As independent travellers, we’re always committed to enhancing our travel experiences. For our around-the-world honeymoon in June 2024, we constantly sought out new opportunities to explore different activities and adventures, more aligned with our interests. With so many travel options, each person has their preferences. There’s no right or wrong way to travel; the important thing is the commitment to embark on a journey, regardless of the chosen path. By embracing responsible and sustainable travel practices, we mix conscious budget decisions with occasional indulgences, all under the philosophy of smart travelling – a principle that empowers us to travel more.

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Why is this topic important to us?

It’s common to feel that a particular trip is out of reach due to the saturation of perfect travel experiences on social media. However, it’s crucial to recognize that social media often presents a filtered and idealized reality. Therefore, building your perspective aligned with your preferences and budget becomes imperative. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for travel – it’s about finding your unique approach that works for you.

We decided to write this post to share our experience that can help you think about travelling differently. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world and create lasting memories. Drawing from our adventures, we’ve compiled a series of tips and strategies aimed at making travel accessible, enjoyable, and economical for everyone, ultimately serving as a guide on how to travel more.

Tips for travelling more smartly

Travelling smartly involves considering a few key aspects. These are the ones that make the most sense to us and that we use to plan our trips, ultimately serving as our guide on how to travel more and better.

1. Build your travel savings: Start by establishing a dedicated savings plan for your adventures. Set aside a regular amount to save and look for ways to cut non-essential expenses to increase your travel fund. Did you know that if you save €5 daily by bringing your lunch from home, it adds up to about €1300 per year?
2. Choose accommodation with purpose: When booking accommodation, opt for options that fit your travel style and budget. Guesthouses, rented apartments, or local hostels can offer more authentic and economical experiences than traditional hotels. When it makes sense, we choose to stay in an apartment with a kitchen to save money by having a more affordable breakfast.
3. Master flight search: Use online tools to search for flights and explore different dates and times to find the best fares. Stay alert for promotions and special offers from airlines to save even more. Skyscanner allows you to search without specific dates or destinations, and there are dedicated groups for sharing flight ticket promotions.
4. Travel light for ultimate freedom: Make a careful luggage list and bring only the essentials for your trip. Opt for carry-on luggage whenever possible to avoid extra fees and facilitate your mobility during the trip. Many hotels offer washing and drying machines, and there are also several street laundries available.
5. Explore off-the-beaten-path locations: Discover lesser-known destinations and avoid tourist crowds. Research less-explored locations and prepare to discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
6. Travel authentically: Interact with locals and immerse yourself in the culture of the destination you are visiting. Try local cuisine, participate in cultural events, and explore authentic neighbourhoods for a true immersion in the local culture.
7. Spend consciously: Set a clear budget for your trip and monitor your expenses while travelling. Prioritize experiences that truly matter to you and avoid unnecessary expenses to ensure conscious financial management.
8. Be flexible and spontaneous: Keep an open mind for changes of plans and unexpected opportunities during the trip. Be ready to explore new paths and experiences that may arise along your journey.
9. Explore affordable destinations: Consider visiting less touristy and more affordable destinations for a unique and economical travel experience. Research emerging destinations and be bold in exploring new horizons.
10. Create your perspective: Approach each trip as an opportunity to discover your perspective and travel style. Try different activities, follow your interests, and create memories that reflect your unique personality and travel preferences.

Resources to travel more

• IATA visa requirements website: This resource is an online platform provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that allows you to check visa requirements for your travel destination. It’s a useful tool to ensure you have all the necessary documentation before embarking on your adventure, avoiding unpleasant surprises at the foreign country’s entry. Travelling more is also about ensuring you arrive at your destination.
• Fit for Travel: Fit for Travel is an online resource that provides comprehensive information on health conditions and vaccination recommendations for specific travel destinations. This platform is particularly useful to keep you informed about potential health risks, such as endemic diseases or infectious disease outbreaks, and to ensure you are adequately protected before travelling.
• Activities: GetYourGuide is an online platform that allows you to discover and book a wide variety of activities and tours in travel destinations worldwide. From guided tours of historical monuments to outdoor adventure excursions, this platform offers a convenient way to explore local attractions and make the most of your stay at any destination.
• Travel Insurance: Heymondo is a company that offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage to protect you during your adventures around the world. With a variety of plans and coverage options, including health insurance, trip cancellation, and travel assistance, Heymondo ensures you are prepared to face any unexpected events during your trip, providing you with peace of mind while exploring new destinations.
• Rent-a-car: Renting a car during your trip offers incredible flexibility to explore your destination at your own pace. From day trips to long-distance journeys, having a rented car allows you to explore remote locations and venture off the traditional tourist circuit, providing you with a unique and personalized travel experience.

Travelling smart is more than just a leisure activity; it’s a philosophy that promotes enriching and accessible experiences for all types of travellers, enabling them to travel more and better. By adopting responsible and sustainable travel practices, it’s possible to explore the world more meaningfully, making the most of the resources available. From building dedicated travel savings to choosing purposeful accommodation and exploring lesser-known destinations, each step can contribute to a more authentic and satisfying travel experience.

Knowing how to travel more isn’t just about choosing more different destinations, but rather incorporating travel into your daily life, whether through short getaways or grand adventures. By travelling better, focusing on the quality of experiences, and respecting the environment and local communities, we can create lasting and meaningful memories.

The tips provided in this article serve as a guide on how to travel more and smarter, from conscientious financial management to exploring less touristy destinations. Additionally, the mentioned travel resources offer additional support to ensure that each trip is carefully planned and safe.

Ultimately, travelling smart is a personal journey that allows you to discover new perspectives, experiences, and cultures. By embracing this mindset and adopting smart travel practices, we can turn each trip into an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment, creating memories that will last a lifetime.