Travelling doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the main reasons that I have been able to travel to 100+ countries is I am by nature a budget traveler. So, this article is long overdue for me to share these tips. Read on and discover these valuable budget travel hacks for saving money on your next trip.
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Related: How to Plan a Trip in 10 Simple Steps with Resources
32 Budget Travel Hacks for Saving Money
For those of us on budgets, the less we spend on our travel, the more we travel. It’s that simple: Save more, travel more! I break down these simple, yet impactful tips in categories: budget, destination and timing, transportation, food & drinks, accommodations, tours & activities, packing and spending.
1. Make a Travel Budget & Track Expenses.
Actually, budgeting should start during the travel planning stage. If you have a limit to how much you can spend, a budget is necessary. Tracking expenses each day of trips helps to keep on course for the budget. You don’t want to run out of money halfway through the trip.
The Wanderlog app is an incredible travel planning tool. You can invite others through email to be in on the app planning. Wanderlog has an AI assistant for organizing itinerary, dates, destinations and finances. Also, there are various budget tracking apps out there.
2. Find Package Deals with OTA’s like Trip.com, Booking.com and Expedia.com.
Destination and Timing Budget Travel
3. Go to a country where their currency is weak and yours is comparatively strong.
4. Go during low or shoulder season for cheaper prices on everything in comparison to high season.
Transportation Budget Travel
There are endless ways to save money on transportation. An Uber may get you there the fastest. However, navigating the local train or bus lines help you connect with the community like a local and save money. Here are some tried and true tips on saving money with public transportation options.
5. Search OTA’s, like CheapOAir to compare prices and book incognito. Otherwise, the computer remembers you and may gradually increase prices.
6. Book Budget Airlines, such as, Ryan Air (Europe), Air Canada Rouge, Jetstar (Australia), Spirit (U.S. & Latin America) and China United Airlines.
7. Use Points or Miles to purchase flights or hotels.
8. Book International Flights on cheapest days, Tuesday and Wednesday. U.S. domestic flights cheapest days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
9. Take the public transportation, such as, trains, buses and ebikes instead of taxis and Uber/Lyft.
Plus, many cities offer smart cards to purchase (with discounts) public transportation. For example, London offers Oyster Card and Hong Kong has the Octopus Card.
Accommodations Budget Travel
10. Reserve a Hostel with Hostelworld at any age.
Hostels offer dorm rooms and private rooms at very good savings. After travelling for more than 30 years, I still stay in hostels. It allows me to travel longer and reward myself with nicer restaurants or shopping. A bonus is hostels are often conveniently located near iconic sites. Plus, they usually have a kitchen for cooking and a laundry facility.
11. Reserve a motel or Airbnb off the beaten path for much lower costs.
12. For group or family travel, consider home or apartment rentals with VRBO instead of multiple hotel rooms.
13. Find opportunities to House sit and/or pet sit for free accommodations worldwide with TrustedHousesitters.
14. Camp when it is accessible.
Food & Drinks Budget Travel
15. Bring your own Water Filter Bottle (Amazon) for free water and less plastic.
16. Eat where the locals eat, away from the touristy marked-up restaurants.
17. Cook own meals
18. Find Happy Hour Deals for discounted drinks and appetizers
19. Drink the House Wines in restaurants
20. Consider having lunch as biggest meal of day, because dinner entrees are usually more expensive.
21. Bring snacks and water filter bottle to airports and train stations to avoid overpriced food and drinks.
Tours & Activities Budget Travel
22. City Tourism Cards – Many cities offer discounts to their top attractions if you purchase these.
23. Tour Museums on a free day. Many museums offer free admissions or discounts on certain days of the week or month.
24. Book Tours online ahead of time for discounts instead of at the entrance in person.
25. Always book an option with free cancellations for flexibility.
26. Find a Free Walking Tour, as many historic centers offer these.
27. Research online for DIY tours to independently enjoy at your own pace at no cost.
Spending Tips for Budget Travel
28. No ATM Fee Cards
29. Shop for lightweight, compact items to avoid baggage fees.
30. Shop at local or flea markets off the beaten path for lower costs.
31. Shop at second hand or thrift stores for local deals.
32. Shop during off-peak hours and negotiate.
Enjoy Budget Travel Hacks!
If you are on a budget, the bottom line is the more you save, the more you travel. It does take more time and planning for budget savvy travel. However, it more than pays off. This list is a work in progress and always evolving. Please share any budget travel hacks in the comments below.
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