Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Navigating a New City

Visiting or moving to a new city can be intimidating. Whether you’re one city over or a whole country over, not knowing where to go or how much local services cost can make the trek stressful. The best way to enjoy new sights and scenery is to employ the most budget-friendly options so you can save money or spend it on more luxurious amenities on your trip. Traveling like a local can help keep your wallet fat and your stress levels low. What exactly does traveling like a local look like?

Use Public Transportation When Possible

In many cities around the world, public transportation is offered to allow residents and tourists to enjoy affordable navigation. From buses to trains, there are typically multiple types of public transit in large cities. Public transportation is extremely cost-effective and provides a hands-on, authentic way to travel like a local. Purchasing day or week passes for traveling on public transit can save you a lot of money versus paying single-trip fares. If you’ve never taken public transit, give it a try! It’s safe, affordable, and convenient, especially when navigating through a new city. If you’re worried about safety, be sure to follow all safety rules when riding a bus, train, trolley, or subway system. If you’re injured in a transit accident, report it immediately, try to locate any witnesses, and consult with a local attorney experienced in public transit accidents, like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Split Rides

Not all cities have reliable public transit, so you may need to take a taxi or rideshare from time to time. If you’re traveling with a friend or don’t mind riding with a stranger, carpooling can save you a ton of money on taxi or rideshare fares. The more passengers you can bring, the more you split your fare. Rideshare services have even implemented carpool options like UberPool to help riders save on fees.

Utilize Map Apps

Whether you’re walking, driving, or using public transit, a GPS app can save you a lot of time and money. Not only can map apps like Google Maps allow you to know where you’re going, but they can also find the quickest, most traffic-free, and fuel-efficient routes. If you’re walking or biking, they’ll show you the fastest and safest route for that method of transportation as well. They also highlight the quickest routes by bus or public transit. They’re a very useful tool for both locals and travelers.

Find a Walking Tour

If you want to witness the local sights and scenes, a walking tour is a great way to find hot spots and entertainment within walking distance. Many walking tours are free, so you can learn more about your surroundings without spending a lot of money. You’ll also learn the best ways to get around on foot, which saves you even more.

Find Coupons or Discount Tickets

Paying full price for amenities or accommodations can wear your budget down quickly. Thankfully, discount tickets are easily offered frequently throughout the year, especially during the off-season. Certain jobs, credit cards, or insurance policies can earn you discounts, too, like military members or AAA insurance members. Bring any identification with you that may help secure discounts.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

When you travel during the peak vacation season, you’re going to pay top dollar for lodging, transportation, tickets, and meals. However, when there are fewer travelers, you’re more likely to get a better deal on these costs. There will be fewer people to worry about as well, which can help you enjoy quicker travel times and fewer crowds at your destination.

Choose Accommodations Wisely

If you need to stay in a hotel or other lodging, you’ll find that certain locations or types can come with a higher price tag for no reason. Compare hotel costs to get the best deal. You don’t need fancy bells and whistles if you’re looking to budget. You may want to compare the costs of vacation rental companies like VRBO or Airbnb; you may be able to find a better deal than a hotel. If you really want to cut costs, shared lodgings like hostels will only cost a few dollars a night—some are even free. 

Skip the Fine Dining

A lot of famous restaurants are geared toward tourists, meaning you’ll likely be paying top dollar for them. While you can choose any restaurant you’d like, consider eating more like a local to get the most authentic dining experience without paying the highest prices. Ask around or search online for local recommendations. Try popular restaurants or food trucks. Learn about authentic, regional cuisine. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy more affordable, original eats!

Conclusion

You don’t have to sacrifice fun experiences if you’re traveling on a budget. With a few smart approaches, you can travel to a new city and eat like a local, making your experience more authentic and enriching. If you’re forced to travel during peak times or you want to eat at a popular tourist restaurant, employ other savings methods to balance your checkbook.