ways to make travel cheaper

How To Travel The World Cheap: 57 Epic Budget Travel Hacks for 2024!

There are lots of practices you can adopt in order to travel the world cheap . The most effective ways are to take advantage of Airmiles, exchange work for free food and accommodation, have a well researched travel plan and to be savvy with bank cards and money exchanges.

Since 2008 I’ve travelled all over the world on a fairly tight budget, often working as I go. In this guide I want to share 57 cheap travel hacks that I’ve picked up which will have you exploring the globe for less.

So, let’s get straight into it!

Transportation Travel Tips & Hacks

1. Flight booking hacks. One of the biggest initial costs when travelling is your flight ticket. So in order to travel cheap, use flight comparisons sites such as Kiwi . You may find booking directly through the airline is cheaper but always use a price comparison engine to check before you book.

Pro Tip : Make sure to clear your cookies and browsing history to avoid price increases. By searching for flights you are signalling to the world that you are looking to buy, so prices will then increase daily in order to get you to panic buy. Delete cookies or browse in incognito mode to avoid this. @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter&family=Inter:wght@500&family=Noto+Serif&family=Noto+Serif:wght@500&display=swap'); .tp_wrapper { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; /* the font, can be replaced with 'Noto Serif' */ max-width: 1024px; } .tp_content { background-color: #DEE9F0; /* main block background color */ padding: 24px 32px 32px; } .tp_subtitle { margin: 0 0 16px; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 500; } .tp_text { font-size: 17px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 145%; margin: 0; } .tp_button { display: inline-block; background: #2A243B; border-radius: 6px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; color: #fff; font-size: 20px; margin-top: 24px; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; }

2. Try changing the home location of flight booking websites to see if purchasing in another currency is cheaper.

3. One of the cheapest ways to travel is through offering to get bumped off a flight in exchange for a flight voucher. These can be seriously rewarding! Companies will regularly overbook flights on the assumption that people will cancel or not show up. On those times when this doesn’t happen the airlines need to free up seats quick, and that’s where you step in!

4. For short trips choose carry on only or if you need to check baggage, pay for it online before you travel. Airlines will often charge more at the airport.

5. Save on rail travel costs by using railcards. I saved a ton through using the Japan Rail Pass during one visit, however they only save money if you use them to the full so do the research first.  Also consider using overnight trains to save on accommodation costs. This works great in some countries such as India and is an awesome local experience too.

6. If you feel comfortable, consider hitchhiking. Alternatively, connect with other travellers at your hostel to carpool.

7. If you have a flexible plan, investigate relocating vehicles to get free or discounted car hire.

Consider renting a car with Rentalcars , an international car rental booking service that is present all over the world. With Rentalcars you will definitely find a perfect car for your perfect trip wherever you are.

8. When travelling for long periods save money through walking or using buses, instead of using expensive taxis. Use ride sharing apps such as Uber, Lyft, Cabify and Grab. Uber opened the door for cheap car journeys but now there are lots of different companies operating all over the world. Research which ones are best for the areas you’re traveling too and download the app before you go.

9. One of the biggest ways to traveling on the cheap by far, is to use an Airmiles credit card. Every time you spend money with that credit card you will be earning Airmile points which can be exchanged for flights. Just remember to always pay off your credit card every month to avoid high interest fees.

10. Create frequent flyer accounts with every airline you travel with then sit back and enjoy the rewards.

11. A top sneaky travel hack is to jump on airline price errors. Sometimes airfares can pop up at crazy low prices, often caused by a glitch in the Matrix (or something!). If you manage to purchase one of these flights the airline will often honour the incorrect price. Act fast and take advantage of these opportunities by following these ninja websites:

• Secret flying.com
• Jacks Flight Club (UK) or Scott’s Cheap Flights (US)
• The Flight Deal

12. Pack light and smart to avoid excess baggage fees. Roll your clothes or use packing cubes to save on space.

13. Take advantage of layovers to enjoy a quick city visit without any extra flight costs.

14. Try booking two one-way trips rather than a return. I’ve had success with this on flights and rail trips.

15. Keep receipts for gift purchases and claim back the tax at the airport before you leave the country.

16. Travel by campervan. If you’re looking to explore your own country (or continent), consider buying a campervan to combine your method of transportation with your accommodation. My campervan has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made and I can highly recommend it. For all the latest info on converting your own campervan check out my van life section .

Accommodation Travel Hacks

17. Get cheap or free accommodation through housesitting . With housesitting you will generally look after the persons house whilst they are away. Many housesitting jobs often include pet sitting.

18. Get free accommodation and learn all about life from a local through couch surfing .

19. Pick accommodation with free breakfast to save on food costs.

20. Choose private hostel rooms instead of more expensive hotels.

🏨 Where can I find the cheapest hostels?

You will definitely find the hostel you need with Hostelworld , the global hostel-focused online booking platform, inspires passionate travelers to see the world, meet new people, and come back with extraordinary stories to tell.

21. Use booking.com ‘s price matching promise to get the best price on hotels.

22. Travelling on a special occasion? Be sure to let your hotel know and they might offer you a free upgrade.

Work Abroad

23. Exchange work for accommodation and/or food with companies such as Workaway or World packers. Or, if you want to learn about organic growing, check out WWOOF .

24. Earn a passive income to support yourself whilst travelling. There are so many ways to get a side hustle going these days but some examples include;

• Selling your photos on stock photography websites such as Dreamstime or Shutterstock.
• Starting a website. Make sure you use a fast and reliable host. For my websites I use Siteground .
• Selling your photos directly with a website that does it all for you. I use Smugmug .
• Teaching English online.

25. Join a voluntary programme abroad for example VSO. Many volunteer programmes charge a fee and in return they will provide accommodation, food and training. There are volunteer programmes all over the world in all sorts of different professions. For example, I joined the American Conservation Experience as I was interested in conservation and wanted to explore the South West . Here are some other ideas to explore .

26. Work in a travel job, for example as a tour guide with Contiki, Exodus or Backroads. For adventure travel consider life as an Overland Leader. I’ve worked as an overland leader for severn years and have travelled extensively through Asia, Africa and the Americas. Read more about this job here . If you have a particular trade you can also work on cruise ships or private yachts.

27. Work abroad with a work visa. Below the age of 30 work visas for many countries are quite straight forward to get. Whilst in that country you can then pick up temporary work which is usually unskilled, such as fruit picking, retail or a bar work.

After a certain age, usually 30, some countries will still allow you to work but will require work visas for specific professions, for example as a ski instructor or scuba dive instructor.

Alternatively you could get your TEFL certificate and teach English abroad. This can also be done remotely, online.

28. Do your job online. Can your work be done remotely? Post Covid it seems like more companies are exploring this as a full time option so this could open new avenues for many. If you have a service that can be provided online you could also offer your services on Craigslist or Fivrr. 

Destination Tips For Budget Travel

29. A cheap way to travel is to visit destinations where your home currency is strong. You’ll benefit from a strong exchange rate and from cheaper costs of living.

30. Whilst you’re on a tight budget, skip destinations with expensive visas.

31. Stick to one region at a time to avoid air travel costs. When I first went travelling I booked a round the world air ticket thinking I could see the world in 6 months. Boy did I have a lot to learn! Pick one region to fully explore first before moving onto the next. Don’t do what I did and be in a hurry to see everything all at once.

32. Travel during the shoulder season to benefit from lower costs and avoid the crowds at the same time – double win!

Food Travel Hacks To Save Money

33. Cook your own food. One of the best ways to travel around the world for cheap is to limit the amount you spend of food. Now don’t get me wrong I am a complete foodie and believe one of the best things about travelling is experiencing new types of cuisine. However, eating new types of food doesn’t mean going to the most expensive restaurants, in fact it’s often the opposite. But travelling on a limited budget does mean it’s not possible to eat out everyday since the cheapest way to eat often involves cooking your own food. Therefore choose accommodation with kitchens included such as hostels or rent an apartment.

34. Jump on happy hours and all you can eat deals.

35. Eat out at delicious and cheap street food stalls with the locals.

36. Avoid restaurants near popular tourist spots as these will often be overpriced.

37. Limit your alcohol if you have a limited budget.  Alcohol is often expensive and isn’t a necessity.

38. Use a filtered water bottle and never buy water again. Check out this guide to discover which filtered water bottle I recommend for travel .

39. Stealth budget travel hack: Use chewing gum or tic tac containers to transport your favourite spices. Cheap food doesn’t have to be bland!

Planning Tips For How To Travel On The Cheap

40. Set a budget and stick to it. But be sure to include a generous contingency to allow for times when things don’t go to plan or to cover a once in a lifetime opportunity if it arrises. 

41. If you are travelling on a tight budget you need to make a plan before you leave. List your priorities before you set off and refer to the list once you’re on the road. That way you won’t get sucked into doing expensive tours that you weren’t interested in anyway. Check out Google Maps Trip Planner for a great free trip planning tool.

42. Research whether activities you want to enjoy are cheaper to book in advance or are best left open and flexible. Last minute trips can sometimes work out cheaper.

43. If you don’t want the hassle of planning a trip use a travel agent. They know what they’re doing and can often find you the best deals.

44. Get smart and savvy with city tourist cards which provide entrance fees for multiple sites. If you know you’re going to visit all the top sites these will definitely save you money overall. 

45. Enjoy free city walking tours. I’ve enjoyed great free city tours in Galway and Yerevan to name just two. But of course they’re not completely free – don’t forget to tip!

46. Research entrance prices beforehand to avoid getting scammed. However, just be aware of what the local currency is doing as prices can jump up if a currency weakens.

47. Follow your favourite travel companies on social media to learn about special promotions or giveaways.

Money Top Tips For Traveling Cheap

48. Get smart on money Exchange. Never change money at the airport or at busy tourist spots as these will have the worst rates. Hotels or hostels may also offer exchanges which again typically aren’t the best rates but they are safe and convenient so way up the risks/benefits of both.

49. An easy but important cheap way to travel is to use a travel card or join a bank with no overseas fees. This way you can hit the ATM without getting hit with overseas withdrawal fees. I use Starling Bank which is an online bank. All of my transactions are managed online via an app. Also, if purchasing online, they don’t charge for overseas transactions and have decent exchange rates.

50. Haggle but don’t be a d**k! Some cultures embrace bartering, expect it even, but these local people also have to support themselves so don’t be the person that walks away from a purchase for the sake of a dollar! 

51. Use donatefull.com or groupon.com to find best coupons or use wikibuy to apply coupon codes at checkout.

52. A top life hack for travelling is to purchase a Scrubba bag and save on laundry bills. This nifty little bag packs down really small so doesn’t take up any room in your luggage and with just a 3 minute shake, can wash your clothes as good as any washing machine!

53. Keep rechargeable batteries in the fridge or at least in shady places. Rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge if they’re kept cold. Not freezer cold though as this will have the opposite effect.

Phone and Internet

54. Get a local sim card and avoid hefty roaming fees. In some countries these can be a rather involved process but for most it’s quite straight forward. You often need your passport to register the sim card.

55. Use offline maps to save data. I use maps.me for most places when I’m travelling.

56. Consider investing in your own wifi router if you require a good connection. In our campervan we use this super fast Huawei wifi travel hotspot which allows us to connect multiple devices in areas where signal is typically poor.

Travel Insurance

57. Last but by no means least, get yourself some good travel insurance. Travel insurance can be expensive for long trips but you just never know when you might need it. The world of insurance can be a minefield but the guys at SafetyWing do great deals for long term travel through allowing you pay on a month by month basis. I highly recommend checking them out.

Summary On How To Travel The World Cheaply

Travelling around the world cheaply can do be done in many ways but it often requires a good amount of planning in advance. Be prepared for your trip through investigating the best deals, signing up for Airmile credit cards and joining frequent flyer programmes. Consider exchanging work for accommodation and reduce food costs through cooking your own food. Ensure you have the best bank cards to avoid big transaction fees, choose destinations where your currency is strong and use local Sim cards for the best phone and internet deals.

Through incorporating even just a few of these cheap travel tips you’ll be well on your way to exploring further, for longer 🙂

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide, Snowboard Instructor & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and currently guides mountain trips in the UK.

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How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

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Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

How to Travel Cheaper: 40 Ways to Travel on a Budget

One of the greatest things about travel is how truly accessible it is to any budget. Traveling on a budget absolutely does not need to take away from your overall experience and actually, we believe that budget travel can add to the experience! It’s amazing how much you can save when you really put your mind to it and cut down on extra expenses. We became experts at traveling cheaper on our six month trip around the world. Even nowadays when we travel and aren’t on such a small budget, we still implement these ways to travel cheaper because some are so practical that it just makes sense!

This guide on how to travel cheaper is broken down into 7 different resource sections. You’ll be surprised how simple some of these are and really will not impact your overall travel experience. Ultimately remember that research is your best friend. If you take the time to learn the tips and tricks for different destinations, you will be prepared to save during your travels!

How to travel cheaper: Planning

1. be flexible with your destinations and dates.

Depending on your work and home situation, you can save tons of money on travel by being flexible with your travel dates. Most of the time there is no rhyme or reason why it is cheaper to fly on some dates than others. Especially if you book your trip early, simply adjust your exact timing and book the cheaper travel dates!

We use a combination of Google flights , Skyscanner and Hopper to gauge flight costs. Hopper will tell you what the average flight costs will be to a destination, so you know if you are getting a good deal!

We also love subscribing to Dollar Flight Club and Scott’s Cheap Flights . These companies basically search the internet for cheap flights! If you are flexible with your travel, you may end up traveling somewhere really cool for super cheap. Dollar Flight Club is how we ended up going on our honeymoon to Ireland for $300 roundtrip!

2. Travel in the off-season

Every country has their popular time of the year to visit and the reality is that it is probably just as fabulous during the off-season, just cheaper! We backpacked through Asia at the beginning of the rainy season and the weather rarely impacted us. We know that we saved on housing costs during this time compared to the same housing options in-season.

3. Get travel insurance

World Nomads makes travel insurance so affordable and it is 100% worth the investment. They will cover thousands of dollars of costs depending on your situation if something happens. Get the insurance!

4. Travel to budget friendly destinations

If you are traveling on a budget, be practical about your destinations. There are tons of countries and cities to explore that are just simply cheaper to travel to than others. We ended up cutting out Switzerland on our backpacking trip around the world because it would have made a huge dent in our overall budget. We will go another time when funds aren’t as tight!

Here are some of our favorite budget friendly countries:

• Czech Republic

5. Plan your daily budget

Knowing your budget is essential to traveling cheaper! Learn here how to plan your travel budget. Trail Wallet is the best app for keeping your budget in check!

6. Book early

Last minute travel is typically the most expensive to book! Do your research early and plan your trip early.

How to travel cheaper: Transportation

7. fly during the week.

Similar to the point above about being flexible, cheaper flight options will typically be during the week. Flight costs can be a big chunk of your travel budget, so save here when you can!

8. Use public transportation

What’s a better way to learn a city than mastering public transportation? You got this! Not only will you become a more experienced traveler but it will usually save you tons!

9. Take overnight transportation for long travel days

This is a tough one, but it is a true way to travel cheaper. Overnight transportation is typically cheaper than standard hours and on top of that, you save on a night of housing. Budget travel is not always comfortable!

10. Research different transportation options between cities

Rome2Rio is the best website to see all of your transportation options! There are typically different priced options between train, plane or bus to get to a new city. We took a 7 hour overnight bus from Vienna to Poland instead of a quick flight because it saved us a couple hundred dollars. Figure out the cheapest way to travel between destinations.

11. Research different airport options

Make sure to check all of the nearby airport options for the city you are flying to! We have been to Florence multiple times and rarely fly into the actual Florence airport because it is so small. Both Milan and Rome are bigger airports, which usually means cheaper flights. They are both an easy train ride to Florence so we end up saving on the roundtrip travel.

12. Download the local transportation apps

While Uber or Lyft do exist in a lot of places, they are not the only rideshare apps around the world. There are others like FreeNow (Europe) and Grab (Asia) that are very important to download. There may also be an app specifically for public transportation.

Research what the transportation options are before you go to a new city and make sure you have them ready on your phone!

Use code JLJ10 for 10% off all eSIM purchases.

13. Carpool (safely!)

Carpooling is a great way to save some money while traveling. Did you stay at a hostel and there are other travelers going to the airport at the same time? Split the cab! Now safety first, do not get in the car with a complete stranger from the airport. Never sacrifice safety for your budget!

14. Walk when you can

Walking is the best form of free transportation and a great way to explore a new city.

15. Avoid transportation when there is a surge

This is not something that you think about until you are in that situation where the uber to the airport is 3x the costs. If you can, avoid needing a ride at rush hour or right when the bars close.

When we were living in San Juan, all of the bars closed at 12am due to the pandemic. We made the effort to leave the bar 15 minutes early to grab a car before the rush. A typical uber was $10-$15 to get home and with the surge it was $50-$60. This saved us tons for a small effort! Another example is getting a car to the airport. If you have a late evening flight, consider getting to the airport on the earlier side to beat rush hour and avoid the surge.

How to travel cheaper: Dining and drinking

Food and drink costs can really make or break a travel budget! Luckily there are tons of ways to experience a city without spending your money on expensive dinners or fancy cocktails. These are a few of our favorite ways to cut down our food and alcohol costs while traveling!

16. Limit your restaurant meals

There is really no need to dine out every meal when you are traveling. If dining out is important to your travel experience, choose a few restaurants in each city that are a must and make those your only meals out!

For your other meals, go to the local grocery store. We used to eat breakfast in Europe for ~$3 each. We would grab a croissant, piece of fruit and a coffee – it’s certainly not gourmet, but it is cheap and sets you up for the day! If your housing has a fridge and kitchen, grab supplies to cook or make sandwiches. This will end up saving you so much money!

17. Research local happy hours

Happy hour is a budget traveler’s dream! This is the best way to treat yourself and try a bar or restaurant that you normally would not be able to fit in your budget. We have happy hour hopped through cities by starting at the earliest one and ending up at the latest one – make it an event!

18. Check the tipping standards in each country

Each country has a different standard on tipping so it is important to check the rules or ask the locals what is expected. Just as much as you don’t want to undertip, you also don’t want to overtip! Australia is a great example of this. It is very uncommon to tip in Australia because the servers and bartenders are paid a full salary vs dependent on tips. This is an opportunity to save some money while traveling.

Again, we do not endorse being a cheap tipper. Even if you are traveling on a budget, always take care of your servers and bartenders!

19. Drink in public respectfully (if it is allowed!)

This is what we call the SM Sports Bar (Seth and Maddy Sports bar). It is located anywhere in the world and also budget friendly! This is the easiest way to limit your bar tabs. If it is permitted in the country you are visiting, grab some beers or wine from the grocery store and happy hour in the local park! The SM Sports bar has been to some cool places like watching a sunset in Santorini, under windmills in Belgium and of course under the sparkling eiffel tower.

20. Ask the locals where they eat

Most likely the locals are not dining at the most expensive restaurants. Ask your bartender or your airbnb host where the locals go to eat! This will give you a budget dining option and also a true local experience. Our surf instructor in Puerto Rico gave us some of the best recommendations that we did not find on the internet!

21. Always keep healthy snacks on hand

Grab some healthy snacks from the grocery store to help manage your hunger and keep them with you. This will limit your urge to buy a meal out and hold you over until you are back at your housing to cook your meal!

How to travel cheaper: Tours and experiences

Tours and experiences are another way to quickly work through your travel budget. Here are a few workarounds to still experience all of the culture while traveling on a budget.

22. Plan your own tours instead of hiring a company

This is actually very doable with enough research, especially for walking tours! One of the best things about the travel community is the amount of free resources out there. Research if this is doable and do a tour on your own time for free!

We read multiple blogs about the Game Of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik, Croatia and did it all ourselves. We did the same for the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, we rented bikes and led our own tour to all of the different sites.

23. Research free activities in each city

There are tons of free activities in every city! Check out all of the free parks and museums. When in doubt, people watching in a park is a great way to spend an afternoon.

24. Visit museums when they are free

Many cities in Europe offer their museums for free on the first Sunday of every month. Take advantage of days like this to visit those pricey museums!

25. Research student discounts

If you are a student, many museums and activities will offer student discounts. This is a great way to travel cheaper!

26. Skip the trinkets

Many travelers love to pick up a trinket from each city they visit. If you are traveling on a budget, consider skipping this tradition and remember your travels through pictures and journals! One “trinket” we like to purchase in each city is a postcard. This does not take up any space in your bag and is usually around $1.

How to travel cheaper: Housing

Housing expenses can really add to your overall travel budget. Here are some ways to travel cheaper through your housing choices.

27. Visit friends

The best kind of housing is free housing with friends! If you are truly traveling on a budget and looking for a getaway, consider visiting a friend to save money on housing. Depending on your location, this could save you $500+!

28. Compare all of your housing options

Each city varies with what housing is cheapest depending on your group size. Airbnb will be your best option in many destinations in Europe and the US if you are traveling with a few friends. If you are traveling solo, hostels will most likely be your cheapest option for travel!

We always browse Booking.com and Hostelworld to gauge hotel and hostel pricing. Then do a quick search on Airbnb or VRBO to see which will be cheaper per person.

29. Prepare for shared housing

Shared rooms will always be cheaper than private rooms. For the cheapest option, go with a bed in the biggest room in the hostel. It’s a great way to meet other travelers and as long as you are prepared with an eye mask and ear plugs , you’ll be just fine!

30. Book housing with a kitchen

This refers back to the point earlier about cooking instead of dining out. Utilize the kitchen in your housing to save money on food while traveling.

31. Travel with a buddy

We totally encourage solo travel but sometimes the reality is that it is cheaper to travel with a buddy or a group. You can save a lot of money by sharing housing, rides, meals etc…

How to travel cheaper: Packing

32. pack light.

The less you pack, the less you will pay for travel. Read how to pack light for travel to become a packing expert and ultimately save you money!

33. BYO water bottle

Always travel with your own water bottle! It is so much more cost effective to fill up at water fountains rather than paying for water bottles whenever you need a new one. It is also eco-friendly!

34. Invest in refillable toiletry bottles

I love refillable toiletry bottles to save money while traveling. It’s a great way to buy larger bottles of your favorite products and fill them up when you are traveling rather than buying travel sized toiletries for every trip. Here is a list of the best toiletries for travel!

35. Use hotel amenities

When you are traveling on a budget, it is not the time to be picky about your products. If your housing provides soap/shampoo/conditioner/lotion, use them! They are free. And bring extras from housekeeping to your next destination.

How to travel cheaper: Banking and logistics

Banking is not always fun to talk about but it is super important that you set yourself up for success before traveling! Many of these logistics are discussed in more detail in our guide on How To Prepare for Long Term Travel . These expenses really add up, especially when you are traveling for a long time. If you have your finances set up with the right companies, you’ll ultimately travel for cheaper!

36. Get a local sim card

Unless you have T-Mobile, international roaming fees are expensive and add up. A local sim card is the cheapest way to use your phone internationally.

37. Be aware of ATM charges or better, get a debit card with no international ATM fees

Make Charles Schwab your new travel budget best friend! This is the best bank for international travel because they will reimburse foreign ATM transaction fees. We saved thousands on ATM fees during our six month backpacking trip. Some ATMs will charge up to $15 to withdraw cash. That amount will really add up!

38. Earn points with your credit card

Credit card points are truly one of the top ways to travel cheaper. We use Chase credit cards to earn as many points as we can on travel. We like to use our points in locations that do not necessarily fit in the budget. If there is a city that you want to visit but the hotels are crazy expensive, use your points to book your stay! It doesn’t cost you any extra and you earned it.

39. Get priority pass with your credit card

Think about the last time you were in an Airport for a couple hours, how much money did you spend? Gaining access to airport lounges with Priority Pass ends up saving you so much money on travel because you do not need to buy anything in the airport! You can eat a meal, fill up your water and take snacks on the go before your flight. Plus even though you are traveling on a budget, you feel like a baller when you are hanging out in the lounge!

Europe and Asia have some of the best airport lounges in the world. Some travel days we like to get to the airport early to enjoy our time in the lounge before the flight!

40. Avoid exchanging money when you can

Somehow you always end up losing money when you exchange money. Try and gauge how much cash you really need to take out in a certain country before traveling to a new country. The more accurate your estimation, the less money you will lose on the exchange rate and can simply take more cash out at your next destination.

Additional budget resources:

Your question answered: How to quit your job and travel Use this guide to build your travel budget Learn how to pack light for travel

See, there are so many ways to travel cheaper! Travel really is accessible to anyone who is on a budget, you just need to make smart decisions with your money.

Traveling on a budget absolutely does not need to take away from your overall travel experience. Hopefully these tips on how to travel cheaper will help you pursue your dreams and travel the world. Let us know in the comments any of your favorite budget tips we may have forgotten!

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How to Quit your Job and Travel

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51 Mind-Blowing Budget Travel Tips | The Art of Travel on a Shoestring

Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

How do nomadic, round-the-world trip and budget travelers make their dollar stretch when they aren’t trust fund babies and don’t have a daily 9-5 job ? Well, there are ways to travel for cheap!

