Four Tips for Traveling Abroad on a Minimum Wage

“Is it possible to travel abroad while earning just the minimum wage?” 

Traveling abroad can be exciting, as you explore new destinations and enjoy unique culinary experiences. Visiting another country also allows you to gain new experiences you cannot find in Indonesia. But, with a minimum wage income, can you afford to travel overseas?

Typically, monthly income is allocated for essential and more pressing needs, such as daily expenses, emergency funds, rent, or boarding costs. This often discourages people from traveling, especially abroad, as it is perceived as requiring a significant budget.

Planning a trip overseas but worried about your monthly income not being enough? No need to worry—follow these tips:

Destination Country? Decide Beforehand!

Before going on your trip, decide beforehand which country you want to visit. While there are many countries to choose from, opt for affordable destinations. For example, countries in Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and others.

These countries often offer a variety of vacation packages to pick from. Even a 2-day, 1-night trip is very possible and can be affordable. If interested, search for vacation packages on social media platforms, such as Instagram, or through Online Travel Agents (OTAs).

Vacation Budget? It is Essential! 

After choosing the destination, the next step is budgeting for your trip. If you plan to travel independently without a tour package, prepare for expenses such as flights, accommodations, meals, transportation, souvenirs, and others.

To get more bang for your bucks, book flights and accommodations well in advance for cheaper rates. Make sure to take advantage of promotions offered by ticketing platforms and similar services.

For packaged trips, adjust your budget according to the selected package. To be on the safe side, set aside some money for any unforeseen expenses during your trip.

Save Up Regularly? It is a Must!

To help you afford traveling abroad as planned, start saving the salary you receive each month. How much? You can adjust it according to the price or holiday package for the destination country you plan to visit.

To make saving for the trip more organized, separate your savings for daily expenses, emergency funds, and holiday travel. Avoid putting them all in one place so that the funds will not be used up. Make sure you do not use your emergency funds for the holiday.

Traveling with Friends? Worth a Try!

Traveling with friends? You can try it! Traveling in a group can help reduce your expenses compared to traveling alone. How is that? This is possible because you share the expenses with your friends during the trip.

Once at the destination, you can also save money by looking for meal promos. For example, you can share the food if there is a buy-one-get-one-free or -two-free offer. This way, your food expenses will not be as high as traveling solo.

Those are some tips you can follow if you plan to travel abroad, even on a minimum wage salary. While preparing for your trip, make sure to get Online Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia.

Having this insurance will protect you during your journey, and you will also get coverage for accidents, inconveniences such as flight delays or cancelations during your trip, and more. Purchase this insurance for a worry-free trip!