Traveling is often an expensive proposition, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to save money while making a trip through South America. When following these tips to save money, it allows travelers to extend their trips for as long as possible. They will also allow travelers who are over their budgets to save money to avoid having to cut their trips short.
Save Money on Lodging
Lodging is always one of the most expensive parts of traveling. There are a number of ways to save money in this area. One great way is to look for places to stay on the Couchsurfing network. This is a website that allows people to open their home up to travelers to stay for free. This is a great way to avoid paying for lodging and make new friends at the same time. It is also a great way to get an insider’s view of the local culture. This is an easier option to find in big cities, but there are hosts all over South America who offer their homes to Couchsurfers.
Another great way to save on lodging is to camp. Many hostels in South America offer camping areas that are much less expensive than staying in a room. Most will offer campers a spot to shower as well as a kitchen area to prepare food.
One very easy way to save money on lodging in South America is to kill two birds with one stone by traveling at night. Overnight bus trips are a great way to skip the expense of paying for a room for the night. Many overnight buses offer plush seating arrangements that recline luxuriously to allow passengers to stretch out and get some shut eye. Travelers choosing this option should be sure to wrap their luggage securely around a leg or arm to avoid it being swiped while asleep.
Save Money on Eating
One of the best ways to save money on eating in South America is to make friends with the locals. Locals know all the best cheap eateries that will offer up tasty food at rock bottom prices. The best deals on meals in South America will be found at lunch when large portions of food will be served with an appetizer at a typical price of just a few dollars.
Another way for travelers to save money on eating is to avoid eating all of their meals in restaurants. Most hostels have kitchens that will be fully equipped with all the tools they need to prepare their own meals. Travelers should shop at the local markets to save money when preparing food. The local markets are typically much more economical than the large supermarkets.
Travelers who want to save money on eating should try to avoid eating at the hotels and hostels they stay at. Most hotels and hostels overcharge for the meals they serve. Guests can simply take a short walk out the front door to find more economical eating options.
Save Money on Laundry
Hotels and hostels also usually overcharge for their laundry services. Travelers can save money by taking their laundry to a local lavanderia. These places will wash, dry and fold their patrons’ laundry for rock bottom prices. Most of them also will offer free delivery of the laundry to patrons’ lodging when it is ready.
For those who are really struggling to save money, there is always the option of not paying for laundry at all. This can be done by getting in the shower fully clothed and washing the clothes while wearing them. They can then take the clothes off, wash their bodies and then hang the clothes to dry when they get out of the shower.
Kevin Caldwell wrote this article for www.dublintemplebarhotels.com. Click here to learn more about their services and how they help travelers visiting Temple Bar in Dublin.