This ain’t no “eat ramen every day” budget travel guide. We’re diving deep into 51 ingenious hacks that’ll have you sipping cappuccinos in Italy, trekking through Thailand, and conquering Machu Picchu – all without breaking the bank.

This post contains affiliate links. I have travel insurance on all my trips ( get a quote ). If you want to find an insurance plan based on your needs & budget, use this trip  insurance finder tool . Read my guide on trip insurance options for U.S. Travelers. .

Table of Contents: 51 Mind-Blowing Budget Travel Tips | The Art of Travel on a Shoestring

• 0.1.1 Wanna learn the art of travel on a shoestring? I’m going to share solo travel budget tips and travel hacks for ways to travel on the cheap.
• 1.1.1 1.  Each splurge, cut back on something else.
• 1.1.2 2.  Choose less expensive destinations
• 1.1.3 3. Keep a daily budget.
• 1.1.4 4. Keep a daily allowance.
• 1.1.5 5. Vacation mentality vs slow travel mentality
• 1.2.1 6.  Research the ride share app of the country you’re traveling.
• 1.2.2 7.   Use public transit like the bus or metro.
• 1.2.3 8.   Walk and burn calories.
• 1.2.4 9.  Travel slow(er)
• 1.2.5 10. Travel overnight
• 1.2.6 11. Slow Travel overland
• 1.3.1 12.   Only take flights when you really need to
• 1.3.2 13.   Pack carry-on luggage size
• 1.3.3 14.   Utilize layovers as an extra trip.
• 1.3.4 15. Learn how to book cheap flights
• 1.4.1 16.  Book a hotel with an airport pickup service.
• 1.4.2 17.  Spend the night in an airport.
• 1.4.3 18.  Learn to sleep anywhere you are.
• 1.4.4 19.  Hostels & guesthouses
• 1.4.5 20.  Look for free in-transit hotels
• 1.4.6 21.  Housesitting
• 1.4.7 22.  Don’t only look at “hotels”
• 1.4.8 23.  Take the overnight train or bus
• 1.4.9 24.  Ask if your hotel has early check-in fees.
• 1.4.10 25. Couchsurfing
• 1.4.11 26. Do a Home stay
• 1.4.12 27.  Share accommodation expenses with a stranger
• 2.0.1 28.  Master the Art of Grazing
• 2.0.2 29.  Eat street food or at local restaurants
• 2.0.3 30.  Use re-usable/refillable water bottles.
• 2.0.4 31.  Take a water filter device to avoid buying water
• 2.0.5 32.  Shop at local grocery stores
• 2.0.6 33.  Shop at local markets
• 3.0.1 34.   Groupon it
• 3.0.2 35.   Share transportation
• 3.0.3 36.  Travel with someone as cheap as you
• 3.0.4 37.  Avoid drinking and night clubbing
• 3.0.5 38.  Book group tours locally
• 3.0.6 39. Free walking tours
• 4.0.1 40.  Negotiate costs when you travel.
• 4.0.2 41.  Souvenir shop at the end
• 4.0.3 42.  Avoid the touristy areas
• 4.1.1  43. HelpX.net
• 4.1.2 44. WWOOFing
• 4.1.3 45. Use credit card reward programs
• 4.1.4 46. Use a credit card with no international fees
• 4.2.1 47.  Left Luggage Storage
• 4.2.2 48. Coin lockers
• 4.2.3 49.  Pack light & carry-on luggage
• 4.2.4 Budget travel tips for Travel Insurance
• 4.2.5 50. Best Travel Insurance for Budget Travelers
• 4.2.6 51. Annual Travel Insurance
• 4.2.7 What are your solo travel budget tips for ways to travel on the cheap? Leave your budget travel tips and cheap travel hacks below so we can benefit from it.
• 4.2.8 Related Posts on Budget Travel

Cheap travel hacks: How I afford travel

Money is the best known killer of travel dreams.  While travel influencers and Instagrammers make a travel lifestyle appear glamorously easy, we all know traveling is not a cheap hobby. Traveling is a privilege that has to be afforded.

Readers and viewers want to know how I afford traveling too. In order to create my videos and blog, I have to find countless ways to afford my travels. Sadly, there is no magic wand aside from hard work. Running a blog and YouTube can be an expensive investment in time, research and money. Sponsorships are not paid work, but work -in-exchange .  Boooo… you didn’t want to hear that, right?

If I’m not in an office making an hourly wage, I’m freelancing in video production, YouTube mentoring and I’m on my blog working long hours at creating content and converting statistics or pitching business opportunities.  I’m in it with you! 

But unlike you, my content revolves around travel and folks expect me to travel alone, so I’ve learned the art of solo travel on a shoestring out of sheer business survival!  It has taught me budget travel hacks  to make my dollar stretch and I’m happy to share those with you.

Read jobs that pay you to travel

And do me a favor, if you found this post helpful, please share this with friends or on social media. Any affiliate links you click and make purchases from helps me with maintenance expenses so I can continue to make free tips available to you!  Also, join my blog newletter where I share occasional deal finds.

Saving money on your travels

Wanna learn the art of travel on a shoestring? I’m going to share solo travel budget tips and travel hacks for ways to travel on the cheap.

Unless you’ve socked your life savings away or have a regular 9-to-5 job that allows you a short spurts of a vacation, many of us are looking for ways to make our dollar stretch when we travel.

Cheap Travel Tips: 51 Mind-Blowing Travel Hacks on a Budget

Adjust your budget travel mindset, 1.  each splurge, cut back on something else..

When you splurge on one thing, like an upgraded hotel experience or an extra attraction, tighten your belt on something else. Some things I tighten my belt on are:  food, souvenirs, bars and posh restaurants, or a pricy attraction!

2.  Choose less expensive destinations

By choosing strategically and embracing alternative destinations, you can stretch your hard-earned cash further and unlock months of exploration instead of fleeting weeks. Forget about the euro zone and embrace the budget traveling of Southeast Asia, East Asia and Central America! Choose less expensive destinations, where I you can travel longer with less money.

Sure Europe is sexy!  But a one week trip to Italy or Tokyo can equal two months of travel in Southeast Asia or Central America. Actually, check out my Japan on a shoestring budget . You can do Japan on the cheap too!

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3. Keep a daily budget.

Holding a daily budget makes you accountable for everything gives you an idea of where to cut back. I like to keep track of my expenses manually and jot my daily expenditures in a notebook. For longer journeys, I create an Excel spreadsheet. It can be a challenge to keep track of everything on the road, so sometimes I track the big expenses at night during quiet time and leave some of the incidentals for when I get home.

 Download my travel expense tracker (coming soon)

I’ve actually tried many expense tracking apps, but as I travel with a laptop, I like to track my expense on an Excel sheet document (above) where I can see everything in one place. This makes me accountable and confronts me with the hardline numbers .

Tip TripCoin is a mobile app for iPhone users. It helps travelers understand spending habits, organize finances, and stay on top of their budget. There are mobile apps that help keep you track of budgets.

4. Keep a daily allowance.

A daily allowance keeps you from spending. If I give myself a $20/day budget ( I put that money in my wallet and leave the rest in the hotel) then I’m more cautious of where I spend my money. Once I hit my daily limit, the spending has to end.

5. Vacation mentality vs slow travel mentality

Vacationers with limited time are often seeking convenient tourist options; they may burn through their money quicker.

Slow and long-term travel has the ability to choose cheaper and more local options. Read Art of Hobo-ing:  Lessons from Long Term Travel

Budget travel tips on Transportation

Cheaping on transportation without losing out on a quality experience is one of my expert skills, so I’m fleshing this out a little more. Many cities have their own Insider budget hacks. They exist but it’s up to you to research and find them, like a good coupon.

6.  Research the ride share app of the country you’re traveling.

These days, more and more travelers and locals are turning to rideshare apps over taxis, where you can hail a ride-on-the-fly, see your prices and route in realtime, avoid dealing with cash and taxi scams.  If you’re traveling  the United States or western countries, Uber is the popular rideshare app to download. However, some countries have different rideshare apps and may also cover driver hires and tuk-tuks, so best do your research before traveling.

Grab app is great in the Philippines and Thailand too. In Sri Lanka, they have tuk tuk ride share apps- Uber and Pickme are popular. India uses Ola Cabs . Italy, I used Uber ,   I believe.

Read How to Avoid Airport Taxis (aka other options)

7.   Use public transit like the bus or metro.

Tip: Check to see if the public transit offers daily or package tourist packages! Cities like Seoul , Tokyo , Fukuoka ,  New York , Bangkok , Shanghai … offer tourist metro/bus pass packages with unlimited rides and even discounts. Living in Korea, I enjoyed  hop-on/hop-off city bus tours for under $10. Other places offer discounted rides for those who purchase a reloadable transit pass, such as Istanbul and Hong Kong .

8.   Walk and burn calories.

Walk walk walk… you know those food videos I film? This is how I burn those sinful calories off! What is my no pain motivation? Exploring on foot allows me to travel deeper , photo hunt and film my YouTube videos!

9.  Travel slow(er)

Local buses, tuk-tuks, and trains are your budget-friendly chariots. Imagine hopping on a scenic train journey through Vietnam for less than $10, navigating chaotic but charming buses in Guatemala for a dollar, or haggling for a tuk-tuk ride in Thailand for a thrill ride that won’t cost a fortune.

Take local vs express routes, long-distance buses vs. bullet trains. In Japan , a JRailpass offers discount packages for express train travel, but you can go even cheaper by taking local metro.

In Korea, I used to make weekend trips to Seoul from Daegu , but the Korail was a $75 OW trip which took anywhere from 2-4 hours in transit. $150 RT is almost the cost of a domestic flight. Instead, I often opted for the 4 hour express bus at $24 OW.The Korean bus had satellite TV and was comfy.  That’s a savings plus an adventure.

10. Travel overnight

Overnight trains and buses are literally a bed-on-wheels. Warning: It’s not always a comfortable bed on wheels, unless you can sleep sitting up or rocking, but it will save you a day in sightseeing and the extra cost of a hotel. Check out some of the overnight travel experiences I’ve had :  India , Thailand , ( okay, not ) Laos , Myanmar , Turkey, Pakistan.

11. Slow Travel overland

Overland travel is when you take ground transportation via railway, ferry or long-distance buses across the border of a country. It is a form of slow travel and not best for those who have a short span of days in a place, but it is significantly cheaper than the cost of a flight.  One of my fave resource websites for overland travel is Man in Seat 61 (www.seat61.com). It can be an exciting and adventurous way to travel as you are traveling locally and local transportation can be both insightful and surprising.

Thailand has some of the best transportation options. Their VIP long distance buses are super comfy and better than a Greyhound bus in the U.S.  It has airconditioning, entertainment, an included meal stop with a free meal and refreshments. Myanmar was similar; some buses had chairs with their own television screens and WiFi. One of the buses I took had Hello Kitty blankets and a bus attendant who passed out toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste) for our rest stop and snack refreshments.  Check out some of my transportation documentation.

• India: 7 ways to get from Pelling to Varanasi in a day 
• Myanmar: 8 ways to get around Myanmar
• Thailand: 20 Ways to get around Thailand
• Bangkok: 10 ways to get around Bangkok
• Laos: Getting around Laos

Budget trip hacking flights and layovers

12.   only take flights when you really need to.

If you travel everywhere by air travel, your expenses will quickly rack up. If you are traveling multiple cities like in say, Southeast Asia or Italy, then flying to get to each city will save you time but is not the economical approach. As I mentioned in tip #11, if you have the time and you enjoy slow travel, then overland travel is generally cheaper than air travel.  Smaller countries like Italy or Korea, you can take easily take a train to move between cities in under six hours. I based myself in Florence but traveled to Cinque Terre for a day trip as it was under three hours away.

13.   Pack carry-on luggage size

We all know the cost of baggage fees can get high, with most starting at $50 for the first bag.  These days, I pack carry on luggage size.  Not only am I shaving $100 off my roundtrip ticket, but I’m saving myself additional stress about the airlines losing or damaging my bag. Nevertheless, minimalist anti-theft travel is key for solo travelers, who have to carry their own luggage and gear and keep it safe. The advantage to carry on luggage is more than just avoiding fees.  Here’s a post to packing tips for carry-on luggage . Also, this is the  carry-on convertible wheeled backpack I’m currently using for my solo travels.

Check out what trip essentials I pack on all my trips!

14.   utilize layovers as an extra trip..

I’m a huge fan of milking the time I’ve got.. everywhere, including airports and layover destinations. Did you know some airports offer free layover tours ?

Turkish Airlines offers free transit hotel stays to passengers with 7-10 hour layovers?

China offers 72 hour visa free transits and a day’s layover get you a free sightseeing day in Shanghai or Beijing.

Know your airlines, airports and choose wisely!

  Read  12 Ways to Maximize your Layover

15. learn how to book cheap flights.

Mastering the art of booking flights can unveil significant savings and transform budgetary constraints into vacations. This entails research, employing comparison platforms like  Kayak Explore tool  and Google Flights Explore tool , considering trip packages like Expedia packages, and embracing travel flexibility . Tracking historical price trends, and even considering alternative airports all contribute to optimized booking strategies.  Check out my blog for a deeper dive into cost-saving strategies for budget-friendly flights .

Budget Travel Tips for Cheap Accommodations

Hotels and accommodations will be an expense that is hard to get around and are second to air travel. But there are decisions you can make in your traveling and hotel resources to look for when booking your hotel. These things can either add to your investment in a place or help you skirt around additional expense.

Read Survival Guide to Staying in Hotels

16.  book a hotel with an airport pickup service..

Book a hotel which offers free airport pickup service. This saves:  time finding your hotel, unnecessary stress in getting lost and money hiring a taxi or using transportation.

17.  Spend the night in an airport.

Sleeping in airports ain’t so bad. Some airports are notoriously known for their state of art luxury and make great layover haunts. Flying Korean Airlines and landing in Incheon Airport’s Terminal 2, they offer free showers (yes, FREE!), wifi, have a sleeping room of recliner beds and 7 Eleven is a stone’s throw. See my video below My favorite website for researching airport facilities is Sleepinginairports.com

Watch my tour of Incheon Airport at the 04:00 minute mark

18.  Learn to sleep anywhere you are.

Learn to sleep anywhere. I know some folks are light sleepers, but if you can relax into any space, sleeping on a bus, airport or even a chair won’t bother you. One of my superhero travel talents… I can even sleep standing up!

19.  Hostels & guesthouses

The best budget accommodations are hostels and guesthouses. Hostels offer dorm accommodations where you are sharing a room with other travelers. Hostels can offer single rooms too, although the prices may not be as low as guesthouses. Guesthouses are secondary housing which offer convenient and affordable stays. Usually they can originate out of a home but are not a homestay.  Read: Hostel Tips for the Beginner

20.  Look for free in-transit hotels

One opportunity a majority of travelers overlook at free in-transit hotels. This is when you have a long layover and travel with a particular airlines carrier. See my experience with Turkish Airlines free hotel stay ! Some carriers will offer you a free hotel stay if you meet layover requirements. The hotel comes with transportation to/from the airport and a meal stipend.

Read how to score Airlines Free Transit Hotels 

21.  Housesitting

Travel bloggers and long-term travelers I know have had good experiences with trustedhousesitters.com ($95 annual fee); mindmyhouse.com ($20 annual fee)

22.  Don’t only look at “hotels”

I’m an expert trip designer and must be entertaining for YouTube videos so I love dipping into a variety of accommodations.  I love hotels but sometimes, being a female solo traveler they feel generic and lonely.  I also love exploring unique budget accommodations , where I can have a local experience , while still feeling a part of the local community. I’m talking about doing a mental upgrade in accommodation experience and staying where locals have either slept historically or allow access to deeper local experiences and culture. I’ve stayed in homestays ,  overnight spas , cave hotels , manga cafes , temple stays, capsule hotels .

India : I stayed in a yoga ashram to yoga in India. Korea :    jjimjilbangs – I’ve experienced a variety.  They cost under $10/night and provide sleeping clothes, toiletries and a locker storage. Tokyo : I spent an entire trip exploring the capsule hotel variety so I could do this post . Thailand: I scored a $5 bungalow in a rural village for my caving adventures . Nepal : I did a community homestay and learned Nepali cooking, life and my money went back to the sustainability of the local community.

You gotta get creative.

Join my group adventure trips for uniquely-crafted local adventures with me!

23.  Take the overnight train or bus

Back to Tip #10, traveling overnight saves you the expense of a hotel and a sightseeing day which might be lost to travel if you traveling during daylight hours.

24.  Ask if your hotel has early check-in fees.

Some hotels allow early check-ins without fees. While this tip does not necessarily save you money- so to speak- the knowledge is a huge resource which can save time, stress and discomfort,  when your travel schedule doesn’t line up well.

Piggybacking on Tip #22, some overnight buses and trains arrive into a city at early morning hours. It is inconvenient,  it can feel unsafe for female solo travelers and I have never understood why there are such schedules, but if you arrive early you may find yourself feeling stuck at a closed local station. In smaller towns, it is worse– there may not even be a station but an outdoor bench!

Here’s my most uncomfortable arrivals: Bagan (I was uncertain about those weird morning taxis ), Gokarna (I ended up wandering and sleeping on the beach), Kyoto (in winter, there is no heating in train stations).

25. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing.com is a non-profit online meeting space where you can offer your couch to travelers passing through, whom need a place to stay.

Being a female solo traveler, I am always concerned about safety, so I have not used couchsurfing. However, I have met other female travelers who have had good experiences. Additionally, whenever I’ve been on it, I’ve noticed listings no longer want to offer a “crashpad” but selectively seek a good match in interests, a desire to hang out or teach them something. I totally get that you’re loaning your pad out to a stranger, but it’s gotten to feel like a friend-matchmaking service. You have to convince folks why you make a good guest; so it can feel like writing job cover letters for a couch.

Tip: Research hour host and their reviews first. Be prepared to write and pitch yourself.

26. Do a Home stay

Forget tourist traps and overpriced dorms! Backpacking on a budget just got an upgrade with homestays. Ditch the backpacker bubble and dive deep into local life, sharing meals, learning secrets, and waking up to hidden gems – all while saving serious bank. Homestays aren’t just a room, they’re a cultural immersion experience that fuels your wanderlust, supports marginalized communities, and leaves a positive impact.

Read my Nepal and sustainable homestay guide and check out my ethical travel tips .

27.  Share accommodation expenses with a stranger

Single travelers can avoid single supplement fees and get an upgraded semi-private room, by finding a trustworthy traveler to split costs with. It can beat staying in a hostel dorm, sharing a room with 6 random strangers.

I know what you’re thinking– it is unsafe. Yes, it is.  Yet it unconsciously happens a lot, when you’re on the road and meeting travelers with similar itineraries as you.

Often, I’ve met my next hotel roommate on the long-distance bus to the next city. I strike up a conversation on the bus, I get a good vibe and the traveler seems cool so I fish around to where they are staying, with the idea that they’ll give me a good hotel recommendation. One thing leads to another and sometimes, I end up with a roommate.

Solo travel budget tip: Be discerning, safe and smart about who you choose.

Solo Travel Budget Tips for Food & Eating

28.  master the art of grazing.

Grazing or light snacking is a great substitute for a heavy sitdown restaurant meal. It allows you to sample a variety of local flavors, keeps you sated throughout the day, is easier to burn in calories and is less expensive than a full meal at a restaurant.

29.  Eat street food or at local restaurants

If locals can eat street food, then it’s good enough for you! Forget overpriced sit-down meals at fancy restaurants. Street food is an incredible and affordable way to experience local flavors. Noodle soups in Vietnam, sizzling fajitas in Mexico, and pad thai in Thailand – all bursting with taste and costing mere pennies.

Read: 11 Food Safety Tips to avoid getting sick

30.  use re-usable/refillable water bottles., 31.  take a water filter device to avoid buying water.

Read Ecofriendly tips for the Ethical Traveler

32.  shop at local grocery stores.

Shopping at grocery stores reduces the expense of eating at restaurants. Some hostels have shared kitchens where guests can store and cook their own meals.  At hotels, you at least have a coffee maker where you can boil water to make noodles and soups.

Tip: bring a spork and make your own meals.

33.  Shop at local markets

Shop at local markets, you’ll find great deals on fresh fruits and local snacks, which you can easily pack with you for long haul trips on buses and trains.

Tip: If you’re American, it helps to know how to translate pounds into kilograms as many markets will sell by the kilogram.

Solo Travel on a Shoestring:  Activities & Entertainment

34.   groupon it.

Groupon probably doesn’t exist in every country but I’ve been surprised to find it exists outside the U.S., in a total of 28 countries!  Save at spas, restaurants, gym memberships, even travel!

35.   Share transportation

A great solo travel budget tip is to find other travelers to split costs with. I meet many solo travelers and secret budget travelers at train stations after the train arrives and it is time to hail a taxi into the city.  Don’t be shy– find another solo traveler– if they are headed in the same direction as you (namely, the touristy part of town), they might want to share a taxi in.

36.  Travel with someone as cheap as you

The friends you travel with can help or hurt your budget and this in return, can hurt your friendship.  If you are a budget-minded traveler traveling with vacation-minded corporate friends, who work hard and save their money for that annual splurge of comfort and luxury, can drive your budget up. You will waste your trip getting upset for paying for what you feel are unnecessary upgrades.

As a westerner, I have friends who prefer to split bills at restaurants, even if the split is not wholly fair. Our social language is littered with phrases like “It’s only $20” to “ ah, I don’t sweat the small stuff” when ponying up for an overly generous tip or added expense. Discrepancies like this will drive a budget traveler crazy. Read Things that Make or Break Travel Partners

Tip: Splitwise is popular if your’e doing group travel. It keeps tracks of expenses and how much each person owes.

37.  Avoid drinking and night clubbing

It is a fact that drinking and night clubbing burn holes in wallets quickly.

38.  Book group tours locally

When researching things to do on your itinerary, book locally. Not only are you avoiding markup costs for a middle man company, but online bookings through travel agencies can sometimes state single supplement fees for solo travelers.

Tip: Some travelers have tight schedules and want to book an advance. If you are one of these, I use Get your Guide to book my activities in advance. They have a broad library of activities and cheapest prices. Costs fluctuate by destination.

39. Free walking tours

Before booking an expensive day tour, see if there aren’t free walking tours first… yes, they exist!  Free walking tours are usually a 2-3 hour city walking tour with a guide that is experienced in where you are walking. They are free because they are run by volunteers, who make their money through tips from pleased guests.

To find free walking tours, just google : “free walking tours in ______”. You’re welcome!

It is a steal from what you might otherwise pay for a “professional” city tour. Definitely leave a tip if you are happy with your experience!

Budget Travel Hacks for Shopping

40.  negotiate costs when you travel..

Haggling or learning how to negotiate costs when you travel is a travel skill which makes a huge difference in certain countries. Most westerners feel uncomfortable and stressed about haggling for prices, because most are used to fixed prices with price tags up front. When you enter a store and do not see price tags, it is likely that prices are negotiable. From shop vendors to tour agencies, some cultures expect to negotiate costs and will purposely drive their prices up expecting that you will try your best to bargain with them for a better deal. Here’s a haggle guide .

Tip: I know budget hagglers & backpackers love a good deal and will try to get an item for pennies. STOP! Do not drill the vendor down to their bottom rate. It’s shitty and this kind of “cheap-ass” is not what i’m endorsing. If the price is already cheaper than you’d pay for and it’s a good deal, stop there. The vendor should always make a bit of the profit and haggling is often a bit like fun courtship for the vendors. An ethical traveler never tramples over a local at the local’s expense.

Read: Responsible tips for ethical travel

41.  souvenir shop at the end.

By saving souvenir shopping for the end of your trip, you gauge and control your budget better. You can also see what you’ll be carrying in extra baggage or shipping fees.

42.  Avoid the touristy areas

If you need to shop for anything from toiletries to souvenirs, avoid shopping in the main touristy areas. Instead, check out side street alleys or shop outside the popular touristed areas. The more local the area, the prices reduce dramatically to match local economies.

 How to Travel for Free (sorta)

 43. helpx.net.

Work volunteer for free room and board through HelpX.net Work can range from working in cafes to hostels.

44. WWOOFing

WWOOFing is Worldwide work on Organic Farms. This is for travelers who seek volunteer experiences where they can experience, live and work in a place for a longer term. For volunteer work, you get free bed and board. Check out the websites:  WWOOF   or WWOOF International

45. Use credit card reward programs

Consider turning your everyday spending into fuel for your travel dreams through strategically utilizing credit card rewards programs. Instead of viewing your expenses as a drain on your travel fund, think of them as opportunity points. Groceries, gas, even your monthly streaming subscription can become rewards points towards your next flight ticket. Carefully select the right travel rewards credit card aligned with your ability to pay it off, whether it focuses on specific airlines, hotel chains, or general travel flexibility.

Remember, responsible card usage is key. Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Tip: Typically credit cards woo you with bonus points for signing up. Say 80,000 points if you spend $4000 in 4 months. Be strategic in spending and sign up only when you know you have large expenditures to pay.  Be careful of annual fees that come in a year.  If the card and bonus look too good to be true, look for the annual fee cost.

