Traveling Pops Traveling the world with your significant other can be an unforgettable experience. However, it can also be expensive. If you’re looking to explore the globe without breaking the bank, here are a few budget-friendly travel tips for couples, sprinkled with some of our own adventures!
Accommodation
* Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels: In Vietnam, we found charming guesthouses in Hoi An that were not only budget-friendly but also offered a more authentic experience than large hotels. We got to interact with the local family running the place and enjoy delicious homemade breakfasts.
* Look for apartments or vacation rentals: When we were in Bali, Indonesia, we rented a small villa through Airbnb. This allowed us to cook our own meals, relax by a private pool, and save a lot compared to staying in a resort.
* Be flexible with your travel dates: We discovered that traveling during shoulder seasons in Italy, like late September, significantly reduced accommodation costs and crowds.
Flights
* Be flexible with your travel dates and times: We’ve learned that flying mid-week or during off-peak hours can save a lot. For example, our flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were much cheaper when we opted for a Tuesday departure.
* Look for budget airlines: AirAsia became our go-to for many Southeast Asian hops. It made exploring Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia incredibly affordable.
* Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites: This is how we snagged a surprisingly cheap flight to Taipei, Taiwan, allowing us to explore the vibrant night markets and serene temples.
Activities
* Take advantage of free activities: In Rome, we spent days just wandering the ancient streets, admiring the Colosseum from the outside, and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain. In Paris, we enjoyed countless hours strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg, a perfect free romantic experience.
* Look for discounts and coupons for activities: In Thailand, we found that many temples offered discounted entry fees in the late afternoons.
* Cook your own meals instead of eating out all the time: We loved shopping at local markets in Vietnam and cooking simple meals in our guesthouse. This was not only budget-friendly but also a fun way to immerse ourselves in the local culture.
* Pack light: We’ve learned through many trips that packing light is essential. In south east asia this makes a big difference.
Food
* Eat at local restaurants and markets instead of tourist traps: The street food in Bangkok and Hanoi was not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. We found that eating where the locals eat was always the best way to go.
* Cook your own meals as often as possible: In Italy, we loved buying fresh pasta and ingredients from local markets and cooking romantic dinners in our apartment.
* Pack snacks and drinks: We always carry a refillable water bottle and some snacks, especially when we’re exploring cities on foot.
Additional Tips
* Travel during the off-season: As mentioned earlier, our off-season trip to Italy was a testament to the savings and fewer crowds.
* Use public transportation instead of taxis: The metro system in Taipei and the bus system in Rome were efficient and budget-friendly.
* Learn a few basic phrases in the local language: Even a simple “hello” or “thank you” in the local language goes a long way and can sometimes even lead to discounts or freebies.
Additional Tips for Couples
* Share experiences: Every sunset we watched together in Bali, every street food we shared in Vietnam, and every gelato we enjoyed in Rome has become a cherished memory.
* Be patient and understanding: Traveling can be stressful, but we’ve learned to be patient with each other and work as a team.
* Communicate openly and honestly: We always discuss our budget and travel plans together to ensure we’re on the same page.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic of exploring the world together. By incorporating these tips and sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire you to embark on your own budget-friendly romantic adventures.
