Once the incurable travel bug bites you, all you want to do is go out and explore all the amazing countries, landscapes, and features that the world has to offer. However, the biggest constraint in fulfilling it is the lack of funds.
But, would you give up the idea of traveling just because you’re a bit short on travel funds? Of course not! Instead, plan a budget trip by making a few changes here and there about the things you need to carry, the mode of transport you need to avail, or the places you need to stay at. If you have been planning a budget trip, here are the top five things you need to carry along.
1. Multipurpose Travel Adapter
One of the first things you need to have is an international adapter that takes care of all types of electronic appliances. It is better to carry those adapters that also function as converters and have surge protectors to protect you from blowing the fuses of your valuable electronic goods.
If you are only going to one destination, have individual adapters, so that you don’t have to carry around a bulky one. Besides, if you’re planning to make a budget traveling more of a regular thing, a travel adapter can come very handy. Ensure that it comes with surge protectors to ensure an added layer of protection for your electronic devices.
2. Sleeping Arrangements
Since you are on a budget trip, you’re not spending thousands of bucks on quality hotel accommodations. It would be best if you opted for hostels and budget rooms or set up a tent on your car’s roof rack.
The sheets of many budget rooms look dirty, and some of the hostels charge extra to provide blankets. You can avoid such issues by carrying a sleeping sheet of your own that is lighter than sleeping bags but can be used in any climate. The other option you have is to get a roof rack to set your roof top tent, which can further act as a convenient and comfortable shelter right on top of your van.
3. Dry Bag
A dry bag can be a lifesaver if you are a budget traveler. This multipurpose bag is a travel essential for the frugal-minded among you. You can use this waterproof bag to store your wet clothes, towels, bikinis, and even wet shoes while on the go.
You can also stash your valuable electronic goods in it to protect them all from rain. If you want to protect your drinks as well as foods from water, this bag comes very handily. These bags are also handy as a pillow. If you have forgotten to take your travel pillow, fold the top of the bag and it is good to go as a pillow for a few hours.
4. Budget Backpack
Budget travelers are mostly on the go, and most of their time is spent in exploring offbeat paths and destinations. There are no paths at all at times. You need to come up with easy ways to carry your things up the ferry stairs, over the muddy trails, and the holes in the sidewalk, and a good backpack is what you need. You must be thinking that a functional and durable bag can never come cheap, but that is not the case. Look around a bit, and you’ll find the right one.
Keep in mind that there are a few things you must check before buying a backpack. It needs to have enough compartments and zips to store your essentials. Secondly, the straps should be heavily padded to reduce the strain on your back. And finally, it has to be affordable.
5. Flip-flops
You might have noticed how the majority of the backpackers either rely on flip-flops or trainers to get them going. It goes rather well with their laidback dress code. However, choosing trainers and flip-flops does not have much to do with fashion preferences, but rather with comfort. It’s a lot easy to move around in those shoes compared to any other type of footwear.
Even if you wear sneakers or fancy shoes, make sure to pack shower shoes or flip-flops in the bag. There is a high possibility of catching foot fungi in the hostel bathrooms if you step in without shoes and carry on with wet feet in the trainers all day long. Take your shower shoes out, and post-use put it in the dry bag and get going. You can have two pairs of inexpensive flip-flops too—one for the shower and the other for traveling.
Conclusion
Apart from the five items mentioned above, there are a few things to save you from spending extra on the trip. A travel umbrella can protect you from the unexpected rain. Also, you don’t have to pay extra cash to buy a new one. A collapsible and reusable water bottle can save you from buying bottled water again while traveling. You don’t have to be rich to go as it is all about exploring the places that will touch your heart and make your mind wander in amazement. All you need is a proper plan and executing it flawlessly.
