It is entirely possible to spend an entire month in Spain at the same cost that your friends spend on just a week! How? There are endless travelling saving tips but here’s how we stretched our travel budget and made the most of our Spanish adventure.
1. Budget. Budget. Budget.
First and foremost, you need a solid plan. Without a well-thought-out budget, your month in Spain can easily become a financial nightmare. Set your budget, prioritise and monitor your expenses as you go along. You can do the latter efficiently with expenses’ app such as Splitwise. Look at your expenditure regularly and adjust accordingly.
2. Home Exchange: Living the Local Life
One of the biggest expenses in travelling is of course accommodations. Now there are many ways one can save on accommodations but we found a way to almost eliminating it completely. For the last year I have started home exchanging. Initially, it seemed a bit daunting, but my desire for extended travel and the lifestyle was bigger than
my attachment to the stuff I have at home. I was lucky to have a good first experience and now it has become the norm for me.
For those grimacing at the idea of not staying at a 4 or 5 star hotel, let me tell you that in Spain most home exchanges come with a breathtaking view and a swimming pool.
Added bonus we met some lovely Spanish people and families.
If you’re not ready for home exchanges yet, remember that longer stays often result in lower costs per day.
3. Choose Economical Destinations
Opt for less expensive countries to make your money go further. You may even save on daily expensive relative to back home. All that spare change can go into your travelling budget.
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4. Pack Your Own Lunch
With a month to explore Spain, you don’t have to eat out for every meal. Packing your own lunches not only saves money but also offers the flexibility to enjoy impromptu picnics and lunch with the best views.
5. Cook Your Own Meals
Of course with home stays we had full homes at our disposal including well stocked kitchens. Food shopping in a new country is an experience for foodie’s like us. We loved trying our hand at simple local recipes, and enjoying them on the terraces with some local wine.
6. Savour Night Outs Sparingly
Sure, you want to experience the local nightlife and savour the unique flavours of Spain. But if you want to make your month-long adventure cost-effective, enjoy night outs and dining at local restaurants sparingly. Balance your culinary adventures with homemade meals.
7. Smart Transportation Choices
Transportation can eat up a significant portion of your travel budget, especially when you want to see all the main spot in a whole region. In Spain renting a car was more cost-effective than train trips for 2 people. So we opted for rental but planned our day trips strategically so as to be able to minimise the rental days.
For the one-off long distance trips this time we used BlaBlaCar.com. This was a first time for me and I will definitely repeat, Sharing a ride with other travellers is not only budget-friendly but also a great opportunity to meet new people and make the most of your journey.
So there you have it, the keys to unlocking a month-long Spanish adventure on a week-long budget. With a little planning and a dash of adventure, you can immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Spain while keeping your wallet in check. Don’t let budget constraints hold you back from your dreams.
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