How to Travel Dubai on a Budget

Dubai on a budget? Does that sound alien-like to you? Well, the good news is that it is possible in all aspects.

To most people, the city of flamboyance comes across as a place well-suited for the rich. Though a part of it may be true, traveling to Dubai on a budget is possible, if you play it smart.

We call it ‘Vegas in the desert’ and that’s because of all the glitz and glamor it offers. Dubai is on the checklist of every travel enthusiast. The multicultural city is crowded with larger-than-life shopping malls, luxurious hotels, gourmet dining spots, grandeur of luxury living, splendid structure, adventurous activities; and so much more.

In a nutshell, the city has something to offer everyone. So, even if you’re on a tight budget you’re truly in for a treat. Here’s a guide to introduce you to some smart hacks that will help you save all the big bucks.

How to travel to Dubai on a budget?

Dubai is more than just being a flashy city. If the extravagant price is what’s stopping you from taking a trip, read through our guide. Here’s how you can go about traveling Dubai on a budget.

Timely air ticket travel

Here’s a no-brainer tip that most people already know, but don’t follow. One major expenditure of any trip is booking an air ticket. And the best way to crack this is to book it well in advance. Dubai is a popular destination and therefore it has an amazing airline service. With so many options for flights every single day, you have the option of choosing what’s convenient for you. However, that’s also a reason why people tend to get a little laid back about it.

So, save some money travelling to Dubai on a budget by booking at least 20-30 days in advance. Here’s a tip- take an early morning or a late night flight. Also, look out for airline special sales.

Don’t opt for a bank-breaking accommodation

Dubai is famously known for ultra-luxurious and 5-star hotels but that’s not the only available option. The city has a stay for every budget, so book your accommodation intelligently. Dubai is crowded with options of service apartments, Airbnb stays, hostel accommodation and lavish stays, of course. So in order to travel to Dubai on a budget, don’t rush and take your pick wisely. Also, making a booking during an off season will get you a deal you can’t refuse, even at a fancy establishment.

Look out for internal travel

Without wasting any time, get yourself a NoI card as soon as you land in Dubai in order to stay on a budget. Undoubtedly, taxi rides in Dubai are cheaper than most countries. However, compare it to the metro and you will feel like you have spent half your fortune. The metro runs through the middle of the city and therefore you can get to any place without any hassles. Also, traveling by rail can get you glimpses of the most incredible structure in and around the city. Besides the metro, you have options of buses, tram and water taxis.

Well, once in Dubai you cannot do without the experience of renting a luxury limousine car. You could save the big day for the win and indulge in a chauffeur-driven ride. Take some luxurious memories back home.

For more information on the luxury limousine rides, you can try checking up – https://cclimo.ae

Don’t skip the free attractions

Dubai seems like you have to pay for everything. But hey, that’s not true! Some ancient and modern sightseeing, gorgeous-looking landscapes and beautiful beach views are easy to pocket making it easy to travel in Dubai on a budget.

Make your trip a bit of both- paid excursions and free tourist attractions. Some of the spots to look at – Coffee museum, sunset beach, Dubai dancing fountain, fossil rock, camel museum, La mer beach and more. Also, some of the activities you can gladly involve yourself in are- camel racing, cycling at AI Qudra, Desert tours, Spice Souk, Beach Libraries, watching flamingos, Dubai Aquarium view and more. Even with meager funds in your hand, you can be on your toes throughout your trip.

Budget dining

Dubai boasts plentiful luxury dining, but also has a lot to offer otherwise. You can keep a day off for a swanky restaurant to experience the pomp if you like. However, you don’t necessarily need it to tickle your tastebuds. Dubai is packed with shawarma stalls, street cafes, exclusive Middle East joints that are sure to treat you to mouth watering food without burning a hole in your pocket. Realistically, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal at a small independent street restaurant for less than AED 50.

Schedule your holiday wisely

One of the important things to do is to schedule your holiday wisely. Just like any other place, Dubai also has high and low seasons. So, save some extra bucks making a trip in the off season. Besides that, you can also actively search for deals and discounts across Dubai. Get your hands on coupons applicable on restaurants, accommodation and entertainment. It’s a great way to unwind on a budget.

