Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive in order for it to be memorable. When you make great choices and have the right mindset before you explore, you can start finding new places, enjoy unforgettable experiences, and stay within a budget.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, these travel hacks will help you save money while making the most of your trip.
Let’s have a look at some of the proven ways that you can keep your costs low and your experiences rich.
Travel During Off-Season
One of the easiest ways that you can cut down on your travel costs is by avoiding the peak seasons. Hotels, flights, and attractions often cost significantly more if you are traveling during the school holidays or on bank holidays, and even if there is a popular event happening.
Traveling during the off-season, or just before or after the peak, can help you get the same experience but at a much lower cost. You’re going to find that you’ll have lower flight and accommodation prices, you’ll have smaller crowds at popular attractions, and there will be better availability for tours and reservations.
If you’re planning a European trip, this also means easier access to Schengen visa appointments, which can be hard to secure during peak travel months. For example, if you were to visit your destination in late spring or early fall, or head to tropical destinations just before the rainy season begins, you’re still going to get great weather; however, you will end up spending less of your budget.
Be Flexible with Your Flights
Flights can be very expensive, and they vary massively depending on the day, time, and even the airport that you choose.
Flexibility is your best friend when booking air travel. Try to use tools like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner to compare dates and destinations. If you don’t mind taking a red-eye or making a stopover, you can often save a lot of money. Consider flying into nearby airports to your destination if it is feasible.
For instance, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami can make a huge difference in airfare.
Pack Smart and Avoid Extra Fees
Checked bags can quickly add up the costs, especially if you are traveling on budget airlines. Traveling with just a carry-on not only helps to save you money, but it also means that it’s easier for you to get around. Sticking to versatile clothing that you can mix and match on a daily basis makes it much easier for you to pack light.
Choose lightweight layers over bulky items and invest in travel-sized toiletries or reusable containers. Don’t forget to leave a little room for souvenirs, as you don’t want to end up paying extra to check a bag on the way home.
This could add extra funds to your budget.
Book Accommodation Wisely
Where you stay can eat a huge chunk of your travel budget, rather than do a full 14-day hotel, explore a few more affordable options. Hostels, for example, are a great way for you to reduce costs on accommodation, and many now offer private rooms.
You could even consider short-term rentals like Airbnb, where you get a home-from-home experience. House sitting opportunities are also another brilliant way for you to visit a new destination and have low-cost accommodation.
If you are staying for a longer period, ask about weekly or monthly discounts. In some cases, you may be able to get a better price directly with the hostel property owner.
If you are planning to stay a little bit longer, you should also look for places that have kitchens or kitchenettes, as cooking just one or two meals a day at your location can save you a surprising amount of money over the course of your trip.
Use Public Transportation and Walk When Possible
Transportation costs can add up extremely quickly, especially if you are having to rely on ridesharing or taxis. In most cities, public transportation is extremely reliable and safe, and it is much cheaper than having to hire a taxi or driver every single time you need to get out and about.
Trains, buses, and metro systems can take you almost anywhere that you need to go, so make sure you do some research before you travel and have a look at day or week passes for travelers. Don’t overlook walking either; it is something that is free, healthy, and gives you a close look at different parts of the destination you are visiting.
You might stumble upon local spots and hidden gems that you wouldn’t have seen if you had been driving in a car. If you’re covering longer distances, think about budget travel options like overnight buses or discount airlines for country-to-country travel.
Stay Within Your Budget Without Getting Bored
One of the most common myths about budget travel is that you are going to have to minimize the amount of fun that you have in order to save money. This is just not true.
Plenty of entertainment options don’t cost you anything; for example, free walking tours, public parks, local markets, and free museum days, as well as things like beach access, are just a few ways to enjoy your destination without having to spend much or anything at all.
When you are between your adventures or you’re relaxing at your hotel, you can still stay entertained without having to reach for your wallet. Look for budget-friendly ways to have fun, such as an online pool game for some entertainment without having to spend any money, or picking up a great book as a way for you to unwind during downtime.
Whether you are hanging out in your room, passing the time on a train, or waiting for a flight, entertainment does not need to be something that is expensive when you are traveling.
Keep your eyes open for live street performances, festivals, and community events. Most cities will have something that is happening, especially if you are traveling during holiday seasons.
Eat Like a Local
Food is a huge part of any travel experience; however, dining out for every meal can quickly add up. Skip the tourist traps and eat like a local instead.
Choose street food vendors, shop at local bakeries, or go to a market where you can grab fresh produce, snacks, or ingredients. Have a look for restaurants that are packed with locals rather than tourists, as these are normally the cheaper options.
Not only is this way of eating on your trip going to be better for your budget, but it also means that you are going to get a more genuine taste of the culture that you are visiting. Some of the best meals might come from a food truck or a hole-in-the-wall rather than going to something that is jam-packed with tourists.
If you want to enjoy a nice restaurant, think about heading to a restaurant at lunchtime rather than dinner, as lunch menus are often less expensive for the same quality of food.
Make Your Travel Budget Go Further
Traveling on a budget does not mean that you necessarily need to cut any corners; it means that you just need to be careful with your plans and make better choices. Once you have saved for your trip away, you want to make the most of it.
Make sure that you are very flexible, think creatively, and use things like walking tours and budget-friendly apps. This can help you stretch your travel budget even further and mean that you can enjoy everything that the destination has to offer without feeling like you are missing out.
The world is packed full of many incredible experiences, and you don’t need to be spending loads in order to enjoy them.
