Many people say that traveling is one of the best things in life, but it can cost a lot. The costs can add up quickly, from flights to lodging and food. Glad to hear that there are many ways to see the world without spending a lot of money. Whether you’re planning a short trip for the weekend or a long trip that lasts a month, this guide will give you 10 useful tips for saving money while traveling without lowering the quality of your trip.
Why are budgets important? Getting around is key
You don’t have to miss out on amazing things when you travel on a budget. In fact, traveling on a budget can push you to find new, less-touristy places to visit and new ways to enjoy your trip. Budget travel can give you a lot of options if you do it right, like traveling to more places for less money, having more freedom for last-minute trips, or pushing your dollars further. You can have the trip of a lifetime without spending too much if you plan ahead and look for deals.
This guide will give you useful information and tips to help you save money on all parts of your trip, from getting there and back to food and activities. Let’s jump right in!
1. Plan your travel ahead of time and be open to changes. Why booking early saves you money
Even though flights are often one of the most expensive parts of a trip, there are ways to get them for less money. If you book your flight weeks or even months ahead of time, you can save a lot of money. Booking your flight early often results in a deal and helps you avoid price increases at the last minute.
Key to Being Flexible
Being able to change your trip plans can also help you get cheaper flights. If you can travel during the week, you can often find better deals on flights than on weekends and holidays. You can also keep track of and compare prices across various flights by using fare comparison sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner.
Tip: Sign up for ticket alerts to find out when the price of flights to the place you want to go drops.
2. Take the bus or train instead of Uber or taxis.
Get around for less money
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are useful, but the costs can add up quickly, especially in places with lots of traffic or where sites are far apart. Instead, take the bus, subway, or train, which are usually much cheaper. Most towns have day passes or multi-ride tickets, which can make travel cheaper.
Take a walk or rent a bike
The least expensive way to get around in many places is to walk or take a bike. This will save you money and let you stay busy while exploring neighborhoods and sites at your own pace.
Tip: Get transportation tools to help you get around on public transit and figure out which ways are the cheapest.
3. Choose accommodations that are affordable
Look at options besides hotels.
While hotels can be costly, there are numerous affordable alternatives available. Hostels are a cheap option, especially for young explorers or people traveling alone. A lot of hotels have both private rooms and rooms that are set up like dorms. You might also meet other tourists and make new friends.
Instead, you could use sites like Airbnb or Booking.com to rent out rooms, flats, or even whole homes for a lot less than it would cost to stay in a hotel. Couchsurfing is another great choice for people who don’t mind staying with locals for free. Not only does it save you money, but it also lets you experience another culture.
Seek deals and discounts on places to stay
Use booking sites that offer deals and rewards for repeat customers. When you book more than one night on many sites, like Hotels.com or Agoda, you can get discounts or benefits. Always read reviews and look for deals that let you cancel for free if your plans change.
Tip: Stay outside of city areas, where prices for lodging are usually cheaper, and take the bus or train to get to the main sights quickly.
4. Eat like a local
Enjoy real food that doesn’t cost a lot
When you travel, one of the best ways to save money is to eat where the people do. Prices at tourist spots are often too high, but meals at small, family-owned restaurants and local markets can be just as tasty for a lot less money. Another great low-cost choice is street food, which has everything from small snacks to full meals.
Food markets are a great place to get fresh, locally grown food or cheap ready-made meals in many countries. For instance, La Boqueria Market in Barcelona and Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid are great places to try local foods without spending a lot of money.
Don’t eat in tourist areas
If you want to eat, try to stay away from places with a lot of foot traffic, because prices are usually higher for tourists. Instead, ask people who live there for suggestions or look for places that are a little farther from the main tourist spots. There are a lot of places in quieter areas that serve good food at lower prices.
Tip: If you’re living in an apartment or Airbnb, you might want to cook some meals for yourself. This will save you money and let you try out some local foods.
5. Things to do for free or with little money.
Use free attractions to your advantage
A lot of the things to do in big towns are free or very cheap, like museums, parks, and historical sites. In Paris, the Louvre Museum is free on the first Sunday of every month. In New York, Central Park is always free to enjoy. There are free walking trips in a lot of places, and some museums have days when you can pay whatever you want.
