How To Satisfy Wanderlust on a Budget
The world has thousands of places to visit, with many new experiences waiting for us. But when it comes to travel, our wanderlust doesn’t always line up with the heft of our wallets, which can leave us homebound. Before you give up on your hopes of becoming a tourist, some creative ways will allow you to experience the world on a tight budget.
Find the Most Authentic Cuisine Near You
Certain foods can transport the mind and senses to their place of origin, and eating new foods from different cultures will improve that experience.
Eating a certain region or culture’s food is a large part of traveling to a faraway place. When you want to satisfy your wanderlust on a budget, visiting a new restaurant with authentic food from a particular part of the world is a good idea. Asking friends and family for suggestions is helpful, and even if all of them turn out to be mediocre or just a knock-off, there’s at least the opportunity to explore.
Walk Through a Major City
Traveling by plane to a different country often breaks our budgets and leaves us making up for it by working overtime. Instead of visiting a faraway place, a quick car ride to a major city will be a great way to scratch that traveling itch. In the US, there are major cities in almost every state.
You could walk through San Francisco and see Silicon Valley or admire the old architecture in New Orleans with a stroll through the French Quarter. Walking through these places will make for an interesting time, and as out-of-towners, we feel like tourists with a new world to explore. Traveling with friends makes the endeavor less scary and more enjoyable. Plus, there’s more opportunity for fun when multiple people pool their money for a trip.
Go on a National Parks Tour
Some of the most beautiful sights in the world come from natural landscapes, and we find many of those landscapes in US national parks. A strong part of our wanderlust comes from the longing to see amazing sites and experience new things that will inspire us.
Twenty-eight states have national parks, with some having more than one. Taking a tour through nearby national parks in your state and others is a fun way to enjoy nature and travel, and it’s also partly why van living has become popular in the US. Going on hikes, fishing, rafting, and camping are fulfilling ways to get out in the world and ensure you satisfy your wanderlust on a budget.
Wanting to travel and not having the means to do so isn’t easy. But many of us can soothe our wanderlust with these methods. They may not be the grandest ways to experience the world and its wonders, but we can at least fill the void.
Consider Camping Nearby
Speaking of camping, this is a budget-friendly option that warrants its own mention. After all, sometimes a nice meal or a pleasant day trip simply won’t scratch your wanderlust itch. Instead, you may crave the unique relaxation of a night away, or that thrillingly fresh feeling of waking up in new surroundings. But, even a one-night staycation in a local hotel could be a cost you can’t justify. So, why not consider camping?
Campsites might not be the lap of luxury a lot of the time, but this is often what makes them so great for real wanderlusters. After all, waking up in the wilderness will certainly satisfy your drive for new experiences! If you’re feeling brave enough, you could even learn a few new skills with a tent setup. If in-tent camping sounds a step too far even for you, and you already have access to an RV that you don’t need to pay a small fortune to use, then it’s also worth considering a stay in the best RV parks near to you, which will come complete with wifi, on-site showers, and other amenities that’ll make this feel a little like a hotel stay without the outlay!
