Don't Miss This Nearly Free Activity When Traveling to a New Place

Travel is one expense that I always make room for in my budget. My travel budget has increased as I've grown my small business. But my travel spending looked a lot different five to six years ago. I took advantage of hotel and airfare deals to save money. 

I also reduced my travel spending by taking advantage of free and low-cost activities. If you want to see more of the world while on a limited budget, you can benefit by doing the same. Here's one nearly free activity you may want to make time for when visiting a new destination. 

Free walking tours are an excellent way to explore a new place

Whether visiting a new domestic or international destination, looking for free and low-cost activities can benefit your personal finances. By spending less on activities and events, you'll have more room left in your vacation budget for other expenses like transportation and food.

One of my favorite ways to discover a new destination is to explore by foot. I do a lot of walking and exploring independently, but I also take advantage of walking tours. In many cities worldwide, you can book free walking tours. 

A local guide or expert will walk you and other tourists around the destination while giving insider travel tips and a brief history lesson. Some tour companies offer multiple free tours with different themes, so research before you arrive at your destination. 

Here are a few destinations that have tours like this: 

• Austin
• Boston
• Denver
• London
• New York City
• Paris
• Seattle
• Sydney
• Toronto
• Washington D.C.

Here's how free walking tours operate 

While free walking tours aren't entirely free, they're nearly free. The cost of the tour itself is free, but the tour guides make money through tips. So, if you plan to take advantage of this nearly-free travel activity, you'll want to budget for the cost of gratuities. 

Not having to pay an expensive entry fee for tours like this can allow you to save money on travel. Plus, it's a great way to acclimate to a new place. If you like taking tours and want to keep more money in the bank, consider making time for this activity on your next vacation. 

When visiting a new city and researching things to do, I check to see if any free walking tours are available. I usually take a walking tour within two to three days of arriving. Doing this gives me time to get back on a regular sleep schedule and helps me plan the remainder of my adventure. 

Travel doesn't have to break the bank 

It's a privilege to be able to travel -- and it costs money. But don't assume that you need to be rich to travel. Exploring new destinations without going broke or racking up debt is possible. 

You can travel affordably by taking advantage of low-cost and free activities and events like walking tours. It's also beneficial to stay alert to deals that could help you save on transit and accommodation costs. One way I save on airfare costs is through flight deal subscriptions. 

Another strategy that could result in savings is to use travel credit cards to pay for your trip expenses. You can earn valuable rewards and access travel benefits from your credit card issuer. Learn more by reviewing our list of the best travel rewards credit cards.