What’s keeping you from traveling to your dream location? Does it have to do with money? For most people, money is often the main obstacle when it comes to living a life of travel. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, and I hope these tips for traveling on a budget will show you why. You can still make the most of your travels even on a smaller budget without many limitations. It’s important to remember why you travel. What are hoping to get out of it? If you take a moment and think about your main goal, it’ll be a lot easier to budget your money.
Hopefully these 50 tips for traveling on a budget will help you learn how to use your money thoughtfully in any location around the world. As well as create memorable experiences whether you’re with loved ones or flying solo. Let’s get to it!
1. Take public transportation (if possible)
Wherever you go, you might be tempted to take the easy route and grab an Uber or Lyft. And although that may be the best option in some cases, most of the time, it’s best to take public transportation. I realize the public transport in some countries isn’t the greatest, like in America, but if you’re traveling to Europe or Asia, many of these countries have amazing train systems that are much more affordable than driving. You can also see the country and its surroundings from a different and unique perspective. Whenever I travel, public transportation, especially the train, is always my first choice, because it’s almost always the most affordable and best way to travel. Of course, remember to use common sense and research your destination beforehand in order to identify the best ways to get around the area.
2. Consider hostels or couch surfing
Are there any hostels located in the city you’re traveling to? Often times, people will resort to hotels or Airbnb when they’re traveling, forgetting that there are other options, such as staying at a hostel or couch surfing. Over my years of traveling, I’ve stayed at a plethora of accommodations and some of the cheapest ones were hostels. Check out Hostelworld.com for hostels around the globe. When I was in Copenhagen, I stayed at a hostel in a single room for about $70 a night. It was super clean and in a safe area of the city. I’ve also stayed at hostels where you share the room with others and I always felt safe. Just be sure to research the hostel, what it looks like, the safety of the area, etc.
Another option is couch surfing, which I’ve done a few times when I was traveling with others. The cool thing about couch surfing is that it’s free. The hosts are locals who love opening their doors to other travelers. We always brought our host a small gift as a thank you, which is a nice gesture you can give. On the couch surfing website, there are tons of hosts with reviews, so you can make sure they’re safe. If you want to learn more about couch surfing, check out the website here.
3. Create a rough plan for each day
Have you ever arrived at your location and quickly realized you didn’t know what to do next? All that time spent researching once you arrive can really cut into the limited time you have to spend while traveling. That said, I recommend doing as much research before you arrive, including familiarizing yourself with the logistics of the area, knowing how to get around, the places you’d like to see, and where you’d like to eat. This rough plan doesn’t need to be super specific, but some kind of bulleted list will go a long way. Creating a list will also help save your wallet from overuse, since you’re more likely to stick to a list and not overdo it on the activities each day.
4. Choose less touristy areas to explore
Have you ever wanted to explore off the beaten path? If so, traveling is a great way to do that; however, when one place becomes so popular it attracts an overwhelming amount of people and crowds. That can sometimes be a negative thing, as it takes away from the overall experience and prices tend to be much higher for tourists. Nevertheless, if you have a dream destination that happens to attract a lot of tourists, there are ways to still have an amazing experience, such as traveling during the off-season. Even better, traveling to a few lesser-known places could lead to some surprisingly memorable travel stories. You never know unless you get out there!
5. Look for public parks and trails
Another way to budget while traveling is to frequent the trails and parks in the area. You not only get a dose of walking in but wonderful views of nature and greenery. You might think that every park looks the same, but that’s definitely not true. Depending on where you are in the world, you’ll see many different backdrops. Also, I’m sure the locals visit the trails and parks, making it a nice way to get to know the people of the city.
