How to Travel on a Budget – My Top 20 Tips & Tricks

Over the last couple of years, I’ve tried (and often failed) to travel on a budget. Finally, I can say that I think I’ve cracked the code. I’ve put together a list of my top hacks for traveling without breaking the bank, so hopefully I can help you avoid the same trial and error process I had to go through.

1. Learn to Travel Lightly

Flying is such a great way to travel – and nowadays, in the age of budget airlines like RyanAir, WizzAir, and EasyJet, it is completely doable. Of course, finding cheap flights is now a relatively easy thing to do… as long as you don’t have to pay those extra baggage fees (that’s how they get you). In fact, that’s where budget airlines make the majority of their money! So, knowing how to pack everything you need into a backpack is key. I have lots of tricks for packing efficiently, because it’s my favourite way to travel. Here are some of my favourite tips to traveling just with hand luggage:

• Use vacuum bags or compression cubes to pack clothes.
• Trade in your shampoo and soap for solid alternatives.
• Wear your bulkiest clothing items on the flight.
• Pack only essentials – get into the mindset of leaving unnecessary things behind.
• Get a kindle/tablet with ebooks if you enjoy reading.
• Have a way to do laundry (if it’s a longer trip).

2. Travel Locally

I truly believe that there every place has something worth exploring. Even if there isn’t much in your own city or town, there are bound to be places nearby that are great to visit. If you want to travel on a budget, the best place to start is right where you are. After all, the majority of your expenses on any trip will be the actual traveling (flights, trains, etc.) and accommodation. I recently came to the realisation that even though I lived in Namibia for 18 years, I had seen less of my home country than tourists did in 2 weeks of traveling. Make the most of where you are right now by using travel guides and finding some hidden gems. I promise, it’s so much fun to pretend to be a tourist on your home turf.

3. Be flexible

If you are able to have a flexible schedule, it will significantly cut costs on any trip. Of course, for those of us who work a regular 9-to-5 job, this isn’t always realistic or possible. But if you are lucky enough, you can generally find the best deals on travel options (flights and trains) during the week rather than on the weekend, for example. Though I always make the best of public holidays, it is always a bit more pricey to travel on long weekends and fly on these days. There are, however, some exceptions. Because who in their right mind would want to fly on Christmas, for example (A budget traveler, that’s who!).

4. Travel out of season

If you want to avoid spending unnecessarily on travel, this is definitely one of the most important things you can do. During high season, everything will be more expensive – from flights and accommodation to activities. Besides that, there are more crowds and crime rates even go up. I personally find that traveling out of season not only lowers costs, but also makes for a much more relaxes, authentic experience, because you’re not constantly bombarded with tourist traps. That’s why my favourite time of year is the shoulder months, March to May and September to November. During shoulder season, you’ll get all the perks of low-season travel while still being able to enjoy the things you’ll want to during high season. Also, don’t sleep on low season. (Europe is stunning during winter!)

5. Cook your own meals

I don’t know about you, but I ALWAYS end up spending most of my money on food! But how can you not, when you’re in a new country – food is just such an important part of any culture. S, though I would never discourage discovering new foods, remember that not all the food you’ll eat will be new and different – you have three meals every single day, after all. I usually try to aim to eat out once a day at most if I’m trying to travel on a budget (usually lunch or dinner). I also like to make a list of foods I’d like to try before I travel anywhere, so I end up splurging only on things that I genuinely want to eat. When you cook your own meals, try to opt for ones with minimal ingredients. My go-tos include fruit and yogurt, sandwiches, and pesto pasta.

6. Find Local Markets

Markets are always some of my favourite finds in whatever part of the world I am. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been in a city and just randomly found a little local food market. If you are only in a certain city for a few days, and cooking your own meals doesn’t seem realistic, this is the best place to get food. Make sure to look around to see if the customers are mostly locals or if it’s a market aimed more at tourists (Trust me, you’ll be able to tell the difference). A local market is always a great place to find cheap, delicious, authentic food.

