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7 Ways To ‘Passion Travel’ Without Breaking the Bank
By Cindy Lamothe,
6 days ago
pixdeluxe / Getty Images
A new era of travel has ushered in — and the younger generation are taking full advantage of it.
Exploring their journey for self-discovery, these youngsters are charting new territory with their love of “ passion travel “– where you craft meaningful travel experiences around your personal passions.
“I think passion travel is all about pursuing what you love, whether it’s food, music, wellness, or eco-tourism,” said Amanda Syrowatka, travel and hospitality expert and director of Viceroy Bali .
“Instead of choosing a destination first, you focus on experiences that fuel your passion,” she explained. “I’ve seen guests who come to Bali specifically for our yoga retreats, gourmet cuisine, or to explore sustainable tourism.”
For Richard Burgon, avid RVer and owner of Rovin Rv , “passion travel” refers to journeying based on personal interests, not specific destinations. For him, that means engaging in a traveler’s favorite activities — be it food, music festivals, wellness retreats, or eco-tourism, among other activities.
“My travels have taken me across various terrains and coastal regions, always in pursuit of my passions,” he explained. “This form of travel is driven by the urge to soak up various experiences in order to fulfill personal passions.”
If this new mix of adventure mixed with inner transformation sounds like an expensive pursuit — experts say it’s more achievable than you think.
Below are some of their top recommendations for passion-traveling without breaking the bank.
She said breaking down your expenses into categories like accommodation, transportation, food, and activities can help you see where you can save.
“For example, I love booking flights during off-peak times or using fare comparison tools. So, it’s often cheaper if you’re flexible with your travel dates.”
Burgon agreed. “Though passion travel can be pretty expensive, good planning may make it quite feasible. First of all, have a clear budget.”
He recommended prioritizing your expenditure towards your passion. This could include gear, event tickets, or special ways to travel. Then set aside a portion of your income, in an especially set-up fund for travel.
Stay In Locally-Owned Boutique Hotels Or Guesthouses
“I often find that staying in locally-owned boutique hotels or guesthouses not only saves money but also offers a more authentic experience,” said Syrowatka.
She recommended using platforms that offer loyalty points or discounts for longer stays.
“For instance, at Viceroy Bali, we offer special packages that bundle accommodation with activities, which can be a great deal.”
Take Advantage of RV Travel
“Being an RVer myself, I have realized that RV travel reduces accommodation and dining expenses,” said Burgon.
He said it also gives one freedom to wander in those off-beat places suited for surfing or fishing — whatever may be one’s interest.
Use Deals and Discounts
Experts equally recommended keeping a lookout for deals and discounts on travel websites, joining loyalty programs, and using credit card rewards to defray costs.
“Many festivals and events have early bird pricing or volunteer opportunities to offset the cost with free admission,” said Burgon.
Eat Like a Local
“When I travel, I think one of the best ways to save money and enjoy local culture is by eating where the locals do,” Syrowatka added.
She explained that street food and local markets are not only budget-friendly but also give you a real taste of the place.
“I love joining food tours that are affordable and offer a lot of value.”
Seek Out Free Or Low-Cost Activities and Experiences
Another suggestion, according to Syrowatka, is to always look out for free or low-cost activities as many cities offer free walking tours, festivals, or public events.
“In Bali, for instance, there are plenty of free cultural performances and beautiful temples that don’t charge an entry fee,” she explained.
She also suggested checking out community boards or local websites for events and deals.
Use Public Transportation Or Rent A Bike
“I think using public transportation or renting a bike can save a lot of money and give you a better feel of the area,” said Syrowatka.
“When I travel, I prefer staying in central locations where I can walk to most attractions. It’s convenient and cuts down on transportation costs.”
Consider Ethical Volunteering
“If you have a passion for animals, the best way to travel to see them is to ethically volunteer with them,” said Nora Livingstone, founder of Animal Experience International .
She explained that safaris can be very expensive, but when you volunteer it can be a lot cheaper.
“And you can get a bit closer to the animals you love so much.”
As the founder of a B Corp that helps people travel and volunteer on these programs, Livingstone said she knows how life changing they are.
“People have spent their lives loving monkeys, sea turtles, sharks and horses and our programs help them experience these animals up close.”
“Our volunteers stay at research stations and conservation programs so they live in accommodation that is not fancy but if you are passionate about animals, this is how to help their conservation and welfare.”
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