And that’s a wrap on UAE’s money-saving hacks. Our tips & tricks were curated keeping every seasoned traveler in mind. Remember, you don’t really need a Kardashian-sized budget to explore the city.

So Habibi, it’s time to visit Dubai!

6 Essential Tips for Backpacking in London

London, the nation’s capital and largest metropolis, sits on the beautiful banks of the Thames River. More than 14 million people call the city, and its surrounding region, home; thanks to the city’s continued expansion.

It’s not hard to see why tourists should flock to London. Many notable museums and historical landmarks call this metropolis home. The top ones are parks, galleries, marketplaces, museums, restaurants, bars, and sports teams.

You’ve found the right spot if you want helpful tips for backpacking in London. If you’re planning a trip to the British capital, you must not skip the below essential backpacking tips:

Purchase an Oyster Card

When it comes to public transportation, London has it all. Please don’t think it’s bragging when we say that it’s pretty decent. As with most desirable items, it will set you back a pretty penny, which is a big concern when backpacking London.

Using an Oyster Card is a simple and effective method to reduce the cost of travelling within London. It’s more economical to use this pass than to buy individual paper passes. This is because you can simply purchase one and fill it with money before you travel.

Get Your Fill of Free Things

If you do everything that costs money in this metropolis, your money will disappear. While there aren’t many museums that are free to enter, the permanent collection at the British Museum is completely free every day. Also, the museums dedicated to the study of nature are equally fascinating. 

Likewise, merely passing Buckingham Castle on foot is a treat. Numerous exciting pursuits can be enjoyed while backpacking in London without spending a single pound.

Get a London Pass

A visit to London is likely to add up when it comes to costs. Whether it’s the price of a motel room or the price of admission to a major attraction, a trip to the city can quickly drain your savings, which is a big problem when backpacking London.

Seeing many of London’s famous attractions without paying astronomical prices is a good idea. All you need is the lucky London Pass. Although the pass is pricey, it could be valuable if you are planning to visit several of the city’s top sites in a short period of time.

Go on an Adventure to Camden Town

Camden is London’s alternative hub. In simple words, it is home to a wide variety of record stores, unique boutiques, parties, and eateries. It’s a great spot to enjoy cuisine, music, drinks, and people-watching, among other activities, and is popular among backpackers in London. 

You can also witness and enjoy a full-size monument of Amy Winehouse here. It is also a good place to find hotels for budget travellers while backpacking London.

Try Out Some of the Regional Specialities in the Borough Market

Just steps away from Big Ben, the bustling Borough Market is London’s finest food market. It is loaded with international flavours alongside fresh, local fare. It’s a fantastic activity for wet London days because it takes place primarily under shelter. 

The historic district is a maze of winding streets and alleys that have hosted a market since the 12th century. The current building, however, was constructed in the 1850s.

Stay in the City Centre if You Can

Some people will tell you to take advantage of London’s excellent public transportation system and find a place to remain further out.

One of the London backpacking tips we keep repeating is to remain as close to the city centre as possible, obviously within your budget. To see as much of London as possible in a short amount of time, choose a hotel or any of the best-serviced apartments in London, that is convenient to the city’s public transportation system.

It should be close enough to several attractions that you can stroll to them. Also, not too difficult to get back, especially if you plan on staying out late.

Backpacking in London – Final Thoughts

Although London doesn’t initially seem like a budget-friendly destination, there are plenty of ways you can go backpacking in London on a budget. Just follow these tips to navigate the British capital and have the time of your life, without breaking the bank!

How to See Southern Spain on a Budget (+20 Free Things to Do)

If you’re traveling to Southern Spain and looking for some tips on saving money, you came to the right place! I have been living in this beautiful part of the country for over three years, and over time collected some handy tips that will save you quite a bit of money.

If you need to do Southern Spain on a budget, you’re most certainly not limiting yourself to only a handful of experiences. Andalusia is such a diverse part of the country that even if you’re on a budget, you can experience everything it has to offer, on your own terms.

In this article, I will share my best insider tips along with 20 different experiences and places you can enjoy for free.

Southern Spain on a Budget: Top Tips for Saving Money

Tip 1 – Travel Off Season

For obvious reasons, traveling to Southern Spain is most expensive in the summer months, with the prices of flights, car rentals and accommodation being at their peak.

