New Delhi: Recently, solo travel has experienced a rise in popularity. Once upon a time, people rarely set foot on a plane without family or friends—but changing travel trends show a growing interest in solo adventures. While solo trips are often exhilarating and enriching, considerable planning is involved, especially if you travel on a budget.
For those who love exploring new places without racking up a hefty (or haunted!) bill, here are a few key tips for making solo travel both affordable and enjoyable.
Plan Ahead for a Seamless Trip
Newbies are prone to one of the biggest traps budget travellers face: travelling without the necessary preparations. Common designations result in unnecessary costs and conflicting plans. To keep the price down, do your research before your trip and choose places known for their affordability. Some regions in India give you a magnificent yet budget-friendly travel experience, like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
Seek Daytime Travel and Public Transport
Safety and cost-effectiveness are key concerns when travelling solo. Plan to travel during daylight as far as possible. In addition, using public transport is a great way to save money. Local buses and trains usually have smaller fares during the day, so they tend to be a cheaper way of getting around just by yourself.
Avoid luxurious hotels in favour of budget accommodations
Instead of booking pricey hotels, consider hostels or guesthouses. Such accommodations are not only affordable, but they also provide opportunities to bond with other travellers and exchange priceless information. Many hostels even offer kitchen facilities, enabling guests to cook their meals and further reduce expenses.
Do research and use maps.
Before heading to any place, thorough research is the key. Using maps enables proper navigation and also prevents getting lost. You can significantly reduce transportation expenses by walking shorter distances rather than taking taxis or auto-rickshaws.
Volunteer your… You can volunteer your services in exchange for accommodation and some meals.
All kinds of tourist destinations now offer volunteer programs where you can work in exchange for free accommodation and food. These programs ease financial burdens and provide a unique cultural experience as well as a chance to interact with locals.