Let's face it, we all enjoy traveling to exotic locations and seeing breathtaking landscapes, especially if you're a photographer hoping to capture the world through your lens. But we know how a tight budget can make it hard to plan a trip. What if we told you that there's a way to travel without breaking the bank?
In this article we explore some budget travel tips, tailor-made for content creators like you!
1. Travel during Off-Peak Seasons
A great way to save money as a traveling content creator is to travel during off-season, when destinations are less crowded and prices come down. This might mean skipping the Summer if you're going to Europe, and traveling during late fall or winter months instead, for example.
Another great thing about traveling off-season is that it will be easier to take pictures with less tourists around!
2. Stay in Hostels or Shared Spaces
Hostels are not just relatively cheap; they're also great places to meet other travellers and make friends. Platforms like Hostelworld offer affordable stays in cities worldwide.
Another reason to stay in hostels is so that you can capture candid moments and bustling hostel life – they're treasures for your portfolio and a lot of fun!
3. Embrace Local Cuisine
Street food and local eateries are usually cheaper than touristy restaurants, and the reality is that it's a more genuine opportunity for photos for your audience.
For example: Try Pho in the streets of Vietnam or tacos in Mexico. These will not only save you money but also offer a rich palette of colors and textures to photograph.
Pro Tip: try and get a local recommendation!
4. Use Public Transport
Trains, buses, and trams are cheaper than taxis or Uber. Plus, they provide an authentic view of daily life and you might see places that you otherwise wouldn't.
For example: Ride the trams in Lisbon or the local ferries in Istanbul. Your camera will thank you for those in-transit shots! Trust us on this one.
5. Seek Free Attractions
Many cities offer free attractions or days when entry fees are waived or "Pay what you wish".
The best thing to do before you set off is to do some research and find which days the museums or attractions you want to hit are cheaper or by donation - this way, you can plan accordingly, arrive early, and make the best of it!
For example: Museums in London are generally free, so you can enjoy a wealth of history and culture without spending a dime.
6. Travel Light
The key here is to avoid baggage fees and potential hassles from having to carry a lot. A multipurpose backpack, or even a carry-on is probably enough, in addition to your camera bag for essentials!
Pro Tip: Subscribe and watch Emmett Sparling's Creator Circuit tutorial "What's in my bag?" to see what camera gear he takes with him when he travels.
7. Use Budget Airlines
While they might have stricter baggage policies, they're great for short haul flights. A lot of these airlines also often have deals that are a fraction of the price of major carriers. Remember to read the fine print though and read reviews, because some budget airlines might not be as reliable!
8. Join Travel Groups
Traveling in groups can help you split expenses. Platforms like Meetup have travel groups where you can connect with other nomads, but also by joining the Creator Circuit community you'll be meeting many people just like you. who you can travel with! Pro tip: we sometimes also do group photography trips!
9. Leverage Travel Apps
Apps can help you find deals, navigate foreign lands, and manage expenses. Our favorite planning tool is Google Maps and we give you some tips on how to use it on our article: Planning a Photography Trip.
10. Earn as You Travel
Freelancing platforms allow you to work from anywhere, ensuring a steady stream of income.
Example: Websites like Upwork or Fiverr let you sell your services on-the-go. And if photography is your game, why not sell prints, presets, or offer photography workshops on location?
Traveling on a budget doesn't mean skimping on experiences. With these budget travel tips, you can see the world while you hone your photography skills! 🌍📸
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