Photo trips on the budget
A regular photo trips, or any kind of travel, can be draining for the wallet. But there are many little things which can make it a little less expensive. Of course, a budget is a very subjective matter and will be approached differently depending on your financial situation, the country you’re traveling from, and your destination.
I live in the Netherlands, where the average income is one of the highest in Europe. However, prices are also high - for example, flight tickets and fuel are much more expensive here than in East Europe.
That’s why I won’t be using specific amounts. Instead, I’d like to share my tips and strategies for minimizing the biggest travel costs.
Transportation
After several trips last year, I did a financial summary. I suspected that traveling by car (and sleeping in it) would be much cheaper than flying, but I didn’t expect a road trip through Sweden to turn out relatively cheaper than a long weekend in Portugal.
We don’t travel in a van or camper but in a 20+ year-old 4x4 SUV, where we built a bed ourselves and carry everything we need. If you’re ready for some sacrifice, it’s possible to sleep and travel cheap in a regular passenger car as well.
Flight tickets
It’s rare for me to come up with a destination and immediately book flights. My choice is often dictated by ticket prices. Almost every budget airline has an “inspiration” option in their app. By entering a budget and travel dates, the app suggests connections within the preferred price range and timeframe. I’ve often found ridiculously cheap tickets for as little as €9.99 (seriously!).
Local transport
Depending on the location and my plans, I try to calculate whether renting a car or using public transport is more cost-effective. Sometimes, public transport can be more expensive than renting a car, so it’s worth comparing prices (for example, train tickets in the UK are very expensive). In some cases, renting a car for two people is the cheapest option, and considering the distances you can cover, it’s often the most convenient one.
Accommodation
I usually use Airbnb, but I’m careful about it. The platform is questionable in terms of sustainability - because in touristy cities and areas, apartments turn into vacation rentals, making it harder for locals to afford housing.
Therefore I mostly choose accommodations located on the property of local hosts. These are often cabins, guesthouses, or private rooms. In my experience, this is the cheapest lodging option. The conditions are usually quite basic but sufficient, and at the same time, it provides an extra income for private individuals.
When we travel by car, we use small, basic campsites. We also have a subscription that gives us access to a network of natural campsites at very affordable prices here in Holland. Other countries probably have similar options, though I haven’t checked.
Food & Drinks
I rarely eat out while traveling (or in general). First, because I’m vegan, and it’s hard to find decent meal options. I prefer to buy ingredients for easy-to-make meals. I always prepare my own breakfast, as well as sandwiches and lunch for the road.
Dinners depend on the type of trip and location. If I have the opportunity to try local vegan food, I gladly do. If not, I just eat instant noodles, and that’s fine too.
Coffee and tea from cafés are this little thing that can wreck your budget when on the trip. That’s why I always bring instant coffee, tea, and a thermos or water bottle. This way, I’m not dependent on cafés, I don’t drink sodas, and I stay hydrated. Of course, I do sometimes sit down for a coffee, but it is more like a special moment of celebration rather than a necessity.
Summary
One of the most important things when it comes to organizing photo trips is planning your budget and saving regularly. I’ve learned from experience that it’s worth having a separate account where you consistently transfer even very small amounts.
Many of my trips happened when I didn’t have a big budget for traveling. But trust me, regular and consistent saving does miracles.
When your budget isn’t expanded, frequent trips come down to giving up something else. If I weren’t guilty of buying unnecessary camera gear, I’d say that’s the first thing to cut. In my case, it’s regular shopping, dining out, and careful planning of my expenses that allow me to travel regularly.
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