She Strengthens

Planning a Multi-Country Trip on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you dreaming of embarking on an epic adventure to multiple countries without breaking the bank? I recently planned a thrilling trip to Hong Kong and Tokyo, and I’m excited to share my budget-friendly approach with you.

Choosing Your Destinations

When deciding where to go, consider the possibilities of flying into an adjacent city to cut down on costs. I once saved hundreds of dollars by flying out of Istanbul instead of Spain for a trip to Turkey and Spain. Having a mental list of desired destinations helps narrow down options and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.

Flexibility is Key

Being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact flight and accommodation prices. For my trip, I wanted to experience cherry blossom season in Kyoto, Japan, which helped dictate my travel dates. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of scoring affordable flights and hotels.

Setting a Budget

Before committing to a trip, establish a budget to avoid overspending. My personal rule is to cap primary flight costs at $800. I also allocate a daily lodging budget of $40-$80 per night, which can be more manageable when sharing with friends.

Finding Affordable Flights

Tuesdays are often the cheapest day to buy flights, followed closely by Thursdays. Fridays tend to be more expensive. I used Kayak to search for flights, but Google Flights and Sky Scanner are also great resources. For multi-city flights, Kayak is ideal since it aggregates prices from various travel sites.

Booking Accommodations

For hostels, I recommend Hostel.com, Hostel International, and Generator Hostels in Europe. For hotels, Expedia, Kayak, and Hotel Tonight offer a range of options. When sharing accommodations with friends, you can splurge on nicer places while staying within budget.

The Nitty-Gritty of Flight Booking

After finding a suitable flight into Hong Kong, I searched for the best possible price. I eventually settled on a $700 roundtrip flight with a two-hour layover on the way there and no layover on the return journey. When booking, consider factors like flight duration, price, and airline quality.

Connecting Flights and Transportation

Once you’ve booked your main flights, focus on connecting flights and transportation between destinations. I used Hong Kong Express, a budget airline, to fly from Hong Kong to Tokyo for a mere $150.

Budget Breakdown

Here’s a summary of my trip costs:

• Main flight: $700
• Connecting flight: $150
• Lodging: $540
• Spending money (attractions, transport, food, gifts, etc.): $1,000
• Total: $2,390

By following these budget-friendly tips, you can plan an unforgettable multi-country trip without breaking the bank. Happy travels!