11 Tips for How to Travel on a Budget
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If you want to know how to travel on a budget, you’ve come to the right place! Traveling on a budget isn’t just possible—it’s a game-changer, and trust me, I’m proof of that! Growing up, I always thought traveling was for people with endless cash to spare, so I didn’t really start exploring until I was about 25. Back then, I believed flights, hotels, and experiences would wipe out my bank account. Little did I know, there are so many affordable ways to travel without sacrificing the adventure.
Now, I’ve made it my mission to help others discover the joys of exploring without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a late bloomer like me or just getting started early, it’s never too late (or too soon) to learn how to travel smart. From scoring budget-friendly flights to mastering free or low-cost activities, I’ve got the tips to get you packing. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to making your travel dreams happen—on a budget!
Tips for Traveling on a Budget
1. Do your Research
The key to pulling off a budget-friendly adventure? Research, research, research! Start by narrowing down your dream destination and digging into the details: what’s the best way to get there without maxing out your credit card? Is the city or country you’re eyeing more affordable or pricier than your current spot?
Flights
When it comes to flights, flexibility is your best friend. Use tools like Google Flights or Going (one of my ultimate travel hacks for beginners!) to scope out deals, and consider nearby airports that might offer cheaper options.
Accommodations
Accommodations are next on the list! Dive into reviews for hotels, hostels, or even Couchsurfing options to find a cozy (and affordable) home base. For getting around once you’re there, check out public transportation options—buses, subways, and local trains can save you a ton.
Activities
And don’t sleep on local deals! When I went to Hawaii for the first time, Groupon was my go-to for booking excursions. My strategy? Make a list of dream activities, search them on Groupon, and then double-check reviews both on and off the platform. It’s a little legwork, but totally worth it to make sure you’re getting both a great deal and a quality experience.
While you want to save money on your excursions, you also want to make sure they’re worth it. At the end of the day, I’d rather pay $200 for a snorkeling tour that was raved about and known for a great experience over a $100 snorkeling tour that had poor reviews. Every excursion we booked through Groupon exceeded expectations though.
I expand more on all of these later!
2. Travel During the Off-Season
One of the easiest ways to save money on travel is to avoid peak travel times. Off-season travel not only means snagging cheaper flights and accommodations but also skipping the crowds and soaking up a more laid-back, authentic vibe.
Better yet if you can also stay during the week. Hotels are often cheaper on weekdays than they are on weekends, so if you can plan your stay around the weekdays, you’ll likely save some money. Same with flights!
But heads up—be mindful of local holidays or big events at your destination. When I first started traveling, I accidentally booked during a festival I didn’t know about and found sky-high prices everywhere. A little research will save you from surprises like that!
3. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key to traveling on a budget. Start early by scoping out flight deals, booking accommodations, and researching free or low-cost activities in your destination. The earlier you book, the more deals you’ll find—it’s like a treasure hunt for savings!
Having a loose itinerary also helps you spot opportunities to save. For example, you might find discounts for specific tours or attractions if you book in advance. And bonus: planning ahead lets you space out payments.
For bigger trips where you are booking several things in advance, it’s worth it to look into travel insurance. Safety Wing is one of the most popular travel insurance options (it’s less than $50 for 1 month of travel!). Budgeting is all about preparation, and trust me, your future self will thank you!
4. Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Travel rewards credit cards are an absolute game-changer for traveling on a budget. With the right card, you can earn points or miles that go toward flights, hotels, car rentals, and even perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, and TSA PreCheck reimbursement. Hello, VIP treatment!
Before applying for one, do your homework—think about how often you travel and what type of rewards you’re after. Once you have your card, use it for all your travel expenses, but be sure to pay off your balance each month to avoid any extra debt.
I personally love my Southwest, Delta, and IHG credit cards. They offer big point bonuses that helped me book several flights and hotel rooms for free.
Some travel credit cards have annual fees, and while I think the perks of the cards are typically well worth the fees if you are a beginner when it comes to traveling, it could be worth it to dip your feet in with one of the cards that don’t have an annual fee or at least has a lower one.
5. Find the Cheapest Flights
Finding cheap flights is all about strategy! Start by signing up for flight deal alerts—Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a game-changer. It’s how I snagged $400 round-trip flights to Hawaii (twice!) and spotted $450 RT flights to Thailand.
Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare fares and keep your travel dates flexible—midweek or off-peak hours often save you big. Layovers can also be your wallet’s best friend!
Don’t forget to join airline rewards programs to rack up points for discounts or free flights. Smart planning = more adventures!
6. Be Flexible
One of the best tips for traveling on a budget is to be flexible with your plans. Playing around with dates, airports, or even destinations can reveal some killer deals. For flights, check prices across a few days or nearby airports—sometimes flying midweek or into a smaller airport can save you serious cash.
Hotels work the same way. A small tweak to your check-in dates could mean scoring a better rate or even snagging a last-minute upgrade! Keeping your plans open might just lead to big savings and unexpected adventures.
7. Travel with Someone Else
Traveling with a partner can make trips way more affordable (and fun)! You can split hotel costs, share meals, and divide expenses like rental cars or gas.
Of course, solo trips can also be super budget-friendly, so don’t skip out on them if that’s your vibe! It all comes down to how you want to travel. If you’re bringing a travel buddy, talk money before you go. Set a budget, plan your itinerary, and agree on how you’ll split the costs to avoid surprises.
8. Eat Like a Local
Want to save money and enjoy authentic eats? Skip the tourist traps and head straight for local spots! Happy hours are great for discounted food and drinks—check online or ask locals for the best deals. Some spots even have all-day specials.
For a cultural deep dive (and budget-friendly bites), hit up local markets and food stalls. You’ll score amazing dishes at wallet-friendly prices while getting a taste of the real local flavor.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, consider cooking a few meals. Stock up on groceries for simple breakfasts or pack sandwiches for your outings—it’s an easy way to stretch your budget without sacrificing taste.
9. Find Deals on Accommodation
Cutting down on lodging costs can free up more cash for adventures! Hostels and Couchsurfing are amazing options for budget travelers—hostels often have shared kitchens, while Couchsurfing connects you with locals for a cultural exchange (and free stay!).
Prefer more privacy? VRBO and Booking.com are perfect for snagging flexible, budget-friendly rentals. Or, think outside the box: try camping, renting a van, or going full-on “van life” mode for an unforgettable experience.
The key is to be flexible and creative!
10. Use Public Transportation
Skip pricey taxis and car rentals—public transportation is where it’s at! From buses to trains to subways, lots of cities have affordable, efficient options to help you explore like a local. Research passes and routes before your trip, so you’re ready to ride.
No public transit? No problem! Walking, biking, or even scootering can be fun (and budget-friendly) ways to get around. Bonus: they double as sightseeing opportunities!
If wheels are non-negotiable, snag a cheap rental car deal by comparing prices for your dates with this tool. Sometimes, it’s the best option for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
11. Take Advantage of Free Activities
Who says fun has to be expensive? Many cities are packed with free activities like parks, museums, and self-guided walking tours. Do a little digging before you go, and make the most of those no-cost experiences!
Are you ready to travel on a budget?!
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on fun—it just means getting creative, staying flexible, and making the most of what’s out there. With these tips, you’re all set to explore new destinations, indulge in local flavors, and rack up incredible experiences without draining your bank account!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other blog posts:
Thank you for this great overview, super advice for saving money on traveling – and have more for the fun stuff!
These are some very nice tips. We try to use public transport as much as possible and we have found some great deals in many European cities.