Luckily, most of the locations in Southern Spain are blessed with over 300 sunny days per year, so even if you venture there in spring or late autumn, you are still pretty much guaranteed a pleasant weather. Save yourself a lot of money by checking the shoulder season or off season flights to destinations like Malaga, which offers most of the flight connections anywhere in Europe.

Tip 2 – Check Airport Options

As I mentioned above, Malaga is the main hotspot for arrivals for Southern Spain, but in a lot of cases it’s worth checking whether or not you get a better deal flying into Madrid or other nearby airports. The price difference can be quite big, and even if you commute from the city to the south, it will still work out cheaper and you can see a new city on the way.

The Alhambra in Granada, Southern Spain

The Alhambra in Granada, Southern Spain

Tip 3 – Clear Cookies & Check Different Browser and Device

In a lot of cases, you will get a different price for accommodation when checking from mobile vs from desktop, when using a different browser, and after clearing out your browser cookies or browsing in incognito mode. This is especially true for sites like booking.com and similar ones. 

On the last trip I booked, I saved 70 euros just by using a different device to check accommodation options for booking.com hotel options.

Tip 4 – Don’t Pay for Sunbeds and Umbrellas

If you’re staying on Costa del Sol and want to enjoy a day at the beach, the rental of two chairs and an umbrella can set you back up to 12 euros per day. If you do that for 5 days, we’re talking about a lot of extra money.

Most of the locals who come to the beach go there first thing in the morning, and they bring their own chairs and umbrellas. If you’re staying in an apartment, in almost all cases these are provided by your host, or you can ask for them as you make your booking. Not only can you sit closer to the water, but you don’t have to waste your budget on paying extra for a place to sit and shade.

Tip 5 – Don’t Rent a Car

You might think that seeing Spain without renting a car is impossible, but it can’t be further from the truth. I have been living in southern Spain for over three years, and have seen all the highlights without renting a car. 

Spain has a well developed network of train and bus connections, with high speed trains that will get you from Malaga to Madrid in just two hours. The tickets are easy to purchase online and a single trip will cost you between 10 to 20 euros, to places like Granada, Cordoba or Marbella. 

Paloma Park in Benalmadena, Southern Spain

Paloma Park in Benalmadena, Southern Spain

Tip 6 – Where Possible Use Uber not a Taxi

I have plenty of experience with taxi drivers and uber rides and if there is one thing that will save you a lot of time and money it’s using Uber. Taxi drivers are a bit of a hit and miss when it comes to getting you to your destination for a reasonable amount of money. 

As far as my experience goes, Uber worked out much cheaper than a standard taxi and you’re running zero chance that you will get stuck in traffic with the meter still running. They are super handy in the big cities if you’re going to random locations and can’t locate the nearest taxi rank. In most cases you can also request a car seat for a child, so if you’re traveling with kids you don’t have to bring your own one or rent it out.

20+ Free Things to do in Southern Spain

South of Spain is a beautiful place to explore without having to spend money on any attractions and tourist traps.

It’s a paradise for those who like nature walks, walks by the sea, hiking and all sorts of sports. Best of all, most of the Andalusian cities have beautiful parks which offer a shelter from the sun, and if you’re traveling with kids you will always find a playground just around the corner.

I have selected some of the best experiences from different places in Southern Spain to give you lots of ideas and options for exploring different parts of the country. 

Here are my favorite free things to do in Southern Spain:

  1. Buddha temple near Benalmadena Pueblo with its viewing platform
  2. Sohail Castle in Fuengirola
  3. Benalmadena Pueblo, a typical Andalusian white town
  4. Carmen de los Mártires gardens in Granada
  5. The main courtyard in Alhambra, next to the entrance to Alcazaba
  6. Palace of Charles V in Alhambra
  7. The Botanical Garden of University of Granada
  8. The Albaicin district in Alhambra
  9. Mirador de San Nicholas in Granada with best views of Alhambra
  10. Plaza de Espana in Seville
  11. Exploring the old town of Seville
  12. Park of Maria Luisa in Seville
  13. Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda, with beautiful gardens stretching next to it
  14. Visiting the charming old town in Marbella
  15. Watching supercars and super yachts in Puerto Banus, Marbella
  16. Watching the sunset in Tarifa
  17. Seeing the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea in Tarifa
  18. Taking a walk in the Orange Square of the Mezquita Cathedral in Cordoba
  19. Strolling through the charming old town of Malaga
  20. Enjoying views of the Malaga port and bullring from the gardens of Parador de Gibralfaro
  21. Watching local flamenco performance at the Plaza de St Ana square in Granada
  22. Enjoying a beautiful display of floral beauty in the old town of Estepona
  23. Watching surfers, kite surfers and wind surfers in Tarifa
  24. Enjoying free tapas with every drink in Granada
  25. Visiting the picturesque white village of Frigiliana and enjoying spectacular views of the coastline

