Thrifty Travel: Exploring the World on a FIRE Budget
Living a life of frugality requires discipline and persistence. The consistency required to proceed further once you have made up your mind can sometimes lead to one missing out on some instances and experiences. These instances and experiences can be a core memory and play an essential part in shaping an individual’s personality and mindset. This blog is pro-travelling and as someone who is thrilled even by the thought of traveling, I encourage you to travel.
Traveling broadens your horizon. It adds to your thought process. One can only learn so much when cooped up in one place for the rest of their lives. When you travel, you experience a new culture, new traditions, and a flow of new languages in your lifestyle. Traveling brings people from different parts of the world together. Traveling is truly confounding.
Even if you are a key follower of FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) and have completely absorbed the concept of minimalism into your lifestyle, you should travel. However, your typical and traditional travel blueprint would consist of loads of places to visit, activities, and bills! This can be appalling and, quite frankly, demotivating. We have a solution for that. Travel on a budget.
Now, you may ponder as to how that is even possible. In order to enjoy and have a vividly unfading journey, one must spend money. Well, you can have it all. What I’m about to share might lighten your mood. There are places where you can visit without having to break your FIRE routine.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Uruguay is an unexplored gem in South America, close to more popular tourist destinations like Buenos Aires. Albeit far more subdued and relaxed. Since the peso-to-dollar conversion rate is presently 26 to 1, visitors from the United States will receive a lot for their money.
Particularly Colonia del Sacramento, a historic city, is a fantastic location for history fans to take in artifacts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The city’s well-preserved urban environment has earned it a spot on the World Heritage List and allows visitors to take historical walking tours of the cobblestone alleys lined with vibrant residences, eateries, and stores.
Residents host block parties throughout the warmer months, when you may eat authentic Uruguayan street cuisine. Even if you eat in restaurants, a full day’s worth of food may just cost you $10 or less.
Small boutique hotels start at approximately $50 per night and go up to major chains like Sheraton at about $160 per night for lodging alternatives. The average cost of a round-trip ticket is usually around $540. Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, the nation has its summer peak season from December through February, making it one of the greatest winter tourist locations. Plan your trip for November or March if you want the greatest discounts and nicest weather.
Laos
One of the two places you could travel on a $30/day budget was Laos. Even though at the time, the lodging was a little more expensive than in most other parts of Southeast Asia. There are many affordable, fantastic things to do in Laos.
One may witness one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world for $2.50, spend $7 on a full day of tubing on the Vang Vieng River, and pay $6 for an incredible tiger balm massage. Additionally, you can easily rent a motorcycle and travel to the smaller towns, where everything is much less expensive! You may travel for cheaper for longer since there are more and more hostels being created to accommodate the growing number of backpackers.
Valencia, Spain
Western Europe has many inexpensive destinations to visit, contrary to popular belief. We must consider what is affordable initially. Spain is more expensive than Thailand. Spain is less expensive than several other nations, including England, Switzerland, Canada, and many others.
The secret to selecting an inexpensive vacation spot is discovering a wide range of activities, affordable dining options, food shops, and transportation options. All of these things are present in Valencia, Spain.
There are various methods for getting to Valencia. Depending on where you’re going, you could travel by plane, train, or even a reasonably priced, roomy bus from another European nation. You should first take a stroll around the city’s meandering cobblestone streets after you arrive. Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza Redonda all have stops.
The Holy Grail is kept at the Valencia Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. Of course, seeing the beach is a must-do during any trip to Valencia. Spend the afternoon lounging on the sand after stopping at Mercadona (grocery shop) to pick up a bottle of wine, some salads, and different bakery things for around $10.
You may also explore the renowned parks and gardens of Valencia. These are just a handful of the Valencia activities that are free. Visit the amazing City Of Arts And Sciences as well. Consider purchasing a Valencia City Card if you want unlimited public transit, free admission to some museums, discounts at others, and other benefits.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the greatest European countries to add to your list of low-cost vacation spots since it often costs very little to go there and has a ton of exciting things to do. Travelers who are unable to speak the language will find it simple because of the country’s great transit system and the English-speaking populace.
A beer at a Prague bar costs between $1 and $3, while a night in a hostel costs about $10. To get the most out of your trip, look into these Prague hotels.
Just this has enabled Prague to expand on its thriving tourist sector. There are several activities available in this nation that are affordable. There are numerous bars and clubs you may go to when you’re looking for nightlife.
Bohol, Philippines
Unquestionably, one of the best spots in the Philippines to visit is the island province of Bohol. While it is home to beautiful tarsiers and the world-famous Chocolate Hills, coming here is still less expensive than visiting other places with similar distinctive attractions.
It’s affordable enough that we could hire a car with a driver for about $40 and do a full-day tour of the countryside that includes seven or more spectacular sites—gas, admission fees, and a buffet lunch are all included!
Therefore, it’s not only affordable but also pleasant, which is beneficial, especially for those looking for a leisurely tour. People have a wide selection of lodging alternatives, ranging from affordable to opulent.
Even an air-conditioned Airbnb with a kitchen and toilet is available for less elsewhere than a standard fan room. You can have a full lunch at several cheap places for a few dollars.
For less money than a mid-range restaurant in other towns, you may also eat at an opulent café close to the beach. Bohol is a fantastic location in the Philippines for island hopping. It entails dolphin viewing, snorkeling in Balicasag Island’s stunning marine reserve, and visiting the Virgin Island sandbar.
Even though it may seem pricey, an island-hopping cruise with a boat capacity of 6–10 persons may be had for about 20 USD. Usually, it’s on a boat basis rather than per person. As a result, you may use it alone or with companions without spending a fortune.
Overall, if you travel alone to Bohol for 3 days, you’re more likely to spend a little over $100; but, if you go with friends, your expenses will be much lower. Indeed, world-class, one-of-a-kind locations and experiences don’t have to be prohibitively pricey.
End of the Road
Traveling while following the FIRE movement doesn’t have to be expensive. These budget-friendly destinations offer a blend of culture, history, and adventure without straining your financial goals. By being mindful of your expenses and making smart choices, you can enkindle enthralling escapades that align perfectly with your FIRE journey. Happy travels!
