Learning how to travel on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of your experience.
With careful planning, smart decisions, and a bit of creativity, you can explore the world without breaking the bank.
Why is it that so many people choose not to travel? Is it because ….
1. they think it’s too expensive or
2. because they do not want to travel alone?
Throughout my traveling experience (30+ countries and counting), I have had the opportunity to learn how to travel on a budget, and I love sharing my experiences.
Now, with that begin said you will first need to consider where the best places to travel on a budget will be (including airfare, accommodation, travel insurance, toilet paper, the air we breathe, how many times you blink and you guessed it – food!)
The fear of not being able to afford to travel should not deter you from trying to travel on a budget. You will have to consider a logistic approach when considering your options. This is where this blog comes in.
In this guide, I will cover what you need to know on how to travel cheap.
Traveling on a budget is figuring out what the best location to travel to is,
choosing a cheap flight (be flexible with cheaper months to fly and airports to fly out of), considering the proximity of your accommodation, travel expenses, choosing your travel expenses, choosing your travel insurance, excursions, food, and so much more.
But fear not, I got you!
Just follow the steps and tips and you will be on your way to planning a budget-friendly trip!
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
Jawaharlal Nehru
Let’s get started!
….. wait, before you proceed I am obligated to tell you that there are affiliate links in this blog post, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. As an Amazon associate, I make commissions on qualifying purchases. Thank you in advance for your support.
1. How Do I Travel on a Budget?
To start you will need to consider asking yourself a few questions, write it down:
Question 1: What are the cheapest places to travel to?
Here is a list of cheap places to travel to get you started.
Question 2: Will you be traveling solo or with family/friends
(when traveling with friends is optional the expenses could be higher because you may not be able to be as flexible and you may all want to do paid excursions instead of free options)
Question 3: What are the cheapest months to fly to the destination of my choice?
(you may have more than one destination you’d like to go to). You can check this by going to Skyscanner and clicking the button ‘Cheapest Month’ (this is your favorite button). Also, consider a metropolitan major airport as these are more affordable to fly from.
Question 4: Where is the most affordable location for my accommodation?
Choose a location that could provide the best way to have transportation to the areas you would like to see. The farther you are from the main attractions you will have to pay for transportation costs, you could end up paying more if you do not look into transportation (logistics) costs.
How picky are you with where you will be staying? Would you consider a hostel over a hotel?
Check out some of the best ways to save money while traveling by looking into affordable hostels at HostelWorld.com.
Question 5: What is your budget?
It’s time to consider your finances.
You will need to make sure you account for the time you will be out of work and how this will affect your travels. Consider a budget that will work for you. Be flexible and consider options that will save you the most money while you travel.
Write out all your expenses and how much money you have to save for your budget-friendly trip.
Calculate how many months it will take you to set that money aside.
Prices are constantly changing (flights, accommodations, food, you get the point), and figuring out which travel months are cheaper to fly will save you a ton of money (this is where being flexible could save you a lot in the long run).
Side note: Check into the destination and if it will require a visa as this will be an extra expense. Check the visa requirements here.
I WAS ABLE TO TRAVEL TO 15+ COUNTRIES FOR UNDER USD $350.00 IN LESS THAN A MONTH WITH THE EURAIL PASS.
Why Travel on a Budget?
Traveling on a budget allows you to see more of the world, extend your travels, and embark on adventures you might not have considered otherwise.
It also encourages you to connect with locals, embrace authentic experiences, and step out of your comfort zone.
It will also save you a ton of money and heartache realizing how much money you could have saved.
Benefits of Traveling on a Budget
- Allows you to travel more frequently
- Encourages resourcefulness and creativity
- Promotes cultural immersion and local interactions
- Become more travel savvy and you get to pass that knowledge on to your family and friends
What is Budget Travel?
Budget travel is all about making the most of your travel experiences while minimizing your expenses. It’s about finding affordable ways to explore new destinations, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create lasting memories without overspending.
2. Planning Your Budget Travel Adventure
Choosing Budget-Friendly Destinations
Luckily, for you, we already research affordable destinations that offer good value for money. Consider factors such as exchange rates, cost of living, transportation costs, and availability of budget accommodation options.
Read More: The Best Cheap Places to Travel to
Check to see what months are less expensive to purchase tickets. Look into options that may have layovers so you could see more than one country while you travel. Check out our blog on the best places to visit on a budget.