46. Use a credit card with no international fees

Each time you swipe at an international ATM, you may encounter two or three fees- ATM fee, a conversion fee and your debit card or debit fee.  Choose a ATM or debit card which does not charge international fees. I started using Charles Schwab a little late and wish I started early. It does not accumulate any fees when I use my ATM card to withdraw cash.

Read more about avoiding ATM charges abroad.

Storing luggage to explore a city

47.  left luggage storage.

Knowing your left luggage options help you drop your bags to sightsee a city when you’re still in transit. Research luggage storage facilities and left luggage services at a train station or airport. Some airports allow you to leave your bags and charge you at an hourly rate, package rate or by weight. Drop your bags in an airport or train station’s left luggage storage and roam off to explore a city during your layover.

Budget Travel Ideas: Use Radical Storage : it finds you cheap places to store your luggage in the city so you can ditch your luggage and explore.

48. Coin lockers

Train stations can have coin locker storage or left luggage storage for those who are passing through the city but want to do a little sightseeing. I’ve done this in countries like Japan and Korea when I’ve stayed at places like manga cafes and jjimjilbangs .

49.  Pack light & carry-on luggage

Being a female solo traveler, there are many essential reasons for packing light and traveling with carry-on luggage only (read my hand luggage review ). One helpful and unpredictable reason is it gives me flexibility and mobility to store my luggage anywhere~  train lockers, left luggage, spa lockers, you name it. Here’s a list of the best carry-on convertible rolling backpacks

Budget travel tips for Travel Insurance

50. best travel insurance for budget travelers.

Americans often have premium travel insurance. It’s nearly impossible to get the cheap rates other countries do. If you’re a budget traveler,  you want to find the right plan for your budget and needs, I recommend Travel Insurance finder tool .

Otherwise, I’ve found is World Nomads . They charge you based on your country, travel dates and destination and their coverage is full package from standard trip cancellations to theft and at risk activities. Meanwhile, SafetyWing is economical as its really made for digital nomads.

Learn how to choose the trip insurance you NEED

!function(t){var e=document.createElement("script");e.className="js-sqm-affiliate-search-widget",e.setAttribute("data-widget-settings",JSON.stringify(t)),e.src="https://www.squaremouth.com/affiliates/23381/affiliate_search_widget_loader.js",document.write(e.outerHTML)}({ "carrier": "", "filters": {}, "background-color": "", "background-image": "", "border-color": "", "border-top-color": "", "button-color": "", "slope-bottom-color": "", "slope-top-color": "", "src": "", "style": "compact", "tag": "", "text-color": "" });

51. Annual Travel Insurance

For regular travelers, I get an annual insurance for $129 through Allianz Travel Insurance . The coverage is lighter than World Nomads but it covers a standard coverage and is great for business travelers.

What are your solo travel budget tips for ways to travel on the cheap? Leave your budget travel tips and cheap travel hacks below so we can benefit from it.

Related posts on budget travel.

How to Travel Japan for $30/day Find budget tours in Vietnam without getting ripped off Reasons to splurge on a tour vs DIY travel Jobs that will pay you to Travel

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Protect Your Trip »

12 Unconventional Ways to Save on Travel

Points and miles are major, but there are other cheap ways to travel too.

Getty Images

Consider setting up airfare alerts, housesitting and traveling midweek to help stay in budget.

Traveling can be expensive, and even when you rely on widely known savings tactics – such as traveling in off-peak seasons or staying at a hostel or a rental with a kitchen – the costs inevitably add up. If you're looking for ways to save on your next trip, add these unconventional tips provided by travel industry experts to your hat of travel tricks.

Get a set of packing cubes

Traveling with just a carry-on bag is a cost-effective option since it's typically free on most major airlines, but it's often easier said than done. That's why packing cubes are a good investment. They don't cost much – you can get a quality set like this one by Bagail for less than $25 – and they inevitably allow you to save space and fit more in your carry-on (or checked luggage ).

[Read: Guide: Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline .]

Choose the flight, then the destination

Scott Keyes, flight expert and founder of Scott's Cheap Flights , recommends changing the way you search for flights to save on airfare . Instead of looking for flights to a specific destination, use a flight comparison tool like Google Flights , Momondo or Skyscanner to browse a variety of airfares from your preferred airport(s). Maybe a trip to Barcelona wasn't what you originally had in mind, but if the price is right, why not head there instead?

Consider alternate airports

While flying from the airport closest to home is always the most convenient option, Keyes also suggests comparing fares from other airports, even those that are a few hours away. You may find prices are hundreds of dollars less to get to the same location, making the combined cost of gas, parking and driving time an excellent investment.

If you can drive a few hours to a larger airport with more flight options in general, that may be even better. Not only do you have the potential to save money, but you're more likely to find a direct flight or a route with fewer layovers.

[Read: What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed .]

Set up airfare alerts

If you're eager to travel far and want to save big on airfare, keep an eye out for short-term airfare offers on websites like Hopper and Trip.com . These sites offer deals that usually last a short time, meaning you have to strike while the iron is hot. "I do this every time I book a flight and I usually save at least 10%, but sometimes up to 75%," says Josh Band of A Backpacker's World . "I once got a flight that should have been $200-plus for just over $50 by setting up an alert."

Go to Europe for Thanksgiving

Many Americans opt to head to Grandma's house or another domestic destination for turkey dinner. However, not as many escape to the Caribbean and Mexico, and even less go to Europe – which means you're more likely to find flight deals to Paris , London and other European vacations you've been wanting to cross off your bucket list.

Travel midweek

There's no set day of the week to book the cheapest airfare, but there are less expensive days to travel, says Keyes. He recommends flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays since most business travelers fly on Sundays and Mondays (and consequently drive up the cost of airfare on those days).

Consider a 'bleisure' trip

If you have an upcoming business trip in a unique or new-to-you destination, consider tacking on a few personal days to the journey. This way, you can enjoy a mini-vacation sans airfare (assuming your company will cover that portion).

[Read: The Best Garment Bags for Travel, According to Reviews .]

Buy travel insurance

It may sound counterintuitive, but purchasing travel insurance can save your bank account (and your sanity) in the event that you or a family member falls ill or has another emergency that forces you to change your vacation plans before or during the trip. A basic and cheap travel insurance policy will suffice, though there are coverage options for a wide variety of needs – including cancel for any reason travel insurance (which is exactly what it sounds like).

Housesit for free accommodations

Did you know you can enjoy free accommodations in exchange for housesitting? Sites like House Sitters America and Mind My House offer housesitting opportunities for a small annual fee (less than $50). Many of the homeowners have pets who need TLC while they're gone, too, making this a fun and budget-friendly alternative to traditional rentals like Airbnb. No matter where you travel, it doesn't get much better than living like a local and playing with pups.

Similarly, you can try couch surfing, which allows you to stay with a local for free. Services like the site Couchsurfing charge a negligible monthly or annual fee to sign up and get verified for safety purposes, while others such as BeWelcome are free. These services also provide exclusive meetups with other travelers.

Read: The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans

Sign up for a family loyalty program

Did you know there are loyalty programs that allow family members or groups to pool rewards or freely transfer rewards to others?

"This can be a great option for infrequent travelers who may not rack up enough points or miles for a free flight or hotel room individually – but can reach those rewards when combined," says Nick Ewen, director of content for The Points Guy . "In some cases, it's a single, pooled account that automatically combines points (like JetBlue). In other cases, you can simply transfer points from one account to another (like Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, or Marriott Bonvoy)." He recommends reading the full terms and conditions of these programs, as some impose time limits, maximum transfer amounts and other restrictions.

Use travel rewards on experiences

Don't forget that both airline credit cards and airline rewards programs can be used to cover more than flights and hotels. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards make it easy to redeem points for sporting events, dining (including reservations, exclusive culinary experiences and takeout orders) and more.

You can also use points earned on hotel credit cards as well as hotel rewards programs to pay for fun experiences in hundreds of destinations around the world. Options range from cooking classes and concerts to outdoor activities and spa experiences .

Book a refundable car rental

While some companies offer discounts for prepaid car rentals, many travelers say they've had better luck with booking refundable car rentals , allowing them to secure a reasonable rate while keeping a watchful eye for price drops. If a better price pops up, simply cancel your original reservation and book at the lower rate. Frequent traveler Pamela Howard, who writes about her experiences on Our Adventure Is Everywhere , says she's consistently able to save anywhere from $25 to $100 using this tactic on Costco Travel car rentals. "It's simple and that little bit of time rechecking rates pays substantially in savings."

Ewen says you can do the same when you book a flight or hotel using points since many loyalty programs have flexible cancellation policies. "If you lock in a flight at 35,000 miles and see that your same ticket is 30,000 miles just a week later, you should be able to rebook and get those 5,000 miles back into your account," he explains.

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How to travel on a budget: Here are our 22 top tips

Editor's Note

"How can I travel on a budget?" is one of the top questions we receive at TPG.

There's no question that travel is expensive right now as millions satisfy the itch to travel more. Demand has been through the roof. Inflation and correspondingly high hotel, rental car and airline ticket costs have many would-be travelers throwing up their hands in frustration.

However, there are still many ways to save. In addition to using reserves of points and miles to book hotels and airfare, TPGers have many budget travel tips to help stretch your dollars when traveling.

Here are 22 ways to travel on a budget.

Use membership codes to save on car rentals

If you're a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn't even know about. A few examples from AARP include 30% off a car rental at Budget or Avis.

Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car

Look beyond traditional car rental companies and locations

Most people search for rentals at the airport with standard companies like Hertz and Avis. If you don't find good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte , Turo and Silvercar.

Related: Delta and Turo launch partnership, allowing travelers to earn 2,000 SkyMiles on 1st rental

Check credit card merchant offers

Before booking your trip, review your credit cards' special merchant offers. Multiple issuers offer this option (although American Express is a leader in the category).

Every program works similarly: Log in to your card account online or through your banking app, review the offers available to you, add the ones you want and make a qualifying purchase using the card for which the offer is registered.

There are no promo codes to enter at online checkout or coupons to print to take to the register. There are likely offers you can activate that will provide discounts on dining, gas and entertainment.

Related: How credit card merchant offers can save you hundreds of dollars every year

Take advantage of free days at national parks

Every year the U.S. National Park Service sets aside several days when entry is completely free ; options include Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, the first day of National Park Week in April, National Public Lands Day in September and Veterans Day in November.

Visiting a national park on one of the NPS' free-entry days can save you up to $35 per vehicle at some of the most popular national parks, such as Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon .

Stay outside the national parks

You might dream of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly — especially if you can't pay for it with points.

However, just beyond the park, there's probably a hotel you can book with points. For example, you could stay at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone with IHG One Rewards points; the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spend.

Related: The best campgrounds, hotels and lodges near Yellowstone National Park

Download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app

If you're a T-Mobile user, you're in luck: This app is a major perk that will put money in your pocket just for checking your phone on Tuesdays.

To participate, download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app , check the app on Tuesday and claim your discount code. We've seen weekly discounts on everything from rental cars to gas, hotels and theme park tickets.

Related: T-Mobile expands travel-focused 'Coverage Beyond' benefits

Get discounted gas at Shell through the Fuel Rewards app

At TPG, we love to stack savings. The Shell Fuel Rewards app is a good one to pile on the discounts.

You can link it to other loyalty programs — including American Airlines AAdvantage, Giant Food, Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and more — to receive extra discounts. Also, if you purchase through Fuel Rewards, link to partner retailers such as Petco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Office Depot/OfficeMax and many others to save even more.

Don't forget to use a credit card that gives bonus points or discounts at gas stations for even more savings. TPG likes the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , which gives 3% back at U.S. gas stations (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout).

Related: These are the best credit cards for gas purchases

Save on theater tickets in New York and London

Check TodayTix for cheap Broadway and West End tickets if traveling to New York City or London.

The TodayTix app has discounted tickets to various shows available. Prices vary, but most of the top shows currently playing are available on the site and the app.

While not all shows are hugely discounted, TodayTix often runs no-fee promotions. Keep in mind that for some shows, you won't be able to choose your precise ticket location. Instead, you will pick a section you'd like to sit in.

Related: On with the show! How to get a great deal on Broadway tickets

Save on entrance fees with Bank of America

Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of U.S. cities on the first weekend of every month just by showing their cards. It's through the Museums on Us program that's been going on for 25 years. It's open to Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card holders.

Related: 5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Use your library card for museum entry

Another way to get free museum admission is with a library "lending ticket" — a program where libraries will lend museum passes for a set amount of time.

Also, check if your local museum's membership comes with ROAM (a reciprocity program across North America). It's an easy way to get maximum value from a regional (and usually less expensive) membership.

Take a free walking tour

Sign up for a free walking tour on your first day in a new city. It's an inexpensive way to learn about the city and orient yourself.

Look online for options before traveling and sign up in advance if necessary. Then, all you need to do is show up with comfortable shoes and enjoy your free tour.

Although tipping is suggested, you'll spend much less, even after generously tipping your guide, than you would with a standard tour option. You will likely also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you're traveling alone or looking to make new friends.

If you're interested in seeing what's available on your next trip, Google the city you'll visit and the phrase "free walking tour" to see what comes up.

Dine on the cheap with Seated

Here's a fun one: The Seated app allows you to dine out and get paid for it.

The app rewards diners who sign up and eat at designated restaurants with cash they can redeem through gift cards. All you have to do is let the app know you'll be dining at a location before you take a seat. You can also get gift cards for Uber, Amazon and Starbucks.

Fly on weekdays

Flexibility on which days you fly is one of the keys to getting the best airfare prices. Leisure travelers most commonly book weekend flights, while many business travelers fly on Monday. So, the midweek days — Tuesday and Wednesday — have lower demand and are often the best days to travel for lower prices.

Related: When is the best time to book airfare?

Book vacation packages

Airlines that bundle airfare and hotels as vacation packages can offer better deals thanks to their vast buying power and inventory. These bundles can offer savings of up to 40% off. Savings on business-class plane tickets and high-end hotels can offer some of the best deals.

Also, purchasing directly from the airline gives you a one-stop shopping experience. You can even add a car and activities to your trip at the same time. Plus, you'll often be able to take advantage of special sales and bonus points and miles offers.

Related: Everything you need to know about saving money with vacation packages

Use a price monitoring tool

Airline fare monitoring sites such as Hopper and Google Flights ensure you get notifications when your trip's best and lowest prices become available. Set up as many combinations as you're considering, including different departure and return dates, so that you can get alerts for all possible fare reductions.

Be flexible on destination

If you're not locked into a fall or winter vacation location (like you would be for a destination wedding or family reunion that you can't change), try an alternative to find better prices. For example, consider subbing Quebec City in for Paris if you want Old World charm. For scuba diving enthusiasts, skip the expensive long-haul flight to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef and instead head to the second-largest barrier reef in the world in easy-to-access Belize.

Related: 5 key tools and tips for cheap airfare

Hold your deal

If you see a great deal but are not yet ready to book, hold it . For example, Hopper's Price Freeze allows you to lock in the price of a flight for up to seven days to take more time to finalize plans before you book. Some airlines will also let you hold flights for a small fee. (Remember that all U.S. airlines, by law, allow you to hold and cancel a flight booking within 24 hours without penalty as long as you book more than seven days in advance.)

Re-price your flights and hotels

As long as you've booked a hotel, car or flight that can be canceled without penalty, you should make it part of your weekly routine to check for price drops. If you find a lower price, rebook. You can use these same rebooking strategies with points to make dynamic pricing work in your favor for hotel stays so you can save on award nights.

Related: How I saved 33,500 points on upcoming hotel stays

Consider alternative airports

With prices high, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports. For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports, while the New York City area has three, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey . In Southern Florida, you could easily fly to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It works internationally too: Try Gatwick Airport (LGW) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR) when flying to London.

It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another city and then taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey. For instance, you could fly into Philadelphia and catch a train to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.

Use positioning flights

Positioning flights are unrealistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport. Can you reach your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago? Would adding another flight to a different airport save you money or miles? Just ensure you leave enough time between flights to avoid unnecessary travel headaches.

Related: Use positioning flights to get amazing deals

Use points and miles when appropriate

Since you are reading TPG, you may also want to earn points or miles through your everyday spending that you can use to pay for part of your trip. Some credit cards — like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card — can help you earn airline miles or hotel points that you can redeem directly with the airline or hotel. Cards such as the American Express® Gold Card earn transferable points you can redeem for travel or transfer to various travel partners.

If you have a stash of points and cash fares are high, it makes a lot of sense to use those points instead. For example, I recently priced a trip to San Francisco and found a flight over the Fourth of July weekend; it should normally cost about $400, but for this particular weekend, it was going to cost me at least $621. I used 46,000 Delta SkyMiles instead. While it wasn't the best redemption in the world, it was better than shelling out all that cash. Most of those SkyMiles came from credit card spending on my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Related: Why I'm keeping my Delta Reserve card even when I'm flying less

There are many strategies for getting the most out of your credit card . You'll generally get the most value when redeeming for premium-cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. However, you may prefer to book economy award flights or lower-category hotel stays using your points to stretch your points further.

You can join AARP for discounts even if you are not retired. The advocacy group for older adults offers all kinds of cool discounts, including $60 to $200 off British Airways flights and 10% off Hilton hotels.

Related: How to use AARP discounts on travel

Bottom line

Spending a small amount of time researching the best ways to travel on a budget could easily make a dream trip, like a Paris vacation, more attainable.

It's possible to take an excellent vacation on a budget. You just need to put in the time to plan your trip, budget your expenses, download a virtual wallet of money-saving apps and consider using points and miles to decrease your out-of-pocket costs.

Some of our top budget travel tips include shopping around, signing up for deal alerts through websites like TPG and using points and miles. Opening a credit card or two for the sign-up bonus once or twice every few years could make your trips even cheaper. Don't forget to sign up for our daily newsletter , where we teach you how to travel better for less. At TPG, we make traveling on a budget easy.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Additional reporting by Melissa Klurman.

How to Travel Cheap (31 Easy Proven Ways)

Is your budget holding you back from traveling? We traveled the world for years without income or big savings. You just need to know how to travel cheap!

But don’t worry we will share all our top tips on how to travel cheap on a budget in this blog post. They are divided into 4 key areas that you can focus on to keep costs down:

• Transport 🚐
• Accommodation 🏠
• Activities 🥾

If you have nailed those down you will be able to travel the world for as long as you want! Sounds good? Let’s dive straight in!

TRANSPORT 🚐

1. travel slowly (easiest way to travel cheap).

It may seem counteractive but the easiest way to travel cheap is to travel longer and slowly. Because if you aren’t moving then you are not spending money on expensive flights, trains, and buses. Makes sense, right?

Most travelers including us come to the conclusion that it is better and cheaper to travel slowly for multiple reasons once they travel for longer:

• It saves money
• You really get to know the place
• You will make friends with locals

A good way to travel cheap and slow is to find a low-budget travel country like Mexico that has a lot to see and do. Then spend as much time as possible there.

We spent 2 years working and moving around Mexico and found that we liked to spend 1 month in each destination. That way we cut down costs on transport and accommodation big times. Plus, Mexico offers a 6-month tourist visa!

Quite often you get weekly and monthly discounts on Airbnb, sometimes you get an entire week for free when booking for 4 instead of 3 weeks!

When you stay longer in a location you also get to know the language and culture better, where the cheapest food is, and how locals live. Traveling slowly is therefore one of the key tips you can do to get more bang for your buck.

Read also: 🇲🇽 13 Reasons to visit Mexico City for First-Timers 💃 18 Awesome Free Things to do in Mexico City 🧑‍💻 13 Best Cities in Mexico for Digital Nomads

2. Use Ride Sharing Apps

Depending on where you are in the world ride-sharing apps such as BlaBlaCar can be a great way to travel cheap without a car. It’s also the cheapest way to travel by car.

How it works? If someone is driving somewhere and they have a spare seat in the car they put an ad up. The ad will show the price for the ride, the departure time, and the pick-up point. You can pay via the app or at the pick-up point.

Ride-sharing can often be faster and cheaper than public transport plus you will spend time with locals or other travelers on board.

BlaBlaCar is a great option to travel cheap in Europe and Latin America . We used it many times in Mexico and it was usually faster and more comfortable than the bus. You just have to make sure your driver is trustworthy (check the reviews) and shows up.

Another ride-sharing app you can try is Indrive which works more like Uber 👇

3. Book in Advance

This is no secret but can’t be missed on a list of how to travel cheap. If you book in advance you follow the most cost-effective way to travel. Whether it’s booking flights, buses, or trains it is usually a lot cheaper if you book ahead of time.

By booking our flights to New Zealand 8 months in advance we saved at least 500 USD per person one-way! You just have to commit and stick to it.

Our favorite transport booking sites: ✈️ K iwi.com 🚊 Trainline 🚌 Busbud 🚗 Rentalcars.com 🚐 Paulcamper 🚲 Bikesbooking.com 📲 Omio (Transport Search Engine)

4. Be Flexible with your Dates

This is one of the biggest mistakes that I have seen people make when booking flights. If you want to get cheap flight tickets then being flexible with your date is one of the biggest money-saving hacks there is!

A lot of people will decide that they are going to fly out on a certain date and only check flights for this day. But especially on long-distance flights you can save hundreds if you are flexible and also look up flights a few days before or after your desired travel date.

That’s why whenever I am searching for flights I use the flight search engines Kiwi.com or Skyscanner as they allow me to search by month. You will be shown a calendar with the price for each date. Then I choose the date that works the best for me with the best price!

How to search per month? ✈️ 1. Go to Kiwi.com or Skyscanner 2. Choose One-way or Return 3. Fill in From and To 4. Click on Departure 5. Click on the gray button above the calendar that states the month 6. Click on Set Dates and Explore and voilà you will get shown the cheapest flight days in the selected month for your destination!

👉 Try it yourself 👈

5. Be Flexible with your Destination

Being flexible with your destination is one of the best ways to travel cheap. This tip will allow you to save money by being adventurous and spontaneous.

On Kiwi.com , Skyscanner and Kayak you can select “Anywhere” as your destination. If you do this for a particular date or month it will show you the cheapest places to go traveling leaving your departure city.

This way you may find some extremely cheap travel options you may not have considered. The first time I tried this I was in Copenhagen and the cheapest buses or trains to interesting destinations close by were around 80 USD.

But then I found a flight to Belgrade, Serbia for 15 USD! So I went to Belgrade and had a great time. If it wasn’t for the super cheap flight I never would have gone there. So being flexible and adventurous can be super fun and saving money at the same time.

How to search Anywhere? ✈️ 1. Go to Kiwi.com , Skyscanner or Kayak 2. Choose One-way or Return 3. Fill in From 4. Type “Anywhere” in the To field 5. Select departure (you can use the monthly hack as described above!) 6. Hit Explore and voilà you will see the cheapest flight destinations for your departure city

6. Avoid Peak Season

The prices for flights and accommodation in the peak travel season of any destination often increase dramatically. So travel smart and off-seasonal!

Most travelers avoid the off-season because that’s often the “bad weather season” . But we have spent months in rainy seasons and it was way sunnier than people would expect.

Going to beach destinations outside the high season is not only cheaper but the experience is much better. There are usually far fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Particularly if you are a digital nomad there is no reason to be somewhere in peak season as you can move where and when you want. So do your research and try to travel as much as possible in low or mid seasons.

Read here: Best off-the-beaten-path destinations 🤫

7. Pack Light

Many people bring way too much luggage on their trip. But even a 2-month trip can be done with carry-on if you get creative and pack smart. Our tip is: Pack as if you would go on a 7-day trip. Just because you travel longer doesn’t mean you need more stuff or clothes.

After years of full-time traveling, we found that we don’t need much more on a 1-year trip than on a long weekend trip. Assuming you don’t go to super cold countries. Everything you haven’t used in 7 days on your trip can be removed from your luggage. Try it out!

Why? Airlines charge as much as 50 USD one-way for 1 piece of check-in luggage. We have even seen trains and buses charging for luggage. So if you take multiple trips a year saving that money per trip will help you cut down costs.

Traveling light will also free you up when moving around and put less strain on your body. Plus, without check-in luggage, you save time at the airport before and after departure.

Afraid of losing your luggage or want to insure your electronics? Check out SafetyWing travel insurance. It’s cheap! Read about our experience plus other options  here  🎒 Or calculate your fee easily here 👇

8. Change Home Country on Skyscanner

This is a tip that I discovered by accident while using Skyscanner . While in Mexico the home country of my account was set to the UK. I randomly decided to change it to Germany to see what happened and the prices all became cheaper!

You will have to play around and try different countries . But it can quite often lead to saving a bit of money which adds up and allows you to travel cheap like a pro.

How to change the country on Skyscanner? ✈️ 1. Go to Skyscanner 2. Click on the Earth symbol in the right-upper corner (next to Login) 3. Change the Country/Region and search for flights 4. Do this multiple times to compare prices 5. Optional: Play around with the Language and Currency Settings e.g. select “Spanish” and “Pesos” when looking for Mexican destinations 6. And voilà you may find the same flight 50 USD cheaper!

