“Traveling isn’t cheap”, this is common knowledge, regardless of the reason for travel. Either for studies, migration, vacation, or even work. Because of how “Expensive” it is to travel, it is important that you are prepared and know how to budget for travel, and how to avoid travel and immigration scams. It is important to know that one of the ways to avoid being scammed by fake immigration consultants and agents, it’s to check your eligibility and confirm the visa requirements for your country of choice.
So, How can you travel on a budget and save money?
1. Make due Research
Recently about 700+ Indian students became victims of immigration scams in Canada, and risk being deported back to their country. Making necessary research includes checking your eligibility for every type of travel. You can check if you are eligible for different types of visas with VAPP.
2. Be realistic with your travel goals
We get it. We want the best in life, and that includes attending the best universities, vacationing in beautiful travel destinations, and moving to a dream country. But how realistic are your goals, in terms of eligibility, finance, and personal situations like being married and trying to relocate to a country that doesn’t allow you to move with your spouse?
3. Some countries might be Visa free for you
Do you know that there are some visa-free countries for Nigerians? They may be few, but yes they exist. The Visa-Free countries for Nigerians allow you to vacation, work or move (depending on the country’s policies), without needing a visa. Now, that’s a way to save money on visa-application fees, isn’t it?
4. Start early
This cannot be over-emphasized. Why should you start your visa application early? Starting early is essential for a smooth and stress-free travel experience. It can help you avoid delays, plan your trip better, save money, avoid potential problems, and reduce stress.
5. Set up a saving plan and be committed to it
Yes, SAVINGS! Setting up a savings plan is very important if you’re trying to save up money for travel and to do this, you might need to: cut down on daily expenses, downsize, and stop buying this you don’t need (after all, you’ll be moving soon), cut all unnecessary spending, have an account for the main purpose of travel, have a saving plan and stick to it.
6. Book your travels in advance
Booking and planning in advance can be a godsend if you’re traveling on a budget, but it’s often cheaper (and less stressful!) to book transport, accommodation, and activities well in advance. Another great tip is traveling during the off-season. Yes, you can get a deal for summer, during winter!
7. Choose a cheap country
This is also you setting realistic goals. Traveling to a destination that is relatively cheap will allow you to travel much longer, stay in nicer accommodations, and eat good meals all for a fraction of what a more expensive country would cost. When it comes to going on a long-term trip, you should choose a cheap region with a few different cheap countries to travel to. This way, you can explore multiple places that are affordable!
8. Go where your country’s currency is stronger
If your savings are in one particular currency, go to a country where that currency is very strong! This way, your money will go a lot further and buy you a lot more!
9. Use apps to watch flight prices
For booking flights, it is essential to get a good deal. Flight prices vary so much and can be a huge budget breaker if you get on the wrong side of a sale.
10. Book your flight early
Yes, this is no news. It is bad news to NOT book your flight early. You will save a lot of money when you book your flight way before your travel date. This has helped to save a lot of money. A client of VAPP told us that she booked a flight for N280,000 and met her seat partner who paid N840,000 for the same flight, during the flight. It is important to also mention that our client got a window seat.
So, here you have it. 10 tips for traveling cheaper, and with ease. Are you traveling soon and need the advice of an experienced travel consultant and advisor? Book a consultation with VAPP today!