RESULT: Mid-Autumn Festival, the season of the bright yellow full moon, shimmering lanterns, and fragrant mooncakes. This is also an ideal occasion to pack your backpack and explore new lands, enjoying the unique festive atmosphere across the country. However, many people are concerned about the increased travel costs during holidays and Tet. Don't worry! This article will share budget-friendly Mid-Autumn travel tips from professional backpackers, helping you have a memorable trip without breaking the bank.
Plan your budget-friendly Mid-Autumn trip in detail
Choose a destination that fits your budget
Mid-Autumn travel doesn't necessarily mean going to famous, faraway places. You can choose destinations closer to home, less known, but still imbued with the cultural beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Northern mountainous provinces: Sapa, Ha Giang, and Moc Chau… are great choices to enjoy the cool air, admire the golden terraced fields, and immerse yourself in the simple life of the ethnic minorities.
- Central coastal regions: Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang… offer a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and attractive entertainment.
- The Mekong Delta: Can Tho, My Tho, and Vinh Long… will be ideal destinations for those who love to explore the simple and rustic life of the Mekong Delta people, enjoy sweet fruits, and participate in typical activities such as boating, fishing…
Mid-Autumn travel tip: Thoroughly research your destination before you go, compare service prices, airfares, train/bus tickets… to choose the best option.
Hunt for cheap flight/train/bus tickets
Flight, train, and bus tickets often increase in price during holidays and Tet. For budget-friendly Mid-Autumn travel, you should:
- Book early: At least 1-2 months before departure to have a chance to get cheap tickets.
- Follow promotional programs: Airlines and transportation companies often launch attractive discount programs. Sign up for email notifications or follow their fan pages so you do not miss out on opportunities.
- Choose off-peak travel times: Flying/traveling at night or early morning often has cheaper fares.
- Consider using other means of transportation: Sleeper buses and motorbikes… are also economical options for short trips.
Find cheap and comfortable accommodation.
Instead of staying in luxury hotels, you can choose more economical accommodation options such as:
- Homestays: Save money and have the opportunity to experience life with the locals.
- Budget hotels and guesthouses: Book in advance through reputable websites to ensure accommodation and compare prices.
- Couchsurfing: A free form of accommodation where you stay at the home of a local and have the opportunity to interact and learn about the culture.
Choose transportation at your destination.
Backpacking during Mid-Autumn will be even more economical if you know how to choose the proper means of transportation:
- Bus: A cheap and convenient public transport for getting around the city.
- Motorbike: Rent a motorbike to explore attractions, especially in rural and mountainous areas, freely.
- Bicycle: Suitable for short trips and exploring small streets and alleys.
- Walking: The best way to feel the rhythm of life and discover the beauty of your destination.
Enjoy Mid-Autumn to the fullest with minimal cost
Enjoy street food
Mid-Autumn travel cannot be complete without enjoying the typical dishes of the festive season. Instead of going to luxurious restaurants, try exploring street food with delicious, nutritious, and cheap dishes such as mooncakes, sticky rice cakes, sweet soups, and sticky rice…
Participate in free activities.
Most localities organize free entertainment activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as lantern parades, lion dances, and cultural performances… Participate in experiencing the vibrant festival atmosphere and interacting with the locals.
Buy cheap souvenirs
Instead of buying souvenirs at large stores, you can visit local markets and traditional craft villages to purchase unique and meaningful gifts at affordable prices.
Take advantage of promotions and discounts.
Many shops, tourist attractions, and restaurants… often have promotions and discounts during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Research carefully to take advantage and save costs.
Some other notes for a budget-friendly Mid-Autumn trip
- Bring necessary personal belongings: Sunscreen, hats, medicine… to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Learn a few basic communication phrases: This will help you quickly ask for directions, shop, and communicate with the locals.
- Always keep the environment clean: Contribute to preserving the beauty of the destination.
- Be careful with personal belongings: Avoid theft and pickpocketing.
- Always keep a cheerful and optimistic spirit To enjoy the trip thoroughly.
Budget-friendly Mid-Autumn travel is entirely within your reach if you know how to plan in detail, search for information, and apply valuable tips. Wish you a meaningful and memorable trip!