Traveling can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. Many of us love to travel but the idea of budget constraints often holds us back. The aim is to escape from the bustle and hustle of the city and have fun without breaking the bank. Yes, we all want to have that freedom of having to go where we want to go, but it should be affordable.
Whether you are a tourist visiting Nigeria for the first time, or you are a Nigerian who wants to have a tour of different destinations within the country, this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss several helpful tips for traveling on a budget and exploring Nigeria. So, if you are scared of traveling because you lack funds, there’s nothing to worry about as we’ve got you covered!
Here are 8 budget-friendly tips for traveling and exploring Nigeria.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
This should come as a no-brainer for every traveler. It doesn’t matter whether you have been to the place several times, you just have to do the needful which is to plan your trip in advance. Planning your trip gives you an edge over surprises. For instance, a rise in the cost of transportation, change in the prices of food and so much more.
You have to prepare for the journey you want to embark on. Planning in advance can help you take shortcuts to save money. This could include looking for budget-friendly accommodation options such as hostels, guesthouses, or homestays. You can also consider traveling during the off-peak season when prices are lower. These should come as common sense.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is often the most affordable way to get around in Nigeria. And the good thing is that it can be more fun as you get to sit side by side with Nigerians and even interact with them as you journey through. Relying on car rentals can be expensive, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Instead utilize public transportation like buses, trains, trams, and subways to get around.
You can also use shared taxis to save money on transportation costs. It may take longer to get to your destination, but it can save you a significant amount of money which you could use for other basic things. Whether you choose to travel alone or with your family and friends, always choose public transportation unless you are sure you have enough money to foot the bills.
Eat Local Food
This shouldn’t be over emphasized. Of course, Nigeria is a home of local cuisines which are easily affordable. Eating at restaurants could be quite expensive and you don’t want anything that would quickly eat up your budget so you have to play smart by eating local street food that can be gotten from stalls. This can be a great way to save money on food while traveling in Nigeria.
Look for budget-friendly options such as rice, beans, bole, fried yam, pepper soup, grilled meat etc. Avoid touristy restaurants, as they are more expensive. If you want to enjoy pure goodness then you should indulge in street food, not only are they affordable, they are also memorable. In your next trip, don’t forget to try out all the wonderful dishes Nigeria has to offer
Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Activities
You want to make your traveling experience a memorable one but how then do you intend to do so without having enough money on you? Well, the good news is that there are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy while traveling in Nigeria. You don’t need to visit the elite destinations in Nigeria nor do you need millions in your account to spice up your trip.
You can visit local markets, parks, or museums to get a taste of the local culture without spending a lot of money. You could also consider taking a walking tour or renting a bike to explore your preferred destination on a budget. These can be accomplished with just a few thousand Naira and it wouldn’t be much of a big deal after all. More so, go along with your camera to take nice photos.
Be Flexible with Your Itinerary
Being flexible with your itinerary is one the best tips for traveling in Nigeria if you are on a budget. You don’t have to stick to a strict schedule. Travels are more fun when you are able to make compromises and change plans as the case may be. For instance, if you find a great deal on a hotel or flight, you may need to adjust your plans to take advantage of last minute deals or discounts.
You may also discover hidden gems and unexpected experiences by being open to spontaneous travel. Being flexible can help you make the most of your trip and save money on transportation and accommodation. Consider traveling during the week instead of on weekends, or staying in budget-friendly accommodation outside of the city center.
Travel with a Group
While other tips are ideal, traveling with a group of other travelers seems to be the most effective of them all. This is because it can help you save money especially on accommodation and transportation costs. If you are a tourist, you may want to consider going on a group tour or organizing a trip with friends or family to split the costs so it doesn’t weigh you down.
Even if you are a Nigerian who wants to explore other parts of the country, maybe visit a particular city or state, you may also want to consider this approach. Taking along your friends or family who are interested in the trip can help you save some money since you can easily split the bills with the crew. There’s power in numbers, so you just have to be strategic to make the trip a success.
Choose Affordable Destination(s)
This is one of the core tips most travelers usually ignore when planning their trips. The idea is to plan beforehand everything as much as your traveling is involved. Ask yourself questions like “What is the cost of this place?”, “Do I really need to go there?”, “Is it something I can afford? At least, this will help make informed decision on whether of not the trip is worth it.
Aside from choosing an affordable destination for your trip, also make sure the place you want to visit aligns with your interest. It should be somewhere that guarantees your safety and security. Fortunately, there are a lot of affordable spots in Nigeria scattered all over different states. You can pick anyone of your choice and add it to your to do list for your next trip.
Be Mindful of Your Spending
After much is said and done, you just have to be a mindful spender and that’s the root of every other thing listed in this article. It’s important to be mindful of your spending while traveling in Nigeria. Keep track of your expenses and stick to your budget to avoid overspending. To simply put – Don’t indulge in any activity or purchase anything you did not budget for.
To be on the safer side simply avoid unnecessary expenses such as souvenirs or expensive tours that can quickly add up and be a burden on your shoulder. Spend only on things that matter and if you must do a little extra make sure it is something within your budget. By following these tips, you can explore Nigeria on a budget and have an unforgettable travel experience.
Bonus: 17 Common Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make When Traveling on a Budget in Nigeria
To help you make informed decisions on your travels, trips and vacations, this section exposes 20 common mistakes you shouldn’t make when traveling on a budget in Nigeria for both tourists and Nigerians living in Nigeria:
- Booking accommodation without reading reviews from other patrons or customers.
- Ignoring hidden fees or charges.
- Overpacking for a few days trip.
- Not researching well enough for public transportation that are affordable.
- Putting aside travel insurance.
- Falling victim for tourist traps.
- Exchanging currency at the airport.
- Not checking visa requirements.
- Overlooking local customs and etiquette
- Not having a contingency plan for emergencies, surprises or delays.
- Skipping travel vaccinations.
- Underastimating travel time
- Giving chances for strangers to handle your luggage.
- Neglecting travel safety.
- Missing out on free activities.
- Not keeping track of travel expenses.
- Failing to enjoy yourself and the journey experience.
These are just a few things to list. If you must enjoy your trip whether as a first time traveler or a seasoned traveler you just have to pay attention to details, be vigilant so you don’t get robbed off your money by scammers. Also, avoid overpriced restaurants, shops or attractions by doing some early research or ask locals to recommend cool affordable places to visit.
Most importantly, do not forget to enjoy yourself, we only live once so cherish every moment you have got. Cheers!
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