When you travel abroad independently, you take a step outside your comfort zone. And when you are traveling on a limited budget, you get to explore not-so-common things along with the popular ones.
You might find it intimidating to travel with a shoestring budget. But there is a different story. Apart from saving money, there are many other reasons to plan your first trip on a small budget-
You Become More Responsible And Proactive
Traveling teaches you how to become independent, responsible, and proactive at the same time. When you travel abroad independently and on a shoestring budget, you have to take care of all the things-from airfare, transportation, accommodation to food, etc. Everything depends on you only, making you more responsible.
How does it make you proactive? Ask the locals about the cheapest markets, starters, local restaurants, best lunch deals, etc. They know their city well, so they can tell you how to live there cheaply.
You Learn To Prioritize What Matters More
Do you want to enjoy a hiking tour or snorkeling tour, or both? If your pocket allows for both, good! If it doesn’t, what would you choose? Which thing do you want to experience the most? Is it worth spending dollars on a one-day hiking expedition or a relaxing weekend at a luxury resort?
This is where you start prioritizing things based on your preferences, life goals, trip goals, etc. If you want to do more than your budget allows, keep trying to find things cheaper.
When you search thoroughly, you may find something only a few travelers know about. Even if it doesn’t work, consider your first trip overseas as a teaser for future trips.
You Grow Culturally
Whether you are traveling on a small or big budget, you can grow culturally if you are open to it. But, when you are on a trip abroad on a shoestring budget, you will get more chances to interact with different groups of communities, from highest to lowest.
They can provide you with different perspectives on their culture. You get to know about their lifestyle or the hardships they face to survive. As you talk to different people, they may change your perspective to view things that can greatly impact your life.
You learn to become more tolerant and respectful towards others. You learn to appreciate things you have been blessed with. Most travelers have a vague sense of why they are traveling in the first place; you might be one of them.
However, while talking to the locals, you find a significant reason to travel. Be it an adventure, meeting new people, exploring new cultures, or helping the needy, you will be inspired to travel with purpose next time.
You Become Smarter And More Adventurous
Traveling with a small budget teaches you many things that you can implement in your daily life. It makes you an adventurous traveler because you want to extra mile to accomplish your travel goals at least possible amount.
You Become More Resourceful
When you are traveling with a limited budget, that ‘small’ budget is the only lifeline of your trip. If you want to hold decent memories and want your trip to last, you have no other option than to become resourceful.
You can plan your trip beforehand to find cheap tours or activities in your preferred destination. You might even cheaper things through locals or like-minded travelers, once you reach there.
You need to be social and creative to seek local recommendations that can prove to be lifesavers. Ask your hostel employee or a waiter at the coffee shop for budget-friendly options. They have some secret sights which they will love to share so that you get the lasting impression of their city!