Hey, I’m Arif! After traveling to places like the Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan, I’ve realized that budgeting is the secret to enjoying a trip without money worries. When I first started traveling, I made a lot of mistakes—like spending too much on fancy hotels and having little left for actual experiences. But over time, I learned how to plan my budget smartly without missing out on fun. Let me share some tips and stories from my travels that will help you plan your trip without breaking the bank.
The first thing I always do is decide how much I can spend. I break my budget into categories like flights, accommodation, food, activities, transport, and an emergency fund.
When I was planning my Maldives trip, I decided to skip the expensive resorts and stay on a local island instead. This choice saved me a lot of money, and I still enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, and stunning sunsets. Plus, I got to experience the local culture, which felt more meaningful than just staying at a luxury resort.
Flights can eat up a big chunk of your budget, so I always look for the best deals. Here’s what works for me:
For my Nepal trip, I found a flight that was $150 cheaper just by choosing a longer layover. It was a bit tiring, but that extra money covered my paragliding adventure in Pokhara—a memory I’ll never forget!
I’ve stayed in everything from luxury hotels to hostels, and I’ve learned that where you stay can completely change your experience. I usually decide based on my trip style:
In Sri Lanka, I stayed in a small guesthouse near the beach for just $20 a night. The owner invited me for a home-cooked dinner, and we talked for hours about life on the island. That night became one of my favorite memories from the trip, and it didn’t cost me a fortune.
Food is a huge part of traveling for me, but I’ve learned you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well. My tips are simple:
In Thailand, I found a tiny street stall selling the best Pad Thai I’ve ever had—for just $2. I ended up eating there every day instead of spending $20 at a fancy restaurant. Plus, I got to chat with the stall owner, who gave me tips on what to see in the area.
Getting around can be expensive if you’re not careful. I always research the cheapest ways to travel:
In Pakistan, I saved a lot of money by using local minibuses instead of private taxis. On one of these rides, I met a local family who invited me to their village for tea. Experiences like that are why I prefer local transport over private cars.
I always decide my “must-do” activities before the trip and set aside money for them. But I also keep room for surprises.
In the Maldives, I skipped the expensive resort tours and joined a local guide for a snorkeling trip. It cost half the price, and I ended up swimming with sharks and exploring coral reefs—one of the best experiences of my life!
In my early travel days, I often spent more than I planned. Now, I track every expense using travel apps. My favorites are:
When I visited Nepal, these apps helped me stay within budget. I quickly realized I was spending too much on coffee (those mountain views made it hard to resist), so I cut back and saved enough to go paragliding.
I always carry a mix of payment methods:
In Thailand, I learned the hard way when my card didn’t work at a local market. Thankfully, I had some cash, so I didn’t miss out on buying souvenirs. Since then, I always carry some local currency, no matter where I go.
Traveling without an emergency fund is risky. I always budget at least 10% of my total expenses for unexpected situations.
On my Sri Lanka trip, I got a minor stomach issue and needed to visit a local clinic. It wasn’t expensive, but knowing I had an emergency fund made it less stressful.
After every trip, I look back at my spending to see what worked and what didn’t.
After my Maldives trip, I realized that skipping luxury hotels and choosing local guesthouses not only saved money but gave me a more authentic experience. Now, it’s a rule I follow for every island trip.
Over the years, I’ve learned that budgeting doesn’t mean missing out on fun—it means making smart choices so you can enjoy more experiences. With a little planning, you can travel more often and still enjoy everything from adventure sports to delicious local food without breaking the bank.
Do you have any personal tips for budgeting on a trip? I’d love to hear your stories!
Happy travels,
Arif
