreciated cancellation policies. A great site for finding tours or experiences is Get Your Guide – they have great deals and you may find that these are a lot cheaper than if you try to book them locally.
I honestly don’t believe that there is a right way to travel. Just getting out and going somewhere is the important part. Don’t beat yourself up (or allow others to) because you have chosen to book a fancy hotel with a Michelin star restaurant and luxury spa. As long as you are travelling safely and responsibly then go where you want and do what you want.
Are you a budget traveller or do you allow yourself a little bit of luxury along the way?
Let me know in the comments.
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I would consider myself an in-between traveler. I’d rather have more trips under my belt than fewer, so I don’t totally splurge. But, we’re able to get really nice hotels with points because both my boyfriend and I travel a lot for work which opens up a lot of money for nice restaurants and experiences. So, while it may not appear that we travel on the cheap, we do, so it’s kind of the best of both worlds 🙂
I like that. Finding a balance that suits you both.
I had considered myself a budget traveller until reading this! I think there are things worth splurging on (like when we went to Graceland) but there are other ways to cut corners. Staying places in the somewhat off season helps. Sometimes it does pay to stay outside of the main parts of the city, especially if the city hotels would charge over $20 a night extra for parking and you know where the free parking areas are in that city.
Off-season is definitely the best way to get a good deal. I don’t understand paying peak prices if you don’t have to. Life is there to be enjoyed, even if that means paying a little extra.
I definitely allow myself luxury I can afford without going overboard. I also hate hostels, I think it’s better to focus in the experience instead of travelling just for the sake.
YES! Travel is about experiences and making memories to last a lifetime – sometimes paying a little extra is necessary but definitely worth it.
Interesting article – thanks for sharing your views! I like to have the choice to go luxury if necessary but generally I’m more in the middle. Sometimes you need to splash out though!
Thanks for your comment. There is nothing wrong with balance, just don’t deprive yourself of amazing experiences because you think you need to do everything cheaply. That’s how I live and travel anyway.
These photos are so gorgeous! You travel to the most beautiful spots!
Unfortunately the photos in this post aren’t mine – credit has been given though to the super talented photographers.
Great Post! I think I consider myself an in between traveller. I tend to spend a lot of money on hotels as I am very picky on the location. I would much rather spend more money and be in the center of everything that saving money and having to find transportation to get to places I want to go/see. I also want to make sure I have enough money to try all the local cuisines.
It sounds like we have a very similar travel style. Thanks for your comments.
This is really a great post. Me and my family love traveling and as much as possible we would like to enjoy every single experience we will have.
Thank you so much. It’s all about the enjoyment.
I think you stay within your means, but allow yourself to splurge a bit 🙂
Definitely. I enjoy myself without going too crazy and without depriving myself of the experiences.
I am a comfortable frugal traveler as well I think! I love getting a huge deal or discount, but I enjoy staying in lovely locations with good service.
Thanks for your comment. That sounds perfect.
When we travel I try to walk as much as possible too! Thankfully I have become a pro at the Metro in DC so when we jet off there that is our go-to mode of transportation and it almost makes me feel like a local.
My favourite way to explore a city is on foot but I do like trying to work out the local public transport. I have no issue with jumping in a taxi if I absolutely have to although it depends how much it would cost.