9. Use Incognito Mode when Booking Flights

You may have noticed that when you return to flight search engines such as Kiwi.com or Skyscanner a short time after you looked up flights there the prices have gone up!

This is because websites keep cookies when you visit the site and if you return they raise the prices on your browser. This is to make you worry that the prices will go up even further and you will buy the tickets straight away.

But if you switch to Incognito mode on Google Chrome you will find that the prices stay the same. Even better would be to use a VPN but Incognito mode helps on a basic level.

How to switch to Incognito? 🕵️‍♀️ 1. Click on the 3 vertical dots on the upper right-hand side of Google Chrome (next to your profile pic) 2. Click on “New Incognito Window” and voilá you can now go to Kiwi.com or Skyscanner and start comparing prices incognito – works on the phone too!

10. Take Cheap Public Transport

When you are in a new city it can be daunting to figure out the public transport system. Especially if you can’t speak the language. But taking taxis and Uber everywhere will get expensive very quickly in most countries.

I challenge you to take public transport at least once if it is safe. It’s the cheapest way to travel long distance and you get a better idea of what local life is like. In Latin America and Asia, a public transport ride in a city often costs less than 50 cents!

But in some areas such as Cape Town , Uber is so cheap it is by far the best and safest option, plus their public transport is terrible! So you will have to learn as you go but give public transport a go (especially to and from the airport!) whenever possible.

Read also: Best digital nomad destinations 🧑‍💻

11. Check Taxi Prices ahead of Time

If you are in a new country and you can’t book an Uber it is always good to know how much a taxi should cost before stepping into one. Taxis at airports are one of the most likely places for you to be ripped off.

Ask a local or at the hostel reception how much a ride should be or google ahead of time. This will save you money but also a lot of stress, especially after a long-distance flight.

🚕 Another ride-sharing app you can try instead of a taxi is Indrive which works like Uber but you set the price 👇

ACCOMMODATION 🏠

12. stay in hostels.

My number one tip to save money particularly if you are traveling solo is to stay in a hostel. Not only are dorm beds way cheaper but you have the chance to meet fellow travelers and make friends along the way.

Some people do not like to share a room with strangers and I won’t lie you will have to sacrifice some comforts. It is also highly likely you will have someone snoring next to you. But some of my greatest travel memories came from staying in hostels!

Also if you are traveling with someone else, a lot of hostels have private rooms that are often cheaper than hotels. Sometimes they are even cheaper than two bunk beds in a dorm. So depending on the hostel they can be a cheap way to travel as a couple.

We book most our hostel stays on Hostelworld 👇

13. Check Multiple Booking Sites

I have always found that when booking accommodation prices can vary quite drastically between booking sites. So when trying to book a cheap hotel or a guest room, always check multiple sites including their own website!

For booking hostels I recommend Hostelworld and Booking.com . Sometimes it is cheaper on one or the other. Sometimes Booking.com will also have private rooms to rent in people’s homes, similar to Airbnb but cheaper.

Our favorite accommodation booking sites: 😴 Booking.com (Hotels) 🛌 Hostelworld (Hostels) 🏠 Airbnb (Private rooms) 🌎 Expedia (Search Engine) 🌎 Agoda (Search Engine) 🌎 Trip.com (Search Engine) 🌎 Tripadvisor (Search Engine)

14. Use Airbnb right

Airbnb is one of the most used booking sites for finding a room or a whole place to stay. But if you don’t use it right it can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. We have 2 hacks we always use to find the cheapest price:

Always check and compare how much your stay would be if you booked for 1, 2 or 4 weeks instead of 5 or 10 nights for example. That way we got once 92% off! No kidding. In Antigua, Guatemala our Airbnb would have cost about 45 USD a night but since we booked for a month we got it for 120 USD in total!

That’s an incredible example and doesn’t happen often but almost every time we booked 1, 2 or 4 weeks instead of less we got up to 1 week stay for free! That’s because most hosts give weekly and monthly discounts . Off-season that can easily be up to 50%! Stays under 1 week are mostly the most expensive stays, so always try to round up.

When looking for the cheapest options use the Airbnb integrated map. But make sure you filter for the price , for example, max 30 USD a night. That will drastically reduce the search results and show only the cheapest accommodations.

You can play around with the price depending on the destination. Go for the lowest possible price per night and work your way up. We found that if you look on the map without this filter the cheapest places are often hidden by the more expensive ones and don’t even show up!

Extra Tip: Make sure you book an Airbnb with kitchen access so you can cook your own food and make a coffee – that will reduce your spending big times!

Read also: Cheap & healthy food hacks for travelers 🥑🤫

15. Do Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a great option to get free accommodation if you are interested in meeting locals and don’t mind sharing a space with another person.

On the Couchsurfing website hosts will offer to sleep at their place for free . This will often be a couch, a mattress, or a spare bed. No strings attached!

But it is considered good manners to do something nice in return to the host like cook them some food or cover a drink but this is totally optional.

I used Couchsurfing in Norway as all accommodation prices were super expensive and it ended up being a great experience . So I can highly recommend it!

Read also: 5 Ways to get free accommodation 🏠

16. Volunteer on Workaway

Workaway is an online platform where you can get free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work. That can be farm work, animal care, hostel work, gardening, etc.

The accommodation can vary from a bed in a dorm room to your own studio with its own kitchen. But you will find all the details in the host’s ad.

We used this platform to travel around Mexico for several months and not pay for accommodation once. We would spend a minimum of 1 month with each host doing babysitting, artwork, and helping with rental properties and tours.

Workaway enables you to travel for free and get paid occasionally! Its main intention is to work without payment in exchange for a place to sleep but we earned some pocket money by doing extra work for our hosts. Try it out!

Read also: How to secure a gig on Workaway 💪

17. Do Pet sitting (Our Favorite Way to Travel Cheap!)

If you love pets then pet sitting is a great way to get free accommodation . In return for looking after the owner’s pets, you will get to stay at their house while they are away.

Of course, you should only do this if you love pets! The hosts are putting their trust in you so you should only apply if you truly like spending time with animals. Plus it can be quite a lot of work depending on the sit. But is also fun and rewarding, we love it.

There are several sites where homeowners look for pet sitters including Facebook. But after trying a few we found TrustedHouseSitters to be the best! No matter if you are traveling solo, as a couple or family, or with your own pet you will find a sit.

We find pet sitting is perfect for digital nomads who are looking for how to travel cheap on a budget. Through TrustedHouseSitters, we have had the chance to stay in amazing homes around the world for free: Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, London – just to name a few!

Sign up to Trusted House Sitters via this link for free + use code HAPPYHEALTHYNOMADS at checkout for a 25% discount on your yearly membership! 🐶 Read about our experiences here.

18. Use Facebook Marketplace

In any countries around the world like Latin America looking into Facebook groups can be a good place to find cheap accommodation, particularly for long-term rentals.

While in Mexico we saw that many people listed their properties for rent on Facebook marketplace. They were much cheaper than Airbnb as long as you want to stay long-term.

Facebook groups are also a great place to look for tips and advice when moving to a new city. If you are a digital nomad looking up the local Facebook page of a city is a helpful place to find the best areas to live, food tips, doctors and connect with other newbies.

Overall Facebook can be a great way to enrich your travel experience and allow you to travel cheap if you use it in the right way.

Want to share a meal with locals? Check out Eatwith where locals host a traditional meal in their home 🍽️ Not as cheap as cooking yourself but an experience 👇

19. Cook on the Road

Enjoying the local cuisines is one of the best parts of traveling. But in most countries, you are going to save a lot of money by cooking your meals at home rather than eating out.

When we are looking for accommodation even if it is just for a few days we always make sure there is a kitchen to use. Then once we arrive we ask around and find out where the cheapest supermarket or local market is and load up on groceries.

Not only does this save you money but it ensures that you can cook fresh & healthy. Whereas if you are eating out it can be a lot harder to find healthy meals for a good price.

Tip: Master a few dishes, for example, a simple lentil pot with ingredients that are found everywhere in the world and don’t take too long. We always travel with a small bag of curry powder so we can cook a tasty meal no matter where we are.

Read also: 10 Easy Hacks to Eat Healthy & Cheap while Traveling 🥑

20. Make Coffee at Home

When I first started traveling I would always go out and grab a couple of coffees a day. But soon I realized that the cost of buying them daily quickly adds up . Plus, the coffee often wasn’t even that good and takeaway isn’t sustainable.

Now I always make coffee in the morning wherever I am staying. I only head out to a cafe on special occasions or if I need a place to work. This way I enjoy it much more and save a bunch of money.

Also if you want to travel cheap stay away from Starbucks! Their coffees are expensive and not that great. If you are going out for coffee while traveling head to a local cafe , try some locally grown beans, and enjoy every sip.

We learned all about coffee in Latin America : 🧑‍🌾 From Tree to Cup: This is how Coffee is made! ☕️ 12 Best Cafes in Laureles, Medellin ☕️ 14 Best Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala 💛 Do you like our tips? Say thanks with a coffee here!

21. Travel with a Reusable Water Bottle (Sustainable Way to Travel Cheap)

This tip is both a sustainability tip and a money-saving tip. So often when I am traveling I see people buying multiple bottles of plastic water daily. Not only is this adding insane amounts of plastic waste into landfills but the cost adds up over time.

We always travel with reusable bottles that we fill up at our accommodation and carry with us. This is a cost-effective way to travel and you are being eco-friendly at the same time.

Tip: Get a 1l-water bottle from Nalgene . We always travel with one. They are cheap, durable, lightweight, and easy to carry on hikes 👌

22. Stay Away from Touristy Restaurants

The areas with the most tourists have generally the most expensive restaurants. The food is often also not that good and other tourists will surround you.

You will find that food prices drop dramatically by walking a couple of blocks away from the main tourist area. Look for places that are full of locals as they generally know where the best food is.

Also, don’t be afraid of street food! When people first go traveling they often stay away from it because they are afraid of getting sick. But street food is super cheap and delicious! Also in my experience, you are more likely to get sick in restaurants than from street food.

At street food stalls you can at least have a close look at the food storage and preparation method. Often you can watch them cook! Plus it’s the most authentic local experience you can get for a really cheap price.

Read also: Best cheap foodie destinations 🌮

23. Look for Free Breakfasts

When booking hostels it can often work out cheaper to book a hostel that is slightly more expensive if it comes with a free breakfast and coffee. It’s a cheap way to vacation.

Another bonus is that you save time by not having to make breakfast or end up spending a lot of money on it. Plus you get the opportunity to meet other travelers and may end up spending the whole day with them.

The only downside is that free breakfasts are usually made of super cheap unhealthy ingredients so make sure to fuel yourself the rest of the day with healthy food!

How to find free breakfasts? 🍳 1. Go to your booking site of preference e.g. Hostelworld 2. Choose your destination, dates and hit Search 3. Click on Filter and “Free Breakfast” 4. Voilá you will see all places with free breakfast

Try it yourself 👇

24. Bring Fruit & Nuts as Snacks

One of the hardest things to do on a long bus trip or while waiting at the airport is to resist buying snacks . Not only are they unhealthy but also expensive.

So avoid this money trap by planning ahead . We always bring local fruits, nuts and protein bars on our trip. And never ever buy food or drinks on airplanes!

It is a cheap way to travel and is far better for your health. Eating healthy while traveling can be a struggle but adding healthy snacks will make a big difference.

Read here: Tips for cheap healthy snacks 🍎

ACTIVITIES 🥾

25. google free things to do.

When I visit a new city I will always google free things to do there. Someone will have written a blog post (like us! ;)) about free things to do in nearly every touristy place around the world. They can have some awesome ideas that are totally free.

Another good idea is to google free events in the city you are in. There can often be festivals or cultural events that are free to visit and will make you feel like a local.

See here: All Free-Things-to-do articles we have written ✌️

26. Visit Museums Cheap or for Free

In a lot of countries, museums will have certain days when they are free to visit, often on Sundays. Just look up their website and go for free where possible. This way we have saved quite some money without missing out on cultural highlights.

If you are a student, always make sure to bring your student pass with you. Many museums offer university discounts making it a great way to travel cheap as a student.

In big cities, like Chicago , London, or New York it can often be worth it to get city passes that give you discounts on many attractions and save you time queuing. Sometimes you may get as much as 50% off admission!

Our favorite ticket websites : 🎟️ GetYourGuide (entries) 🎟️ Tiqets (attractions) 🎟️ GoCity (passes) 🎟️ Ticketmaster (events)

27. Join Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are available in most major cities around the world. They are often hosted by a local guide who can give a brief history of the place and interesting facts.

I have done an uncountable number of free walking tours worldwide and besides one or two I found them to be a great and cheap way of getting to know a new place.

While they are not really free as the guides work for tips it is up to you how much you tip. So those on a bigger budget can choose to tip more, and if you are strapped for cash, you can tip less.

Our favorite tour guide sites: 🤠 Google “Free Walking Tour + City you are in” 🤠 GetYourGuide 🤠 Viator

28. Go on Self-Guided Walking Tours

One of my favorite things to do when I arrive in a new place is to just go for a walk without any destination in mind. A good idea is to google a few nice areas and download them on Google Maps offline before starting to walk.

That way you will discover interesting parts of the city you would never have seen if you had just stuck to the main tourist attractions. Plus it’s completely free!

Our favorite self-guided sites: 🗺️ Google Maps (works offline) 🗺️ Maps.me (works offline) 🎧 WeGoTrip (Audio Tours)

29. Avoid Pricey Tours

Try to avoid organized tours when going to major tourist attractions . Frequently I see overpriced tours offered that don’t include little more than transport.

So often it is so much cheaper to take public transport to the attraction yourself. Plus you can take your time at the sites and not have to rush or stick to the schedule of the tour.

Of course in some situations, tours can work out to be cheaper or better, especially as a solo traveler. But it always pays to compare the price of a tour vs doing it on your own.

Our favorite tour websites: 🤠 Viator 🤠 GetYourGuide 🤠 Tripadvisor

30. Go Hiking (Healthy Way to Travel Cheap)

Going for a hike is an activity that is mostly free and has the added benefit of staying in shape and getting into nature. It is easy to get stuck in big cities while traveling.

Especially as a digital nomad you may be living in exotic locations but glued to your laptop all day. Hiking is a good way to escape the city and your laptop and see more of the natural beauty of a country.

There are plenty of free hiking sites out there that will show you hundreds of cool hikes for all fitness levels nearby. Often with trails away from tourist crowds.

Tip: In countries where safety is an issue, always make sure to check the hike reviews on the sites or on Google Maps (filter by lowest) to see if incidents on the trail have happened in the last few months. That way we stayed away from some doggy hikes in Colombia.

Our favorite free hiking sites: 🥾 AllTrails 🥾 WikiLoc See also: All hikes we have blogged about 🌎

31. Work Out for Free

While traveling it is very easy to slip out of your workout routine and become unfit. Also in many countries day passes to gyms can be very expensive.

That’s why the best idea is to learn workout routines that require no equipment and can be done anywhere. There are thousands of videos on YouTube with routines that you can follow anywhere simply with your body weight.

My favorite way to workout is to go for a run or do calisthenics as there are free calisthenics parks in almost any city in the world. It can also be a great idea to buy some cheap workout equipment you can travel with.

For example, we travel with a lightweight yoga mat , resistance bands, and a skipping rope that you can get a great workout with and easily fit inside your luggage.

Read here: Best Free Workout Tips for Travelers 💪

Now you know how to travel cheap, yeah!

Everyone has different wants and needs, especially when it comes to traveling. Someone might not want to sacrifice certain things. But even if you only incorporate a few of the tips on this list you should be able to get more bang for your buck.

So much of travel is learning by doing and finding out what works for you! I hope this list helps you save money and enables you to extend your travels so you can spend more time doing what you love 🙌

If you have any more tips on how to travel cheap let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear them.

• Guide to Free Accommodation
• How to Eat Cheap & Healthy
• How to Stay Fit on the Road
• How to Become a Petsitter

Hey there! Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us to generate income and keep creating content for you. So we greatly appreciate your support! Thanks!

Hi, I am Allan, a travel, health and fitness fanatic from New Zealand. I'm a former lawyer who turned into a full-time nomad in 2020. For the last 4+ years I've been traveling the world. I'm always on a hunt for good food, activities on a budget and workouts on the go. I hope you find my tips helpful and get inspired to travel more!

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18 Amazing Travel Hacks to Make Travel Cheaper Right NOW

Life has got pretty expensive hey? I’m here to show you how you can make travel cheaper right now, with these 18 travel hacks. Tried and tested by me, use these cheap travel tricks for your next adventure, so the one after isn’t too far away!

Travelling cheap is not impossible. Almost all of my travels from 20 to 30 were done on a shoestring and I travelled all over the world. If you don’t have buckets of money or rich parents to finance your trip, then you’re going to have to get these top cheap travel tips in your arsenal, so you can travel as far as possible for as long as possible.

I want to share all I know about how to travel cheaply, so you can do the same.

After 15 years of travel all over the world, here are my top travel hacks to help you have the money to travel for longer, deeper and further.

18 Travel Hacks to Make Travel Cheaper Right NOW

Everything you need to know about travelling cheaply .

1. Book accommodation early for cheaper travel

I’ve never seen accommodation get cheaper . The earlier you book your hotel / hostel / villa, the better the choice and so the better the deal. Use price comparison sites, like Google Search, to find the best deal for your date. Never accept the first price you see – make sure you do a bit of digging if you want to travel cheaper.

As soon as you book in your flights, get your accommodation booked too. Airbnb has some great deals for all budgets, all over the world. Use the finder below to get somewhere cheap wherever you want to go. 

2. Choose good value destinations to travel cheaply

Obviously, the cheaper the destination, the less you’ll spend in total. Sometimes it can be worth flying far, for the cheaper price of everything when you get there.

Much of Asia is cheap, compared to Western expectations, as is some of South America. Classics like Cambodia, India and Mexico are price favourites for a reason. Watch yourself if you’re planning a trip to Europe though, places that were cheap a few years ago have welcomed in the demand with open arms, and put their prices right up.

Croatia, I’m talking about you.

Travel doesn’t have to be super expensive though, you just need to book your trips wisely and do your research on where you’re going. Japan, Dubai, the USA and Monaco are out the window, but look where else you can go with your hard earned cash.

If you’re looking for a cheap holiday, then have a look at these suggestions.

SOFIA & BANSKO, BULGARIA

I’ve been to Bulgaria before, to the capital Sofia. It was cheap, I loved the price!

Bansko is well known as one of the cheapest places to ski, IN THE WORLD. I had a great week at the Snomads chalet in Bansko , and it was great value too.

• 3-day lift, skis, boots and poles: €132 / £113
• Beer: €2 / £1.50
• Average medium priced meal: €5 / £4.50
• 8/10 hotel accommodation per night: £8 each, absolute bargain!
• Cheapest return flight from London, a month from now: go to Sofia, from Stansted from £39!

LUCKNOW, INDIA

I loved Lucknow in India . I had a hectic trip, as I only had a day, but you could totally spend a few days exploring more of the city. There are so many beautiful old buildings to explore, which only charge a few rupees to get in, or even free. 

The building in the pic was free to get in, and was stunning inside. 

I’ve found the top sights in Lucknow for your travels here, I’d recommend at least three days. A visit to Lucknow would be a great addition to any northern India tour. And in general, India is cheap for us Brits anyway. 

• Rough attraction cost: Less than £2
• Average medium priced meal: £3
• 8/10 hotel accommodation per night: £7 each, bargain!
• Cheapest return flight to Lucknow from London, a month from now: Go to Delhi for around £350ish, and then it’s a £30 flight from there.

POKHARA, NEPAL

Pokhara in Nepal is definitely one of my happy places. It’s also one of the best cheapest places to travel.

The area is popular with backpackers and wellness aficionados, as well as extreme sports lovers. You can do activities in Pokhara that would cost you a fortune elsewhere. 

Pokhara is also known as the gateway to the Annapurna mountain range, including Everest. It’s where many Nepal treks begin , and is based around the wonderful Lake Pokhara.

I loved how cheap it was Pokhara. Check out my guide to the prices in Nepal here, and you’ll see what great value Pokhara is.

READ MORE: Your Guide to a Week in Nepal

Pokhara is also the most popular place for doing an Everest helicopter ride, saves on the hike!

One of my biggest travel regrets is not doing the hand gliding off Pokhara. I totally should’ve but was feeling skint at the time, after having to pay twice for my India visa. This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences, you just have to do. Go to Pokhara, and do it, for me! 

Also, the hike up to the Peace Pagoda is amazing too. Aaannnnnd I’ll stop, but check out my top things to do in Pokhara to give you a better idea of why I think Pokhara is one of the best cheap places to go in 2020.

• Rough hang gliding cost: £50 for 30 minutes
• 8/10 hotel accommodation per night: £2!
• Cheapest return flight to Pokhara from London, a month from now: Go to Kathmandu for around £500ish return, and then it’s a £140 flight from there, or you can take a bus, which is way cheaper, like I did.

READ MORE: How to Spend a Week in Week in Nepal

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

I love Vietnam . I’ve written a lot about Vietnam on this blog, just because I’ve spent almost two months there, and love how different and exciting it is. It was also the first place I went in Asia and so will always hold a special place in my heart. 

There’s so much to see for free or super cheap in Ho Chi Minh City . The palaces are only a few pounds to get in, and even just walking the streets is wonderful. Food and drink is great value, and getting around the rest of Vietnam is cheap and easy too.

If you want an interesting and cheap place to visit in 2020, I can’t recommend Vietnam enough.

Check out my awesome two-week itinerary for Vietnam to give you more ideas of just what you can do with a few million Vietnamese Dong (you’re a millionaire with £40 here) and two weeks of your time.

• Rough attraction cost: £2-4ish
• Average medium priced meal: £2
• 8/10 hotel accommodation per night: £5!
• Cheapest return flight to Ho Chi Minh City from London, a month from now: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City direct for around £400ish.

Check out my video about what to see in Ho Chi Minh City

So much of it is free!

SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES

For the ultimate in empty paradise beaches, beach huts and incredible waves to surf, then Siargao in the Philippines is your one. The Philippines has become more and more popular over the last few years but Siargao even more so thanks to the palm trees, easy living and Instagram ready backdrops.

I went in 2017 and loved what good value it was, and just how much you got for your money. Also, there’s plenty to do for free as its all beaches and outdoor living. You really don’t need to spend much in Siargao to have a great time. Check out my tips for the Philippines here , for more money saving advice.

Whether you’re there for the surfing, or just for the beach chill, then I’d totally recommend you hire a moped to get you around, and to explore more of the island. Top tip for you there. 

Check out my video about what to see in Siargao

Also, subscribe to my YouTube channel for more travel inspo too

• Beaches: free! 
• 8/10 hotel accommodation per night: £10!
• Cheapest return flight to Siargao from London, a month from now: Fly to Cebu for around £560ish, and then get a flight to Siargao.

If you want to travel cheaper, travelling to the cheapest destinations is definitely a good idea!

3. Cut down on the booze for cheaper travel

I know, who even am I any more?

Alcohol is one of the most expensive daily treats money can buy when you’re on holiday. Don’t worry about cutting it out entirely, but cutting down can definitely help you cut the holiday bill down a bit. If you want to know how to travel cheaply, then cutting out alcohol makes it all a lot cheaper.

In most places alcohol is expensive (although in Malawi, it was about 80p a glass of wine). There are a few crazy / awesome places around the world where a beer ends up being cheaper than a bottle of water, but in general, booze is going to cost you.

And the thing with drinking is, I’ve found, you have one and you want another, and then you make more friends and you want another. A night out can end up getting very expensive.

If you’re away for a long time promise yourself a few alcohol-free days to save up for more essential activities, like temples and watersports. This is a great tip for travelling cheaper, it also saves on hangover days of over indulgence too.

4. Eat like a local to save money on travel

If you follow the tourists to the English menu restaurants you’re going to end up with sub-standard food, for twice the price. Follow the locals instead if you want to travel cheaper.

Although, having said that, we tried to do this recently in Samos, in Greece, and ended up with what was surely out of date, over cooked fish, sloppy peppers, and manky taramasalata. So follow the locals… but check out what’s being served before you commit to ordering.

Look for street markets and shop at local stores. Eating the local food doesn’t always have to mean eating out either, you can eat the local food from the supermarket now and again and save yourself a few quid. Carry a spoon around with you to help spread cheese / drink soup / eat yogurt from a shop etc. This little trick saved me loads when I was backpacking Europe.

5. Walk when you can to travel for less

I get it. It’s hot, taxis are air conditioned, and with the whole taxi app thing, so easy too, but NO.

Unless you have loads of luggage or it’s over three miles then resist the urge to get a taxi. Walk. You never know what you might find on a trek out into the wilderness. Or at least, into town. Or to a restaurant.

Walking far , with a purpose but not a schedule, is one of the best ways to discover a new place, and to save money on transport costs too. Who knows where the day will take you when you travel cheaper!

