Travel can be expensive, sapping large amounts of our savings for a couple of weeks abroad each year.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are affordable ways to see the world, but there is one distinction many of us don’t make: the distinction between cheap travel and budget travel.
What’s the difference? They both point towards money saving and cutting corners to trot the globe, but there is a clear distinction. Someone saying they’ve gone round the entire world for under $10,000 would be budget travel, while another saying they lived in India on under $8 a day refers to cheap travel. The primary difference is that budget travel is just that, setting out a clear budget.
Whereas cheap travel means saving the pennies at all costs, whether that means sacrificing experiences and only eating street food, often to maximise the duration of the trip.
There’s a real sense of adventure when it comes to travelling on a shoestring, but travellers who decide on this method take on some risk. Cutting corners can come with unforeseen costs that can far exceed any anticipated savings. For example, opting solely for street food can end in a trip to the doctors, which can be expensive. There’s also less security for belongings in certain hostels. Some even sacrifice sleep, deliberately catching their forty winks on the go, taking overnight train or bus rides from destination to destination.
A common misunderstanding
What’s the difference? They both point towards money saving and cutting corners to trot the globe, but there is a clear distinction. Someone saying they’ve gone round the entire world for under $10,000 would be budget travel, while another saying they lived in India on under $8 a day refers to cheap travel. The primary difference is that budget travel is just that, setting out a clear budget.
Whereas cheap travel means saving the pennies at all costs, whether that means sacrificing experiences and only eating street food, often to maximise the duration of the trip.
What is cheap travel?
There’s a real sense of adventure when it comes to travelling on a shoestring, but travellers who decide on this method take on some risk. Cutting corners can come with unforeseen costs that can far exceed any anticipated savings. For example, opting solely for street food can end in a trip to the doctors, which can be expensive. There’s also less security for belongings in certain hostels. Some even sacrifice sleep, deliberately catching their forty winks on the go, taking overnight train or bus rides from destination to destination.
While this isn’t for everyone, shoestring adventures can often be rewarding in and of themselves, even if some activities can’t be factored into daily costs. For many young people, it’s a rite of passage that’s looked back on fondly, and maybe the only way they can experience travel while they get their start in the world.
The clue is in the name. Budget travel refers to travelling with well-thought-out costs, calculating and making value-conscious decisions. For example, you might rely on street food for a couple of days to afford a well-reviewed restaurant another day. You might skip a private city tour in one destination to instead take a guided mountain trek in another spot.
Better quality hostels and travel options will be taken where possible, but not at the expense of the overall experience. Budgeting wisely for a trip is always advisable, as it means you are less likely to miss out on the activities, culture and cuisine that lure us away from our everyday comfort in the first place.
Managing your money is one thing, but creating a more comfortable experience can be just as valuable. Steve Solosky runs small group tours for active adults. On his travel blog, he shares a clever tip: Buy an extra empty seat on a plane for more comfort.
“Airlines often allow passengers to purchase an additional seat for comfort, convenience, or special needs. If your main concern is having more room rather than luxury service, buying an extra seat can be a smart middle ground,” says Solosky. This hack is particularly effective for couples travelling together, he says. By reserving three seats, they have an entire row to themselves. If there isn’t a seat reservation option online, the best way to do this is to call the airline directly.
It goes to show, by being prepared, you can find true value, rather than just the lowest price.
Some things aren’t about money at all. For many, eating street food is a cultural experience. However, an upset stomach can confine you to your accommodation for days at a time. If it gets really bad, you may need medical attention.
Regardless of the style of travel you identify with, the real threshold for whether you should take out a policy is the question “Can I afford not to have it?”. Pick an option that best suits your needs; for example, World Nomads includes activities like hiking and kayaking, whilst Australia Post has no age limits on their policies.
Choosing between cheap and budget travel isn't just about the numbers in your bank account, but about how you want to experience the world.
What is budget travel?
The clue is in the name. Budget travel refers to travelling with well-thought-out costs, calculating and making value-conscious decisions. For example, you might rely on street food for a couple of days to afford a well-reviewed restaurant another day. You might skip a private city tour in one destination to instead take a guided mountain trek in another spot.
Better quality hostels and travel options will be taken where possible, but not at the expense of the overall experience. Budgeting wisely for a trip is always advisable, as it means you are less likely to miss out on the activities, culture and cuisine that lure us away from our everyday comfort in the first place.
The advantages of budget travel
Managing your money is one thing, but creating a more comfortable experience can be just as valuable. Steve Solosky runs small group tours for active adults. On his travel blog, he shares a clever tip: Buy an extra empty seat on a plane for more comfort.
“Airlines often allow passengers to purchase an additional seat for comfort, convenience, or special needs. If your main concern is having more room rather than luxury service, buying an extra seat can be a smart middle ground,” says Solosky. This hack is particularly effective for couples travelling together, he says. By reserving three seats, they have an entire row to themselves. If there isn’t a seat reservation option online, the best way to do this is to call the airline directly.
It goes to show, by being prepared, you can find true value, rather than just the lowest price.
Some things are worth paying for
Some things aren’t about money at all. For many, eating street food is a cultural experience. However, an upset stomach can confine you to your accommodation for days at a time. If it gets really bad, you may need medical attention.
Regardless of the style of travel you identify with, the real threshold for whether you should take out a policy is the question “Can I afford not to have it?”. Pick an option that best suits your needs; for example, World Nomads includes activities like hiking and kayaking, whilst Australia Post has no age limits on their policies.
Choosing between cheap and budget travel isn't just about the numbers in your bank account, but about how you want to experience the world.
By shifting the focus from "lowest cost" to "highest value," you can protect both your health and your savings, proving that a lighter budget can still lead to a richer journey!
