Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for uncomfortable hotels, long layovers, or low-quality experiences. With the right strategies, you can save money while still enjoying a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here’s how to travel affordably without feeling like you’re cutting too many corners.
1. Start Planning Early
The real fun of a budget travel plan starts with some forecasting. By giving yourself enough time, you can research and compare some best destinations, affordable flights, budget accommodations, and activities, build a budget, and save for the trip.
Airline prices fluctuate constantly, so planning early gives you time to track and compare prices. Tourism sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, Turo, and others offer early bird discounts for booking a certain number of days in advance. You’ll almost always save by booking train or bus tickets in advance, starting as much as 12 weeks before the travel date.
2. Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations
Some destinations naturally offer affordable luxury, meaning you can enjoy stunning views, great food, and comfortable stays without breaking the bank. Here are some of the favorites:
- Thailand
- Portugal
- Vietnam
- Mexico
- Bali, Indonesia
- Hungary (Budapest)
- Greece
- Sri Lanka
- Morocco
- Philippines
3. Set a Travel Budget
To enjoy your trip without getting frustrated about the money you can create a travel budget. There are many ways to create a budget. For example:
- Transportation to and from your destination and while you’re there (such as flights, rental cars, ride shares, train tickets, and public transportation)
- Accommodations for the entire trip
- Visas, permits, important documents vaccinations, or medications, if applicable
- Food which includes meals in a cafe or restaurant, groceries, snacks, and drinks
- Entertainment such as tours, museums, shows, and excursions
- Checked baggage fees, if any
- Phone and internet like roaming charges,
- Purchasing a local SIM card, or eSIM.
- Souvenirs, toiletries, and sundries
- Gratuities for drivers, tour guides, and housekeepers, and
4. Find Cheap Flights
Sometimes some of the best trips are not places originally planned to go, they are just too good of a deal to pass up. Instead of booking the first flight you find track airfare prices with tools such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. Set price alerts to be notified of drops and get an idea of low, average, and high prices for a trip. Be flexible with travel dates. If you can, travel on a weekday for better rates. Use the calendar or date grid feature to see which days have the best prices.
5. Use Public Transportation
Skip expensive taxis and ride-shares and use buses, subways, or trains instead. If you plan to rent a car or to ride an expensive taxi then your travel budget will be of no use. Consider using public transportation such as subways, trams, buses, cable cars, light rails, and ferries. By this way you can save money and can get around the city efficiently. If the city is walkable, explore on foot as it’s free, and you’ll get a more immersive experience.
6. Stay in Budget Accommodations
Hostels are very well known for its low-cost, and dormitory-style fittings that attracts the backpacker crowd. Many of the solo young travelers love to stay in hostels to enjoy the social atmosphere. And, of course, the opportunity to save some money.
Budget travel hostels does not necessarily mean hostels with bunk beds and shared bathrooms . There are many good options to choose from. Research about them and choose boutique guesthouses, Airbnbs, and budget-friendly business hotels that will not only feel way more premium than their price tags suggested.
7. Use Sharing Economy Platforms
Airbnb is not really a budget option anymore, but the chance to stay in a private home often means the space is situated away from tourist hot spots. So, the restaurants, bars, and attractions near your stay will likely be cheaper and more local. Moreover, you can save money by cooking meals at “home.”
One of the best Airbnb tricks is that rather than booking the entire apartment you can also search for the option where the host also stays in the same apartment. In many of the countries hosts will rent out many rooms in their home or apartment to separate travelers that also function like a more semi-private hostel. And the best part? If there is absolutely no booking where you are staying then you get the stay of your own choice that will resonate with your comfort as well.
8. Eat Like a Local
Many cities such as Bangkok, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul in Turkey are best known for their street food that is the best in the world. Even many of the expensive cities such as Tokyo and Paris also have Street cart options or stands that offer delicious foods at a much cheaper price than the cafes restaurant there. Instead of expensive restaurant try:
- Local street food or markets – Authentic, delicious, and much cheaper than restaurants.
- Casual eateries where locals eat – Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions, as they’re often overpriced.
- Booking a hotel or Airbnb with a kitchenette – Making your own breakfast or a few meals can save you a lot.
- Lunch specials – Many restaurants offer cheaper prices for the same dishes during lunch instead of dinner.
9. Visit Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Instead of spending money on expensive tours, take advantage of free attractions, scenic walks, and cultural experiences. Many cities offer free walking tours, public museums, and nature spots that don’t cost a dime. Research your destination’s city passes, which can provide discounts on multiple attractions.
For example, catch Picasso’s legendary Guernica at Madrid’s Museo Reina Sofía for free on Monday or Wednesday through Saturday (7-9 p.m.) & Sundays (12:30-2:30 p.m.).
10. Pack Smart
Nothing’s worse than realizing you forgot something essential and having to buy an overpriced version last minute. So always pack these things:
✔ A refillable water bottle (to avoid spending $3 every time when you are thirsty).
✔ A travel-size detergent (so you can easily wash clothes and pack light).
✔ A universal adapter (because buying one at the airport is a rip-off).