Take in nature
Some of the best free things to do are in nature. Outdoor activities, like climbing, going to a national park, or just relaxing at the beach, are free and can give you both excitement and rest. Hiking and touring are often free or very cheap to do outside in places like Switzerland, Iceland, and New Zealand.
If you want to save money on your trip, time it to meet with free music, fairs, and events that happen in public places.
6. Use coupons and pass codes for travel
City Passes for Travel
A lot of towns have tourist tickets that let you into many sites for a lower price. For instance, the Roma Pass lets you see some of Rome’s best sights for a lot less money. In the same way, the Oyster Card or Paris Pass can save you money on public transportation and admission to famous museums and historical places.
Discounts for students, seniors, and people in the area
If you are a student or senior, museums, transportation services, and trips will all give you savings. Don’t be afraid to ask for savings when you book tickets or enter sites. You’ll be surprised at how many places charge less for students or people who live in the area.
Tip: Always take your ID with you to get savings when they’re available
7. Bring only what you need to avoid paying extra for bags
Don’t bring extra bags
A lot of flights, especially low-cost ones, charge a lot for checked bags. Bring only a carry-on bag and don’t bring heavy bags. This saves you money and makes getting around airports faster and easier.
Packing cubes and light bags can help
You can organize your carry-on with packing cubes, which makes it easier to fit everything you need without packing too much. To save room, wear clothes that you can wear in different ways and don’t have too many shoes and other items. You can also avoid paying extra travel fees with bags that are light and easy to fold up.
Tip: Make sure your bag is the right size and weight by checking the airline’s carry-on policy.
8. Going on trips during the off-season
Save money on travel and lodging
For the most part, traveling in the off-season (spring and fall) will save you a lot of money on flights and hotels. The prices are cheaper, and there will be fewer people, which will make your trip more fun.
In the off-season, many places, like airlines, restaurants, and even big tourist spots, give deals. This means you can enjoy the same things for a lot less money.
TIP: If you can, plan your trip around a big holiday. Many places are cheaper and less crowded right before or after these times.
9. Take a trip with a group
Traveling with other people can help you save money on food, lodging, and transportation if you’re willing to share your journey. If you go on a group tour or just share a room with friends, you can save money by splitting the costs.
Tip: Look for group travel deals or join social media and travel sites to meet people who want to split the costs of a trip.
10. Don’t buy silly souvenirs
Stick to inexpensive souvenirs that mean something
It’s fun to bring back items from your trip, but it’s easy to spend too much money on things you don’t need. Instead of spending a lot of money on things at tourist spots, look for unique and important crafts or products made in the area. Most of the time, you can find better deals at local markets or shops run by artists than at gift shops in tourist areas.
FAQs
1. What are some cheap ways to travel that don’t mean giving up comfort?
Finding a mix is important. Stay in cheap places like hotels or Airbnb, but choose more comfortable ways to get around and eat. Give value-added activities, like free walking tours or outdoor adventures, more weight.
2. Are there any apps that can help me save money while I’m traveling?
Yes, apps like Skyscanner (for finding cheap flights), Rome2Rio (for finding different ways to get around), GasBuddy (for finding cheap gas), and Trail Wallet (for making a budget) are great ways to save money while you’re on the go.
3. How can I get cheap plane tickets?
Use websites that compare fares, such as Skyscanner or Google Flights, to set up price alerts, and be open with when you want to journey. You can save money by flying during the week or when it’s not as busy.
4. What’s the best way to get cheap food while traveling?
Stay away from touristy places and eat like a local. For cheap and real food, choose street food, go to local markets, or eat in areas that aren’t as popular with tourists.
5. How can I get the most out of free things to do while I’m traveling?
Find free things to do outside, in parks, at public events, and on city trips. The summer is also a great time to go to free events and shows in many places.
Travel smart and save a lot of money
You don’t have to give up adventures when you travel on a budget. You can have a great trip without spending too much money if you plan ahead, look for deals, and make smart choices about how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat. Remember these tips and start planning your next trip that won’t break the bank!