Learning to save money in spite of the size of your income can be challenging. It is even more critical to attempt to save money while traveling in Nigeria, considering the economic situation. It will require some planning ahead – before ever embarking on the trip. And it is a highly recommended and wise decision.
Ultimately, you do not need to put a big dent in your pocket to enjoy a fulfilling trip anywhere around Nigeria. By making a few wise moves, you can successfully save money while traveling in Nigeria – and still enjoy yourself. The following are tested and trusted tips that can help you preserve your hard-earned cash from the onset of your trip till you return.
Examine Your Income
Before you set out to travel, examine your cash flow. Can you afford it? Pen down your expenses (taxes, bills, household expenditure) and deduct them from your income. Find out if you can still set aside some money for miscellaneous spending and entertainment. Then check what is left to decide if you have enough to save, and some spare cash for other uses (such as traveling).
Unless that trip is a necessity; or you have enough reasonable leftover to plan towards traveling around Nigeria – hold on to your money.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
Unless you are traveling for an unavoidable business, school or other pressing motive, avoid choosing far destinations. Especially if you are on a vacation trip. For vacation trippers, choose locations where you can get easy and safe accommodation and transportation options, as well as guarantee your security.
Research and Book Affordable Accommodation in a Centrally Positioned Area
Carefully research available lodging/accommodation options within and around your chosen destination. You can easily do so on reputable Nigerian short-let, hotel and travel websites. You should target getting accomodation in those areas where it is relatively easy to move around.
You might consider taking a walk around town if you are not under any time constraint. Otherwise, investigate available transportation options in the area; and choose the safe yet affordable ones (that match your budget). Road and train transportation are generally the cheapest modes of transportation while traveling around Nigeria. But you must consider your safety, and choose wisely. Private cab/taxi hailing services are also very good if you can afford it.
Again, look out for coupons, discounts and free offers; don’t be shy to ask for them at your chosen accommodation spot. Consider it your entitlement (after all, you are paying for your lodging, not squatting or something else). If you are traveling in a group, you will more likely get such offers very easily without asking. Nevertheless, ask for any freebies you are entitled to as a customer, and make good use of it.
Create a Budget – and Stick to It
Once you have established that you have enough funds to plan towards that trip, you must create a budget and stick to it. Your travel expenses should not exceed your budget. Your budget will definitely be affected by some key considerations.
The first is how far your destination is from your present location. You also need to consider the cumulative costs of transportation, accommodation, food and fuel (in case you wish to use your own car). The activities you will carry out at the estimation will also affect your budget. As such you must make a safe estimate of these costs and include them in your budget.
Take note that if your target destination is a big city (such as Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt), you will spend more.
Plan to Reduce Impulse Spending
The urge to buy souvenirs on a vacation trip, or eat good food and drink will always be there. But before you buy anything – restrain yourself, and check your wallet. Avoid or reduce impulse buying as much as possible, if you truly want to save money while traveling in Nigeria. Or elsewhere for that matter. Buy only what you can afford, that will not adversely affect your budget.
Ensure You Bring All Necessary Items Along
You would surely want to avoid unnecessary spending on your trip. Additionally, you should have all the essential items you will need on your trip with you. Besides this, it is critical to carry at least one government identification with you everywhere you go.
It is best if you actually write down a list of all the items you will need on your trip before packing them. Take note of necessities such as toiletries, underwear, basic clothes and shoes, medication, cosmetics, combs and deodorant/body spray.
In spite of that, you will ultimately help yourself by packing light. Take along only those items that are essential for your trip. Remember that the heavier your luggage, the more cumbersome your trip will be. And the more expensive it will be as well – you will be paying for your extra luggage at the airport, bus station, and the like.
You should also consider the prevailing season of the year (or the climate in your destination) and bring suitable clothing.You might be going hiking up the hills, or you anticipate encountering the rainy season or Harmattan winds. In that case, you should have a protective jacket with you.