6. Take overnight transport for cheap travel

You can save on a night’s accommodation and travel cheaper by checking out the overnight schedules to get to your next destination. Travelling cheaply is all about knowing these little travel hacks to save the pennies.

Word of warning from experience though – only do this if you’re good at sleeping on public transport, otherwise you run the risk of wasting the next day catching up on sleep when you finally get there. Total false economy, and sometimes not always worth it, depending on the country you’re in. Keep it in mind though.

I’ve saved lots of money doing overnight buses, trains and flights, and would do again.

7. Sign up for discount cards  to save money on travel

If you’re an OAP, a student, have been in the forces, or know of any other reason why you might be entitled to a discount – then take it!

An international student card can save you a good few quid on entrance into museums, especially in the western world. Also, a YHA card can help you save money on accommodation too.

Get your cards in order before you leave to travel cheaper!

Check out misterhint.com for more money saving travel advice. 

8. Always carry a reusable water bottle so travel costs less

I hate paying for water. Hate it. Stupidly expensive, and a total waste of plastic in the bottle too. Buy one of these Chilly’s water bottles and you can refill easily. I’ve bought cheap ones before and they’ve leaked, so I’d recommend investing in one of these to fit in your backpack. They come in different sizes which is great.

Obviously, make sure you can actually drink the tap water wherever you are before you go glugging. If you can’t, buy one of the larger bottles of water and decant.

If you want tips for travelling on the cheap, having a reusable water bottle is one of the best ones out there.

9. Share food, drink, transport and accommodation costs

If you’re backpacking and you’re staying in a hostel, see if your new friends / roommates, want to cook a meal together. If you all chuck in a bit of cash you can save on costs, and have a feast too.

When it comes to accommodation pay for double, triple or quadruple hotel rooms with your new friends to get nicer places and not have to sleep with strangers.

If you’re planning on travelling a popular route check out the hostel notice boards to see if anyone else is going that way. Sometimes you can bag a place in a shared car in return for a small contribution towards the fuel.

If there’s a few of you and you’re trying to book a trip or activity, see if you can get some sort of group discount to travel cheaper. Often they’re so desperate to get you on a trip, you can strike some sort of deal.

How to travel cheaply? Share, but be careful who exactly you’re sharing with.

10. Haggle to save money on travel

Whether you’re trying to book a trip, or buy a souvenir , if the price isn’t written down, then it’s not set. And that goes for many countries around the world. In some countries, even if it’s written down, it’s haggleable still.

You might be nervous to haggle the first few times, I know I was. I got my head round it by just thinking about what I’d actually like to pay for the item / excursion and then go to half, and work my way back up from there. If you tend to spend a lot on souvenirs when you travel, this is a great way to travel cheaper.

11. Know how much to tip to travel cheaper

Eugh, I hate tipping for the sake of it. As a Brit it is just not in my nature. I like to tip for excellent service, and nothing more.

But it some countries, you’re just not going to get away with that.

Yeah, YOU, USA. In the US all activities, food and drink end up costing 20% more than the written price, because of tip and tax, and you have to pay both .

In places like Thailand and Cambodia tipping isn’t expected, but it’s nice. And in Japan, it’s just downright rude (one of the many reasons to love Japan IMHO ).

Travel cheaper by learning the tipping rules and laws of each place so you don’t end up wasting money tipping unnecessarily.

High on the list of tips for travelling cheap would have to be to cut down on your generous tipping, if the country’s customs allow.

12. Sort your bank account and cards to save money on travel

I’ve done quite a bit of research now into how much travellers are wasting on bank fees, and the results make me sad. It’s silly to be doing all this haggling and researching best prices, and then end up forking out a fortune on withdrawing cash and currency conversions.

I currently bank with Tandem (credit card), Monzo (challenger bank) and Nationwide – thanks to the fact they all offer good currency conversions. In my opinion, they’re the best banks to go with.

If every time you take money out of the ATM you’re paying for the please, you’re wasting money. And, if you’re using a credit card abroad  you might be charged a foreign transaction fee or other fees and fines.

Seriously, if you’re travelling for a long time sorting your bank cards and accounts could be the best hack to save you money.

13. Talk to people!

As in, actual real existing people. Not the people on the Facebook or the TripAdvisor.

Other travellers and locals can tell you about the best deals in the area, the best value restaurants, cheaper hotels and, maybe even let you come and stay at theirs when you travel. You’ll find that people who travel are very generous and some are very happy, honoured even, to offer you a place to sleep for the night, or at least on their aunty’s friend’s cousin’s sofa etc.

This is definitely the number one way to travel cheaper, and more authentically!

14. Ask if you really need it

Temptation is absolutely, definitely going to come your way when you travel. Whether it’s that top you saw, an extra beer, dessert, a fancy restaurant or hotel above your price range – you need to train your brain to question whether you actually really need the item or not.

I’m gonna guess you don’t.

And well done, you’ve just saved yourself enough for another night of travelling. Woohoo.

Enjoying these tips to travel cheap?!

15. Pack light, but not too light to save money on travel

It’s so much easier, and more pleasurable, to move around when you’ve got less to carry. I’ve been that person at the airport struggling with luggage, I’ve learned from it. Now I like to be the one who glides on through, with space to spare.

If you have too much stuff, and then start buying more stuff, you’ll get charged. Like I was, twice. Once in the Philippines, where it was suddenly decided on an internal flight we were only allowed 10kg, not 15kg. And then coming back from Norway, where I’d been given a dressing gown as a gift and it ended up sending me way over the limit. Sent my budget all out of whack. Gutted.

On the same note though, you don’t want to end up as such a light packer that you have to buy things abroad you already have at home. No one wants that.

READ MORE: Caribbean Packing List

16. Download money apps to make travel cheaper

I love the banking apps. They make life so much easier. If you have accounts all over the place for this and for that, you can also download apps that collate them all together so with one look you know how much is in each account. Look at Bankin for this, or even the Curve card. Any good list of tips for cheap travel would have to recommend you’re getting the most for your exchange rate possible.

Also, get xe.com so you know the exchange rate, and how much things are going to cost at all times.

Knowledge is definitely power when it comes to travelling cheaper for longer!

17. Sign up to newsletters to travel on a budget

How to save money on travel? You need to know the deals.

Once you’ve found a website with good deals, even if they don’t have anything you particularly fancy there and then, sign up to the newsletter. Subscribers often get special deals in return for their loyalty and are the first to know about any competitions and upcoming deals.

18. Delete your cookies for cheaper flights and accommodation

Computer cookies are like markers that get left behind by sites as you browse the internet. Companies use these to collect information on you and to target online advertising. They can also use it to charge you more when it comes to booking.

For example, you want to book a flight with your friend from London to Paris. You go on the site and check the price before you ask your friend. You check again when your friend says yes. Then you check again as she wants to change the date. You wait a few days then search again. The flight company knows that you have checked a few times thanks to the cookies that have been dropped.

You’re now totally invested in the purchase, so they put the price up as at this point you’re almost definitely going to book. Cheeky hey?

If you notice a price has gone up, make sure to clear your browsing history and delete cookies .

Best ways to travel cheaper

I hope that’s enlightened you as to some of the best ways to travel cheaper. You can pick and choose the cheap travel tips for you, depending on what you’re prepared to cut out. Travelling cheaply doesn’t have to be difficult if you know these travel hacks to help you out.

Do let me know if you have any great cheap travel tips I haven’t listed, always open to hearing more on how to save money on travel!

Don’t forget to share these cheaper travel tips with a friend too. Remember, travelling on the cheap is so much easier when you share

PIN THESE TIP FOR TRAVELLING CHEAPLY FOR LATER

Related Posts:

• 10 Ways to Get a Cheaper Summer Holiday
• How I Afford to Travel So Much (+ 7 Tips for You Too)
• 9 Best Travel Tips to Save Money on Your Trip
• 6 Best Travel Podcasts by Women
• 8 Ways to Save Money on Last Minute Travel
• My Top 5 European Cities for a Cheap Weekend

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

We are looking at going to Japan this Oct/Nov for 14 days or so, pretty flexible and we were wondering whether it is better to go through a tour company/package deal or do it ourselves. Just wondered if you had any advice.

Kind regards

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How to Travel Cheaper: A Beginner’s Guide to Budget Travel

Traveling is all the rage these days. Just take a quick skim through Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, and you’ll probably have at least a small case of FOMO. It seems like everyone is always jetting off everywhere . While that’s definitely not the case (social media is only a highlight reel, after all), you might be wanting to get in on the traveling fun, but be hesitant because of the cost. Traveling can be very expensive, for sure. When I hear how much my friends spend on their trips, my jaw drops . It’s literally often triple what I spend on similar trips . Over time, I started realizing how little idea most people have on traveling cheap. So, in order to try to help others out, I’ve made this quick little guide on how to travel cheaper.

I don’t consider myself a budget traveler. Not by any means. But I’m definitely budget conscious. So here are the ways I travel cheaper (relative to my friends), but still comfortably, for five years and counting.

1. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

This is the quickest way to cut the cost of your trip by a couple hundred bucks right off the bat. The greatest part about saving money through the flight is that you are not sacrificing quality. You are getting the same service as you otherwise would have, but paying less. These are the ways I save money on my flights.

Skyscanner Search Engine

Skyscanner is my favorite search engine. I first heard about it at a study abroad orientation before departing for a semester in London, and I’ve been using it ever since. There are two main things I love about Skyscanner.

Firstly, they include budget airlines that major search engines often do not include. This is key when you are traveling to a newish region, and you don’t yet know what budget airlines even exist to go check them yourself.

Secondly, they have an “everywhere” option for the destination . This has been so great for me when I am looking for a last minute trip, or when I don’t care where I am going but just want the cheapest flight. I enter my departure airport, I select “everywhere” for my arrival airport, and I choose the dates. You can even choose “whole month” if you want to be more general. Then, your results are listed in order of cheapest price.

Google Flights Search Engine

I will always have a special place in my heart for Skyscanner, but I’m using Google Flights more and more these days. When it first came out, I had no idea how to use it to its full potential, but now I finally see why everyone likes it.

Firstly, I love how easy it is to search several flights at once by selecting multiple destination and departure cities, not just “nearby airports” from one main selection. I also love how many ways you can filter down your search, like by selecting or excluding connection airports .

Secondly, I adore the Date Grid feature , where you can easily see price differences for similar dates. And – perhaps my favorite part – you can click Track Prices after setting all your filters to get price changes emailed right to you!

Hopper Moblie App

I’ve only just recently started using this free phone app (download here for iPhone or Android ), but I love it so far. With Hopper, you can select a flight route for the app to monitor, and it will then notify you when prices drop. They also notify you when a flight to a nearby destination drops, too. You can monitor multiple flights at a time. They also provide this service for hotels, but I have not used that yet.

Scott’s Cheap Flights Mail List

If ya don’t know, now ya know. All the cool kids use Scott’s Cheap Flights . It’s an email list where Scott, the guy running it, emails you when airlines have huge flight drops or mistake fares. Prices usually only last a day or two at most, so you have to act fast if you see a flight you like. The nice thing about this is that the flights are all with major airlines, so you’re sure to fly comfortably. There is a paid version and a free version, but the free version is honestly pretty good. On the free version, I get emails once every day or two, and once in a while, twice in a day.

Budget Airlines

Some people love ’em, some people hate ’em. Me? I think they’re a great way to travel cheaper. If you’ve traveled Europe long term, you’ve definitely heard of the European ones, like RyanAir, EasyJet, Vueling, or EuroWings. Asia and Latin America have their own budget airlines too, and there are even international budget airlines, like Norwegian, or the now-bankrupt WOW Air. The important thing when booking with these is to read the fine print. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Trust me. If you’re worried, read my super-detailed guide to flying RyanAir . The same general principles apply to all budget airlines.

Travel Carry-On Only

This is often necessary when traveling budget airlines or domestically, but major airlines are starting to apply the budget airline strategy for international flights. Nowadays, they often offer a “basic economy” as opposed to just “economy.” This is cheaper, and excludes things like free check-in bag, flight changes, and sometimes meals. Not sure how international or long-term is even possible with just a carry-on? Check out my guide to traveling carry on only .

2. FIND BUDGET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

Assuming you find a decently priced flight, housing will likely be the largest single expense of your trip. I hate feeling like I overpaid for housing way more than for a flight, because I tend to be out and about all day. All I really need is a safe, clean, conveniently located place to sleep – and I never sacrifice any of these three qualities for price. Luckily, there are more than a few ways to save on housing.

Book With AirBnB

If you haven’t heard about AirBnB yet, you’ve been living under a rock I’m here to save you. It’s a super-convenient site where you can book vacation rentals (apartments, houses, villas, tree houses, the list goes on). In recent years, they branched out from just housing, and you can use their site to book ~experiences~ too. But back to housing. AirBnB can be a GREAT way to save (especially when you are in a group) because you are renting from a person, rather than staying in an expensive hotel. Also, AirBnBs can be very centrally located, since they tend to be people’s apartments. If you’ve never used AirBnB before, you can even save 15% off your first booking by using this link to sign up. You’ll also get $15 off your first ~experience~ of $50 or more. This all only counts for your very first time, though.

Stay in Hostels

Hear me out of this one. I know you’ve all seen that one scary movie, but hostels are usually nothing like that! I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical when I stayed in my first one. I read way too many reviews and viewed every single traveler-posted photo on TripAdvisor before booking anything. In the end, all went well.

Hostels can be great for many reasons.

Firstly, they can save you money . I’ve only used them in Europe thus far, where I averaged $20 a night in Germany, Scotland, and Austria in winter, and $34 a night in Italy in summer. But travel to Latin America or South East Asia, and expect to pay under $10 a night. The two sites I check and use to book these are Booking (which includes hotels and guest houses) and HostelWorld (which is purely hostels). Get 10% back from your first booking when you use this link for your first time using Booking.

Secondly, they are a nice way to not feel so alone while traveling solo. You can meet other solo travelers, and hostels often put on nightly events, city walking tours, and game nights.

Thirdly, another money saving perk about hostels is that they often come with a kitchen. You can buy local produce (often WAY cheaper than produce in the US) and cook to save money , too. Two ways to travel cheaper in one. BAM.

Hostels often offer all-male or all-female dorm room options , if this helps you feel more comfortable.

Couch Surf or House Sit

I’ve never used either of these two options. Fill disclosure; I don’t see myself doing either of these two options any time soon as a solo-female traveler. But I wanted to include them in my list so y’all have full information. Couch Surfing is where you literally stay with someone for free , often on their couch. People who host couch surfers usually love to meet new people and host couch surfers for that reason. House sitting is also becoming a thing these days. With this, you get to stay in someone’s house for free in exchange for watching their place while they are gone. This can be as long as a month sometimes, and often is more of pet sitting than simply house sitting.

Book as Far Out as Possible

Unlike with booking flights, it’s pretty rare to get a last minute cheap hotel. The best way to ensure you have as many options as possible and aren’t forced to just book whatever is left is to book as far out as you can. The cheapest and best-value places (whether hotel, BnB, or hostel) will naturally sell out fast. So travel cheaper by not procrastinating on housing.

3. CHOOSE A BUDGET DESTINATION

An easy way to travel cheaper and save on not just housing but also meals, on the ground transport, excursions, and even souvenirs is to just choose a cheaper destination in the first place.

Visit a Cheaper Destination

This can be a place with a weaker currency than its neighbors, like non-Euro-zone European countries. Or it can be entire regions, like South America or Southeast Asia. It can also just be a less tourist place overall, like Portugal instead of Spain. This is a great decision for longer-term travels, as the low costs after arrival can offset the upfront cost of the flight to give you a low overall per-day spend.

Travel in the Off Season or Shoulder Season

If you absolutely must travel to the most touristy, high currency value countries, consider traveling in the off season or shoulder season. Off season travel is great for places like Europe. When I traveled to Iceland in winter , I literally saved $100 a day off my camper van rental, which I had for a week. That was a ton of savings right off the bat. My flight was cheaper because I traveled in winter too. Some places, like a Mediterranean island, don’t make sense to visit during the off season in poor weather. So consider visiting in the shoulder season. You can get the best of both worlds by traveling just before or just after the peak season, where the weather is still warm but the crowds and prices are lower. I traveled to Croatia in May, and attraction entrance fees were sometimes half the price they would have been in July and August.

4. AVOID FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES

It baffles me how people travel without fee-less credit cards and debit cards. This is a no-brainer way to travel cheaper. Most credit cards charge a 3% fee when outside your home country, and most debit cards charge this same 3%, but also a $5 ATM fee every time you withdraw from a foreign ATM. The numbers maybe sound small, but this adds up FAST.

Especially if you are traveling longer than a week, consider opening up a travel rewards credit card before leaving home. Look for one that charges zero foreign transaction fees. I’ve had one of these since studying abroad, and it’s saved me so much over the years.

Recently, I also opened up a checking account with Charles Schwab, who offers a foreign-transaction-fee-less debit card. I haven’t used it yet, but I’ve traveled with so many people who love it. I’ll update y’all on how I like it after my upcoming trip!

5. SAVE UP SLOWLY IN ADVANCE

Traveling cheaper doesn’t mean traveling for free. Regardless of how cheap you get your trip to by using my tips and resources above, it will still cost money. But here are some ways to save up for that trip.

Skip that Coffee

Let’s say you stop by Starbucks or Peet’s three times a week and spend $5 each drink. That’s $60 a month. Doesn’t sound like much? That’s the price of a round-trip European flight with RyanAir. Or ten night’s stay in a hostel in Ecuador or Thailand. Or entry and a train ride to Machu Picchu. Make your own coffee at home each morning instead, at least until you save up for your trip.

Eat Out Less

It’s so hard to say no when a friend asks you to brunch. But at around $20 a pop, brunch even just once a week can add up fast. Make your own food at home (or pick up healthier frozen meals, like from Trader Joe’s), and suggest hang outs that cost less money. Meal prep every Sunday so you have food waiting after work and don’t need to pick up take out. Eating out adds up. And you’ll be doing a lot of it while traveling anyways, so put it on pause until you save up.

Start in Advance

The best way to save up is slowly over time. That way, all you need is a bunch of small changes you won’t even notice. Saving $60 a month on coffee and $150 a month on eating out adds up to $1,260 over six months. That’s about how much I spent backpacking Europe for 3.5 weeks. As the saying goes, if you started when you first said you would, you would have achieved it by now.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you think traveling is too expensive for your reach? What are your ways to travel cheaper? I’m always all ears for more tips! Let me know in the comments below.

Like It? Pin it For Later.

Further Reading...

New Zealand Female Packing List: Everything I Packed

Backpacking New Zealand on a Budget: Exactly How Much I Spent

How to Plan the Perfect Vacation: 10 Step Guide

How to travel on a budget.

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29 Can't-Miss Things to Do and See in Iceland

That travelista.

22 Budget Travel Tips: Wise Advice on How to Travel Cheap

Seeing the world doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, if you stick to our time-tested budget travel tips, you can take longer trips while minimizing damage to your savings account.

From using VPNs to find the cheapest flights to seeking out the lowest ATM fees, there’s a lot you can do to bring your travel costs down to a minimum. Best of all, you can do all this without compromising on the quality of your trip.

It’s tempting to throw caution to the wind now and again, but my advice is to look at a budget vacation as an investment in your future. The smarter you spend, the more places you’ll get to visit down the line. Isn’t that what we’re all after here?

So, if you’re looking for advice on how to travel cheaply, you’ve come to the right place. We’re all about squeezing value out of the tightest of budgets, and now it’s time for you to learn exactly how to do so.

Budget Travel Tips

• Research Affordable Destinations

Travel in the Non-Peak Seasons

Travel closer to home, house sit in exchange for free accommodation.

• Travel With a Partner or Friend

Book Your Plane Tickets Far in Advance

Use a vpn when searching for flights, consider staying in hostels, stay in accommodations that offer free meals, get a travel credit card & book with rewards points.

• Pack Camping Gear
• Perfect the Art of One-Bag Travel

Consider Van Life

Pay in local currency on credit card transactions.

• Withdrawal Local Currency for Trusted ATMs

Use Public Transportation Instead of Taxis & Ubers

Walk as often as possible, focus on free activities, go on a free walking tour, indulge in street food & other cheap eats, consult with locals for budget-friendly recommendations.

• Take Advantage of Grocery Stores and Local Markets
• Final Thoughts: Budget Travel Tips

Preparing for Your Trip

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail (or so I’ve heard). Before packing your bags and setting out, you can save a small fortune by following a few logical pieces of advice. Carefully planning and savvy trip-booking will save you heaps of money in the long run.

Research Affordable Destinations that Fit Your Budget

While this might seem like a no-brainer, it’s arguably the number one rule for planning an affordable vacation. You need to set reasonable expectations for a budget trip, which might mean going off the beaten path and trying something different.

Destinations like Paris and Bora Bora will always be in vogue, and by all means, cross them off your bucket list if you have the money. That said, visiting budget-friendly destinations like Mexico, Portugal , Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia can be equally rewarding.

Traveling to a popular hub during peak tourist season is a big part of the appeal, but it is also the most expensive time to visit. Visiting during an unconventional season is a great way to see all the sights while saving significant money.

Not to mention, If you’re the type of person who prefers a little peace and quiet, vacationing out of season is a great way to avoid noisy flocks of tourists. Many destinations shine their brightest without the background noise, which could be true for yours too.

Everyone wants to see the world outside of their little bubble, but that might not be possible without a proper budget. The good news is that you can cut down on expenses and discover some hidden gems if you stay closer to home. Remember, traveling farther away doesn’t always mean having a better time.

Traveling closer to home will inevitably be more streamlined if you have a car or camper van of your own. As we discuss later on, a reliable vehicle is more than just a means of transport when you’re out on a road trip, which is excellent news for you and your precious budget.

Chances are, the price of lodging makes up the bulk of your travel expenditures, but there are ways to put a roof over your head without spending a penny. By offering to house-sit for a local and watch their pets, you can score a bed, a warm meal, and maybe even some extra cash.

If this reminds you too much of all the housework waiting back home, there are plenty of alternatives. Workaway offers lodging in exchange for a wider variety of services, while Couchsurfing lets you find strangers who’ll let you crash with no strings attached.

I’m all for being spontaneous and adventurous, but if you’re traveling by plane, waiting until the last minute to book tickets is usually a bad idea. Plane prices can vary wildly from day to day, and they almost always peak a few days before takeoff.

Booking a few weeks or even months in advance can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. The downside is having to commit to a game plan far in advance, but that’s part and parcel of traveling on a tight budget.

If you use VPNs to watch Netflix shows that aren’t available in your region, you’re not alone. But did you know that you can use the same trick to land an even better deal on your flights? Needless to say, the less money you spend on tickets, the more cash you’re left with at the end of the day.

Switching your location to another country (like Mexico, Malaysia, or Myanmar) will often result in a reduced ticket price. The process is relatively straightforward , and it only takes a few extra minutes of prep work for potentially significant savings. Why not give it a try?

Travel With a Friend or Partner to Split Expenses

When traveling, countless little expenses are constantly nibbling away at your bottom line. Heading out with your friend or partner can help stop the bleeding since you can split hotel rooms, gas money, grocery bills, and other essential costs.

Besides, it can get a little lonesome out there without anybody to share your experiences with. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of me-time if that’s what you’re after, but the longer your trip, the more you might wish you had somebody to share it with.

While a swanky hotel room is a welcome luxury for any traveler, it’s far from essential if you want to save money. If you don’t mind sharing a room with a handful of strangers, staying in a dorm room or a hostel is a great option to stretch your budget further.

There are a few important strategies to master if you opt for a hostel over a hotel . Still, if you prepare accordingly, hostel life should be a more rewarding and money-saving experience. Whatever you do, always bring a pair of quality earplugs for the inevitable snorers or sleeptalkers.

Eating out on the town is a great way to get a feel for how the locals live, but it can also get a bit pricey. An excellent way to get around that reality is to find accommodation that includes at least one free meal daily to keep things cheaper.

You can find these kinds of deals all over the world, and if you’re staying for an extended period, the savings really start to add up. For example, this hostel in Krakow lets you enjoy a whopping two meals a day for free while offering a super-comfortable bed to lay your head down.

Airline companies and hotels often partner with a specific credit card provider to offer special deals for users. If you play your credit card game right and do some research, you could snag a nifty welcome bonus and accumulate points that can lead to free or heavily-discounted travel.

One of the best ways to track these offers is through Nerdwallet’s best travel credit cards roundup . This post has come in handy for thousands of travelers, and it’s probably the best way to keep track of which cards are best for your travel style.

Pack Camping Gear & Sleep Under the Stars

We’ve reviewed several cheap lodging options, but if you enjoy the outdoors, you might not need to pay anything at all. Camping is a great way to connect with nature without investing much beyond a simple tent and inflatable mattress.

This might not always be an option since you’ll need good weather and a nice campsite to set up shop. That said, if the name of the game is saving money, it doesn’t get much more affordable than camping out for free in the cozy confines of your tent.

