With many of us catching glimpses of parties from around the world on our News Feeds, It's only natural that FOMO is felt. There are beautiful parties in so many countries all year long that if you're like me, you have an insatiable desire to see it all.
Some of you might think that a lot of money is needed to travel, but I can show you ways that does not involve a lot of funds to make the good times roll. With my years of trials and tribulations, I'm here to enable you in those last minute bookings so we can be impulsive like we know how to do so well. After all, the happier the dancefloor is, the better this world will become. At least in my world, this is my ethos.
I’ll share top budget hacks for finding cheap flights, booking affordable accommodation, and maximizing your travel budget. If you’re a music lover dreaming of attending festivals worldwide without emptying your bank account, here’s how you can make the most of your travel budget.
Score Cheap Flights with Smart Booking
To save big on flights, use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Flight Aware. Explore flexible dates and set up price alerts for the best deals. Consider flying to a nearby city—sometimes landing in a secondary airport is much cheaper. Then, connect to your final destination using affordable trains, buses, or BlaBlaCar. If your dates are flexible then you are in for a win. Sign up for email notifications for given routes you are interested in, so you know when the prices fluctuate.
Buying tickets on eDreams can be a good alternative if you are on a tight budget - otherwise booking directly on the airlines website will work in your favor in the event of a cancellation or major disruption. Get ready for Black Friday or Travel Tuesday sales throughout the year.
Optimize Accommodation Options
Find budget-friendly stays by comparing deals on sites like Kayak, Expedia, and Booking.com. Use loyalty points from programs like Marriott Bonvoy to offset costs, or tap into credit card rewards. Sharing a flat through Airbnb Rooms can offset costs if you are traveling alone.
Master Ground Transportation
Use public transport networks to your advantage. Trains are often cheaper and more scenic than flights, and you can check deals on sites like Eurail. For last-mile connections, platforms like BlaBlaCar offer affordable ride-shares with locals.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
If you’re flexible, research which festivals are in cities with lower living costs. Choosing to attend festivals in smaller towns or lesser-known regions can save significantly on both accommodation and food. Going during the off-season can greatly enhance your experience to visit and explore a destination with a rich year round music scene. I love to visit Bucharest for random weekends to see friends, visit the clubs, eat good food, and shop. I enjoy it more than going for big weekenders filled of only parties. I like the balance and simplicity, sometimes :)
Book Festival Tickets Early
Grab your festival tickets as soon as they go on sale. Many festivals offer early-bird discounts, so keep an eye on their announcements, which is usually happening before the Fall season. Use platforms like Resident Advisor or the festival’s official website to avoid extra fees. Ticket resell platforms can also avoid the fees such as Ticket Swap. Join the festivals email lists to be sure you won't miss any announcements.
If you have a skillset you wish to contribute such as photography, or volunteer to help the festival, you can often secure a ticket through a trade. If you are just starting out, you can offer your services for free in exchange for entry but if you are more established, you can even charge a fee. My advice is to organize this well in advance rather than last minute as festival and event budgets are tight.
Travel Light and Smart
Save on baggage fees by packing light—think essentials only. Consider accomodation that offer laundry facilities, so you can refresh your outfits without packing extra. If you have gear to bring, check baggage policies carefully and consider shipping options. One of my favorite hacks is to place my heaviest items in my backpack to keep the weight of the checked or carry on roller within the weight limits.
Save on Food & Drinks
Eat like a local by exploring markets and local eateries. Avoid pricey food by prepping snacks at a local market to stock the kitchen if you have one. Keep a refillable water bottle handy to stay hydrated without overspending. Some festivals also allow bringing your own water bottle—so check the policies.
Network with Fellow Music Lovers
Join festival forums and social media groups to connect with other attendees. You might find someone to split accommodation or transportation costs with. This is also true for meeting new friends who live in different cities that offer you to stay with them in the future.
I like to visit cities for a random weekend to check out the clubs and spend time with people that you otherwise would not have the time to do while at a festival. Sometimes the random weekend at a club can be more fun without the surge in pricing :)
By using these budget hacks, you’ll be able to enjoy the world's vibrant music scene without breaking the bank. Happy dancing!
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