6. Frequent the nearby grocery store
Make sure there’s a local grocery store or market nearby in order to save some cash on eating out. The costs can really add up if you decide to eat at a restaurant for every meal per day. A great way around this is to stock up on groceries from the local market, cook yourself breakfast and lunch, then save the restaurants for dinner. Basically, keep eating out to one meal a day. It will save you so much money and you can try your hand at cooking a local dish, which brings me to the next tip…
7. Learn to cook a local favorite
Not only will this tip save you on spending extra cash, but it will also expose you to the culture and traditions of the local food. One of the best ways to absorb yourself in travel is to learn about the local people through cooking. Food brings everyone together, no matter where you come from in the world. So if you have the opportunity to cook a local dish, definitely make it happen during your travels.
8. Research current airline credit card offers
Obviously if you’re wanting to travel across the world, you’ll need to purchase an airline ticket sooner or later. This can be one of the largest expenses when it comes to travel; however, there are ways you can use the airline loyalty programs to your advantage. Many airlines have credit cards with offers such as if you spend a certain amount on the card, you’ll gain a certain number of airline miles. First what you’ll need to do is research which airlines you’ll most likely travel on based on the routes they offer. Then, sign up for their loyalty programs, which will allow you to start accumulating miles every time you purchase a ticket in cash.
Once you’re a member of the loyalty program, airlines will most likely send you promotional emails based on the preferences you chose when you enrolled. Some of the promotional emails will be related to credit card offers, such as spending a large amount with the card in exchange for a large amount of flight miles. This can be a great opportunity to earn free flights using your miles as long as you meet the spending requirement in the given amount of time.
For example, one recent offer I saw from Delta Air Lines was if you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months, then you’ll earn 75,000 bonus miles. In order to hit that minimum spend amount, I would apply for the credit card at the same time as when you’re already planning on making some big purchases. That way, it’s not costing you anything additional in the process.
Additionally, make sure to read all the fine print regarding the credit card, such as if there’s an annual fee, if you’ll use the other benefits associated with the card, and any extra fees you could incur. Of course, just like any credit card, make sure to always pay your statements on time or automate them. I basically just treat my credit cards like debit cards that way you’ll never pay extra fees.
9. Look for flights during the week
Another tip for finding the cheapest flights is to be flexible with your dates. If you have the flexibility to book your travel dates during the week, then you’re more likely going to find lower fares. Now, it’s not always the case that the cheapest fares are during the week; however, from my experience of constantly checking flights, it seems to be most likely. If you don’t want to check each airline’s websites, then I would highly suggest Skyscanner. They have an amazing search function that compares all airlines around the world, and I always have the best experience using their website. Check it out here.
10. Visit during the off season
One of the best tips for traveling on a budget is to schedule your trips during the off-season. The off-season or low season is often when flights/hotels are cheaper and less crowds gather in the cities. Typically, the low season for most regions is when the weather may not be the best. However, as long as you don’t mind a little winter weather and pack for the right weather conditions, then you should be fine. Always make sure to check the weather beforehand, so you don’t find yourself in a dangerous weather situation. There’s an excellent post from the Culture Trip that shows when the low season is in different parts of the world per month. You can find it here.
11. Travel with a group or another person
It’s no surprise that one way to cut costs is to split the expenses with someone else. I travel most of the time with my partner, and since we end up splitting all our purchases, it’s a great way to stick to our budget. If you have the opportunity to travel with a group of people, that’s an even better way to save money, as there are typically discounts for certain activities when you book in a group. Don’t worry if you’re traveling solo, since you can always meet fellow travelers along the way. Of course, use good judgement when meeting new people, and in no time, you’ll have increased your network of worldwide friends.
12. Learn the language
This is one of my favorite tips for traveling on a budget! Learning the language of wherever you’re traveling to will come in handy on so many different occasions. Not only will the local people respect you for learning their language, but you’ll form a deeper connection with the country. It will also benefit your wallet if you’re able to bargain with vendors in their language when shopping.
13. Try your hand at bargaining
Bargaining or haggling is the process of negotiating a price for a product with the seller. When traveling outside the United States, a lot of outdoor shopping districts in Asia or Europe will allow you to negotiate the price of a good or service. I was never very good at haggling, but it’s my goal to keep practicing. I’d recommend putting in the research and seeing if you have some success. Good luck!
