Canada is a marvelous country that many people don’t realize is worth exploring. Being the second-largest country in the world, Canada has so much going for it. With so many vibrant cities to see and a variety of geographic areas such as the famous Rocky Mountains, fishing villages, glaciers, ewe-inspiring icefields, and abundant wildlife, this country presents itself with everything you’d dream of seeing in a lifetime.
Let’s not forget the most picturesque national parks in the world, the Banff national park, or the famous cities of Toronto and Vancouver, which are full of many things to do, to see and taste.
Indeed, there are many exotic places worth seeing in a country such as this- but what can you do when your tight budget stops you from experiencing it? In this article, we’ve compiled a few budget practices that will help you travel more and spend less.
Plan Your Budget
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Yes, traveling spontaneously is truly amazing when you have the luxury of money and time to spare. It may be counterintuitive, but when you’re traveling on a budget, the first thing to do is to come up with a steady plan. Certainly, you don’t need an hour-by-hour itinerary, but it might be worth knowing at least how much you’ll be spending in each city, and have a know-how of the route you’re planning to take. If you are already aware of your travel expenses, installment loans, such as those found on Smarter. Loans can be an easy way to finance your dream escape. How do they work? When you’re borrowing an installment loan, it means you’re borrowing a specific amount of money, typically between $2,00 and $10.000 which has to be repaid over a determined period of time such as a few months, or a few years, and a set frequency that can be either weekly or monthly. They can be used for a variety of purposes, most common being for medical emergencies, overdue bills, travel or simply making a purchase.
Read also: Top 10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Canada
Be accommodation -savvy
It might be challenging for those who were already used with the luxury of the hotel suites and fancy breakfast, but when your tight budget doesn’t allow you to see or to do too much, it makes sense to want to trade expensive hotel suites for dorm rooms in hostels. But finding affordable accommodation in Canada isn’t exactly as impossible as many would believe. Usually, the major cities are the most convenient place to find accommodation.
Cities like Vancouver and Toronto often have hotels with breath-taking deals that can be found. But you can find at any time good quality hostels which are less expensive than hotels that are generally meant for tourists, students, and workers.
Some of these hostels even provide lounge areas, inexpensive food, decks to enjoy the views, private rooms, WIFI, and many more great perks that make them an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
If you plan on renting an RV, it might help you know that many of the national parks throughout the state have locations where you can hook up your RV which can save you a lot of time and money. Camping can also be an excellent option if you choose to travel during summer, as it can be budget-friendly and a smart way to experience the breath-taking outdoors in which Canada is renowned for.
Read also: Top 10 Most Amazing Destinations in Western Canada
Travel out of season
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Most probably, you’ve heard it before, but this should be stressed on if you wish to spend less and see more. Try as much as possible to avoid traveling during schools’ holidays, as this is when the travel industry skyrockets prices to take advantage of families who can only travel during this time.
- Mid -May to late June
Mid-May to June is an excellent time to explore Canada. You won’t find too many tourists, so prices are pretty reasonable. Early summer is when tourism around the world comes alive, and Canada is no exception here. Together with visitors exploring the streets and beautiful landscapes, residents will be venturing out as well. During this time summer, sports startup and numerous hiking trails are filled with adventurers eager to find the perfect photo opportunity.
- September through November
Many would say that the finest period to travel in Canada is during these months. The weather starts to change, and it cools down, but it is still enjoyable, the summer crowds are nowhere to be seen, prices drop considerably, and the changing surroundings provides an amazing setting for a trip.
Mark free and affordable attractions
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Attractions can be really discouraging for your budget, but there you can definitely find inexpensive or free attractions. There are multiple national parks that have entrance fees, but most of Canada’s national parks require only minimal entrance fees.
Are you a whale enthusiast? Then you should definitely explore Canada! As you already know, whales tend to migrate. If you’re lucky enough to be there during the right season, you can see them right off the shore or even better, take an inexpensive short boat trip out to see them closer.
Food, dining, and meals
Budgeting for a few weeks to experience Canadian cuisine can add up pretty quickly. Try not to waste your money on fancy restaurants but rather rely on affordable alternatives to keep costs low and get a chance to spend your money on something really traditional not on “tourist traps”.
Consider satisfying your hunger by eating meals in accommodation such as kitchen amenities, or try to purchase locally grown products to extend your budget even further. Or you can try to ask locals for advice- typically locals know what “tourists traps” to avoid so they can guide to more affordable and traditional fares.
Don’t let your budget stop you from exploring the world if you can’t afford plane tickets; try to explore it by train. If you plan on taking your car, bring on your GPS, so you don’t get lost and waste a lot of money and fuel. Visiting Canada can be possible even with a tiny budget, so make sure you plan everything well ahead.
