Skip to content

Travel smart; travel more

On a previous trip through Belize, I met some fellow Canadians at the local chicken bus stop in Placencia, a charming port town on the south coast.

On a previous trip through Belize, I met some fellow Canadians at the local chicken bus stop in Placencia, a charming port town on the south coast.

A family of four from Quebec, they had come to Belize for a two-week vacation in the low season to beat the crowds while still soaking in great weather and picturesque views.

Michelle, the mom of the family, was excited to meet some Albertans as she had come to live in Vegreville for a year to learn English nearly 15 years ago. We shared a laugh about how small of a world it is, then wished them the best on their travels as we boarded our bus and they theirs. 

People often ask me “how do you afford to travel?” and while travelling costs money, I have picked up a few ‘tricks of the trade’ throughout my adventures.

Michelle and her family are a great example of how families can save money and see more. They chose to travel during the low season because it allowed them more flexibility in their travels.

While low season can mean rain, it is usually only in the early morning for an hour. Not only are flights and accommodations cheaper, but ticket prices for activities and museums are usually lower, too.

They also opted to backpack with their kids and take local transportation, which may sound daunting, but there are lots of resources to help you plan and usually a friendly backpacker nearby.

In many vacation destinations it is easy to save money by eating locally, whether that be from a nearby food stand or a cafe for breakfast.   

If you’re itching to book a trip, I suggest logging on to SkyScanner or Momondo to see which flight options are cheapest for your departure airport and when. Google Flights is also a useful tool to compare and track flight prices.

Platforms like AirBnB or HomeAway have enabled local people to compete with resorts while adding a personal touch. Step away from the crowded resort and instead have your own private, pool side hacienda.

Travel blogs and forums are a great resource to start planning your trip. Many have advice on airport transfers, public transportation, bus schedules, what to eat, and where to stay.

The secret to affordable travel is flexibility. Be open to a new place and trying something different, you won’t regret it.

Mackenzie Baert is a born and raised Athabascan, and graduate of the University of Alberta engineering program. When not globe trotting, she can be found playing a mean game of crib and hitting the ski trails.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks