How To Travel On a Budget (15 Genius Hacks To Save Money)

Last Updated July 28, 2024 by Davina Kelly

Do you want to learn how to travel on a budget?

Travelling is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things to do in life, but budget constraints can hold you back. 

However, with a little planning, creative thinking and the smart budget travel tips I will share you can travel to your dream destinations without breaking the bank.

Even if you don’t have a lot of money you can still travel on a low budget and have an amazing experience. 

I love to travel. I travel at least twice a year and have been to some amazing countries. However, I also have financial goals that I want to achieve. 

Balancing both can be challenging, but over the years I’ve learned how to travel on a budget while still working towards my financial goals.

Don’t worry I’m not going to suggest you travel with just a backpack and survive on rice and noodles lol

I don’t believe in sacrificing quality either so I’ll share my top tips to help you enjoy your travels without sacrificing comfort. 

In this post, you’re going to learn how to travel on a budget along with the best budget travel tips.

After reading this post, you’ll know how to travel on a low budget and still have the best time.

This post is all about how to travel on a budget.

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How To Travel On a Budget (15 Best Budget Travel Tips):

1. Choose The Right Destination

The first step in how to travel on a budget is choosing a destination that aligns with your budget.  

Some countries are naturally more affordable than others due to lower cost of living and favourable exchange rates. In comparison, others are more expensive due to their popularity and higher living costs. 

Southeast Asia, Europe, Central America and some parts of the Caribbean are known for their budget-friendly nature. I have travelled to Vietnam, Thailand, St Lucia and Grenada on a budget so I can personally vouch for this. 

When I say choose the right destination I’m not saying you need to sacrifice your dream holiday and only travel to cheap places. Instead, it’s about considering the costs associated with your chosen destination before you go.

Think about the type of trip you want to have. Are you looking to relax by the pool or are you seeking a city break filled with lots of exploring and sightseeing?

Knowing what you want from your trip will help you choose the right destination and find budget-friendly options to enjoy your trip. 

Even if there is an expensive country on your dream travel list you can still go without breaking the bank. 

For example, Iceland is known as an expensive country to visit, but you can keep your costs low by opting for budget accommodation and affordable activities. 

2. Search for Cheap Flights

Airfare is often the biggest expense in travel so finding cheap flights is crucial. It’s also the quickest way to reduce the cost of your trip.

Have you ever found a great flight price only to return later and see it has increased? This happens because your cookies are being tracked and prices rise based on search volume.

To avoid this you can search for flights using an incognito window. This will allow you to see unbiased prices based on your search criteria. And it will ensure you are getting the lowest prices.  

Another way to lower your flight costs is by booking on days when fares are typically lower. Some people believe it is cheaper to fly on Sunday while others say flying mid-week is cheaper. 

In my experience finding the cheapest day to travel depends more on your destination and airline than on a specific date. 

The easiest way to find the cheapest travel dates is to check the flight prices for the entire month you want to travel and track the dates with the lowest prices. You can then choose the date with the lowest fare that fits your schedule.  

Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kayak. Skyscanner is my favourite, I use it to book all my flights.

You can also choose budget airlines and consider flying from different airports for even more savings.  

3. Travel Out of Season

If you really want to know how to travel on a budget you should consider travelling out of season. 

Peak seasons such as summer and the holidays typically mean higher prices and larger crowds. Travelling during the off-season not only saves you money but also allows you to experience destinations more peacefully. 

Off-season travel is also a great hack for travelling to popular tourist destinations with high currency value. It can save you hundreds on accommodation and allow you to visit tourist attractions for half the price they would be during peak season.  

Visiting some destinations like the Caribbean or Mediterranean islands during the off-season doesn’t make sense. The weather is usually poor which can stop you from enjoying the activities you have planned. 

To avoid this research the off-peak period for your chosen destination, weigh up the pros and cons and plan accordingly. 

Another option is to travel during the shoulder season, just before or after a peak season. This is a great way to get the best of both worlds. You can get a balance of good weather and lower crowds and prices. 

4. Find Cheap Accommodation

Finding a cheap flight is half the battle, the other half is finding cheap accommodation which can eat up a huge portion of your travel budget.

I don’t like feeling like I overpaid for accommodation because I am out most of the day. However, I do like to stay at nice places. It doesn’t need to be 5 stars – just somewhere safe, clean, and well located. And I am not willing to sacrifice quality for price. 

Luckily, there are many ways to save on accommodation without compromising your comfort. 

One of the best budget travel tips is to stay at a hostel or Airbnb. I know you’ve probably heard the horror stories about them but they aren’t all like that. 

Most travellers I meet stay at hostels and they have only good things to say. Hostels can be super affordable with prices ranging between $10 – $35 per night depending on your location. They are also great for meeting new people.

Airbnb is also a budget-friendly option. They offer a personal touch and the hosts are usually super helpful and available to answer any questions. Sometimes they even include perks such as airport transfers and breakfast. 

You also have the option to buy groceries and cook at an Airbnb so you can save money on food. 

If you prefer hotels try to book as early as possible and consider staying outside the main tourist area to save money. You can use Booking.com or Hostelworld to search for options.

Also, travel influencers usually have discount codes for accommodation so you can use them to save even more. 

5. Make Money While You Travel

If you have skills that can be used remotely consider working while you travel. 

Yes, I know travel is about taking time off and relaxing. But dedicating just 1 – 2 hours a few times a week to work can help you earn extra cash to sustain your travels. 

I did this during my trip to Thailand this year and it didn’t impact my experience. I worked for 2 hours in the morning after breakfast then continued with my planned activities for the day. 

There are many ways to make money while you travel such as blogging, freelance writing, graphic design and teaching English online. 

You can even earn extra income by sharing your opinion with companies like Survey Junkie. Businesses are always seeking feedback on their products and services so you can make money by answering questions. 

Sign up for Survey Junkie for FREE here and earn extra cash while sitting by the pool. 

I recently wrote a post about the best jobs to do while travelling. Check it out if you want to learn different ways to make money while living your dreams. 

6. Book In Advance

Booking flights, accommodation and activities well in advance can lead to substantial savings. Many airlines and hotels offer early bird discounts so you should take full advantage. 

You can book your travel 12 months in advance, giving you plenty of time to budget and save for your trip. Planning ahead also gives you the option of more choices and less last-minute stress, so you can travel on a budget by not procrastinating.

7. Save Up 

The most important part of travelling on a budget is saving up as much as you can. An easy way to do this is by setting up a travel fund and contributing a specific amount each month. 

To increase your savings you can cut back on unnecessary expenses such as daily coffee and takeaways. 

I recommend using a separate high-yield savings account for your travel fund. This will prevent you from dipping into your savings and the interest will boost your balance. 

Related: 13 Money Saving Strategies That Actually Work

8. Create a Travel Budget Plan

Creating a budget plan for your trip is a crucial step in how to travel on a budget. Travelling requires a lot of thought and planning so it’s important to do it as early as possible. 

Having a budget will help you manage your money and ensure you have enough money put aside for your travels. It will also help you feel prepared and take the stress out of the planning process. 

Start by estimating your total trip costs including flights, accommodation, food, transport and activities. You can use an app, write it down in a dedicated planner or an Excel spreadsheet. This will help you track your budget and stay organised which is key. 

Related: How To Create a Budget

9. Research Your Destination

Doing thorough research on your destination can help you reveal many ways to save money. This approach helped me save a lot of money on my recent trip to Thailand. 

For example, I asked my hotel to organise an airport transfer and they quoted me 3,500 THB. However, from my research, I knew the average cost was around 500 – 600 THB. So I declined their offer, got a taxi at the airport and saved myself 3,000 THB. 

When researching look for information on the average cost of a meal, transportation, low-cost attractions and the best places to visit. 

I also like to learn basic phrases in the local language such as hello, please and thank you along with the cultural etiquette and dress code. This not only enhances your travel experience but also shows respect to the locals.

Reading travel blogs and watching influencer travel vlogs or videos can provide insider tips and tricks for budget-friendly travel. This can help you save money and navigate your destination more efficiently. 

10. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

Most credit and debit cards charge a 3% fee to use your card abroad plus an ATM fee every time you withdraw cash. I know these numbers sound small but trust me they add up quickly.

To avoid these charges use a travel-friendly card with no foreign transaction fees. Monzo, Revolut and Chase are good options. 

Also, withdraw larger amounts of cash less frequently to minimise ATM fees. Most cards have a cash withdrawal limit so keep that in mind. 

11. Be Flexible

Flexibility is key to finding the best deals and making the most out of your travel budget. Be open to changing your plans if your schedule allows. 

If a last-minute deal comes up that is slightly outside of the dates you planned you should take advantage and book it. This can save you money and your trip may turn out even better than you expected. 

12. Eat Locally

Dining out can be one of the most enjoyable parts of travel, but it can get expensive and start to add up quickly. 

Another great budget travel tip is to eat where the locals eat. This includes places such as street food stalls and markets, local farmers markets and family-owned restaurants. These options are both delicious and affordable. 

13. Book Your Activities Wisely

Booking activities in advance can save both time and money. Many tourist attractions offer online discounts for early bookings so you should take advantage. 

Some activities are easier and cheaper to book online and others will be cheaper if you book locally. This usually applies to activities like excursions and tours. 

Before booking your activities talk to locals. They’ll know the hidden gems and can give you tips to save you money. You can use sites like TripAdvisor to book your activities.  

14. Use Reward Points

If you want to learn how to travel on a budget and become a savvy spender consider using reward programs. 

You can sign up for airline and hotel reward loyalty programs and earn points on your bookings. Also, use credit cards and apps that offer travel rewards and cashback. 

These points can then be used to get discounts or upgrades on future trips and reduce your travel expenses.  

15. Pack Light

Packing light and using a carry-on can save you money on baggage fees and make your travel experience more convenient. It can also save you time because you won’t have to wait for your luggage. This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my travels. 

These days many airlines offer ‘basic economy’ and ‘economy. The basic economy is cheaper because it doesn’t include a free check-in bag option. 

You’re probably doubting that you can travel with just a carry-on but trust me it is possible. By sticking to the essentials, packing versatile clothing and organising efficiently you can make it work. 

Final Thoughts on How To Travel on a Budget

Travelling on a budget requires planning, flexibility and a bit of creativity. By choosing affordable destinations, finding cheap flights and being mindful of your spending you can travel without breaking the bank. 

You can enjoy and make the most of the experience, meet new people and explore new places all while sticking to your travel budget. 

I hope you have found this post helpful and now know how to travel on a budget. Which budget travel tip will you try? Let me know in the comments below. 

This post was all about how to travel on a budget.

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