Backpacking & Thrifty Travel Tips

I’ve only done two solo backpacking so far – one in Singapore and the other in Iloilo, Philippines.

And most recently, a 5-day backpacking trip with a friend to Cebu, CDO, Davao, and again Iloilo. Truly, you can say that traveling is one of life’s most exciting pleasures.

“With breathtaking places to explore, interesting people to meet, colorful cultures to discover, and delicious delicacies to enjoy, travel is a life-enriching, even life-changing, experience.“

Today’s travelers have a lot of options when it comes to budget traveling, from cheap airfares like those from CebuPac, to accommodations and food adventures without spending too much.

Budget Airlines

A lot of budget airlines nowadays like Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s largest airline, regularly offers low year-round fares and frequent seat sales perfect for thrifty travelers like me. 🙂

Affordable Accomodations

In our 4 aforementioned backpacking destinations, the most expensive room we got was only P675/night for a twin sharing of two. That’s roughly P340 for person. Cebu even had the P99/head dorm type accommodations in Sugbutel; you just have to book 30 days in advance. We would have gotten that if only we booked in advace.

You just have to research, Google is your friend! 🙂

Group Travels

Another way to save is traveling as a group. I actually started my addiction to traveling with office mates and group of friends.

Big group means big savings. The more people there are joining the trip, the more wallets to chip in for the expenses. For example, boats for island hopping charge by the boat, say P2500. If you are able to maximize the capacity of the boat, say with 10 people, that means a cost of only P250 per person in contrast to a boat half-filled.

You could also check out cheap travel deals from travel trade shows in your area.

Research

Before heading out to your destination, do your homework – research. You can also ask your family and friends who have already been there. Ask for tips.

And where you’re there, you can ask the friendly locals about their community. Just use common sense and caution when it comes to strangers.

Be Flexible

In terms of location, stay outside the major tourist attractions as hotels in the center of such spots cost a lot more. Target off-peak seasons.

Always bring medicines and a first-aid kit.

Load up on snacks. Minimize unnecessary food expenses, bring lots of snacks for the trip so you won’t have to purchase overpriced meals, especially in the airports. For local foods, ask the residents where to find inexpensive but delicious authentic native cuisines.

Bring extra cash for emergencies and a credit card for booking flights online in case needed.

For more information on Cebu Pacific’s promo offerings, log on to www.cebupacificair.com.

There you go, I hope I was able to somehow share some tips from Cebu Pacific and my own experiences when it comes to backpacking and budget travels.  Of course, do not forget the most important of them all – enjoying the trip and adventures! By the way, don’t forget to catch the upcoming Phillipine Travel Mart on September 2010.