20 Rules!! - How to Travel “Cheap & Safe” ?

I have been doing Solo & Family Travelling since 2011 & have been to different countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Turkey & Sudia. In some countries even twice :). Writing this article to share my experience specially when you are travelling abroad.

 Here are few tips, especially if you are Solo/Budget Traveler:

1.     Plan your journey ahead of time, start getting information atleast 3 months before your travel about main attractions where you are planning to visit (city/country)

2.     Book your air ticket atleast a month before departure for better rates. There are many apps & sites which give you good comparison like Sky Scanner, WeGo, Kayak etc. Sometime, flight with more layover are comparatively cheaper than direct or short layover. Do consider these option while planning & booking

3.     Book your hotel when you book your air travel. Try to get the hotel/hostel near to main attractions of the city to avoid long journey & travel cost. I have been booking my all trips through agoda.com & always found cheaper than many other sites like booking.com. If you are “budget” traveler always stay in cheaper hotel don’t run for 4 or 5 stars, remember you are there to spend night only :) so luxury can be compromised, all you need a comfortable bed. Moreover, hotels/hostels which are slightly 2 to 3 KMs away from main attraction are 30% to 35% cheaper than which are very close to the attractions. You can also save money by opting such locations

4.     Always select hotel/hostel which offers “Free Breakfast” as it would also help you to same bucks

5.     Carefully read the “reviews” of people who already stayed in that property, it would give you clear picture about your hotel/hostel location & facilities

6.     You need to be physically fit if travelling abroad, so start exercise or gym atleast 3 to 4 months before your travel

7.     Take some basic medicine along like Fever, cough, stomach, pain. Sometimes, it is really tough to get these medicines without “Doctor Prescription”

8.     Beware of weather during you stay, check the forecast & pack accordingly. However, there are few things must take like Umbrella, cap, slefie stick & sun glasses

9.     As soon you land at the destination, try to get their “commuting/travel cards” which are normally applicable on all like Metro, Fairy, Buses, Trains, Taxi, Tram etc. They would charge you some amount initially but trust me you would not regret it & can commute as much as you can :) It really goes cheaper

10.  Don’t run to get “Local SIM” you can survive without too. Now a days every tourist place, hotel is equipped with “Free Wifi” use that incase of emergency. Otherwise, you would be always busy in “updating status” & posting on “Social Media” which would take away the real FUN, you are there for :) Save money & LIVE the moments!

11.  Take some instant energy items from homeland. I normally take “Arabian Dates”, “Salty peanuts” & “Biscuits” should be in your shoulder bag along with Water Bottle which you can re fill from the place you are staying or any hotel outside. Don’t buy Bottled Water, it not only cost you but brings Plastic to earth too

12.  Plan your tourist points day wise with complete information of “Entry Ticket”, “How to get there from your location”, “ETA” etc

13.  Using TAXI or any Hail Services is CRIME if you are budget travel – just kidding. Always use local transport, hitch hike, take lifts. People normally helps you :)

14.  Avoid visiting International Food Chains like McDonalds, KFC, Domino’s etc. Try to taste local food which is normally tastier & cheaper

15.  Don’t SHOP alot & use that budget for visiting major tourist places & attractions. However, save some Bucks to try local specialties & eateries :)

16.  Make new friends, exchange contacts, add them on Facebook. It would be more fun believe me. You would learn about new people, their culture & so many other things.

17.  Try to use the maximum services of your “Stay Place”, their Wifi, water, Tea & Coffee. Normally, most of them offer free & unlimited

18.  Your shoulder bag should always contain following items: Umbrella, Water, Snacks, Power Bank, Passport & some Cash beside Wallet

19.  Hotel staff usually has lot of information about surroundings, they can help you for cheap food, travel & shopping, take their opinion if confused. So establish good relationship with them

20.  Almost in all parts of world, at all popular tourist places beware of Scams. People might approach you to offer you product & service. So, be conscious.

Important Points:

• Keep copy of your passport/visa always with you & your phone
• Travel light, only take clothes according to weather & culture of that country. Don’t carry lot of stuff & clothes along
• Try to directly convert into the currency to country you are going to visit to avoid double conversion charges, if you don’t able to find take $ or Euros
• Respect the laws of country & don’t yourself engage in any argument to anyone
• If you come across any incident, report near POLICE station

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