Wanderlust on a Budget: Travel hacks for teachers over 50

This blog explains how you can travel as a teacher over 50.

Being a teacher is rewarding, but let’s face it, saving for travel can feel like trying to catch a mirage in the desert. But fear not, globetrotting educators over 50! Your wanderlust doesn’t have to be on hold. Here are some travel hacks to help you explore the world without breaking the bank:

1. Planning Is Your Ticket to Savings

When I visited Italy, I went in late September instead of summer. Not only were flights cheaper, but it was also easier to enjoy the sights without the big crowds.

• Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Find the "sweet spots" between peak and off-seasons to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.

• Take Advantage of School Breaks: Consider trips during your scheduled breaks to save by targeting off-peak travel destinations.

• Become a Loyalty Program Pro: Sign up for airline and hotel programs to collect points you can redeem for future travel.

• Set a Budget: Use an app or a worksheet to track spending, so you can better identify where to cut back for travel.

2. Affordable and Authentic Accommodation

In London, we stayed in a hostel in a private room just outside the city center. It cost half as much as a hotel downtown and offered a more genuine local experience.

• Think Beyond Hotels: Look into hostels, homestays, or Airbnb for affordable options, or even try house-sitting platforms to save.

• Choose Locations Outside Tourist Areas: Opt for neighborhoods outside city centers for both cost savings and a more authentic feel.

• Travel with Friends: Renting an apartment or vacation home with friends or family lets you split costs while enjoying a home base.

3. Explore on a Budget

During a trip to Paris, I joined a free walking tour to learn the city’s history. Then, I enjoyed lunch in a nearby park, avoiding restaurant prices and soaking in the atmosphere.

• Embrace Free Activities: Cities worldwide offer free walking tours, cultural events, and museum days, so research ahead.

• Bring a Picnic: Enjoy a meal outdoors, which not only saves money but also gives you the chance to people-watch like a local.

• Get Public Transport Passes: Save on transit by purchasing passes for unlimited travel within cities.

4. Bonus Tips Just for Teachers

I taught English for 6 months outside of Beijing, China and during the summer in 2019 near Shanghai. The trip was mostly covered, and I had the chance to explore a beautiful country while gaining teaching experience.

• Union Benefits and Discounts: Check if your union offers travel discounts or scholarships to members.

• Consider Educational Travel Opportunities: Earn extra income while traveling by leading educational tours or participating in teacher exchange programs.

• Leverage Your Free Time: Use weekends, school breaks, or early retirement for more affordable, off-peak travel.

Remember, the most essential ingredient for travel is not money but an adventurous spirit. With these tips and some planning, you can turn your travel dreams into reality without sacrificing your financial stability. So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and explore the world like the seasoned, savvy teacher you are!

Planning a trip there can sometimes feel overwhelming, but guess what? You don’t have to go at it alone! If you’re dreaming of your next adventure but need help figuring out where to go then I am your to-go-travel advisor!  Send me an email at merakidiscoveries1@gmail.com or call 833-791-7333.