Ishtar Darlington
Sightseeing
Now what’s the point in going somewhere if you can’t soak up the local culture and see what there is to see? Unfortunately, taking money off tourists is a very big industry and you can end up paying an arm and a leg trying to enjoy the local area. Here are a few things you can do to cut these costs without taking away from your experience.
Museums: While entry into local museums can be relatively cheap, if you’re on a tight budget, every cent counts. In most places, museums will have a ‘free day’ where there is no charge for entry into the main galleries and exhibitions. As well as this, you’ll often find free entry museums in many towns and cities that you visit. The picture above was taken in the free Geological Museum in Bologna, Italy where I spent the day gasping in awe at the amazing fossils and bones they had on display.
Places of natural beauty: In reality, when you go abroad, the most wonderful sights to see are the ones that cost nothing to visit. Whether it’s soaring mountain peaks, beautiful beaches, ‘Jumanji’-esque jungles or never ending forests, there’s nothing more exhilarating than getting out of the city and exploring a totally new and foreign terrain. Just be sure you’re aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. Wear suitable shoes and clothes and if you can find a local who knows the area and is willing to take you off the beaten track, even better!
Meetup: This website isn’t just useful at home but also serves as a handy finger to the pulse of any area you’re in. On the meetup website you’ll find groups of people who come together regularly for pretty much any hobby or pastime you can think of. You’re likely to find groups for yoga, photography, bird watching, hiking, art, eating, drinking – the list goes on. It’s a wonderful way to get together with locals and travelers alike to do something you all love together.