14. Make friends with the locals
The world is filled with so many amazing people, it’s a shame most of us are guarded and afraid of interaction. I will be honest, I have a hard time trusting strangers, due to all the negative images shown on the news. In reality, most people around the world are genuinely good people. Just use common sense while you travel, and you can still find ways to get to know the locals. When I was studying abroad in Italy, we made friends with some of the Italian students, who invited us to join them for an authentic Italian meal. We brought them a small gift as a gesture of thanks, while in return they created a delicious meal for all of us. In the end, making friends with the locals is a great way to expand your inner circle while traveling on a budget.
15. Earn extra cash while traveling
You’d never think that you can actually earn money while you travel, right? Well, if you have a few hours to spare during your week, it’s definitely possible. One of the best tips for traveling on a budget is to prioritize your time, and think about if there are any opportunities to earn money while you’re traveling. One example from my personal experience is to teach English online. The cool thing about teaching online is you can essentially be anywhere in the world. You just need a computer, internet, some simple props, and a little teaching experience. The company I teach with part-time is called VIPKid, and if you’re interested in learning more about them, check out their website here.
Some other options may include freelancing, making things you can sell, and consulting services. Also, investing in yourself can be a great way to put in the work upfront, with hopes of reaping the benefits later on. I recommend thinking outside the box and researching as much as you can about ways to earn money while on the road. Every little thing helps!
16. Research and invest in the stock market
This tip doesn’t exactly relate to traveling, but it’s one of the best things you can start doing when it comes to your finances in general. I would recommend researching the best brokerage firms for you to set up your investing account. It doesn’t matter how much money you have to start with, the important thing is that you start sooner than later. Research what compound interest is, research the S&P500, and look into the companies that make up the S&P500. Do all your research before investing in anything, and you can always reach out to a financial professional if you need. Personally, there’s enough information out there already that I feel comfortable learning about investing on my own. That said, investing your money can go a long way overtime and potentially help with your future endeavors, such as traveling.
17. Go biking or scootering around the area
If you’re traveling in a big city, chances are you’ve seen those public scooters or bike machines on the corner of busy streets. Taking a rideshare everywhere can really add up, so one way to cut those transportation costs is to rent a bike or scooter. When we were in Washington D.C., we opted to rent public bikes and see the city by bike. All we had to do was download the app and it was substantially cheaper than grabbing a Lyft or Uber. If the weather permits, it’s also an amazing way to spend time outside while admiring new places around the city. Depending on where you travel to, I would highly recommend using the bike system if possible.
18. Work for a company with travel benefits
Due to the pandemic, the travel industry was hit hard, so there may not be as many opportunities to work for a company with travel benefits. However, if you currently work for a company, be sure to ask if they have any travel-related benefits you’re not taking advantage of. You could also do a little research into companies that allow their employees more frequent travel opportunities. Everyone’s situation is different, and this tip may not be quite as feasible for you. That said, if working in a travel-related role is something you’re interested in, then you’ll most likely have some nice travel discounts and benefits.
19. Make a friend in the travel industry
Now I wouldn’t recommend going out and trying to find someone who works in the travel industry with the intent to use them for their travel benefits. That’s definitely a terrible thing to do. However, if you happen to have friends with travel benefits, or maybe your spouse travels for business a lot, then that can be a great way to save money on travel-related expenses. Understandably, this tip may not apply to everyone, but you’re one of the lucky few if it does apply to you.
20. Understand the exchange rate
Understanding the exchange rate between your currency vs another currency is a smart way to stretch your money further. When it comes to the U.S. dollar, some countries where your money will go quite far, include Vietnam, Argentina, Portugal, Hungary, South Africa, and many more. This number is always changing, so be sure to put in the effort when it comes to knowing the exchange rate.