Perfect the Art of One Bag Travel & Avoid Baggage Fees

There are plenty of reasons to consider traveling light – mainly the privilege of mobility. Beyond that, though, it also helps on the spending front – chances are you need far fewer supplies for the average trip than you might think.

Baggage fees have been known to take large bites out of travel budgets, but with a bit of personal item carry-on magic, you can save significant money that would be better spent elsewhere. Just be sure you buy a properly-sized bag that’ll fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Buying a camper van is a significant investment, but it will pay off in the long run if you travel a lot and even make it your primary residence. Why overspend on “affordable” NYC hotels when you have something like the Brooklyn Van Alley to fall back on?

If you have zero experience with mobile homes, there will be a bit of a learning curve . Besides the vehicle, you’ll also need to set some money aside for essential supplies . Still, if you can survive that initial investment, a camper van might just pay for itself in due time.

After You Arrive at Your Destination

Planning the trip is just the beginning – there’s arguably even more clever maneuvering once you reach your destination. Here’s what you need to keep in mind after you’ve arrived:

Poor currency conversion rates might not seem like the biggest deal, but they add up over time. A few cocktails and into your trip, you may fall into the bad habit of pressing the button to be charged in your home currency on the credit card reader rather than the local one. Hate to break it to you, but the conversion rate is never in your favor.

To avoid the conversion fees imposed by most credit cards, paying in the local currency is always a good idea. These fees apply whether you’re at a restaurant or a retail store, so be mindful before reaching for your wallet.

Use Well-Reviewed Money Exchange Businesses & Withdrawal Currency from Trusted ATMs

When you arrive, you might feel too tired to stress over where you withdraw local currency, but you mustn’t jump the gun. Not all exchange desks will give you the best deal, so always check Google reviews before blindly handing your money to the first money changer you see.

The same goes for ATMs, too – depending on the bank or the machine itself, you may get charged an unreasonable fee, even if you withdraw the local currency. Dynamic Currency Conversion isn’t as helpful as it sounds, so use your best judgment.

Taxis and Ubers can be very convenient in a time crunch but are also quite expensive. Often, a taxi driver will pick you up knowing that you’re a tourist (even if you speak the local language) and charge you a higher price than what’s fair.

The safer bet is usually to rely on public transportation whenever possible. On top of it being cheaper (and often free), it’s easy to keep track of where buses, trains, and trams take you if you use Google Maps to plan your route.

Even if you aren’t on a budget, walking is almost always preferable to driving when visiting a new location. Besides being free, it’s also great for your health and lets you see more of what the region has to offer at your own pace.

Also, a vacation is the perfect time to pick up the habit of walking or hiking back home. The physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of walking large distances daily can be life-changing, so lace up your walking shoes and give it a shot.

The only thing better than “cheap” is “free,” and in the digital era, all it takes to find a free activity is to look it up online. From annual events at parks to free museum days and other meetups , there are almost always free activities to discover in major cities.

Remember, though – just because something is free of charge, it doesn’t mean you should go out empty-handed. Your activity of choice may feature some “hidden” fees now and again, or it could lead you to a pricey detour down the line.

Knowing nothing about your destination is a surefire way to spend more money than you need to. Thankfully, most major tourist hubs offer walking tours that help you immerse yourself in the local culture and discover some fantastic spots.

You’re likely to meet other like-minded budget travelers on a walking tour, so you might even leave with an extra friend or street food buddy. Just be sure to tip your guide for their trouble – think of all the money they helped you save by showing you around.

One thing to remember about tourist traps is that they often know they can overcharge curious travelers from faraway lands. It’s okay to indulge in an expensive meal in the heart of town, but if you’re looking to save money, try out some delicious street food for a fraction of the price.

In some ways, street vendors can give you a better idea of the ins and outs of the local cuisine. On that note, don’t be afraid to head out to the outskirts, either – this is usually where you’ll find some more affordable eateries unknown to most tourists.

If anyone knows the restaurants and attractions that offer the best value for money, it’s the locals. Relying on Google reviews is all well and good, but an insider’s advice can be way more helpful and rewarding.

Depending on where you go, it’s not uncommon for a friendly local to invite you into their home for an authentic, home-cooked meal. Putting the money aspect aside, this is one of the most wholesome vacation experiences you can hope to find. Chat up a friendly local and see where the conversation might lead you.

Take Advantage of Grocery Stores & Local Markets

If push comes to shove, remember that going to a restaurant is almost always more expensive than whipping up the same meal yourself. Even if you don’t have a kitchen to work with, you can always grab some affordable food from the grocery store and enjoy a simple picnic.

This is also a great way to connect with the local culture. There’s no better way to get a feel for how the natives eat than by walking the same grocery store aisles they do. You might even get hooked on some new flavors you never knew existed.

Budget Travel Keeps You on the Road Longer

And that concludes our list of the best budget travel tips to keep in mind before planning your next trip. We’ve laid out our best advice based on many years of affordable travel, and we hope it’ll serve you well on your adventures.

The devil is in the details regarding saving money, so if you take advantage of a handful of clever travel hacks, you can rest assured that you’ll maximize your budget. Whenever I check my bank statements after a long trip, I’m always amazed at how far a few good decisions were able to stretch my money.

There’s a dollar to be saved around every corner, and if you’ve been around as many corners as we have, you know how important that can be. Learning to appreciate the simple pleasures of travel really goes a long way.

The bottom line is this: while the best things in life might not be free exactly, they can cost less than you might think. The sooner you learn how to travel cheaply, the more the world will open itself up to you.

Last Updated on May 9, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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How to Travel on a Budget – The 30 Best Cheap Travel Tips

Home | Travel | How to Travel on a Budget – The 30 Best Cheap Travel Tips

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Are you looking for cheap ways to travel ? Have you been dreaming of a cheap trip around the world for ages? Planning a cheap vacation might seem overwhelming because it can be difficult to know exactly where to start and where to find the best discounts for travel . Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best tips and tricks to help you save on your next trip.

In this guide to planning a cheap trip, we’ll be talking about how to save on all the different parts of your trip: flights, accommodation, transport, and more. That way, the next time you’re planning a trip, you can figure out exactly where you’re spending the most money and then use our tips to help you save in that area; that’s the best way to get the cheap trip you’ve always wanted.

How to travel on a budget

We’ve picked up plenty of tricks for cheap travel over the years, so we’ve written several specific guides to help you save on trips:

HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

HOW TO GET CHEAP HOTELS

HOW TO GET CHEAP RENTAL CARS

CHEAP TRAVEL INSURANCE

However, if you don’t know where to start, we have you covered! This ultimate guide sums up the 30 most important travel for cheap tips grouped in the following topics:

• Planning phase
• Accommodation
• Tours and Activities

Are you ready to plan the cheapest trip of your life ? Then let’s get started !

Learn the 3 key tips for planning a cheap trip

Before you look at any destinations or book hotels or flights, there are three key things that you absolutely need to do if you want to know how to travel on a budget . Not all cheap travel tips are complicated. In fact, these ones are very simple, but you need to make sure that you use them from the moment you start planning or even thinking about your cheap trip. Using these tips from the beginning can really make a difference in the price of your trip.

1. Set a realistic budget and track all your expenses to travel cheap

The first and most important thing you need to do is to calculate your travel budget. After all, how can you travel on a budget if you don’t even know what your budget is?

Start off by designing a budget for your trip. Calculate the total amount of money you’re willing to spend on the trip, and then decide which things are worth spending that money on. It’s your trip, so you can plan it any way you want to. Prioritize the things you want to see and do, so you don’t spend much or any money on things that aren’t as important to you.

Then, get the big costs, like flights and accommodation, out of the way, and plan a realistic idea of what you’d spend per day on things like food, tours, and transport. Write down these numbers and keep them in mind. If you don’t know when or where you’re traveling yet, don’t worry. Just set a maximum amount you’re willing to spend on your trip, and then, after you choose your destination, you can get into specifics.

This is one of the best ways to travel for cheap because you’re going to need to track your travel expenses anyway, even if you’re still just planning. There are actually many useful ways to track your travel expenses. I love the Travel Spend app because you can add expenses very quickly, even when you’re on the go; it works offline; and foreign currencies are automatically converted into your home currency. Plus, it helps you stick to your budget, and you can even split travel expenses with your travel buddies.

2. Research prices beforehand – The best way to travel for cheap

If you really want to travel inexpensively , make sure you research prices before you purchase anything. This will help you avoid scams and paying any more than you actually need to.

You might get gouged on anything from street food and cabs to hotels and shopping, even with the currency exchange, so check travel for cheap blogs to figure out how much things cost in other countries. If you are traveling to a country where they use a different currency, write down the most common exchanges so that you know them off the top of your head (i.e., how much 1, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200 USD is in the local currency). That way, you’ll always have a rough idea of how much things cost abroad.

3. Get comfortable with discomfort

Traveling abroad for cheap doesn’t often equate to traveling in comfort or style. If you really want to travel cheaply, you’re going to have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because you’ll be doing things like going on low-cost flights, sharing bathrooms in hotels, and traveling by bus.

Get used to taking super early or late flights and sitting in smaller seats. What you save in money may be “spent” on discomfort, so try to mentally prepare yourself ahead of time!

Be flexible to travel on a budget

Now that you’ve made your budget, it’s important to stick to it. One way you can do that is by being flexible with the dates and destination of your trip whenever you possibly can. Opening your mind up to new forms of accommodation, transportation, and even food can also be very helpful when you’re planning a cheap trip, but if you want to save as much money as possible, focus on being flexible with dates and destinations.

4. Find the cheapest destinations to travel to

If you have a really small budget but you still want to travel the world, try being flexible with your destination.

Websites such as Kiwi or Skyscanner can help you look for cheap flights. Just set “everywhere” as your destination, and the website will show you the cheapest destinations you can travel to from your nearest airport.

However, don’t just look for the destination with the cheapest flights. Traveling involves a lot of other expenses besides flights (food, hotels, tourist attractions, etc.), so you’ll also want to check how much each destination will cost in terms of accommodation, meals, tours, etc. A flight to Southeast Asia or South America might be more expensive than a flight to a neighboring country, but keep the cost per day of visiting that country in mind, too.

When you’re doing your cheap trip planning , remember that the most popular places for tourists also tend to be the most expensive. Try looking for cheaper alternatives that aren’t as popular yet so they’re still cheap.

5. Book your trip at the cheapest time to travel

One of the best ways to travel for cheap is to be flexible with the dates of your trip so you can travel at off-peak times of the year. This flexibility is key for getting cheap travel, since travel will always be more expensive during peak tourist season. Of course, you can’t always be flexible with travel dates, but if you can, try to allow flexible dates in websites such as Kiwi or Skyscanner to find out if there are any specific date when the flights are usually cheaper.

Off-peak times of year don’t just mean the off-season. Try to also avoid traveling on weekends, holidays, and any other dates when lots of people will be traveling. You may even want to take very early morning flights, as these flights will usually be the cheapest. We’ll get into some more specific tips for getting cheap flights below .

Find a great flight deal to travel the world cheaply

Flights are generally one of the biggest expenses for a trip, but it is totally possible to find cheap flights for your next cheap trip around the world . I recommend doing a lot of research on flights and not simply buying the first one that you see. If you want to find great flight deals, be sure to check out our article on how to find cheap flights and use the tips we’ve shared below.

But before you go, do you know that AirHelp can help you get compensated for flight delays and cancellations ?

6. Flight search sites are the best way to travel for cheap

One of the first things to do when you’re planning a cheap vacation is to find your flights. I always recommend using search engines rather than airlines’ official websites because search engines can do a much wider and more varied search for you, which will save you a lot of time and help you find the best deals. Prices on airlines’ official websites can often be more expensive, too.

Two great flight search engines are Kiwi or Skyscanner . Skyscanner is awesome because it shows you the cheapest days to fly during the month(s) you want to travel and even allows you to set up price alerts for price drops.

Kiwi can also help you find some great discount flights. Their best feature is their ability to create multi-airline routes, which are cheaper than booking a flight with a single airline. Not a lot of other search engines will combine different airlines’ flights to get you the cheapest route, so Kiwi is pretty unique in that respect and the website I’m using to plan cheap trips most of the time.

7. Buy your plane tickets at the right time to travel cheap

Although there can sometimes be last-minute deals on flights, my advice is not to wait until the last minute to find the best deal. It may seem tempting, but it’s much better to organize your trip ahead of time and start looking for flights a few months before you leave. The longer you have to look for deals, the more time you have to research and find the best one.

You can use the Hopper  app to help you find exactly the right time to book your tickets. The app creates a graph of flight prices and analyzes it to tell you if you should book your flight now or wait for prices to drop. If the app tells you to buy your tickets now, book your flight right away because if you wait, prices will probably go up.

8. Set airfare alerts and catch error rates to travel on a budget

Cheap travel planning gets much easier when you set alerts that tell you when flight prices drop. Websites like Skyscanner and Kayak allow you to set these kinds of alerts, so you’ll always know if a flight’s price has dropped so you can buy your airline tickets at a cheaper price. I always advise using price alerts to find the best prices for flights.

Another tip for traveling on a budget is to try to catch an error rate. An error rate is a flight price that an airline mistakenly enters that is much cheaper than normal.  Because the price is an error, it usually isn’t up for very long, since airlines will correct the mistake as soon as they notice it.  However, if you act quickly, you can snag the flight for the error rate while it’s still live and get yourself a sweet deal.

The best websites to find flight error rates are Scott’s Cheap Flights , Airfare Watchdog , Secret Flying , The Flight Deal , and Holiday Pirates .

Get inexpensive accommodation and take a cheap trip around the world

Accommodation is another of the biggest expenses for a trip, especially if you’re traveling somewhere and staying for a long time.  However, as with flights, it’s still possible to travel cheap and save on accommodation, especially if you give up some luxuries.

Although you might be very comfortable staying in a nice hotel, it’s not always necessary to do so. Are you really going to take advantage of a hot tub and gym, or will you be too busy sightseeing? If you don’t think you’ll use the amenities that a nice hotel offers, don’t bother shelling out for them. Choose an accommodation that only gives you what you need. The tips below will help you find affordable accommodation, but if you want to learn more, check out our guide on how to get cheap hotels .

9. Use the best hotel booking sites for cheap trip planning

One of the best ways to travel for cheap is to use the best websites for finding hotel deals. That way, if you want lots of amenities, you can get all the amenities you need and stay in a nice hotel while still paying a good price.

For hotels, I always recommend Booking.com , a website where you can find hotels anywhere in the world and that tends to have the best prices. Their website is very easy to use, and if you book with them enough, you can attain “Genius” status, which will allow you access to even better hotel deals.

Of course, the most affordable accommodations are always the first to get booked up, so try to book quickly.

Agoda.com and Hotels.com  are two other great websites for hotel deals. With Agoda, you can search for more than just hotels. You can also search for apartments, private villas, and more.

On Hotels.com, you get free cancellation on most rooms, and their rewards program gives you one reward night after you’ve stayed 10 nights with them.

Whichever website you use to help you find hotel deals, make sure you do your research and check prices on various websites so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.

10. Get a $50 coupon for your first booking on Airbnb

Airbnb is a great way to save on accommodation and travel the world cheaply.  If you’ve never used it before, you can get a discount of up to $50 on your first reservation just for being a Capture The Atlas reader!

On Airbnb, you can find everything from rooms to entire houses, making it an excellent option if you’re looking for other forms of accommodation besides hotels. If you want to learn more about Airbnb and, most importantly, get your coupon code, check out our guide to Airbnb .

11. Give couchsurfing a try and travel the world for cheap

If you’re looking for alternatives to Airbnb and hotels, there are plenty of options to get accommodation and still travel inexpensively .

Trustedhousesitters.com  is a website where you can arrange to take care of someone’s pets in exchange for accommodation, which is perfect if you love animals.

You could also try Homeexchange.com , which allows you to stay in another person’s apartment or home while they stay in yours. You do have to match your travel dates in order to be able to do this, but you can also use points that you have accumulated from previously exchanging your home and travel on any date you want.

However, the cheapest way to travel is couchsurfing . Couchsurfing can be a great way to travel cheaply, but it isn’t always perfect or reliable. Some pros of couchsurfing are:

• You get free accommodation! You’ll probably be staying on someone’s spare couch or in a spare room. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, hosts will even make you a meal as well.
• You get to meet new people! People often host couchsurfers because they’re interested in meeting other people from around the world and hearing about their travels.
• You can do it through a trustworthy and organized website! Couchsurfing.com will help you find hosts in the city where you want to stay. You can view their profiles and decide which ones you’re interested in staying with.

However, there are also some cons to couchsurfing:

• You can’t always find accommodation. Once you’ve found hosts that you want to stay with, you can send them requests via the Couchsurfing website, but they have to accept your request before you can stay with them. If no one accepts your request, you have nowhere to stay! Additionally, we’ve found it difficult to use as a couple, since hosts generally don’t want two guests staying with them.
• You don’t get much privacy. If you value your privacy, couchsurfing probably isn’t for you. You will have to share a space with at least one other person, and you most likely won’t have a room to yourself.

Some people love couchsurfing, while others have had bad experiences with it. If it sounds like something you’d be interested in, it’s definitely worth trying, but if it’s something you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing, don’t push yourself.

12. Camping is a great way to save money on your trip

This is one of our favorite options for a low budget trip . It’s not just a chance for you to get in touch with nature; it’s also one of the cheapest possible options for accommodation.

If you like camping, I recommend using a tent as accommodation on your next trip. Of course, you’ll need all the necessary equipment to camp, such as a tent, sleeping bags, flashlight, and more. We have a list of all the equipment you’ll need to camp in our article on backpacking .

However, going camping does not always mean going backpacking, since there are plenty of well-equipped campsites. You can also find free campsites here .

Choose the right transport when planning a cheap vacation

Yet another important expense for a trip is local transportation. You need to be able to get around, no matter where you’re traveling. Nevertheless, it’s totally possible to save on transportation, as I will explain below.

Sometimes, however, renting a car is the only useful option. We’ve written an article on how to get cheap rental cars , which you should check out if renting a car is the best option for you, but make sure to check out our cheap travel tips below first.

13. Use public transport or walk to take a low-cost trip

Want to know how to travel on a budget? Take public transport, like buses and trains, and walk whenever you can.

As soon as you get to your destination, you’ll probably be spending a lot on transportation. Going from the airport to your hotel and getting around the city can add up quickly, so find the cheapest option you can use to get around.

Use local buses, and try to avoid taxis and private transportation (i.e., Uber) whenever possible. Try to get places the same way the locals do. Take public transport only when you’re going to a place that’s too far to walk to, and walk most of the time. Walking is the best way to get to know a city; you’ll notice all kinds of local shops, cafes, and corners that you’d never see on a bus or train.

14. Rent a bicycle and travel inexpensively

Low cost traveling doesn’t always have to mean walking everywhere. If you’d rather travel on two wheels instead of two legs, renting a bike is a fantastic option. That way, you can avoid spending money on public transport, which adds up quickly, and get around more quickly and less strenuously than walking. Plus, like walking, biking everywhere is a chance to get to know the city you’re visiting very well.

We love biking. We biked around La Graciosa in the Canary Islands, and it was an absolutely perfect experience. We’d also recommend renting a bike if you ever visit La Habana, Cuba .  And exploring Syracuse, Italy by bike.

15. Hitchhiking, the cheapest way to travel abroad

One of the cheap ways to travel that people often forget about is hitchhiking. It’s an option that’s worth mentioning, although I don’t think I’d hitchhike if I were traveling alone.

As with most things, hitchhiking has its pros and cons. Its pros include:

• You get free transportation . Hitchhiking is absolutely free, and it can be a great way to travel long distances cheaply.
• You can meet new people . Chances are that if someone picks up a hitchhiker, they’re probably looking to have a chat. You can meet all kinds of interesting people through hitchhiking.

Its cons include:

• It’s illegal in some places. If you do want to hitchhike, make sure to double check that it’s legal to do so where you are.
• It can take a long time for someone to pick you up. It might be hours before someone picks you up, but it also might be minutes; it all depends on the day, the location, the time, the weather, etc.
• You might be dropped off in the middle of nowhere. A driver might only be going so far toward your destination and have to leave you somewhere that’s quite rural or abandoned.

If you do decide to hitchhike, be sensible and careful. Here are a few tips if you decide to try it:

• Try not to hitchhike alone. It’s always safer to hitchhike with someone else.
• Wait somewhere where cars can pick you up safely.
• Use a cardboard sign with your destination on it to attract attention.
• Try to look presentable and friendly so drivers will be more inclined to pick you up.
• Always be prepared. Have some food, water, warm clothes, a charger, etc. on hand.

16. Take an overnight train for a low-budget trip

If you are going to visit different cities, overnight trains and buses are an excellent option because you can save on accommodation while you travel. Your accommodation and transport will be one and the same because you’ll be traveling at night while you’re asleep.

Overnight trains are equipped with beds, which are actually quite comfortable, so you can get a good night’s sleep while you travel. I’ve taken overnight trains before, and I’ve always had pleasant experiences. Not only you do save money on accommodation, but you also use your time efficiently, since travel and sleep happen at the same time.

17. Rent a campervan and travel cheap around the world

Of all the ways to save on transportation, renting a campervan is probably the best because you can combine the price of transportation with the price of accommodation, meaning that you only pay a single price for both. You will have the freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want, without schedules and limits.

Some countries are more RV-friendly than others, so that’s something to keep in mind when you’re choosing your destination and transportation. The US, for instance, is an RV paradise. There are many free RV campsites , so if you are planning to rent an RV in the US , check out our guide.

If you want to rent a campervan for a cheap trip , use Outdoorsy , the best website for renting campervans. Outdoorsy is a platform that connects RV owners with users who want to rent a caravan for a few days. It’s a peer-to-peer rental, so it’s basically like an Airbnb for motor homes .

Ways to sightsee on a budget

Traveling on a budget doesn’t just apply to transportation, accommodation, and flights. It can also involve sightseeing.

Tours and activities are definitely an important part of any trip. You can’t just travel to the Arctic in winter and not see the northern lights, or go to Egypt and not visit the pyramids. However, there are ways to sightsee cheaply and save money on this part of your trip.

18. Don’t visit every tourist attraction just because it’s popular

Traveling is not a competition. You don’t have to see absolutely every single thing in the city or place that you’re traveling to. In fact, you’ll probably have a calmer and more relaxing trip if you don’t try to cram too much sightseeing into every day of your trip.

Instead, focus on making the most of the places you do visit. Really experience and enjoy them. Most importantly, only choose to visit places that really excite and interest you. You’ll enjoy your trip so much more when you’re not dragging yourself to a museum you don’t care about or forcing yourself to see a monument that doesn’t interest you. Plus, you’ll save money on your trip. With monuments or buildings, you can even save money by just seeing them from the outside instead of going inside them.

If you’re really invested in taking a specific tour, such as a whale watching tour in Iceland or a canal cruise in Amsterdam, you can book a tour cheaply on Getyourguide.com .

Besides, there are always great free things to do in every city. Just do your research, learn how the locals like to have fun, and then write down the free tourist spots you want to visit. See? Low-cost traveling can be fun!

19. Take advantage of free tourist days

There are plenty of museums and monuments that offer free entry once a week or month.

One of our best and easiest travel for cheap tips is to figure out when/if the places you want to visit have free entry, so you can plan your visit for a free entry day. Yes, the place you’re visiting might be more crowded that day, but you’ll save yourself a good chunk of money (museums and monuments can be expensive!).

20. Free tours are a great resource for travelers on a budget

Want to tour cities with a knowledgeable tour guide for free? In many cities, you can find free tours through Civitatis .

I’ve done several tours through them on many of my trips, and I’ve always been delighted with the experience since it’s a very interesting way of getting to know a city for free (or for a small tip). Even with a tip, it’s still much cheaper than booking a paid tour, and your guide will do the utmost to earn their tip.

Besides the main attractions of the city, s/he will show you the best places to eat and go out, and you’ll also learn about the history of the city. This is definitely a worthwhile way to learn more about a city you’re visiting.

21. Tourist passes are very handy when planning a cheap trip

If you’re really invested in seeing a city’s main sights, get a tourist pass so you can see all of them cheaply.

Tourist cards or passes can get you pretty significant discounts on the main attractions of a city, so they’re a huge help when you’re planning a low budget trip . Many cities have these cards, so it is worth looking into getting one if you’re going to be visiting lots of monuments and museums.

There are generally two types of cards: day passes, which offer unlimited attractions over a certain number of days (1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days, for example), and flexi cards, which allow you to visit a certain number of attractions over a longer period of time (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12 attractions in 30/60 days, for instance).

The most popular tourist passes are Sightseeing Pass and CityPass . What’s great about these passes is that they don’t just get you discounts on monuments. They also often include tour bus rides, so you can get both sightseeing and transportation for the price of one .

Eat for cheap and save on your trip

Trying new food and sampling the local cuisine is one of the most exciting parts of any trip. However, eating out at loads of restaurants, cafes, and diners adds up quickly.

Eating out can be a big expense, but if you want to travel cheap , there are definitely ways to save on food.