7. Use Public Transport

In most cities, especially in Europe, public transport will by far be the cheapest way to get around. Unless you want to visit a place with bad connections, renting a car isn’t really worth it. Nowadays, many governments are trying to contest climate change by encouraging more people to use public transport systems. This means that cities are being altered to make driving less convenient, by, for example, having less public parking space. Taxis are my least favourite way to travel, because those few euros for lots of short rides can add up way too quickly. I’ve met lots of travelers, though, that used taxis purely because figuring out the public transport system is too ‘scary’. I also find it intimidating sometimes, but there are so many resources that can help you. Just check out a few blog posts on the public transport of the city you’re going to beforehand.

8. Use travel apps

In this day and age, one of our most powerful tools while traveling is technology. We’ve basically eliminated the use of maps, but also facilitated communication in foreign countries . Apps are a fantastic way to make your travels easier, more fun, and less expensive. Here are some of my favourite apps that I use on most of my trips:

• Citymapper: Will help you navigate the best possible way to your destination with public transport. It also has live updates on any delays or cancellations that may occur.
• Hostelworld: Compares prices from different hostels, helping you find the best and cheapest accommodation. Great for solo travelers and backpackers.
• Eatwith: Locals host small dinners and cooking classes. I find these better and more authentic than activities booked on GetYourGuide, for example.
• Flush: Helps you find public restrooms.
• TripIt or VisitACity: Plans an easy-to-follow itinerary for you.
• Skyscanner or Swoodoo: Best apps to find cheap flights.
• GetYourGuide or Viator: Great for finding activities.
• Worldpackers: Gives opportunities to volunteer in exchange for accommodation. Note: This app does have a membership fee.
• TrustedHouseSitters: Find listings to house-sit (and often pet-sit) in exchange for staying there for free.

9. Book directly on websites

Apps that compare prices from different transport, accommodation, and activites are super helpful. That’s why I’ve listed a few. You might find, though, that booking these things directly on websites of the provider is cheaper. For example, you might search for flights on Swoodoo and find an affordable one offered by KLM. Switch to KLM’s website in a browser, and book the flight directly. You’ll find that even if the flight itself is the same price, the fees are usually much lower. The same applies to accommodation and activities. It’s also usually easier when your information and confirmation comes directly from the provider, so staff can help you more readily than if you booked through a third party.

10. Plan your own trip

Instead of relying on a travel agent or buying resources, planning your own trip will make it more budget-friendly. I like to prepare for any trip by reading some blog posts about people who have visited that destination. This is also where the apps TripIt and VisitACity really come in handy. I also enjoy having a very flexible itinerary, because I’ve learned that you’ll always come across something random that you didn’t have in your plans. Just take a stroll around the city, talk to some locals, and you’re bound to find something special. Pick 2 or 3 things you’d like to do or see every day, and go with it, but be open to getting carried away by unplanned things, too.

11. Visit less touristy destinations

Staying only in places packed with tourists will definitely take a toll on your bank account. Because these places are aimed at tourists, who spend money more easily than locals, you’ll find a lot of tourist traps and even regular things are more expensive. Try to visit less popular places – there are plenty – as these will automatically cost less. It’s not just a way to travel on a budget, but it’s also a great way to escape the huge crowds. The best way to find these is, of course, by asking locals where they like to go. You’ll find some real hidden gems and I personally find that these make for the best, most unique experiences.

12. Don’t eat near tourist attractions

Just like attractions themselves, restaurants around tourist attractions are designed to do just that – attract tourists. These are usually less authentic versions of local food, but with huge price tags. Even worse are the cafés and restaurants in the attractions themselves – I recommend you just bring your own snacks in case you get hungry. Usually, you can walk for about 10 minutes to get to a less touristy area, which is a much better place to find food. Again, ask some locals or visit a market to track down the best food wherever you are.

13. Carry a refillable water bottle

One of the most unnecessary expenses I used to have while traveling was bottled water. 2€ three to four times a day can really add up quickly. Carrying a water bottle has solved that problem. Of course, this only applies to places where tap water is drinkable – make sure to do that research before you go anywhere. In most European countries, for example, the water is super clean and safe to drink. Many of the cities in Europe have public water fountains where you can refill your bottle. I always travel with my 500ml thermos bottle, so my water stays nice and cool throughout the day.

