How to Travel on a Budget as a Nigerian - Part 2
In Part 1 of our series on budget travel for Nigerians, we covered essential tips for planning and executing affordable trips within and outside Nigeria. In this continuation, we'll delve deeper into specific strategies for saving money, making the most of your travel budget, and ensuring your journeys are both memorable and economical.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
One of the most significant expenses when traveling is accommodation. As a Nigerian traveler, there are several ways to minimize this cost.
Hostels and Guesthouses
Hostels and guesthouses are often the most budget-friendly options for accommodation. In Nigeria, cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have numerous hostels catering to both local and international travelers. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com can help you find affordable options.
For instance, the Lagos Hostel offers dormitory beds for as low as N5,000 per night, while private rooms can be found for around N10,000. Similarly, Abuja Guesthouse provides clean and comfortable stays starting at N6,000 per night.
When traveling abroad, consider using platforms like Hostelworld and Hostelbookers, which often have listings for budget accommodations in popular destinations. In Southeast Asia, for example, you can find hostels in cities like Bangkok and Hanoi for as low as $5 per night.
Couchsurfing and Home Exchanges
Another way to save on accommodation is through Couchsurfing or home exchange programs. Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with locals willing to offer a free place to stay. It's an excellent way to experience local culture and make new friends.
HomeExchange and HomeLink are other platforms where you can swap homes with someone in your destination city. This can be particularly useful for longer stays and can significantly reduce your accommodation costs.
Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
While Airbnb might not always be the cheapest option, it can offer good value, especially for groups or families. In Nigeria, you can find affordable Airbnb listings in cities like Enugu and Calabar, with prices starting at N8,000 per night.
When traveling internationally, look for Airbnb Experiences as well, which can offer unique and affordable activities to enhance your trip.
Transportation Hacks
Transportation is another area where you can save a lot of money if you plan wisely.
Domestic Travel
For domestic travel within Nigeria, consider using budget airlines like Dana Air and Arik Air. These airlines often offer competitive prices, especially if you book in advance. For instance, a flight from Lagos to Abuja can cost as little as N20,000 one way if booked early.
If you prefer road travel, luxury buses such as those operated by God is Good Motors (GIGM) and Chisco Transport offer comfortable and affordable options. A trip from Lagos to Port Harcourt can cost around N10,000.
International Travel
For international travel, budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir often have lower fares to destinations in Africa and beyond. Booking flights well in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you secure the best deals.
Skyscanner and Google Flights are excellent tools for finding cheap flights. For example, a round-trip flight from Lagos to Nairobi can be found for as low as $300 if you book early and choose the right dates.
Public Transportation
Once you're at your destination, using public transportation can save you a lot of money. In cities like London and Paris, a weekly or monthly pass can be more cost-effective than buying individual tickets. In Nigeria, using danfo (minibuses) or keke napep (tricycles) can be an affordable way to get around.
Eating on a Budget
Food is another area where you can save money while traveling.
Local Eateries
Eating at local eateries is one of the best ways to experience the culture and cuisine of your destination while keeping costs low. In Nigeria, buka (local eateries) offer delicious and affordable meals. For instance, a plate of jollof rice or amala can cost as little as N500.
When traveling abroad, seek out street food and local markets. In Thailand, for example, you can enjoy a delicious plate of pad Thai for around 50 baht (approximately $1.50).
Self-Catering
If you're staying in accommodation with a kitchen, consider self-catering. Buying groceries at local markets and cooking your meals can save you a significant amount of money. In Nigeria, markets like Balogun Market in Lagos and Wuse Market in Abuja offer fresh produce at affordable prices.
Food Tours and Cooking Classes
Participating in food tours or cooking classes can be a fun and educational way to save money on meals. Many cities offer affordable food tours that allow you to sample a variety of dishes at a lower cost than eating at restaurants. In Nigeria, Lagos Food Tour offers a budget-friendly way to explore the city's culinary scene.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
One of the joys of travel is experiencing new places and cultures, and you don't need to spend a lot of money to do so.
Free Attractions
Many cities have free attractions that can enrich your travel experience. In Lagos, you can visit Freedom Park or Tafawa Balewa Square without spending a dime. In Abuja, Millennium Park and Aso Rock are must-see spots that are free to visit.
When traveling abroad, research free walking tours, museums with free entry days, and public parks. In cities like Berlin and New York, there are numerous free museums and galleries to explore.
Low-Cost Activities
If you're willing to spend a little, there are plenty of low-cost activities that can enhance your trip. In Nigeria, visiting Olumo Rock in Abeokuta or Yankari National Park in Bauchi can be done on a budget. Entrance fees are reasonable, and you can often find affordable guided tours.
