More and more professionals opt to try living a digital nomad life, such that they can travel around the globe while working remotely. This kind of lifestyle offers flexibility and work-life balance that many aspire to have. As digital nomads aren’t bound to regular work hours and are free to work from any location, many can stay in a different place for extended periods.
However, travel expenses may become challenging to manage without strategic planning and budgeting. Given this, long-term travelers on a budget need to plan their trips carefully to keep travel and daily living costs manageable.
If you’re thinking about traveling for the long term, here are some practical tips that may help you manage your finances more effectively:
1. Explore Different Accommodation Options
To save money on lodging, travel experts advise long-term travelers to diversify their options for accommodation. There are many types of accommodation to choose from, depending on location.
Also, the market continues to grow and evolve over the years to cater to different travel needs. For instance, sites like Hustlepads offer a flat rate for extended stays in various locations. It’s ideal for those who intend to stay in one area for several weeks and are looking for cost-effective options.
When looking for the perfect accommodation for an extended stay, it may be wise to go for value for money over actual costs. This way, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort and safety, and you’ll have a pleasant experience as you travel.
2. Be On The Lookout For Promotions
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll benefit from subscribing to ticketing or hotel booking websites to keep you updated on the latest promotions and discounts. Travel deals can help you save substantially on fares and accommodation, and some may also include discounts on food and attractions.
There may also be special packages for long-term travelers that you can take advantage of, so staying updated and planning your trips accordingly is essential.
3. Pack Lightly
Many experienced travelers attest to packing lightly to avoid extra expenses on the road. Aside from making your trip more convenient, you won’t have to pay extra for luggage when taking flights.
You’ll also find it easier to move from place to place on foot since you won’t have to worry about carrying heavy, bulky luggage as you go. Thus, packing lightly and focusing on travel essentials eliminates the need to take short rides to get to a destination, which saves you money in the long run.
4. Take Advantage Of Walking Distances
Traveling on foot can be an advantage, especially if you’re planning to see many attractions in a particular location. Aside from having a more intimate experience seeing streets and establishments up close, you’ll also save money by covering short distances on foot.
You’ll find many opportunities to do this while sightseeing or shopping, and taking advantage of them may be beneficial to you and your pocket.
5. Secure Travel Insurance
Travel insurance could help you avoid hefty costs in unforeseen events, such as baggage loss, canceled flights, and health emergencies. Apart from this, travel insurance can also help you manage personal liability penalties if you’re legally held liable for damage to personal property or injury.
6. Travel During Shoulder Season
Shoulder season refers to the period between lean and peak travel seasons in a particular destination. The timespan may range from a few weeks up to several months depending on the location, and it’s primarily based on the weather, temperature, and occasions in a particular tourist spot. For instance, the shoulder season in Osaka falls in September, October, and November each year.
It’s ideal for traveling during shoulder season if you want to spend less. Because there’ll be less demand for services after peak season, the prices are generally lower for fares and accommodation. Apart from this, you’re also likely to have a more authentic and unique local cultural experience without competing with a large crowd of tourists.
7. Set Up A Travel Fund
If you plan to travel for the long term, it may be helpful to set aside funds dedicated to travel expenses. Setting up a travel fund would make it easier for you to prepare a budget for each trip. Also, it could encourage you to stick to a spending plan that’d match what you’ve saved up in your fund.
Conclusion
The ability to work remotely and travel the world as you please may sound like an ideal lifestyle for many. However, it may also come with several challenges, especially when managing expenses. Given this, long-term travelers need to find ways to cut costs while living comfortably and safely in various locations. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your travels to the fullest and have a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
