THE BASICS OF TRAVELLING ON A BUDGET

• Introduction
• Budget Travel Basics
  • Budget Travel Basics Part 2
  • Budget Travel Basics Part 3
• Accomodation
• Budget Destinations
  • Budget Destinations Part 2
  • Budget Destinations Part 3
• Party Hotspots
• Low Cost Tips
  • Low Cost Tips Part 2
  • Low Cost Tips Part 3
• Travelling Light
  • Travelling Light Part 2
  • Travelling Light Part 3
• Travelling Alone
  • Travelling Alone Part 2
  • Travelling Alone Part 3
• Group Travel
• Gap Year
  • Gap Year Part 2
• Volunteering
• Spring or summer break
• What to do
• Conclusion
• Expert Advice
  • Expert Advice Part 2
  • Expert Advice Part 3
  • Expert Advice Part 4
  • Expert Advice Part 5
  • Expert Advice Part 6
  • Expert Advice Part 7

There are many people in the world who wish to see it, but have little-to-no money. The question 'can it be done?' may spring to mind. The answer is 'yes it can'. The trick: keep the costs to a bare minimum and then it can be done! Please note that the meaning of 'keeping the costs down' does not mean steal from the rich, as stealing is wrong and we do not condone it.

If time is on your side, then you may benefit. Travelling cheaply may take a bit longer to actually get to the place of destination. Next on the cheap hit-list for travel is public transport, now is probably not the best time to stick your nose in the air at sharing a bus with the locals, wherever that may be. If public transport simply isn't an option for you, then perhaps sharing a taxi may be the best way for you (read more about cheap travels later on).

"BY INVESTING A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME AND EFFORT INTO SORTING YOUR FINANCES BEFORE YOU HEAD OFF, YOU COULD FIND WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MONEY GO THAT LITTLE BIT FURTHER."

Not only do you have to bear in mind travelling on the cheap, but where you are going to sleep. Unless you happen to be in a movie, you are less likely to sleep under the stars in the middle of a public park. The reality is far from rosy in most places all over the world. Camping is the most obvious and cheapest option; however you will need the equipment to do so. There is such a thing called hospitality exchange, which can be an option to some. This involves meeting new people and gaining yourself a free place to stay. It is an online community, so doing so on the spur of the moment may not work. Lastly hostels are popular among students, for simply giving many a cheap place to sleep. It may not be the Hilton, but for a safe place to catch those

Michelle Slade, writer of Moneyfacts gives her specialist advice. Money Facts is the leading independent financial information provider in the UK. Since 1988, who have been providing impartial information, which has helped thousands of customers get the best personal finance deals. "Most students that opt to go travelling are on a limited budget. By investing a small amount of time and effort into sorting your finances before you head off, you could find ways to make your money go that little bit further."

• Change money before you go

  That way you have more control over the exchange rate. Airports, shops and hotels have unfavorable rates.

• Consider pre-paid cards

  Unlike debit cards you can?t go overdrawn and is easily replaceable if lost or stolen.

• Credit cards

  If you plan to use a credit card opt for one that makes no foreign usage charge. With many cards charging up to 2.99% of each transaction when used overseas, you could see bills mounting up.

• Advise your bank you're going away

  Regular transaction on your cards overseas may be seen as suspected fraud and you could find that your cards are stopped.