14. Join a frequent flyer program

Joining a frequent flyer program can never hurt. Most airline alliances allow you to sign up for free. So, the worst thing that can happen is that you never end up using your points, but you still collect them for free. If you are someone who, like me, flies long-haul at least a few times a year and short distances often, it is definitely worth it to help you travel on a budget. If you want to take it a step further, you can also sign up for a credit card and collect points with everyday purchases. You can save so much money on flights in this way, and you can also get lounge access at airports with many credit cards!

15. Don’t use ATMs or convert currencies at the airport

The airport is the absolute worst place to convert currencies or withdraw cash. A close second is usually train stations. The ATMs have huge fees, and at these currency exchange stations you’ll always get the worst deals. Try to convert your money at your local bank before you leave your home country – remember that it tends to take a few days. When you run out of cash, make sure to choose the right ATM (I avoid Euronet ATMs like the plague). Never let the ATM do the conversion for you – the same counts for card machines at shops and restaurants – but pick the option that lets your bank do it. Also, withdraw higher amounts at ATMs to avoid having to pay fees multiple times. You can always convert the money when you get back home!

16. Join free walking tours

Free walking tours are a great way to see a new city when you don’t know where to go. You can sign up to these tours on a variety of apps and platforms. The most popular choices are Get Your Guide and Guru Walk. On these tours, you will get a general overview of some of the history, architecture, and just random fun facts about the city that you probably wouldn’t have known by exploring by yourself. It’s also a fantastic way to meet like-minded travelers. In my experience, the people who choose to join these tours are usually young (and somewhat broke) like me.

17. Learn how to find cheap flights

Knowing how to find and book cheap flights is definitely a skill that has helped me save hundreds. My favourite apps/websites to use are Swoodoo and Skyscanner. Some of my favourite tips are:

• Choose a range of days that suit your schedule. The cheapest flights won’t always be on the exact day you want to travel.
• Avoid weekends and public holidays.
• Consider traveling to a nearby airport and taking a train for the rest of the way.
• Be open to stopovers. This is also a great way to see an extra city (briefly) for a fraction of the regular price.
• Be flexible with your destination.

18. Plan & Book as early as possible

‘The early bird catches the worm’ definitely applies to booking anything for a trip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed out on an experience just because I waited too long to book it. If you want to do something, don’t hesitate so much! I know that booking online can be intimidating, which is why it’s something I often put off doing until it’s too late. Learn from my mistakes, book early – your flight is likely to be more expensive and activities are bound to sell out. Of course, there’s the occasional last-minute deal – but don’t depend on it if you want to travel on a budget. This is really something I only ever book spontaneously.

19. Check if attractions have a free or discounted day

Many attractions have student discounts or days on which you can enter for free if you are under a certain age. Paris, for example, has over 30 museums and monuments you can visit for free if you’re under 26, a student, or a teacher (find them here). Make sure you have an ID with you when going to any attraction. Most attractions in Europe offer discounted prices to students, so make sure you always carry a student ID with you if you have one.

20. Travel in a group

Traveling with other people can definitely help you travel on a budget.. And though I love traveling on my own, there’s nothing quite like being in a beautiful, foreign place with some of your best friends, ready for adventure. You generally end up saving money, because a lot of regular costs are split up. It is, for example, much more reasonable to rent a car when 4 people are sharing the costs than when you are paying for it all on your own. Food costs are also lower, because it makes more sense to cook for a group of people (you probably won’t have leftovers) and 2-for-1 specials at restaurants are a real lifesaver.

There are so many more things you can do to travel on a budget – but I think that might all be too overwhelming. If you stick to these 20 tricks, you’ll definitely save at least SOME money. Not only will these tips help you save money, but they will make any trip less stressful. I hope that you consider trying out a couple of these before or on your next trip.