Setting Your Travel Budget
Before you start planning your trip, take some time to assess your finances and determine how much you can afford to spend. Consider your income, expenses, savings goals, and any additional funds you can allocate to travel.
Use this time to set a plan on how you are going to save so you can make this trip happen!
Solo vs Group
I tend to find that I save more money traveling solo then with a group or friends. This is because your family or friends may want to do an excursion or pay for experiences in the destination of choice. This is fine and all but most of the expenses will come from excursions and eating out.
If you plan on traveling with a group then make sure you are all on the same page when it comes to keeping a budget.
3. Saving Money on Transportation
Finding Cheap Flights
Use flight comparison websites to compare prices and find the best deals on airfare. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying with budget airlines to save money on flights.
The popular flight comparison site I tend to use time and time again which has never failed me and usually less than Google Flights is Skyscanner.
Utilizing Public Transportation
Opt for public transportation over taxis or rental cars whenever possible. Research public transit systems in your destination and purchase multi-day passes or city cards for added savings.
This may be a bit more difficult and frustrating if you are going to a destination that does not speak your native language. And always use precaution when using public transportation. I advise you do not do this when you are rushing or trying to get to the airport to leave as public transportation may take longer to get to the airport than getting an Uber or taxi.
I decided to take a public bus to get to the airport when I was in Morocco. It was only less than USD $1.00 vs $30.00 USD so of course your girl was going to save some (a lot) of money by doing this. Here, not knowing that it would be a race to the finishing line getting to my gate before the flight departing. The bus was only 10 minutes away from the airport, but the extra stops and routes it had to take took us about 45 minutes.
Use public transportation cautiously.
4. Accommodation Options for Budget Travelers
Staying in Hostels
Even though hotels are sometimes a better option, hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers. Hostels offer affordable accommodation options ranging from dormitory beds to private rooms. Research hostel reviews and ratings to find a clean, safe, and comfortable place to stay.
Alternative Accommodation Choices
Consider alternative accommodation options such as Couchsurfing, homestays, or renting budget apartments or rooms through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling. Make sure you are flexible with your options. You can even look into house sitting, join reward programs, contact hotels directly for a better price, get a hotel credit card, rent out a home, stay with a friend, or think of the location you want to stay in that is off the beaten path, and stick to your budget.
5. How to Eat while Traveling on a Budget
Cooking Your Own Meals
Save money on food by cooking your own meals whenever possible. Shop at local markets and grocery stores, and take advantage of hostel or apartment kitchens to prepare simple and budget-friendly recipes.
Sampling Street Food and Local Eateries
Explore street food markets and local eateries to sample affordable and delicious dishes. Avoid tourist trap restaurants and opt for authentic dining experiences that won’t break the bank.
6. Free and Low-Cost Activities
Exploring Free Attractions and Landmarks
Take advantage of free attractions and landmarks in your destination, such as museums with free admission days, parks, gardens, and beaches.
Taking Advantage of Budget-Friendly Tours and Activities
Join free walking tours, opt for self-guided tours, or participate in outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, or swimming to explore your destination without spending a fortune.
7. Miscellaneous Tips for Budget Travelers
Managing Your Money Abroad
Use no-fee ATM cards, exchange currency wisely, and monitor your spending to avoid unnecessary fees and charges while traveling.
Check out our top pick rewards card for traveling.
Packing Smart for Budget Travel
Pack light to avoid baggage fees, bring essential travel gear, and consider packing multipurpose items to save space and weight.
Final Thoughts on How to Travel on a Budget
Traveling on a budget requires careful planning, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can make the most of your travels without breaking the bank. So pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the world on a budget!
Here are the main points you should consider when figuring out how to travel on a budget:
- Start with a budget-friendly destination blog
- Consider your finances, how much you have to save and set a date that’s best suitable
- Always consider that traveling solo may save you more money than traveling with family or friends (think excursions, dining out etc)
- Find cheap flights (I personally have always used Skyscanner to book my trips)
- Figure out your accommodation budget and stick to it. Be flexible. Hostel or homestays may be a better choice for budget
- Utilize public transportation. Use caution and be aware
- Making your own meal or street food vs fancy restaurants (I am trying to save you money here, not break the bank)
- Free to low-cost activities or excursions
- Exchange currency wisely, no-fee ATM, monitor your spending
- Pack light, carry-on preferably, bring essential gear so you do not need to purchase anything while traveling
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