13 [incredibly useful] Travel Tips when on a Budget for the Savvy Wanderlust

You should definitely include these travel tips if you are on a budget and a bit price conscious but still want to travel the world.  Budget travel doesn’t just mean just hostels and looking for $5 meals, it means being intentional about how money is spent.

If you’re like most people, you probably look at all these travel creators and influencers and wonder how they are able to travel so much. You in fact, may even dream of traveling the world but think it’s out of reach because it’s so expensive. Well, think again! Especially take it from someone who has been to over 60 countries and all 7 continents including Antarctica.

There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget without sacrificing comfort/quality and without being TikTok or Instagram famous. So, if you’re looking to travel on a budget, look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss 13 travel tips if on a budget that will help you save money while traveling the globe. Let’s get started!

1. Research Your Destination

Depending on where you travel, the cost of living can be more or less expensive than what you’re used to. By researching the cost of living in your destination before you go, you can budget accordingly and save money while there. We actually have a tool, our Destination Travel Filter, that has an “Affordability” scale for hundreds of cities around the world. Use this to help find cheap destinations.

You’ll want to look into the currency exchange rate and average costs for things like food and transportation. This will give you a better idea of what expenses to expect while traveling.

Planning ahead is essential. Booking flights and accommodations in advance can often save you money compared to last-minute bookings too.  Asia is great place to start if you want to travel on a budget but also have a luxury experience. Some of my favorites in Asia are Bali, Indonesia; Seoul, South Korea; Hong Kong, China; and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, just to get you started. But definitely check out the Destination Travel Filter because it also breaks it down by regions of the world.

2. Pack Light

Packing light not only saves you money on luggage fees but also allows for more flexibility and ease while traveling. Instead of lugging around a heavy suitcase and multiple bags, you’ll be able to move around more freely with just a carry-on or backpack. 

Also, if you intentionally pack light that means you will not go on a shopping spree before your trip to buy new clothes (and you know you will probably end up wearing less than 50% of it sooo….).  It’s not that it is a waste because you will probably wear them on a future trip but adopting this strategy is a great tip to save cash if you are traveling on a budget.  Additionally,  ask your friends and family if they will let you  borrow some clothes before you go out there and buy as well.

3. Look Into Alternative Living Accommodations

Hotels can be expensive, but if use sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com you can get an aggregate view of hotel options which can help you save on cost. Additionally, there are plenty of alternatives that offer more budget-friendly options. Consider staying at hostels, Airbnb rentals, or couch surfing to save money on accommodations. This is one of my favorite travel tips when on a budget that can save you a lot!

Hostels are super cheap, and just we are clear they do not all have to be 10-20 bunk style rooms. I have stayed in hostels where I had my own room. Additionally, staying in hostels give you an opportunity to meet new people.

I would definitely recommend trying AirBNB rentals or VRBO as you could even rent our rooms in some cases instead of entire houses or apartments.

Also Couch Surfing is great option if you are traveling on budget because you can literally stay at someone’s couch for FREE.

If you are looking for something more formal then try a work exchange where you work for a fixed amount hours (house task, paper work etc.) in exchange for free accommodations. Check out some of these sites (most have $25-$60 annual membership fee): Worldpackers , HelpStay, Workaway, HelpX, WWOOF

4. Learn How to Buy Your Plane Tickets

The answer to how to get the best price for plane tickets varies but one of the more impactful set of travel tips if you are on a budget that will save you tons! Here are some common recommendations:

1. Buy your plane tickets two months before your trip
2. Book early in the week when airlines adjust their fares
3. Travel in the fall to avoid the “high season” and save up to 30%
4. Follow major airline’s social media accounts to check for deals
5. Sign up for a rewards program
6. Subscribe to email newsletters to stay up to date with discounts

Ultimately, it depends on your destination and timing. Do some research, but also be flexible with dates and times for potential savings.   I also have a cheat code in the next section if you can be flexible with your destinations.

While booking, remember to either:

1. Book flights in incognito mode,
2. Using a VPN,
3. or after deleting your cookies

This way, the airline won’t track your search and potentially increase their fares.

5. Have an Itinerary, But Leave Room for Flexibility

Having a rough itinerary in place can help you budget and plan ahead. However, it’s important to leave room for flexibility as well.  Waiting to the last minute, will definitely keep your adrenaline going but will likely end up costing you cash so try to make a plan.

Also flexibility will save you money! For example, have you heard of this website called Skycanner?  It can help you find flights, hotels, and rental cars but its truly unique benefit is finding flights.  So in  Skyscanner, if  put your arrival destination as “Everywhere” and set  the timeframe to any day for a specific month, it’s algorithm will show you the absolute cheapest flights leaving out your city for that month

So just being flexible on time and destination you can find flights for under $100 in a lot of cases.  This is a great tip for traveling on budget as it is a great way to save you on flight costs if you can be flexible in where you want to go.

Being open to different experiences or activities can often lead to unexpected savings or unique experiences that you may not have planned for otherwise.  So live life on the wild side.

6. Get Travel Insurance

This might sound contrary to traveling on a budget, but trust us, it’s worth it. Travel insurance can save you from unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or flight cancellations. You don’t want to be in another country and have an accident that you can’t pay for.

Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but financially, it’s not worth the risk.

With that said, make sure you completely understand the policy you choose. Sometimes, your own personal insurance like home or health will already have you covered. Make sure you check and choose the right plan for your trip. This new travel insurance company Battleface is an innovative way to pick components of a travel insurance policy a la carte.

7. Book With a Credit Card / Credit Card Crunch

Many credit cards have rewards and travel perks, such as points or miles that can be redeemed for flights or accommodations. These travel tips, with regards to credit card crunching, if you are on a budget can save you a lot if you spend money very intentionally. I really like the American Express Gold Card because with its 90,000 point promotion you can get up $3500 in value.  It’s mostly a card to used on food and I used it right throughout the year and had a ton of points to use on an upcoming trip. Here is a quick breakdown of benefits of the card (subject to change):

1. You earn 90,000 Membership Rewards Points if you have the special link and you spend $4,000 in 6 months. (this is actually a $3,500 value if you do it right)
2. You receive 20% back as a statement credit on purchases at restaurants worldwide up to $250 
3. You get $120 Uber Cash  
4. You get $120 Dining Credit with Grubhub/Seamless, etc.
5. You get 4X points for groceries and restaurants

With many of these credit cards, like the American Express Gold Card, you get some levels of insurance coverage with a credit card booking. However, be sure to call you respective credit card company and specifically ask what is covered understand the policy lined to your care. Also, make sure to pay off your balance in full to avoid any interest fees.

8. Public Transportation is a Must

Taking public transportation instead of renting a car or hailing taxis can save you money while traveling. Walking is also a great way to explore your destination and save on transportation costs.

I know we live in a world of Uber and other forms of car-sharing but those rides add up really fast.  Taking the bus, a train, walking, or even riding a bike a is great tip to remember for traveling on a budget.

9. Eat Like a Local

Eating at touristy restaurants can often add up quickly, especially if you eat out 2-3 times a day, so consider cooking your own meals while on vacation. This can be as simple as buying groceries at a local market or utilizing the kitchen in your accommodations. Not only will this save money, but it can also be a fun and unique way to experience the local culture.

Remember to follow these foodie travel tips when on a budget:

1. Ensure you have a kitchenette or have access to kitchen appliances with rooms you book if possible
2. Look for local supermarkets
3. Buy large quantities of food and meal plan

If you want to eat at restaurants, remember to:

1. Do your research on budget-friendly restaurants near your living accommodations before your trip
2. Avoid bilingual menus since many of these restaurants are catered toward tourists
3. Avoid tourist areas that have restaurants
4. Ask the locals where they like to eat
5. Go out for lunch rather than dinner since it’s usually cheaper. While doing this, it may be a good idea to buy large amounts of food and pack the rest to reheat for dinner later.

Also, if you do want do something a bit more extravagant when it comes to food, AirBNB offers various experiences you can do in different countries where you go to a locals house and learn how to cook a local meal. It is normally pretty affordable and it is excellent way to connect with new people, get to know some locals, and get some food in your belly. I did it in Morocco and had a blast!

10. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Many cities have free museums, parks, and activities. Even though some of these entertainment and educational locations may have admission prices, many offer free hours during certain times of the week or month.

Do some research on free attractions in the area before your trip to plan accordingly and save money on entertainment.

11. Celebrating A Special Occasion? Tell EVERYONE

If you’re celebrating a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary while on vacation, make sure to let the airline, hotel, and restaurant staff know. Many times they will give complimentary gifts or discounts for your special occasion.

Also, even if it’s a a month, or two, or three away, I won’t tell them if you are just having a super early celebration. I know for our honeymoon we got free chocolates, free wine at our hotel so I’ve been thinking to myself why can’t every trip we take be our “honeymoon” trip. Just saying….

12. Barter or Haggle

In many countries, it’s common practice to bargain for prices at markets or small shops. Some countries like China, Ghana, Nigeria, Turkey, and Egypt even expect you to haggle and price their items high initially.  And really in any country when you are in a local marke,t prices are negotiable. 

Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better deal for souvenirs or items you want to purchase. I love a good bargain so this one the more natural travel tips if you are on a budget that I do the easiest. It will also help you save money in the long run. It may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but give it a try.   One of the best tricks is to haggle for a while and if they don’t budge, slowly walk away. If you are lucky, they will stop you from leaving the store.

Just make sure that it is commonplace in the country you’re going to. You don’t want to offend anyone by attempting to haggle in a country where it’s not the norm.

13. Stay Connected at a Discount

While roaming charges can be expensive, there are alternative options to staying connected while traveling internationally. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or investing in an international hotspot device. This will save you from racking up large phone bills by using your own data plan while abroad.

Sim Cards can typically be purchased at the airport or close by. Also, a lot of times you can get connected to wifi so you can use that to stay connected.

Lastly, see if any of your companions have T-mobile phone plan. T-Mobile has a free international plan built into most of there phone packages  so that will be a great way to save money but also keep you connected.

Conclusion

Probably one of the most important travel tips when on on a budget is to remember to always do your research before heading out on any trip. The more prepared and informed you are, the better experience you’ll have while sticking to your budget.

Traveling on a budget takes some planning and effort, but with these tips, you’ll be able to have a wonderful vacation without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!

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