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So you want to travel, but you’re limited on funds? I got you.
Learn how to travel the world cheaply! Make the most of your travel budget with these 12 helpful tips. From finding affordable accommodations to saving money on transportation, these general budget travel hacks will ensure you can explore the world without breaking the bank.
Traveling on a budget can be challenging, but it’s all about prioritizing what’s MOST important to YOU on your trip. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Mona Lisa in person, so splurging on the Louvre might be okay! Or maybe you’re more of a foodie and want to have a 5 star dinner experience in Switzerland… so make it happen! Maybe you want to go shopping in Milan and want to buy one or two items. I don’t want you to miss out on anything, but I want you to really take a deep dive and reflect on what you want MOST out of the experience. Now if you want it all, it will be hard to stay on a budget, but narrowing down what means the most to you will help. I also like to think BIG picture and take a step back and try to think futuristically…
“When I look back on this trip, what will be the most memorable and unique?”
You might realize that spending the extra money to do something extra isn’t needed, and you’ll still get a great experience in a more affordable way. Take Chicago for example… everyone wants to go to the top of the SkyDeck at the Willis Tower (Formerly the Sears Tower), but that costs $70+ for two people. You will get some amazing views, but maybe you could go to a different tall building and see views that are JUST AS GOOD for almost no cost! One of my favorite spots in Chicago is actually FREE! The Signature Lounge at the 96th is just one example of a top floor Chicago bar that is LESS TOURISTY than the SkyDeck, and you can sip a fancy cocktail while you’re enjoying the view. Yes you read that right… why would you pay over $35 per person to look out the window when it’s free somewhere else. Of course you still have to buy something at The Signature Lounge, but weren’t you planning to get a drink/snack sometime that day anyway!? This is just an example of thinking outside the box to find a similar experience for cheaper.
Less is more when it comes to travel memories!
If you go to 10 fancy restaurants on a 10 day trip, what are the changes you’re really going to remember all of those places 3-6 months later? You might remember one or two that stood out to you, but you’re NOT going to remember 10 of them… so hint hint, SAVE THE MONEY! Do some research to try and find which one is going to be the best and splurge on that one! You will remember that ONE 3-6 months later. If you do everything luxury all the time, then those experiences blend together a bit… I’ve found they’re actually more valuable when you just have one or two that can really stand out in your memories. It makes for better stories too… it’ll be easier to answer the question “what did you do on your trip?” when you come back. In reality, when people ask you that, they don’t want to know everything you did, they just want to hear a couple highlights.
So without further ado, here are some of my favorite travel hacks to keep in mind when you’re trying to pinch those pennies!
12 Tips to Make the Most of Your Travel Budget!
Plan and research in advance:
- Planning ahead allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts, compare prices, and find the best deals on accommodation, transportation, and activities. An awesome place to get discount hotels is from Super.com. It’s a really user friendly platform that has incredible discounts. It’s not as mainstream as some of the other big sites, but somehow they get some incredible deals! I also use booking.com and airbnb very regularly!
Check out Super.com
Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations:
- Traveling during off-peak seasons or on weekdays can often result in significant savings on flights and accommodations. Use flexible date search or flexible location search options when looking for flights to find the cheapest options. One of my favorite places to do this is on WayAway.io. You can search your destination as “anywhere” and then can literally filter for the cheapest flights. AMAZING!
Check out WayAway.io.
Plan your spending (and also get insurance!):
- Determine your travel budget in advance and allocate specific amounts to different expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Stick to your budget as much as possible to avoid overspending. Have a list of “free things” ready for whenever you do hit your budget and then you’ll still have something to do when you’ve hit your budget. Always keep a little wiggle room in your budget too though! You never know when an emergency could happen. Which is also why I recommend getting trip insurance!
Check out EKTAtraveling.com for some insurance rates. They’re a newer company, but they’ve got some really competitive rates!
Choose budget-friendly destinations:
- Some countries and cities are naturally more affordable than others. Consider traveling to destinations where your money can go further, such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or South America. We all might dream of that fancy Greece trip, but it’s okay to table that for later in life and go for something that you can actually afford!
Use budget airlines or alternative transportation:
- Look for budget airlines or other affordable modes of transportation, such as busses or trains, depending on the region you’re traveling in. Be flexible with your departure and arrival airports to find the best deals. You can also consider linking one-way flights between airlines to see if it ends up being cheaper.
Opt for budget accommodation:
- Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. You can also explore alternative options like homestays, camping, or vacation rentals, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
Eat like a local:
- Explore local markets, street food carts, and affordable restaurants to experience authentic cuisine at lower prices. Avoid eating in touristy areas where prices tend to be higher. Generally, it’s a good rule of thumb to walk at least a few blocks from the main drag to get some authentic food that tastes better and is cheaper!
Take advantage of free and cheap and attractions:
- Many destinations offer free attractions, museums with free entry on specific days, or walking tours. Scavenger hunts and walking tours via audio are especially awesome for solo travelers that want to experience it all and get the feeling like they are taking a walk with a friend.
Check out We Go Trip for some cheap audio guides!
Use public transportation:
- Utilize public transportation whenever possible instead of relying on taxis or rideshares. It’s often much cheaper and provides an opportunity to experience the local culture.
Travel light:
- Avoid excess baggage fees by packing light and adhering to airline baggage restrictions. This also gives you the flexibility to use budget transportation options that may have limited luggage space. Definitely check out packing cubes to help! So many people swear by these!
For more of my favorite gear to help maximize your travels while minimizing your objects, check out my other post here!
Consider alternative accommodations:
- Explore options like airbnb shared housing, hostels, exchange programs, couchsurfing, or even housesitting, where you can stay with locals for free or in exchange for pet or house-sitting services for example. When I lived in New Zealand I did I a work exchange program where I nannied for a family in exchange for housing and a stipend for 6 months. Amazingggg experience! I used Dream Aupair Service to find my host family. I know that’s not exactly practical for some trips, but I definitely recommend exploring these options. There’s tons of similar options (I hear a future blog article calling my name). For shorter trips, hostels are a great option! I’ve stayed in hostels in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, and United States. It’s a great way to meet other like-minded travelers too!
Check out HostelWorld.com
Travel with a group:
- Traveling with friends or family can help you split costs for accommodations, transportation, and food, making it more affordable for everyone.
Remember, traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your experience. With proper planning, research, and a bit of flexibility, you can have a fantastic adventure without breaking the bank.
Safe travels friends!
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