22. Avoid touristy restaurants and eat where locals eat

A way to travel cheaply around the world is to eat like the locals do. They won’t be shelling out for a fancy restaurant, so you don’t have to either.

In fact, fancy restaurants are not always the best places to find the best and most authentic food. Local places often have food that’s just as good, if not better. Avoid eating in touristy restaurants and tourist areas to help you save money, and try to eat in places that aren’t as close to the city center. You’ll not only get to taste authentic local cuisine, but you’ll also pay a lot less.

If you travel to a country where street food is popular, that is definitely the cheapest way to eat.

23. Shop in local grocery stores, the best alternative for saving on meals

One of the easiest ways to eat when you’re traveling on a budget is to buy food from markets and local grocery stores, and then have a picnic.

Much of the food you can buy in grocery stores is ready to eat anyway, so it’s easy to buy some and find a nice park to sit in and eat. Sometimes, we even buy things from the supermarket so we can have dinner in our hotel room.

If you’re going on a tour, whether by bus or on foot, buy a sandwich and some snacks ahead of time so you’re prepared. You will save a lot compared to buying your lunch on the tour.

24. Pick a hotel with meals included and travel around the world on a budget

Consider the option of accommodation that includes breakfast/dinner, since it could be cheaper than buying your own breakfast.

A great tip for cheap travel is to take extra food from the breakfast buffet, if your hotel has one, and save it to eat for lunch. This trick can save you a lot of money. Keep this in mind when you’re booking a hotel because you may be able to get a room with breakfast included for the same price as a regular room.

All-inclusive hotels may be expensive, but they might actually help you save money on your overall trip. Of course, whether you book one depends on what type of traveler you are. You’d probably like an all-inclusive hotel if you want a relaxing, leisurely vacation, but you’d be better off booking another type of accommodation if you want to do long days of sightseeing around the city every day.

Booking.com  allows you to filter hotels by meal plans (free breakfast/dinner/all-inclusive), so it’s a great tool for finding accommodation that includes meals.

25. Cook for yourself. One of the most useful travel for cheap tips

One of the best cheap ways to travel is to be your own chef. Book a hotel or accommodation with a kitchen, and whip up your own delicious meals.

For instance, many hostels have shared kitchens, and sometimes you can even get free ingredients, since departing guests often leave leftover ingredients for anyone to use. This is a great option if you’re traveling on a budget.

You can also prepare meals before you go sightseeing, and they don’t necessarily have to be quick, lazy meals. You’re the chef, so get as elaborate or as simple with your food as you want.

Every once in a while, you can even make yourself a really nice meal as a treat, which is something I recommend if you’re taking a long-term cheap trip .

Use these other ways to plan a cheap trip

In addition to all the tips above, there are still plenty of other ways to save money on your trip. Below, I’ve shared my last few tips for ways to travel cheap .

26. At least buy cheap travel insurance, even if you’re traveling on a budget

Planning a cheap trip should not mean traveling unprotected. It might seem expensive or unnecessary to spend money on travel insurance, but in fact, travel insurance can actually save you money in the long run.

If you have an accident, travel insurance can help you save money on or even cover your medical bills. Plus, if anything else goes wrong, like a missed flight or lost luggage, you’ll be compensated for it.

I advise you to have a look at our article on the cheapest travel insurance . It will help you choose the travel insurance that’s best for you. Actually, I’m using the annual travel insurance provided by Heymondo.

15% OFF your travel insurance

27. Buy a travel SIM card to avoid roaming charges and travel for cheap

If you want to have Internet when traveling , I recommend buying a SIM card for travelers . That way, you’ll always have Internet, and you won’t rack up an insanely high phone bill from roaming charges.

We recommend using the Holafly eSIMs . They have SIMs for any country from them. Just choose how many days and how many gigabytes of data you want. You can even enjoy a 5% discount on Holafly . 

5% OFF your international eSIM card

If your phone does not support eSIM cards, you can also opt for a physical SIM from SimOptions , which is another very good option.

28. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Travel credit cards can save you a lot of money. Foreign transaction fees may not seem like much, but they really add up over time, so a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is pretty much a must for a frequent traveler.

Even better, with travel credit cards , you accumulate points for every purchase you make. You can then use the points you’ve accumulated to buy flights, pay for hotels, and rent vehicles. The more you spend, the more travel expenses you can get for cheap or for free. We explain everything in our guide on how to calculate the points value .

28. Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

I recommend two travel credit cards: the Capital One Venture Rewards card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

29. Find “travel for cheap” blogs and avoid travel agencies

If you want to take a cheap trip around the world , don’t go to a travel agency. Travel agencies charge commission, since they take a percentage of the reservation, so I always recommend organizing a trip on your own.

There are many travel blogs that can help you save on your trip. They can also recommend which tourist attractions are worth visiting and which aren’t, as well as tell you about their experience, so you know exactly what to expect.

Travel agencies are going to try to sell you every possible tour, even if they’re expensive and not worth it. That’s why I always recommend planning your trip with travel for cheap blogs instead.

30. Take photos. They are the cheapest souvenirs

It’s tempting to fill up your suitcase with souvenirs for all of your friends and family, but every postcard and keychain adds up.

If you really want to travel for cheap , avoid buying souvenirs. Take photos instead. They’re cheaper and will be a great way to remember your trip. Plus, you can do a slideshow for your friends and family when you get back from your trip!

With that, those are all of our top tips for cheap ways to travel . I hope I’ve shown that it’s still possible to have a lovely trip, even when you’re traveling on a budget.

We hope you use our tips when you’re planning your next trip and that you’re able to get some great deals. If you have any questions about cheap travel planning, feel free to leave us a question in the comments and we’ll be sure to answer it!

Happy traveling!

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10 Ways To Travel For Cheap Any Time Of The Year

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Scenic, But Underrated: This Small Town Is The Perfect Alternative To Honolulu

10 small towns to retire in florida, ranked by cost of living, these 10 underrated florida beach towns are a great alternative to the keys.

• Be flexible with travel destinations and dates. Research early and consider alternative options to find great deals on airfare. Use incognito mode when searching and compare prices across different platforms.
• Travel during the off-season to save money on accommodations and attractions. Research in advance to know the off-seasons for different places. Fewer tourists means lower prices.
• Take advantage of loyalty rewards programs to get discounted hotel rooms, upgrades, and free meals. Sign up for multiple programs and plan your travel accordingly to make the most of these rewards.

If beautiful overseas destinations are calling, but the bank account is tight, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to book cheap travel, even during busy seasons . Planning ahead, being flexible with dates, and embracing all that the local culture has to offer are all great ways to experience the world without spending tons of money.

Plus, one has the opportunity to have a much more authentic and meaningful experience off-the-beaten-path. These tips will help one make the most of a dream vacation without worrying about bills piling up back home. From booking flights to packing smart and staying within budget but still beautiful accommodations, here's how to travel for cheap and have a cost-effective adventure.

10 Be Flexible With Travel Destinations And Dates

Research early and have a better shot at finding great deals on airfare. It also helps to be flexible with dates and destinations. For example, if one is interested in traveling in Southeast Asia, it's a good idea to check out flight prices for beautiful destinations in Thailand, but be open to Malaysia and Indonesia too.

• Why This Works: Travelers won't be pigeonholed into just a few options
• Top Tip: Do the searching in incognito mode across a variety of different platforms

9 Travel During The Off-Season

Whether traveling to lovely domestic destinations in the off-season or venturing overseas, there's plenty to see and do when there aren't many tourists.

Plus, one can save money on hotels and excursions during the off-season. Since off-seasons vary from place to place, it's good to research in advance and not make assumptions.

• Why This Works: Fewer tourists mean lower prices on attractions and accommodations
• Top Tip: Different places have different off-seasons, so put in the research before going

Related Link: 10 Ways To Travel Cheap For New Year's Eve

8 Take Advantage Of Loyalty Rewards

One of the best ways to travel for cheap with great hotel rooms and perks is to take advantage of loyalty rewards programs. Travelers can cash in on discount rooms, upgrades, and free meals simply by signing up for them.

Hotel rewards programs are a great place to start, but it's also good to think about where one wants to travel and plan accordingly.

• Why This Works: Free rooms and breakfasts add up
• Top Tip: Sign up for several different rewards programs, so one always has somewhere to go

7 Pack Intelligently

Embracing minimalist packing techniques is one way to bring everything needed without spending extra bucks on checking bags. Invest in some packing cubes, think about what you are realistically going to wear and use, and treat suitcase space like it's a valuable commodity because it is.

• Why This Works: The fewer bags one checks, the less the flight will cost
• Top Tip: Pack items that work with a number of different outfits

6 Use A Credit Card With Travel Points

If one is going to spend the money anyway, why not cash in on some serious rewards? Many credit cards offer points and rewards programs on travel, and one can rack up free flights, hotel rooms, and more simply by using the card.

Investing in one of these great cards is an excellent way to save serious cash on the road.

• Why This Works: One can use points for flights, airport lounges, and more
• Top Tip: Use the card for travel-related items and pay it off monthly when possible

Related Link: 10 Ways To Travel Cheap For Thanksgiving

5 Airport Shop For Better Deals

Don't be limited to the hometown airport. Often, nearby airports offer better deals on flights. Driving or taking public transportation to an airport in a neighboring town might make sense to save some extra money.

This all comes down to researching properly, which is why it's best to start one's vacation planning in advance.

• Why This Works: Sometimes nearby airports have better deals, and it's worth it to travel there
• Top Tip: Factor in the travel time to see if it's worth it

4 Think Outside The Hotel Box

Thinking outside the hotel box serves travelers well, especially if one is staying in a more expensive destination like London . Hostels are an excellent option where one can find private or shared rooms, a sense of community, and less costly prices.

There are also ample options in larger cities to choose from, and a fair amount in the countryside too.

• Why This Works: It's an excellent option for those who need a quick, cheap place to spend the night
• Top Tip: Not all hostels are created equal, so research in advance and shop around

3 Look For Free Or Inexpensive Tourist Excursions

If one is traveling in a larger city like Barcelona, there are plenty of cost-effective tours to go on . Many top places around the world have free walking tours, or one can ask local guides for recommendations.

Ask around and try to support the local economy. Generally, these tours will be less expensive, and one can get a more authentic experience.

• Why This Works: The money saved will accumulate over time, and one can use it on more expensive attractions
• Top Tip: Many big cities have free walking tours

2 Ask About Discounts

One only knows what discounts are out there if one asks. Bring the student and military ID overseas and ask different excursions, destinations, and restaurants if there are discounts available. It's a small and easy way to save a few dollars on the road.

• Why This Works: Sometimes discounts aren't listed, and one might be surprised
• Top Tip: Bring the student or military ID for proof

Related Link: 10 Adventurous (And Cheap) Activities To Do While Traveling

1 Cook At The Accommodation

Dining out can zap the vacation budget, so cooking in one's accommodation makes good sense whenever possible. Making breakfast or snacks at home is an excellent way to save some cash, and the meals are generally healthier, too.

• Why This Works: It's generally cheaper to prepare one's own food rather than order out
• Top Tip: If staying a while, do a lot of meal prep on one day and have easy snacks all week

Learning how to travel for cheap can make all the difference whether you're planning an international trip or a weekend getaway.

• Destinations

• Disclosures

How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible to Anywhere

We've all experienced the tiresome, repeated searching when trying to book the cheapest possible flights to any given destination. With endless search engines and continually fluctuating prices, the approach to frugal flight booking is overwhelming. Here's some key tips that will save you time, frustration and most importantly money when booking your next flight.

Don't miss our other guides on How to Find Airline Mistake Fares ,  How to Get Free Extended Layovers to Hack One Trip Into Two , and Round the World Tickets: The Ultimate Guide !

1. Keep your searches top secret

You're not crazy for thinking that a flight price has changed after searching it a few times in your web browser. Based on the cookies in your browser, flight prices  do  increase when a particular route is repeatedly searched, as the site wants to scare you into booking the flight quickly before prices get even higher. Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to see the lowest prices .

In Google Chrome or Safari, incognito is enabled by hitting Command (or “Control” if using PC), Shift, “N”. For Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer, hit Command (or “Control” if using a PC), Shift, “P”. This will open a new browser window where your information is not tracked, thus not inflating prices as you search. Note: if you're using an older version of OS X, open Safari then click “Safari” in the menu bar, and select “Private Browsing”.

Your cookies are reset each time you re-open an incognito window. So if you want to start with a clean slate for each flight search (so your previous searches aren't “remembered”, potentially inflating costs),  close all your incognito windows, open a new one, and then perform your flight search .

2. Use the best flight search engines

All search engines have inflated flight costs as part of taking a cut from the airlines. Some search engines (e.g. Expedia) consistently inflate much higher than others (listed below). It pays to familiarise yourself with sites that offer the best prices.

Use These to Book

• Skyscanner   ( our #1 choice)
• Exclusive to Thrifty Nomads readers: Use coupon TNOMADS20 for 20% off your first year of a premium membership with Going
• Skiplagged (a hidden city ticketing search engine – see tip #10 )
• Airfarewatchdog (lists top sale & error fares from your city – see tip #6 )
• Kiwi.com ( combines all airlines to create routes that are cheaper than booking with just 1 airline – see tip #9 . They also have a deals page .)
• NEW: Exclusive coupon  for Thrifty Nomads readers:  Up to $50 off  with promo code THRIFTY50
• Momondo  (a broad search engine that sometimes shows cheaper fares than Skyscanner)
• JetRadar  (includes budget airlines , which many search engines don't)
• Google Flights (good tool to quickly compare flight dates – but not always the best prices)

Most budget airlines will now appear in the broad search engines we are recommending (but NOT Southwest). If you want to be 100% sure though, you can do an additional search for regional budget airlines (we've listed as many we know of further below).

Finally, no single search engine is consistently perfect (though we typically find the cheapest price on Skyscanner or Momondo ). As such, you may need to try a combination of search engines to ensure you're not missing any results. There doesn't seem to be one that gets the cheapest flight 100% of the time.

3. Identify the cheapest day to fly out

While many theories exist around booking specifically on a Tuesday to save money, the reality is there is no consistent truth to exactly which days are cheapest to fly . Most of the time it is cheaper to leave on a weekday, though this isn't always the case. Your best strategy is to get a quick visual of prices for a whole month  to see what days are cheapest for your specific route. Here's how:

Step 1. Hop on the  Skyscanner  website or download the app

Step 2. Enter your departure & arrival cities

Step 3.  Select “one-way” (even if flying round trip – you're just determining the cheapest days to fly out first)

Step 4.   On a computer: click “Depart” but instead of entering a date, select “Whole Month”, and then “Cheapest Month” so you can browse all dates to see which is cheapest. Hit “Search flights” to easily see which date is cheapest.

Repeat these steps for your return flight if applicable. You can still book a round trip in one booking, but doing these steps first will let you see which dates are generally cheaper to fly in/out on for your round trip.

Kiwi.com and  Google Flights work similarly to Skyscanner, plus they have map views as well, so you can see where the airport is. For tracking when and where is cheapest to fly,  Hopper  also offer price analysis and track fluctuations (i.e. when is best to fly).

4. Fly for free with points

The cheapest flight you can book is free, and the easiest way to do that is with points. If you don't have any, don't fret – signing up for just one travel rewards credit card and hitting the minimum spend can land you a major points bonus, often enough for a free flight!

You can sign up for an airline rewards card that earns points with a particular airline, or a more general travel rewards card that lets you redeem points across a variety of airlines. As a beginner card, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card . You can earn up to 60,000  in bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months after your account opening. That's worth $750  when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and more than enough for an international flight. And since it includes trip cancelation insurance, car rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance, and no foreign transaction fees, it's the perfect all-rounder travel credit card. You can compare this card with other top credit cards .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• 60,000 reward points (worth $750 ) after meeting the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x points for purchases on Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• Points are worth 25% more on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g. 60,000 points worth $750 toward travel)
• Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance and more.
• Can transfer your reward points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual fee: $95

We recommend using your card for everyday purchases, and to treat it like cash, using only the money you have in the bank, and paying your balance off each month. That way, you won't be charged interest, and you'll effectively get your points for free!

For more tips on how to master points travel, check out our guide How to Get Free Flights with Travel Credit Cards and Points for everything you need to get started.

5. Befriend budget airlines

Budget airlines offer significantly cheaper tickets than their full-service counterparts. It should be obvious, but this comes with compromises such as less leg room and no “free” food/drink on-board (which by the way, is normally covered in your higher-priced ticket with full-service airlines).

If you are considering flying budget, which in our opinion is a great way to save, I'd highly recommend reading our guide on  7 must-know facts about budget airlines .

Below is a comprehensive list of budget airlines around the globe. Red indicates true budget airlines while blue  implies the cheapest companies available where budget airlines don't exist or aren't plentiful.

But First… A NOTE ON BOOKING BUDGET AIRLINES.   Always read the fine print  and do the following:

• Check where the airport location is (some budget airlines fly to airports further out of  town).
• Ensure you've booked & paid for your luggage allowance.  Adhere to restrictions on weight , height , and # of bags allowed . Some airlines (e.g. Ryanair) will charge hefty fee if you're over. Remember, paying only for the exact  luggage space/weight you need is how budget airlines keep their prices lower than traditional airlines!
• Read the fine print . The best example is that Ryanair WILL CHARGE AN AIRPORT CHECK-IN Fee €/£55 if you do not check-in online in advance and print your boarding pass, or use their mobile boarding pass. A warning of this fee is clearly stated in all capital letters in the first sentence of your e-confirmation. In a nutshell, always read and follow instructions!

Remember, if you want to book the cheapest flight possible ( not  service-of-the-year-award-winner), be adaptable, do your research, and know the budget airline's requirements & restrictions.

• Flair Airlines
• Air Canada Rouge
• WOW Air (cheap flights to Europe from Toronto/Montreal. Currently shut down, but meant to be returning soon.)
• Spirit Airlines (cheap flights from Niagara Falls and Plattsburgh which are just across the border)
• Air Transat (often has some of the cheapest international flights, especially to sunny beach destinations)

United States

• Southwest (consider their credit card with Companion Pass – every time you fly, your friend flies too – and Limited-time offer: earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after hitting the minimum spend of $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening)
• Allegiant Air
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• WOW Air (cheap flights to Europe)

New Zealand

• Air New Zealand
• Hong Kong Express
• Scoot (owned by Singapore Airlines)
• Spring Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• T'Way Airlines
• Vanilla Air
• Iberia Express
• Norwegian Air (great rates for flying between Europe/North America)

If you're heading to any of these parts of the globe, start stalking these airlines. Use Twitter, Facebook or regularly check budget airline webpages to keep you in touch with specials before they sell out. Air Asia, Jetstar, Tiger Air and Ryanair are especially good at having regular deals.

On a side note, Wikipedia has a more detailed, comprehensive listing of low-cost airlines down to specific countries here , though what they consider “low-cost” is debatable. Still, if you're going to a specific country, it's worth checking so you know all your options.

6. Search for airline error and sale fares

Two of the most popular sites for tracking sale and error fares are Going (U.S. only, previously Scott's Cheap Flights ) and Dollar Flight Club (international). These websites have dedicated teams that scour the internet for flight deals every day. Just make an account and enter your departure airport, and you'll start getting flight deals sent to your inbox. Both sites offer premium plans, which are well worth the price. Going is only $49/year (but you can get 20% off with the coupon code TNOMADS20 ), and Dollar Flight Club is $69/year. Both give you access to even more flight deals with even deeper discounts. Considering members save an average of $550 per ticket, this is well worth the cost!

Other sites like Airfarewatchdog , Kiwi.com Deals , and Secret Flying are great resources to stalk for finding mistake and sale pricing, as they conglomerate slashed ticket rates all in one spot. You can also read our detailed how-to guide which spells out how to find mistake fares on your own. One great approach is to search for flights for an entire month using Skyscanner (Tip #3 in this article). This will allow you to easily spot a significantly reduced fare against what's displayed that month, and has twice helped us stumble on error fares ourselves.

7. Book connecting flights yourself for less

If you're flying somewhere that involves a transfer, say from Canada to Australia which typically involves Canada to LA, then LA to Australia, consider that it may be cheaper to book these two legs separately on your own by adding another destination to your trip. It should go without saying that in doing this, you should not book tight layovers . I repeat: do not book layovers that are hours apart! This approach is for those who want to create an additional  destination of a few days or more, before catching their next flight. The one exception is when booking with Kiwi.com , who offer their own guarantee on making connecting flights even when not with the same partner airlines.

First, do your research: are there budget airlines unique to the country you're flying out of and  where you're headed to? Booking with a budget Australian airline (Jetstar) from Sydney to Honolulu, then an American one from Honolulu to Montreal saved us over $400 each when flying back from Australia to Canada earlier this year. This allowed us to create a thrifty five-day stopover in Hawaii on our way back, which was less exhausting and a lot cheaper! Kiwi.com and Skyscanner  are both great search engine for revealing cheaper routes like this that involve multiple airlines.

You can even book your own multi-day layovers, essentially allowing you to see 2 destinations for the price of 1. Rather than spend a day sitting in the airport, you can spend multiple days exploring the city you are laying over in. By using Skyscanner's multi-city search feature, you can book a multi-day stopover for essentially the same price as if you had connected directly. To learn how to do this, read our guide on How to Get Free Extended Layovers & Hack One Trip Into Two .

8. Find the cheapest place to fly

Whether you know exactly where you're going or you just want to find to the cheapest possible country to fly into, Kiwi.com  is a great tool to get the wanderlust going and save some big bucks. Hop on their site and enter your departure city, then select a date range to fly. Approximate costs then appear over hundreds of countries around the globe from your departure point, while the list of destinations is sorted by price, allowing you to see the most cost-effective place you can fly.

9. Mix and match airlines

Where Kiwi.com  really shines is the way in which it mixes and matches airlines in order to find the cheapest price. For example, maybe you want to go to Rome, Italy from Washington, USA. A typical flight search engine will only suggest routes coming from a single airline and its partners. An example search on Expedia shows the cheapest route as $631.20 USD via TAP Portugal.

Kiwi.com , on the other hand, will mix and match airlines (including  budget airlines ) in order to find you the very cheapest route. For long-haul flights especially, this can make a huge difference. The same search on Kiwi.com  returns a route at $459.80 USD via JetBlue, Norwegian Air, and Vueling. That's a savings of  $171.40 USD , and the travel time is even shorter!

Typically, booking a whole trip with different airlines would be risky. For example, let's say your first flight with JetBlue was delayed, and you missed your connecting flight with Norwegian Air. Because the airlines have no association with each other, Norwegian Air has no obligation to reschedule your flight for free, so you would just lose your money. Kiwi.com  instead offers their own guarantee , which covers schedule changes, flight delays, and cancellations. As long as you contact Kiwi.com  as soon as you're aware of the delay, they will provide you with an alternate connecting flight, or a full refund, at your discretion. We haven't used this guarantee ourselves, but it certainly sounds like an appealing way to take the risk out of a thrifty flight hack!

10. Consider hidden city ticketing

It should go without saying this is risky for many reasons. Here are some factors to consider:

• If your luggage is checked, it may go on to the final destination . For this reason, with hidden city ticketing it's best to have carry-on luggage only.
• You may not be allowed off the plane (if the same plane is continuing onward to its final destination).
• Airlines may detect that you did not take your connection. The consequences of this are hard to say, especially since people miss flights all the time.

There is now a web search engine which finds hidden city tickets for you. It's called  Skiplagged and was even sued by United Airlines who were angry about this debatable hack. We have never used the hidden city approach, but I know several who have, and they've scored some thrifty savings. Use at your own risk!

11. Buy flights in bulk

As a general rule, you will get better value on your flight tickets if you buy more at the same time , but only if they are with the same airline, or airlines in the same alliance (e.g. Star Alliance). For example, flying a return ticket from New York City to London with United Airlines will be cheaper than 2 one-way tickets.

You can also take advantage of this on  multi-city flights . For example, Virgin Atlantic has routes from New York City to London, London to Shanghai, and Shanghai to New York City. If you book all these at the same time using the multi-city search function on Skyscanner , you'll save some serious cash.

Another way to bulk buy flights for less is with  round the world tickets and  regional passes . These are special tickets offered by airline alliances that let you go around the world, a continent, or a country at a discounted rate. To learn how to book these, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to round the world tickets .

All this said, sometimes a few separately booked flights with budget airlines is  still cheaper than what partner airlines can offer. The only way to be sure is to use a site like Skyscanner , punch in your destinations, search as multi-city or return vs multiple one-way bookings, and compare yourself.

12. Don't forget about local airlines

While the above search engines are great, they do not always include small airlines, especially in less popularly booked routes and/or in remote regions. If you're flying somewhere obscure, Google search and ask around if there exists a local airline. While in South America we learnt that the LADE Air  in Argentina (run by the military) has cheap flights to Patagonia, which is of course not listed in mass search engines online.

When you do find small airlines, even if they are listed in a search engine results, it often pays to check the company site which may reveal exclusive online offers not found in a regular search engine. For example, when flying in Western Canada, I found that Hawk Air, a small and local company offers weekly deals on certain days. Be sure to double check!

