Traveling is a wonderful and exciting way to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures, and create lasting memories. However, just the thought of the travel expenses discourages some people from going on even the simplest, no-frills vacation. But with a little planning and creativity, exploring the world can be possible without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how you can stretch every Peso when traveling:
Make a “high-low” plan
Taking the time to plan the details of your trip is always a crucial first step. To maximize your budget and make your trip even more exciting, research activities from varying price points. List activities that cost little to no money, as well as activities that are on the more expensive side. This helps you build your itinerary per day, starting with your non-negotiables, and easily insert other activities that fit your remaining budget. Doing so allows you to experience all types of activities without spending beyond your means.
Travel during off-peak seasons
Unless your vacation is season-dependent, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival or seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, consider visiting your dream destination during off-peak seasons. This can help significantly reduce your expenses, as flights, accommodations, and even popular tourist attractions usually offer lower rates during these times. Consider traveling on weekdays as well to get better deals versus weekends.
Opt for budget accommodations
While luxurious hotels can be tempting, budget accommodation can save you a significant amount of money. Aside from trying out the usual affordable alternatives such as budget hostels and guesthouses, you can also try pod-type bed-sized rooms called capsule hotels, staying with a local family via homestay arrangements, or couch surfing from house to house and sleeping in any available sleeping area in each household. Just make sure to read up on reviews and research the area’s safety rating before you book!
Eat like a local
Sampling local cuisine is an integral part of any travel experience, and it doesn’t even have to be expensive. Dine where locals eat, as these places often offer authentic dishes at lower prices than touristy restaurants. This is a great way to savor the flavors of your destination without straining your wallet.
Stay mindful of your expenses
Have fun, but always within your means. Track your daily spending to ensure you’re staying within your budget during the trip. Make use of budget tracking apps like TripCoin, which also works offline, to help monitor your expenses and make adjustments as needed. When traveling with a group, apps like Splitwise are also useful, as it automatically divides shared expenses and tallies how much members of the group owe each other.
When getting ready for your trip, growing and managing your money is crucial, and you can do so in the simplest way possible with the help of CIMB Bank PH. With your UpSave account, you can let your savings work harder with interest rates as high as 2.5%. You can also opt for a GSave savings account, which allows your savings to grow with interest as high as 2.6% per annum. Since no minimum amount is required to earn interest, this is the perfect way to jumpstart your trip budget saving.
To further maximize your savings, CIMB Bank PH also has an ongoing promo from September 1 to 30, 2023, which allows UpSave and GSave account holders to earn 5% p.a. for their Average Daily Balance (ADB). Existing customers can likewise get 12% p.a. on their incremental ADB growth from August to September 2023 under the same promo.
When you’re ready to start booking your trip essentials, the CIMB Virtual Debit Card can help you transact online using your CIMB deposit account safely and securely. Activating your card is also fast and free via the CIMB Bank PH app. Managing your card is easy as well, as you can set your own transaction limits, block or unblock your card, or deactivate it entirely with just a few taps, giving you better peace of mind when planning your trip.
Make your tipid trip a reality by planning ahead and making informed choices. With CIMB, you can create unforgettable memories and live your purpose without straining your finances.