21. Travel to low-cost countries
Are you flexible when it comes to your destination? If so, then this is one of the greatest tips for traveling on a budget that you can take advantage of. Some countries in the world are much cheaper to experience in large part thanks to the exchange rate between currencies. For example, if your currency is the U.S. dollar, try to choose countries where the U.S. dollar will go far. There are many amazing countries to choose from, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, South Korea, Thailand, Central America, and Eastern Europe, just to name a few. Food, transportation, and lodging will most likely be much cheaper in these countries versus the more expensive places in the world.
22. Bring your own water bottle
Trust me on this one. Bringing your own water bottle will save you from constantly spending on drinks throughout the day. If you’re traveling to certain countries where it’s not safe to drink the tap water, no worries, because you can still take bottled water and transfer it to your own bottle. I always do this, because my water bottle is typically larger than the average plastic bottle and will last me longer. Additionally, we can help reduce the need for plastic by using our own bottles. It’s a game-changer!
23. Pack snacks to the airport
On your next trip, remember to bring a few small bags of snacks. Grab some of your favorite things to munch on, as it will really save you money while you’re traveling. The cost of food at the airport is extremely high and can be easily avoided if you take the time to pack snacks. Personally, I tend to bring granola bites, fruit, chocolate, or some pre-made meals. You’d be surprised how much food adds up at the airport, so consider preparing ahead of time.
24. For last minute hotels, try Hotwire.com
Next on the list of tips for traveling on a budget would be to check out different search engines for last-minute travel, such as Hotwire.com. Sometimes, we’ll use their website when we need a last-minute option for lodging. They have some pretty good rates for hotels depending on the location, so give them a try if you’ve exhausted all your options.
25. Travel with your student ID (if applicable)
If you’re a student, don’t forget to bring your student ID! You’d be surprised the number of discounts available to student travelers. Trains, buses, hostels, and even airfare may all have student discounts associated with them, so it never hurts to check while you’re traveling.
26. Gift goodie bags for the flight crew
I don’t believe many people are aware of this tip, but it’s such a nice gesture towards your flight crew. If you’re traveling by air, consider bringing goodie bags with chocolates for the airline crew as a gesture of appreciation. Especially if the crew is providing excellent hospitality and customer service onboard. A little kindness goes a long way and I bet it will make their day!
27. Don’t pay to check your luggage (minimalist packing)
We can’t get through a list of tips for traveling on a budget without mentioning luggage.😉 No matter how long I plan to travel for, I opt to never check a piece of luggage. I’d recommend this tip as it will save you on airline baggage fees and any additional expenses related to traveling with a large suitcase. If you have a hard time packing light, then think about the big picture of why you’re traveling in the first place.
A lot of times, we forget that we’re traveling to have experiences; it’s not about the clothes we wear or the things we have. Pack your staple pieces of clothing that can be worn with a plethora of different outfits and wear your heaviest items to the airport. There’s a ton of information out there when it comes to packing light and only bringing a carryon. I’ll also post content solely dedicated to packing as a minimalist soon!
28. Research the country’s culture
Having a basic understanding of each country’s culture can help in many ways when you travel. Not only can it give you a deeper understanding of the local people, but can save you from making mistakes when navigating the country. Some mistakes can even be costly such as not understanding the currency rate, knowing whether or not to tip at a restaurant, or not attempting to bargain with vendors. From expanding your knowledge of the world to becoming more open-minded, there’s an endless number of ways engaging in different cultures can be beneficial.
29. Always be aware of your belongings
There’s nothing worse than losing your stuff while traveling, so remember to be aware of where your belongings are at all times. If I’m walking in a busy city center, I will wear my backpack or bag in front of me, so I can better see it at all times. It’s also important to maintain situational awareness any time you’re around a lot of people, especially big metropolitan cities that have a history of pick pocketers. I thankfully have never had an unfortunate experience; nevertheless, it could happen any time, so just remember to maintain awareness of your surroundings while traveling.
