TEFL Travel Tips: 8 Essential Travel Hacks Tips That Every TEFL Teacher Should Follow!
Many individuals have the dream of teaching and travelling to a particular destination simultaneously, because it’s thrilling and rewarding at the same time.
You might be an individual who has a-
- New TEFL teaching job offer in-hand
- You might have completed courses like 280 Hours Advanced Diploma and now you are ready to begin your new TEFL teaching career in any chosen foreign land.
- Or you’re a digital nomad who travels from one place to another and teaches English online at the same time.
No matter which background you have, you must need to have travel tips to make our teaching and travelling experience easier.
In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the best available travel hacks every TEFL teacher needs which can make TEFL teaching and travelling in your favourite destination must smoother and easier.
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So, without any further delay, let’s get started.
1. Don’t Forget To Carry Digital Copies of All Important Documents
While travelling to your favourite destination to teach English the last thing you want is to lose out access to your important travel documents like- your passport, visa, boarding passes, or even the employment letter which you have secured from the respective school or institute overseas.
To save yourself from the mini-heart-attack experience you must use technology and scan out all the important documents or click pictures of them and keep digital copies of your important documents with yourself.
2. Keep Necessary Essentials In-Check
Before moving out to your favourite destination to teach English, you must ensure that you arrange a travel adapter and you have downloaded the offline maps of the location where you are heading to teach unless you love going on an adventure with the physical map!
3. Look For Cheaper Flight Options
To get the cheapest flights, you need to be strategic. Book your tickets early, even up to a year in advance, as prices tend to be lower when first released. Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays for better deals. Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best prices across different dates. For flexibility, try Skyscanner's "Everywhere" option to discover the cheapest destinations from your departure airport.
4. Local Transport Navigation
Once you've arrived, make the most of local transportation options. Eurail passes are great for exploring Europe by train, while Rome2Rio helps you find the cheapest routes in over 158 countries. For budget-friendly city travel, use public transportation instead of tourist busses. Buy a one-day transportation pass to save money and experience the city like a local. Walking or cycling is not only cost-effective but also allows you to discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
5. Avoiding Tourist Traps
Steer clear of restaurants and cafes on main streets or town squares, as they're often overpriced and less authentic. Instead, look for places filled with locals for better food and prices. Eat out later in the evening to blend in with the local culture and avoid tourist-oriented dining times. When exploring, skip the hop-on-hop-off busses and opt for public transport or walking tours to save money and get a more authentic experience of your destination.
6. Affordable Accommodation Options
To save money on housing, explore school-provided options first. Many schools in countries like South Korea, China, and the Middle East offer furnished apartments for foreign English teachers. Government programs like Japan's JET Program or Spain's Ministry of Education often provide free accommodation.
If your school doesn't offer housing, ask your employer for recommendations. They can suggest housing services or connect you with other teachers looking for roommates. Websites like easyroommate.com and couchsurfing.org can help you find short-term or shared living arrangements.
7. Eating Like a Local
To eat sustainably and save money, try locally-owned restaurants and cafes. You'll get authentic cuisine and support the local economy. Shop at food markets instead of grocery stores for fresh, locally sourced produce. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps you eat healthier. Swap imported processed foods for local alternatives, like oats instead of cereal. Cooking at home is another great way to cut costs and eat like a local.
8. Free and Low-Cost Activities
To make the most of your budget, take advantage of public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars. Many cities offer affordable day passes for buses and trains. Look for free walking tours or explore on foot to discover hidden gems.
Visit local parks, and museums on free days, and attend community events. Connect with other teachers or locals to find out about budget-friendly activities in your area. Remember, some of the best experiences come from simply immersing yourself in the local culture and daily life.
Follow These Travel Hacks To Make Your Life Easier
Embarking on a TEFL adventure doesn't have to drain your bank account. With the smart travel hacks that every TEFL teacher needs and budget-friendly tips outlined in this blog post, you can stretch your teacher's salary and make the most of your international experience. From booking flights early to eating like a local, these strategies will help you save money without sacrificing the quality of your journey.
Remember, the heart of budget travel lies in immersing yourself in the local culture and daily life. By using public transport, cooking at home, and seeking out free activities, you'll not only save money but also gain a deeper understanding of your host country.
So, start pursuing course like 280 hours TEFL course, pack your bags, grab your teaching materials, and get ready to explore the world on a teacher's budget. Your TEFL journey is about to begin!
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