I hope you found lots of inspiration and tips in this list! If you’re heading to Southern Spain, let us know in the comments which destination made it to your wishlist and when you are traveling! 

The Best Things to do in London for Free

We can all agree that some of the best things in life are free. However, visiting London is far from cheap and is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Apart from booking your accommodation and organising your train to London Kings Cross station, there’s so much to do in London without forking out a single penny – it’s just knowing where to go and what to do.

Whether you’re completely skint or just fancy stretching out your budget a little longer, here’s our list of the best things to do on your trip to London that are completely free.

The Tate Modern

Atrium in the Tate Modern, one of the best free things to do in London

Atrium in the Tate Modern

One of the most beloved attractions in London, the Tate Modern is home to a wide collection of permanent artwork including that of Picasso, Warhol and Matisse. The gallery lies in what was previously the Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames.

Whilst some of the larger temporary exhibitions may require a fee, the permanent collection here is free to visit. If you’re a fan of galleries and museums, you should definitely organise a visit here during your stay.

Houses of Parliament

The iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are one of the best things to do in London for free

The iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are one of the best things to do in London for free

Built during the 19th century, the Houses of Parliament are a quintessentially British landmark, home to arguably the world’s most famous clock, Big Ben. If you’re a UK resident you can book a free ‘Inside UK Parliament’ guided tour up to six months in advance. All you need to do is contact a member of the House of Lords or your Member of Parliament (MP).

For everyone else, there are still guided tours of the Palace of Westminster but these require a paid ticket. You can also take an online guided tour, which is also free should you still want to take a look inside the neo-Gothic wonder.

Kensington Gardens

The sprawling Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

The sprawling Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic, Kensington Gardens is a stunning collection of trimmed lawns and beautiful fountains among the Royal Parks of London. There is a trove of attractions here just waiting to be explored, including the Serpentine Gallery and the Albert Memorial.

For the children, there is the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, which is home to a wooden pirate ship, a sensory trail and numerous play sculptures. Better still, all of the sights here are free, as are all of the other Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Regent’s Park. You can easily spend hours out in the open without breaking the bank.

Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard at the Victoria Memorial

Changing of the Guard at the Victoria Memorial

The most iconic ceremony that takes place in London is, of course, the changing of the guard. Typically, the event takes place outside Buckingham Palace at 11 am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, but it’s always best to check the schedule before you arrive.

Dressed in their traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, the King’s Guard will march around in unison to music in a display of remarkable pageantry. During this, they will switch responsibilities with each other and return to their duties. Whilst it’s one of the best things to do in London for free, it is also very popular, so make sure to get there early if you want the best spot.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London

The Natural History Museum in London

One of the largest collections of nature in the whole world, boasting over 80 million items, the National History museum takes you back through time as far back as the Prehistoric Period.

Learn how the dinosaurs roamed the Earth from an animatronic T-rex or go see the humongous blue whale suspended from the ceiling. There is so much to do and see here that you can easily spend the whole day walking around the exhibits.

Whilst donations are welcome, the museum is free to enter, except for the special exhibits. It is always best to visit on weekdays after 2 pm or at opening time on a weekend if you don’t want to be stuck in long queues. You will also need to book your tickets prior to arrival and select your designated time.

Sky Garden

Hang out in the Sky Garden with a view of London below

Hang out in the Sky Garden with a view of London below

Providing some of the best views of Central London, the large glass dome is dedicated to three storeys of beautiful public gardens, including an open terrace and several observation decks. It’s the ideal place to hang out and pass a few hours and you can also grab a few drinks should you choose to do so. Visiting the Sky Garden is one of the best things to do in London for free.