30. Eat at local hotspots
When it comes to eating out, keep an eye out for the local hotspots in the area. Most likely these places will be more affordable than the touristy spots, and the food will be authentic and delicious. There’s a reason it’s popular with the locals, so be sure to find those places while you travel. If you’re having a hard time identifying the local hotspots, research online or ask a friendly local in the area what they would recommend. Many people will be more than happy to give you some recommendations.
31. Track your spending each day
One of the best tips for traveling on a budget may take a few extra minutes of your day, but it’s imperative when keeping track of your spending. First, I’d make a rough draft of how much you’ll plan on spending each day before you travel somewhere. Then, while you’re on the trip, keep an eye on how much you’re actually spending and adjust accordingly.
32. Only use cash when you travel
Although it’s more convenient to use your card, try to use cash while you travel if possible. Since cash is physically tangible, it’s easier to see how much you’re actually spending versus the card. This can be helpful if you’re someone who has a difficult time sticking to a budget.
33. Sign up for the airlines’ loyalty programs
I mentioned this tip when talking about airline credit card offers, and it’s true that earning airline miles will save you SO MUCH when booking future air travel. First, research the many airlines out there and identify their route maps (aka where they fly). Sign up for the loyalty programs which match closely with where you plan to travel. Don’t forget to book using your loyalty account number and you’ll be on your way to earning miles for free flights! Have you already starting earning miles for future trips? Let me know in the comment section where you’re planning on going next. ✈
34. Plan far in advance but be flexible
When traveling with a budget mindset, it’s imperative you remain flexible. It’s really one of the greatest tips for traveling on budget, because you never know what will come your way. Life is unpredictable. However, planning far in advance when it comes to travel will only help you in the long run. If you want, come up with alternatives to some of your travel plans. For example, if the weather gets in the way of your plans, think of a few things you could still do in that location. It never hurts to have a backup.
35. Travel to visit loved ones and faraway friends
Why not travel to a new destination as well as visit your loved ones while you’re at it!? 🥰 If you haven’t seen a family member or friend in a while, make it a priority to visit them. Most of the time, you’ll be able to stay with your loved ones, which will save you on lodging costs. You can also experience a new place with someone who is already familiar with the area, which makes this one of the best tips for traveling on a budget.
36. Go on a road trip in your home country
Ready to experience the freedom of the road and long stretches of highway? A road trip may have just what you need. Even though it takes longer than air travel, road tripping is a great alternative with lots of flexibility. It can also be much more affordable than booking a flight to a faraway destination. There’s a plethora of gorgeous road trips to choose from in the States, from the Pacific Coast Highway to the Grand Canyon. If you’re interested in some road trip inspiration, check out my post about road tripping to Zion National Park here!
37. Walk as much as possible
If you happen to be traveling to a compact area where everything is within walking distance, opt to walk to your destinations. Not only is it great for your health, but also helps keep your budget low. Walking allows you to take in more of your environment and admire the details all around you. On my trip to Sydney, Australia, I got up early and walked around the Sydney Opera House. The weather was crisp and cool that morning. Taking in the beautiful landscape as the sun rises was the perfect addition to my quick breakfast by the Harbour. Point being, if you have the ability, schedule more walking into your travel plans and soak up the environment.
38. Search for local hotels with breakfast included
If you’re planning on booking a hotel, check to see if they have breakfast included. If so, that’ll be a great way to save on your food budget.
39. Sleep onboard and during layovers
If you are someone who can easily sleep on planes, trains, or at airports, then get ready to take advantage of this one. Depending on your destination, try to plan your journey so that you can sleep during the ride there. Instead of booking a flight first thing in the morning, book the redeye and get your sleep on the plane. Or if you’re taking the train, plan it so you sleep onboard and wake up at your arrival destination. I know it’s hard to sleep on trains, planes, and airport floors, but coming from experience, it’s not too bad. 😂
40. Take photos vs buying souvenirs
I used to think I needed to bring my loved ones gifts after I had an amazing travel experience. In actuality, people just want to hear your stories and recommendations. Unless, they specifically request something, I will take photos and talk about the highlights of my trip. It’s one of the best tips for traveling on a budget and for keeping your luggage light.
41. Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
If you end up using your credit cards while in another country, check to make sure there are no foreign transaction fees associated with your card. These unwanted charges can be easily avoided by using a credit card with no such fees.
42. Tell your banks where you’ll be traveling
Some cards have extra security when it comes to making an overseas purchase. The financial institution will alert you and freeze the card if it deems the purchase is unsecure. Because of this, reach out to your bank and let them know where you’ll be traveling to. Coming from personal experience, this will save you time from having to make calls while you’re busy on the road.
43. Try booking your flights point to point
If you can’t find a cheap flight by searching from your origin to destination, try breaking it up and searching point to point. For example, if I’m looking for a flight abroad, I’ll first search to see if there are non-stop options. If none, then I’ll identify the cheapest options for published routes online. Finally, I’ll see if it’s actually cheaper for me to devise my own route by booking point to point. It’s important to remain flexible with your travel dates when booking this way. Good luck!
44. Book one-way instead of round trip
One of the most interesting tips for traveling on a budget is to book your trips one-way instead of round trip. This could be the cheaper option depending on your destination and preference. On many occasions, I’ve seen this to be true. However, it’s still important to do your research and see if you can find some cheaper alternatives booking this way.
45. Check out free events in the area
It can be a pleasant surprise when you realize there’s free events held in the city center or nearby park while you’re traveling. That’s why it never hurts to find out what will be going on in the place you’re planning to travel to. One time, we were traveling to Nashville and didn’t realize there was an event happening near the park in the city. There were a ton of food trucks parked in the area, a group playing music, and people lounging under the shade. Although the food wasn’t free, it was still nice to take part in the surprising festivities.
46. Prioritize your major activities
Have you ever overbooked yourself on activities? I know it’s hard not to go crazy with things to see and do, especially if your bucket list is never-ending. However, when traveling on a budget, I would recommend sticking with just a few major activities. When I say major activities, I’m referring to skydiving, bungee jumping, ziplining, etc. These once-in-a-lifetime events can be exciting, but can also break the bank. Unless you’re able to get an amazing discount, it’s best to spread these activities out and strategize a plan for action.
47. Don’t buy guidebooks or itineraries
There’s a plethora of free information on the internet these days, so spending on guidebooks or itineraries isn’t really needed. From YouTube videos to travel blogs, it’s nearly impossible not to find free tips and tricks on travel. However, if you have any tips for traveling on a budget that weren’t covered in this list, please leave a comment below!
48. Take the hotel freebies
You know…those little shampoo and conditioner bottles in the bathrooms of hotel rooms. If you don’t finish the bottles, you may as well take the rest for later. Every little bit counts!
49. Ditch the alcoholic beverages
Another way to save while traveling is to not order countless amounts of alcoholic beverages. The cost of alcohol can really add up. It not only diminishes your bank account but also your health. That said, stick with something more hydrating like water or fresh orange juice. You’ll need to stay hydrated for all the places you’re about to go!
50. Have fun!
Don’t forget the most important tip of all…have fun! None of these budget-friendly tips mean anything if you’re not enjoying the ride. Travel is all about trying new things, adapting to new places, and seeing the beauty in the smallest moments. I’m so excited to hear about where your travels take you!
Whew!😅 You made it through all 50 budget travel tips! I hope this lengthy list of tips for traveling on a budget was informative and eye-opening; however, I realize there’s probably many more tricks out there for saving money while traveling. Remember that it always helps to stay flexible, keep an open mind, and research, research, research. It’s important to know that you DO NOT have to be rich to travel the world, and you can still have an amazing experience on a minimal budget. It’ll take time and effort on your part, but you’ll find that all the work was worth it. Soooo, where are you dreaming of traveling to next? I’d love to hear in the comment section below! If you’re in need of some ideas, check out my travel destinations page here for inspiration. Happy wandering!