Are you wanting to travel to North Korea but are put off by the expensive prices? You’re not alone. One of the most common pieces of feedback we receive is that North Korea tours are expensive. Whilst we work to get the most reasonable prices possible, a lot of what we can do is constrained because of the prices set by the North Korean authorities. But that doesn’t mean that a budget traveler can’t find his way to the DPRK. In today’s article we’re going to present you some “North Korea on a Budget tips“, real ways which can help you afford that tour you really want in a realistic, smart and manageable way! Be it transit costs or the tour package itself, we have some answers!
1. Book with a group of friends!
Finding people to go to North Korea is probably a challenge. Some of your friends might be amazed by the idea but feel a bit timid, others might be very keen. You never know until you ask them! But just how does going with friends cut costs? Here’s how. We give discounts for group bookings. The more people who come with you, the more we can alleviate the price. So simple solution? Bigger your group, bigger your discount.
2. Try going in Winter instead of summer
It may sound insane to visit North Korea during the winter, but that doesn’t mean there is anything less for you to do! You can celebrate New Year’s there or if you’re feeling really, really exotic, even Christmas. Seeing the DPRK in winter is an authentic experience, especially when the beautiful mountains are covered in snow. But how is it cheaper? One simple point to be made, cheaper flights. An average flight from the UK to China is £400-500 in December when booked in advance and avoiding “peak dates” (such as New Years). Compare this to the summer (July-August), where you’ll be spending about £700 on a flight in advance. Doing your tour in winter is ideal for savers as it therefore massively alleviates costs!
3. Try our ultra-budget tours!
Budget tours for budget travelers! If you’re looking to do North Korea on a budget, then these are probably the most obvious choice for you. We do North Korea budget tours all year round starting from just 445 euros! If that isn’t long enough for you, you add extra days on at 100 euros a piece. These tours are the cheapest you can possibly get on the North Korea travel market. It’s maximum experience, minimum price. Don’t miss out on a bargain!
4. Compare flight prices and airports carefully
Going back to saving money on flights again, it is only the season which counts but it is also the airport and airline you choose! Now that might sound a bit obvious to some people, but when you’re squeezing every penny and wanting to get to North Korea on a budget you need to pay attention to the details. Head on to Skyscanner , type in a destination but only put your country as “from”. This will bring up a range of all the different airports offering services to that destination along with the prices. For example, in the North of the UK we found it was £150 cheaper to fly from Edinburgh airport (take away £24 for a train) to Beijing than it was to fly from Newcastle. If you’re in the South, then Heathrow airport offer a really budget way to get there… Ukrainian airlines which was often only £380. But wherever you are, there are ways to ensure cheaper air fees and they don’t all come with ridiculously long connections either! Choose your airports carefully!
5. Remember, your tour includes your accommodation and all meals
A reassuring point rather than a tip is that the North Korea tour price is almost all inclusive,so it comes across as more expensive that it actually would be. It’s a package which includes your hotel and your meals. You’re not paying on top for those. Therefore, although you should naturally bring some spending money you don’t need to bring bucketloads. In any reasonable trip, 445 euros for your hotel, guides, trains and meals spread across 3 days and 2 nights isn’t unreasonable at all is it? This allows you to financially structure and prepare what you will be spending money on and what you will not be, again being ideal for the shrewd budgeter!
6. Avoid buying excessive souvenirs you don’t need!
Don’t be fooled by North Korea’s socialist appearance, they are just as good as any other destination in getting you buy an endless range of souvenirs and tourist goods. Some of these goods, including stamps, postcards and posters truly are incredible things to bring home and give to friends, but a traveler going to North Korea on a budget should be watching his wallet. In North Korea you will be took to an endless range of stores, which like any tourist place in the world, are often strategically located at the end of given sites. Sometimes the temptation to buy is too great, here is where you need to discipline yourself. Think about what you need and what your priorities are. Spend wisely and don’t get carried away to ensure a trip doesn’t leave you out of pocket.
Conclusion: Be a smart saver!
Don’t be put off by the prices, you can fit a North Korea tour into that budget of yours and we’ve shown you today some great strategies to get you started. Our bet is that if you are very shrewd you can get the whole thing done in less than £1200. This is of course doesn’t just depend on what you do in relation to your trip, it depends on the skills you apply to each financial situation in life. If you save hard and focusing your spending only around your priorities, then a North Korea trip can feel almost rewarding in the end. We challenge you to fit a tour into your budgets! We offer Maximum Experience for a minimum price!
정 진관 says
북한여행이 더 자유로워지길바랍니다!^^