You are free to explore the Sky Garden on weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm and weekends from 11 am to 9 pm. You can get your tickets online up to three weeks in advance and these can sell out quickly. Walk-ins are sometimes available so it may be worth visiting early in the day if you were unable to get yourself a ticket.

How to Get Free Accommodation In Exchange for Work While Traveling

Have you always wanted to travel the world but don’t have the budget for accommodation costs? Not to worry, you may want to consider applying for jobs that offer free accommodation in exchange for work while traveling

There are plenty of options to find a steady job along with safe and clean digs in various parts of the world. 

Become a Petsitter

Combine your love of animals with your love of travel and become a Trusted Housesitter.

Combine your love of animals with your love of travel and become a Trusted Housesitter

In exchange for staying at their homes for free, many people around the world are looking for trustworthy housesitters to watch their pets. Trusted Housesitters is the global pet-sitting network dedicated to animal lovers who are responsible, reliable, and are interested in staying in free accommodation while traveling the world.

You can find a huge diversity of housesits all over the world, from a chic apartment in Paris to a seaside villa in Thailand, to a mountain cabin in the Rocky Mountains. A basic petsitter account costs just $129 for unlimited housesits anywhere in the world, and considering how expensive accommodation can be while traveling, it’s well worth it.

Work on an Organic Farm

Get free accommodation while traveling by working on an organic farm

Get free accommodation while traveling by working on an organic farm. This is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) helps find opportunities to exchange agricultural work for free lodging.

Volunteer roles are available worldwide on the organization’s website. You could spend a season working the wine harvest in France, or work on a banana farm in beautiful Vietnam, all while getting room and board for free.

Work in Hospitality

Short-term positions in the hospitality industry is another great way to earn money while traveling the world. With a huge variety of jobs in the hospitality sector, you’re bound to find a role that suits you. Popular tourist hospitality jobs include bar staff, waitresses/waiters, tour guides, and more. You could even work the front desk of a hostel as a live-in staff member as you travel the world.

Seasonal workers are often needed at seaside, lake, and holiday camps during the spring and summer months. Typically, these jobs offer fair pay and free accommodation in cosy cabins or even quirky tepees.

Become a Nanny or Au Pair

The other popular way to travel around the world without worrying about accommodation is to become a nanny or au pair. The majority of nanny jobs are well-paid live-in positions, which means you may end up living in a luxurious penthouse in Paris or even a villa in Argentina.

In addition to providing free accommodation, working as a nanny or au pair will also provide you income that you can use to fund the rest of your travels. Your main responsibilities will typically take place during the week, leaving your weekends free for exploration.

Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is the backpacker’s favorite way to get free accommodation while traveling. There are generous people all over the world who are willing to provide a place to sleep for free for other travelers. The benefit of couch surfing, is that most hosts will gladly show you around town and introduce you to their local culture while you’re staying with them. That makes it the perfect option for solo world travelers.

Couchsurfing ensures safety by verifying the hosts, and you can always check previous traveler reviews to make sure you find a couch-surfing host that you’re comfortable with.

Other ways to get free accommodation in exchange for work while traveling

As you can see, there are several ways people can work while traveling and get free accommodation. Look through the job listings on Worldpackers if you’re still looking for that great opportunity. 

From childcare jobs to personal assistant jobs to charitable volunteer opportunities around the world, you’ll find them all on Worldpackers. Memberships cost $49 and give you access to tons of work opportunities in exchange for free accommodation. Due to its host verification process, insurance policy, and large community network, Worldpackers is a great choice for solo world travelers. Get 10% off your membership fee by using my promo code BACKPACKING10.

Getting a visa to get free accommodation while traveling

Be sure to consider your visa eligibility when applying for any of these positions. Whether you are paid or not, a B-1 or J-1 Visa may be required before entering Europe for an extended period. Ideally, you should speak to a visa specialist or a program leader before applying.

So, are you ready to get down in the dirt at a Colombian coffee farm? Or help a generous Parisian family by becoming a nanny? Whatever venture you choose, you can have the time of your life without breaking the bank. Without budget holding you back, get started preparing for your world travel adventure!