When traveling internationally, consider visiting lesser-known attractions or engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. In countries like Nepal and Peru, you can explore stunning landscapes at a fraction of the cost of more touristy activities.
Budgeting and Money Management
Effective budgeting and money management are crucial for successful budget travel.
Pre-Trip Budgeting
Before you travel, create a detailed budget that includes all expected expenses. Use online tools like Mint or You Need a Budget (YNAB) to track your spending and stay on target. Allocate funds for accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and emergencies.
Using Local Currency
When traveling, use local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates and fees. In Nigeria, you can use naira for all transactions. When traveling abroad, withdraw local currency from ATMs to minimize fees. Cards like Revolut and Wise offer competitive exchange rates and low fees, making them ideal for international travel.
Avoiding Tourist Traps
Tourist traps can quickly drain your budget. In Nigeria, be cautious of overpriced souvenirs and guided tours at popular sites like Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos. When traveling abroad, research common tourist traps and seek out recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
Leveraging Technology
Technology can be a powerful ally in your quest to travel on a budget.
Travel Apps
Numerous travel apps can help you save money and enhance your trip. Skyscanner and Google Flights are essential for finding cheap flights, while Booking.com and Airbnb can help you secure affordable accommodation.
Rome2rio is a great app for planning transportation, showing you the cheapest and most efficient ways to get from one place to another. Eatwith and Withlocals can connect you with locals for affordable dining experiences and tours.
Travel Blogs and Forums
Travel blogs and forums are invaluable resources for budget travelers. Websites like Nomadic Matt and The Blonde Abroad offer detailed guides and tips for traveling on a budget. Forums like Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree and Reddit's r/travel allow you to connect with other travelers and share money-saving tips.
Case Studies: Budget Travel Success Stories
To illustrate the effectiveness of these strategies, let's look at a few case studies of successful budget travel by Nigerians.
Case Study 1: Lagos to Zanzibar
Adeola, a young professional from Lagos, planned a budget trip to Zanzibar. She used Skyscanner to find a round-trip flight for $350, booked a month in advance. She stayed at a budget hostel in Stone Town, costing $10 per night. By eating at local eateries and participating in a free walking tour, she spent less than $500 for a week-long trip, including all expenses.
Case Study 2: Abuja to Cape Town
Chinedu, a student from Abuja, traveled to Cape Town on a tight budget. He flew with Ethiopian Airlines for $400 and stayed in a shared Airbnb for $15 per night. He used MyCiti buses for transportation and cooked his meals using groceries from local markets. His total cost for a two-week trip was under $800.
Case Study 3: Port Harcourt to Bali
Efe, a freelancer from Port Harcourt, embarked on a budget trip to Bali. She found a round-trip flight for $600 using Google Flights and stayed in budget hostels for $5 per night. By eating street food and participating in free yoga classes, she managed to keep her total expenses for a month-long trip under $1,200.
Conclusion
Traveling on a budget as a Nigerian is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. By choosing the right accommodation, leveraging transportation hacks, eating on a budget, engaging in free and low-cost activities, and effectively managing your money, you can explore the world without breaking the bank.
Remember, the key to successful budget travel is planning and flexibility. Use the resources and strategies outlined in this article to create memorable and affordable travel experiences. Whether you're exploring the vibrant cities of Nigeria or venturing to distant lands, budget travel allows you to see the world on your terms.
Happy travels!
References
- Hostelworld: www.hostelworld.com
- Booking.com: www.booking.com
- Couchsurfing: www.couchsurfing.com
- HomeExchange: www.homeexchange.com
- HomeLink: www.homelink.org
- Airbnb: www.airbnb.com
- Dana Air: www.flydanaair.com
- Arik Air: www.arikair.com
- God is Good Motors (GIGM): www.gigm.com
- Chisco Transport: www.chiscotransport.com.ng
- Ethiopian Airlines: www.ethiopianairlines.com
- EgyptAir: www.egyptair.com
- Skyscanner: www.skyscanner.com
- Google Flights: www.google.com/flights
- Mint: www.mint.com
- You Need a Budget (YNAB): www.ynab.com
- Revolut: www.revolut.com
- Wise: www.wise.com
- Rome2rio: www.rome2rio.com
- Eatwith: www.eatwith.com
- Withlocals: www.withlocals.com
- Nomadic Matt: www.nomadicmatt.com
- The Blonde Abroad: www.theblondeabroad.com
- Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree: www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree
- Reddit's r/travel: www.reddit.com/r/travel
This markdown article provides a comprehensive guide on budget travel for Nigerians, complete with practical tips, case studies, and references to relevant resources.