If you've been following me for some time now, you'd notice I usually do a budget breakdown of my self-funded trips. While most people have found this helpful, many have asked me, "how do you do it"? Would you be shocked if I told you I used to budget Ghc 1000 ($75) for a weekend getaway? And it worked? Well, mostly... I mean, considering the current economic situation in recent times, you'd need to double this to be able to enjoy a staycation or weekend getaway.
Travelling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality experiences, especially in a country with so many activities, places to visit, landscapes, history, and culture. With careful planning and a bit of local know-how, you can learn how to budget travel Ghana and stretch your cedi further while still enjoying all that this beautiful country has to offer. Here are some tips for making the most of your money while exploring Ghana:
Affordable Accommodation in Ghana: There are so many options when it comes to finding a place to stay. However, most people have trouble finding the best places to seek out budget-friendly accommodation options such as guesthouses, hostels, Airbnbs, vacation rentals, resorts, and even hotels. For starters, you can follow some local travel content creators/bloggers who usually highlight some of these budget-friendly options on their blogs. For example, Nomadic Maadjoa, TravelBites Ghana, Mtravels, Wanderer Girl, among others. Other options include browsing through websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor, which also offer a range of affordable choices, with deals and discounts often available.
Cost-Effective Transportation: There's only one word for my go-to mode of transportation when I'm travelling on a budget and moving around. The word is... SHARED. I prefer to use shared taxis, buses, and minivans. This is because they are cheaper and you can easily ask for directions if it's your first time in that town or region. Ghana's public transportation system may not be comfortable, but it is convenient. For long-distance travels, I usually opt for STC, a state transport system. Their buses are comfortable and safe, and ticket prices are affordable as well.
Delicious and Affordable Ghanaian Meals: When it comes to meals, this is where you should spend the least, especially if you're on a budget. But if you want to enjoy local dishes and make the most of your money, I wouldn't recommend high-end restaurants. You should try the local chop bars and restaurants. Even if you want to be in a high-end restaurant or bar, check online for their menu before getting there. You can almost always find food by the roadside, where you can enjoy local Ghanaian street food like waakye, kelewele, and banku without breaking the bank. You can also visit Nima on a food tour with Torikubu Explores for a wide array of food and drinks to try. You can also visit the local markets where you can get a trove of affordable eats, offering fresh fruits, snacks, and meals at budget-friendly prices.
Explore Budget-Friendly Attractions: Ghana is home to a wealth of affordable attractions, from historical landmarks like Cape Coast Castle to natural landscapes like Kakum National Park and Mole National Park. Be on the lookout for discounted admission fees for students, seniors, or group bookings to maximize your savings. Always do your research about your destination and find out the places you can visit which may not require an entry fee. If you're a beach lover, most of the beaches outside of Greater Accra Region are free to enter. You can also reach out to me for a consultation and trip planning service to help you travel on a budget.
Bargaining: This can be tricky sometimes, but it works both ways regardless of if you're traveling to or within Ghana. Whether you're a local or foreigner. However, if I'm being completely honest, once you're a foreigner, you wouldn't be paying the usual price. Bargaining is a way of life in Ghana, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices at markets, souvenir shops, or when hiring services like tour guides or taxis. If the prices are fixed, then bargaining may not work, but polite haggling can often result in significant discounts, helping you stretch your budget further. This may also be helpful if you have a local travel guide with you.
Free and Low-Cost Activities: Take advantage of the many free and low-cost activities available throughout Ghana, such as exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Osu, attending cultural events, or lounging on the pristine beaches of Busua, Kokrobite, Butre, Keta, etc.
Consider Budget Airlines: If you're planning to travel between regions, consider flying with budget airlines like Africa World Airlines or PassionAir, which offer competitive fares and convenient routes across the country.
Travel Smart During Off-Peak Seasons: Peak seasons in Ghana are between Christmas (December-January), Easter (March-April), and summer (somewhere from June to August). Always book your flights or accommodation before peak seasons. Avoid the crowds and inflated prices by traveling during off-peak seasons. Not only will you enjoy lower prices on accommodation and transportation, but you'll also have a more relaxed travel experience.
The TravelBites Ghana Way: Whenever I'm ready to embark on a new trip, I first write down my destination, then I create a table for my expenses by breaking it down into accommodation, transportation, meals, and places to visit. I then start looking for accommodation options less than half of my budget. Secondly, I check STC or ask around for the cost of transportation in getting to my destination then I create my itinerary of places to visit and the cost involved.
Here's a sample of my recent trip to Keta:
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning a trip to or within Ghana? The stress of searching for the perfect destinations and accommodations weighing you down? Click here to discover a hassle-free solution!
Join us on this inclusive weekend getaway to Akosombo!
I’m def saving for that trip. I need to show myself some love this year