13. If you know when and where you're going, don't wait to book

Rarely ever do airline tickets get cheaper as your departure date approaches , especially if you need to fly on a certain date. Budget airlines typically offer low rates as a baseline price, and as these tickets sell, the remaining ones increase in cost. This is very typical in Europe and Australia. If you know when and where you're going, don't wait on an unknown sale. More often than not, your biggest savings come from booking far ahead when you can.

14. Check if it's cheaper to pay in other currencies

Before booking a flight, consider if the rate is cheaper if paid in another currency. Often budget airlines will make you pay in the currency of the country you're departing from, but this isn't always the case. An important note when doing this : make sure you're using a credit card that is free of foreign-transaction fees , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , otherwise your attempts to save money doing this will be lost! Our article on money matters for world travellers can help steer you in the right direction for the best credit cards for travel.

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Kinda Frugal

16 Ways to Start Travelling Smarter, Cheaper and Have a Quality Adventure

Posted: February 28, 2024 | Last updated: February 28, 2024

Traveling can be a transformative experience, but it often comes with the stress of high costs and planning hurdles. Fear not! This guide introduces 16 savvy strategies to help you travel smarter and cheaper and ensure your journeys are filled with quality adventures. These tips are tailored for beginners and seasoned travelers, aiming to make your trips more enjoyable and budget-friendly.

1. Early Planning

Starting your travel planning early is crucial. This isn’t just about booking flights and hotels in advance; it’s about researching your destination thoroughly. Look into local customs, weather patterns, and must-visit spots. Early planning allows you to compare prices, find deals, and avoid the rush and price hikes that come with last-minute bookings. Use apps and websites for price alerts on flights and accommodations. This approach saves money and gives you ample time to create a more fulfilling travel itinerary.

2. Embrace Off-Peak Travel

Traveling during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce costs. This means avoiding major holidays and school vacation periods. During these times, tourist destinations are less crowded, which can lead to a more authentic experience. Accommodations and flights are often cheaper, and you might find unique local events unavailable during peak times. This approach requires flexibility in your travel dates but can lead to substantial savings and a more relaxed trip, as you won’t compete with the usual tourist crowds.

3. Opt for Budget Accommodations

Consider budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals. These options are often cheaper than hotels and can provide a more authentic experience. Hostels are great for solo travelers looking to meet new people, while guesthouses can offer a cozy, home-like atmosphere. Airbnb rentals can provide a unique local experience, often with more space and amenities than a standard hotel room. Additionally, these accommodations might offer kitchen facilities, saving you money by cooking your meals instead of dining out for every meal.

4. Use Public Transportation

Utilize public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars . Buses, trains, and subways are usually much cheaper and provide an authentic glimpse into local life. Do some study on your destination’s public transit system before you go. Download relevant apps or maps, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice. In many cities, tourist passes offer unlimited rides for a set period, which can be a cost-effective and convenient option. Embracing public transit saves money and reduces your carbon footprint, making travel more sustainable.

5. Eat Like a Local

Eating local cuisine is a cultural experience and a way to save money. Avoid tourist traps and seek out where locals eat. Street food, local markets, and small family-run restaurants often offer delicious, authentic food at a fraction of the cost of tourist-oriented establishments. Be adventurous with your food choices, and you might discover your new favorite dish. Additionally, buying groceries and preparing meals can be a budget-friendly and fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

6. Free Activities and Attractions

Explore free activities and attractions. Many cities offer a wealth of free experiences, from museums with no entry fee to public parks and historic walking areas. Do your research before you travel to find these opportunities. Additionally, look for city tourist cards that offer free or discounted access to multiple attractions. Walking tours, often based on tips, are a great way to learn about the city from a local perspective. Embracing these free activities saves money and often leads to more unique and memorable experiences.

7. Travel Light

Traveling light can save you money and hassle. Airlines often charge for checked baggage, so packing everything into a carry-on can avoid these fees. It also makes moving around easier and faster, as heavy luggage won’t burden you. Focus on packing essentials and versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Remember, most items can be bought locally if needed. A lighter load not only eases your travel but also gives you the flexibility to move around without the constraints of excessive luggage.

8. Use Travel Apps and Websites

Leverage technology by using travel apps and websites. These resources can help you find deals, plan routes, and book accommodations and activities. From comparison sites for flights and hotels to apps that help you navigate public transportation, technology can be your ally in planning and enjoying your trip. Some apps also provide reviews and recommendations from other travelers, which can be invaluable in choosing where to stay, eat, or visit. These digital tools can streamline your planning process, save money, and enhance your travel experience.

9. Join Loyalty Programs

Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs. These programs often provide benefits like discounted rates, free upgrades, or even free nights after several stays. Collecting points or miles with airlines can lead to significant savings on future flights. Remember to read the terms and conditions to understand how to maximize these benefits. Even if you don’t travel frequently, these points can add up over time, leading to substantial rewards. Additionally, some programs offer partnerships with car rentals, restaurants, and other services, further expanding your potential savings and perks.

10. Stay Connected Wisely

Avoid roaming charges by purchasing a local SIM card or using a mobile plan that offers good international rates. Alternatively, take advantage of free Wi-Fi in public places, cafes, and your accommodation. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger allow you to communicate for free over Wi-Fi. Be cautious about public Wi-Fi security, and consider using a VPN for safer browsing. Staying connected smartly can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and keep in touch with family and friends without breaking the bank .

11. Travel Insurance

Investing in travel insurance can save you from unexpected expenses. It covers you for things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. While it’s an additional cost upfront, it can be a lifesaver in unforeseen circumstances. Compare different policies to find one that suits your needs and understand what is and isn’t covered. Keep in mind that sometimes the greatest solution isn’t the cheapest one. Ensuring you have the right coverage can give you peace of mind and protect you financially, making it a smart investment for any traveler .

12. Pack Smart

Packing smart is essential for a hassle-free travel experience. Bring clothes that may be worn in various ways and for a range of events and weather. Pack lightweight, quick-dry fabrics and layering options. Add basic first aid supplies, personal hygiene essentials, and medicines. Remember to leave some space for souvenirs or purchases during your trip. A well-organized suitcase with everything you need means less stress and no last-minute purchases of forgotten items. Consider packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and organize your belongings.

13. Learn Basic Local Phrases

Learning basic phrases in the local language of your destination can enrich your travel experience. Not only does it show respect for the local culture, but it also helps in navigating everyday situations like dining, shopping, and asking for directions. Even simple greetings, thank-yous, and pleases can go a long way in creating friendly interactions. Many free language apps and online resources help you learn these phrases. This small effort can lead to more meaningful exchanges with locals and a deeper understanding of the culture you’re visiting.

14. Be Flexible With Your Itinerary

Having a flexible itinerary can lead to unexpected adventures and savings. While having a plan is good, being open to change allows you to take advantage of last-minute deals or recommendations from locals and fellow travelers. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from spontaneous decisions. Flexibility can also help you avoid crowds and high prices at popular attractions. Allow yourself the freedom to explore without a strict schedule, and you’ll discover more than you might have with a rigid plan.

15. Document Your Experiences

Documenting your travels is a wonderful way to preserve memories. Use a journal, blog, or social media to record your experiences. This personal memento can also be a resource for other travelers. Taking photos and videos is a given, but also consider writing about your impressions, the people you meet, and the lessons you learn. This practice captures the moment and allows you to reflect on your experiences, enhancing the overall richness of travel adventure.

16. Respect Local Customs and Environment

Respecting local customs and the environment is crucial. Research and observe local traditions and etiquette to avoid offending locals. Be mindful of your environmental impact: reduce waste, use sustainable products, and respect wildlife and natural habitats. Supporting local businesses and communities also contributes positively to the places you visit. Responsible travel not only ensures a more authentic experience but also helps preserve the destinations for future visitors. Traveling with respect and awareness contributes to a more sustainable and harmonious world.

These Tips Will Lead to Better Travel

Embarking on your travel journey with these 16 tips will lead to more innovative, affordable, and enriching experiences. From early planning to respecting local customs, each tip is a step towards becoming a savvy traveler. Embrace these strategies, and you’re set for memorable and responsible adventures.

12 Tips to Budget and Travel the World

If traveling the world is your dream, but the costs make it seem unattainable, don’t despair. With intelligent planning and discipline, anyone can save money for their travel adventures. Living in Perth, Western Australia, it costs so much to travel anywhere due to the city’s remoteness. Over the years, we’ve found ways to save money to travel with our family. This article includes 12 tips to help you save money and realize your travel aspirations. From budgeting techniques to clever hacks, these tips will guide you on your journey to becoming a savvy traveler.

10 Travel Hurdles That Caught Explorers off Guard on the Road

Some people say they love travel, but actually, they hate traveling, and when you go through the oft-dehumanizing charade of modern air travel, you understand why. Tourism is fraught with excursions from one’s comfort zone — commenters share memorable travel hurdles they had to maneuver in a recent online post.

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Our 10 favorite travel hacks

Want to travel better? The Upgrade has your back.

The Upgrade is By The Way’s series offering guest writers a place to share their travel hacks and hot takes. For every edition, illustrator extraordinaire Min Heo animates the advice. Below are some of our most popular entries. Some may look basic, but ask yourself: Are you optimizing your travel routine?

Want to write your own Upgrade? See how to submit here .

Dress up for your flight

David Coggins longs for the Cary Grant era of aviation, wishing more passengers would step up their game to bring some dignity and glamour to the experience. The author of “ Men and Style ” argues that making a sartorial effort shows respect to gate agents and flight attendants in uniforms — and your fellow passengers.

“I realize this is a losing battle, but it’s still a good fight,” Coggins writes. “If a sweatsuit is your truth, then there’s nothing else I can say, other than nobody has looked good in a sweatsuit in the history of the world.”

He’s not sure if wearing that checked blazer will really get you upgraded to first class , but it couldn’t hurt.

Visit ‘second cities’ in Europe

Rick Steves is our favorite pétanque-playing philanthropist . He’s a respected travel expert, too. In his beloved Europe, Rick recommends you break up every visit to a capital with a final day in a “ second city .” Think Porto vs. Lisbon , Glasgow vs. Edinburgh and Marseille vs. Paris .

“While lacking the popularity and the bucket-list sights,” Steves writes, “Europe’s second cities tend to enjoy a creative edge, a strong civic spirit, a Rust Belt toughness, fun-loving eateries with cutting-edge menus, entertaining street art … and far fewer tourists, which also means lower prices, a more authentic welcome and arguably a more honest cultural experience.”

Pick your travel uniform

Like Steve Jobs and many practitioners of quiet luxury , travel writer Jessica Poitevien is all about eliminating decision fatigue. Standardizing a set of clothes only for flying doesn’t just help you streamline your packing routine. Poitevien “doesn’t worry about leaving anything important behind, because I have two of everything: one that’s for home and one that sits in my backpack waiting for the next trip. All I add is my passport, laptop and current reading material, and I’m good to go.”

What’s her uniform look like?

“My top is always a long, loosefitting T-shirt or sweater, so I’m covered through all the bending and lifting that happens with luggage and going through security,” Poitevien writes. “I add a jean jacket to stay warm on those freezing planes and use its inner pockets to keep my phone, passport and boarding pass within easy reach.”

Cut your airport arrival dangerously close

It’s not for the faint of heart, but travel writer Brad Japhe wants to waste as little of his life in airports as possible.

“I live about five miles from Los Angeles International Airport,” Japhe writes, “and if my scheduled domestic flight is at, say, 9 a.m., I’m comfortable entering an Uber up until 8:32 a.m.”

Besides some serious bravado, pulling this off requires the use of PreCheck or Clear, among other conditions:

• Traveling solo .
• Express security lanes .
• Familiar airport.
• No checked bags .

Order the Hindu meal

Food and travel writer David Farley thinks we should reject the binary of chicken or pasta in favor of a plant-based meal that exudes spice . By reserving a Hindu meal on your next long-haul flight, you could be treating yourself to dal makhani and naan, or bhindi masala and raita. As long as your reserve your meal at least 24 hours ahead of your flight, airlines told us, you won’t be taking a special one away from anyone else.

Get up early on vacation

Life is short. So take a cue from the dad playbook, and seize the vacation day with an early wake-up call . For Deputy Features Editor Amanda Finnegan , rising with the sun means hours of calm before your travel partners join you. And by 10 a.m., you’re ready for your first nap.

Make a fashion statement in black and blue

Rachel Tashjian ’s job is cooler than your job. As a fashion writer, she flies to Europe three or four times a year for work, watching extravagant clothes appear in fashion shows for weeks at a time . It’s a dream, but there’s an understandable amount of pressure to look amazing every single day. Enter the black-and-blue hack . By mixing a pop of navy in with a collection of dark pieces, you’re making the daring choice to break one of the primary rules of fashion.

Her packing list:

• Two skirts: something that flows and something that hugs.
• Three jackets: a classic blazer, something weird and an open-front wool jacket.
• One pair of trousers.
• One black dress.
• Three T-shirts.
• Black shoes.

Stop eating airport food

Noah Galuten is a hero hubby. By the simple act of making his wife a sandwich to take to the airport, the Los Angeles-based chef and author had the epiphany that we should all swear off precooked egg patties forever .

Sure, you could get settle for upcharged coffee, a Dunkin’ wrap or a sad Caesar from “Weirdly Branded Bar & Grill You Have Never Heard Of.” Or, you could be the game changer for your household, whipping up breakfast burritos or English muffin sandwiches — or just buying a better sandwich in advance in the real world (see: Emily’s Pork Store , Brooklyn).

Take a solo trip

The secret to a happy relationship is compromise. And giving your partner time to travel solo — especially if you’ve got a kid at home. That’s the philosophy preached by writer Austin Graff , an extrovert who has learned to appreciate the benefits of going it alone: It’s easier to get into top-rated restaurants, there’s time to wander and you return to your family more thoughtful and present.

Take a buffer day

The weekend-warrior routine is for people in their 20s. Once you’re in your 30s, Rachel Orr writes, you know well enough to quit pushing so hard and give yourself an extra day to chill before rushing back to work . “Think of it as a mini staycation at the end of your vacation,” she suggests.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

Personal Finance

14 cheap vacation destinations in 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Even if the account you use to save your disposable income isn’t terribly impressive, it’s still possible to book a cheap vacation. It just takes a little strategy.

Let’s take a look at some of the cheapest destinations to visit in 2024, while also weighing each location’s desirability. You can also check out our guide to the best travel credit cards , which can help lower the cost of your airfare and hotel stays. Here are 14 of the most  affordable international and domestic vacation destinations to consider. 

7 Affordable places to travel internationally  

Philippines.

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 57.85 PHP

Many countries in Southeast Asia are inexpensive vacation destinations once you get there. But the Philippines is an extra-special archipelago that offers positively stunning land- and seascapes alongside some of the most hospitable and kind residents. From the “Chocolate Hills” in Bohol to the famously party-oriented Boracay, there are plenty of things to do that don’t require deep pockets. The Philippines even includes the island of Palawan—routinely voted the prettiest island in the world.

A U.S. dollar goes a long way in the Philippines. Expect to pay under $4 for a fast-food meal and less than $1.50 for a pint of domestic beer. You can also find many jaw-droppingly enormous Airbnbs for the same price as a low-end hotel in the U.S.

South Africa

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 18.07 ZAR

South Africa has long been one of the hottest destinations thanks to its wide offering of adventure activities (think cage diving with great white sharks, plenty of mountains to conquer, extreme ziplines, and more). But it’s also one of the top food and wine destinations—specifically Cape Town and nearby Stellenbosch (think Napa Valley).

South Africa’s also a bucket-list location for nature lovers. It offers many different safari opportunities—from guided jeep to balloon to even self-guided in your rental car (if you dare). The most recognized safari destination in South Africa is Kruger National Park It has more than 7,500 square miles of wilderness where you can spot the “Big Five” (African lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, and African buffalo).

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 36.32 THB

Back to Southeast Asia, Thailand is a massive tourist hotspot that’s Instagram-famous for its glitzy five-star properties all around southern beaches of Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui. As far as five-star resorts go, you can find some excellent deals. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of perfectly serviceable and unbelievably inexpensive  places to stay that are just footsteps away from some of the prettiest places on the planet.

For example, Chiang Mai in the north offers many solid accommodations for under $50 per night. Though farther inland, the region is filled with waterfalls, rice terraces, elephant sanctuaries, and more. It’s also the spot to go during the Loi Krathong festival (where thousands of people release floating lanterns into the sky). It’s Nov 14 to 16, in 2024.

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 16486.50 IDR

It’s not difficult to convince yourself that a trip to Indonesia is a good idea. Ancient temples in Ubud, stunning beaches and waterfalls in every direction, and plenty of five-star hotels for under $100 make this one of the best places to enjoy luxury on a budget.

The food is also quite cheap when compared to the U.S. For example, an inexpensive meal in Bali is often under $3, while a mid-range three-course meal hovers around $10, on average (expect prices to be higher if you’re eating at a popular resort restaurant).

All to say: Lodging and meals, normally two of the biggest expenses during your vacation, are extremely reasonable in Indonesia.

Yucatan, Mexico

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 16.49 MEX

Those who have been to the Yucatan before, especially recently, may not think of it as “super cheap.” That’s because many tourists tend to spend their time in Cancun’s “hotel zone,” which is essentially a town designed to quarantine tourists from local culture. Meander away from this area, and you’ll find incredible prices on some of the best food you’ve ever been privileged to ingest. Eating with the locals will stretch your money exponentially.

Venturing away from the beaches toward the Yucatan’s other features will help you to easily find cheap hotels and meals. For example, the pyramids and ruins of Chichen Itza (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), is just a couple hours from Cancun Airport (CUN). You can get a nice room for under $40 per night  and a large meal for under $10. 

But don’t wander too far from tourism centers. The U.S. State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory will alert you to known trouble zones, and Mexico has many.

Exchange rate: $1 USD = $1 USD

Ecuador has its share of UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most impressive being the Galapagos Islands (though a visit isn’t particularly budget-friendly). Mainland Ecuador has plenty to offer, and even houses a portion of the Amazon Rainforest. If you’ve got a thing for diverse wildlife, your mind will be blown with monkeys, jaguars, spectacled bears, pink river dolphins, and hundreds and hundreds more species.

Food and lodging in Ecuador is often very cheap, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $3.50. It’s also not particularly difficult to find a five-star hotel for under $100,  though you’ll typically need to stick to cities like Quito or Cuenca.

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 92.15 ALL

Europe isn’t exactly known for its affordability, though there are a few countries that offer some steals, with Albania leading the charge. This may be in large part because its tourism infrastructure isn’t as developed as most other countries in Europe. For some, that may be a deterrent, but it’s a feature for others. If you like the idea of being the only tourist within shouting distance, Albania is for you.

Sitting along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas (which are connected to the Mediterranean Sea), its coastlines may trick you into thinking you’re in Southeast Asia. But Albania's quaint towns like Gjirokastër and Himara are closer to an Italian Riviera vibe. If you’re able to spend at least $70 per night for a hotel, you’ll have no trouble securing a lovely four-star stay just about anywhere.

7 Affordable places to travel in the US (and Puerto Rico)

Washington, dc.

Washington, DC, is one of the best vacations you can have without spending a dime on activities. Most of the sights are free, such as the Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National Archive museum, and National Museum of Natural History. To see everything, you’ll likely need to pay for a bike or electric scooter rental, even if you’re staying for several days.

Las Vegas, Nevada

If betting isn’t your vice, Las Vegas can be your oyster. There are plenty of fun things to see and do in Vegas, all reasonably priced to draw gamblers into town. Most stunning are the hotel prices at well-known casinos such as Excalibur and Luxor, which routinely charge $25 or less per night (though you’ll also typically pay resort fees).

Even better, Las Vegas serves as a good base camp for exploring nearby wonders. It’s close enough to sites like Death Valley (one of the best places on earth for stargazing) and Grand Canyon West for a day trip.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City has loads to offer, but it remains less touristy in demeanor. From Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park, it’s got an excellent mix of natural and manmade wonders. You may also be surprised by how well its atmosphere caters to foodies.

If your travels are during the off-season (between October and May), you can find chain hotels for as little as $60 per night.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

As a reminder, you don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. And while its accommodations aren’t cheap enough to write your mother about, its beauty and architecture make it one of those places you can enjoy without the need to shell out for activities. For example, it offers some of the only bioluminescent beaches in the world. Walking through Old San Juan is itself an event. San Juan is also known for its street food and it’s generally much cheaper than eating at a restaurant.

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish is all things to all people. It’s an excellent hiking destination in the summer, a ski destination in the winter, and a fireworks show of flora in between. With Whitefish Lake State Park a stone’s throw away, and Glacier National Park less than 30 miles away, there are lots of things to do without spending a lot of money. The area is also excellent for camping, where you can pitch a tent for under $30.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a popular destination for its music, cuisine, litany of annual festivals, and intriguing architecture. Similar to other locations on this list, walkability is its key money-saving attribute. The French Quarter provides its own theme music, as the narrow streets are almost always drenched jazz notes.

New Orleans is another hotspot for street food, making it a cost-effective destination. Just note that you’ll save the most money on accommodation by staying in neighborhoods not named “French Quarter.”

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a portal to the 18th century, with cobblestones, stately moss-covered live oak trees, and English-inspired buildings and homes. It’s a great place to go if you’d like to escape the ubiquity of restaurant chains and try local diners, cafes, and other reasonably priced mom-and-pop establishments.

You won’t get much of a break when it comes to hotel accommodation. But the city is rife with Airbnbs and other vacation rental options that are relatively cheap (and more quaint than most hotels, anyway).

TIME Stamp: Vacations don’t need to be expensive 

There are a few ways to go about sharply decreasing the amount of money you spend on a vacation. You can choose a country in which you buy exponentially more for your dollar. You can eat like the locals (instead of a tourist). You can choose a destination with stunning scenery and simply explore as your primary activity.

Vacation is important to keep yourself from burnout. Don’t neglect it because you don’t think you can afford it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the most affordable travel insurance.

Tin Leg offers an “Economy” package that covers 100% of your trip cost and $20,000 in medical expenses. At just $138, it’s one of the cheapest options among the best travel insurance companies .

What is the most affordable cruise insurance?

AIG Travel Guard offers one of the best cruise travel insurance policies for those on a budget. You’ll pay $196 for 100% of your trip cost covered in trip cancellation and interruption. You’ll also get $15,000 in medical coverage.

What is the most affordable CFAR Travel Insurance?

Cancel-for-any-reason  (CFAR) coverage can be added to many different travel insurance policies, but it’s not always cheap. John Hancock’s Bronze plan costs $396 with CFAR travel insurance and $264 without. That’s an additional $132 to cover 75% of your trip cost if you decide to cancel.

Which countries are safe to travel to?

The U.S. State Department issues travel advice for travelers throughout the world, ranking countries from 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) or 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) to 4 (Do Not Travel). Mexico, for example, is currently Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) because of crime. However, the different states within Mexico have better ratings—that’s why we recommend the Yucatan, which is rated 1. Before you book your ticket, check your prospective trip’s caution level(s) at the Learn About Your Destination site. And look at the color-coded map for quick overall information.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

Italy Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

Italy is one of Europe’s most iconic and popular destinations. Home to incredible food, fabulous wine, tons of ancient ruins, undying romance, and picturesque landscapes, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

I’ve been visiting since 2006 and I never tire of it.

The vineyards in Tuscany, history in Florence , ancient streets of Rome , gorgeous views and hills Cinque Terre , romantic canals in Venice — I love it all.

Italy is best experienced slowly so pace yourself. Soak in the atmosphere and way of life as you explore. Italians move slowly and enjoy la dolce vita and so should you! Relax, take in the scenery, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine. The slower you go, the better you’ll be able to appreciate the charms and nuance of this iconic southern European gem.

This travel guide to Italy can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Italy

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Top 5 things to see and do in italy.

1. Explore Venice

While crowded, Venice is an astounding place to visit. I love the city’s iconic architecture and picturesque canals. Don’t miss the Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, the Basilica San Marco, and the city’s countless museums. Moreover, be sure to head to the old Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks (the English word ghetto comes from this area of Venice). Venice is also home to several world-class festivals. In late winter, the epic Carnival takes place here and, in August, the prestigious Venice Film Festival takes over the nearby island of Lido. If you have time, be sure to explore the neighboring islands on a day tour. They are charming in their own right.

2. Wander Rome

Rome has so much to see and do that you’ll need to make several trips to even scratch the surface. Besides obvious highlights like the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trevi Fountain, make sure you explore the Trastevere neighborhood. It’s my favorite area in Rome and feels almost like a village inside a big city. Trastevere offers delicious food, funky bars, and ancient winding streets. I love the family pizzerias and cafes here for people-watching and the gelato. Vatican City, the smallest independent city-state in the world, is nestled within the heart of Rome and is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and many fantastic museums. You can fill an endless amount of time here so don’t try to rush your visit!

3. Tour Pompeii

Located a 20-40-minute train ride from Naples , Pompeii is an ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano, preserving it in a blanket of ash still frozen in time. Walk around the Roman city as it stood the day that Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 CE, moving in and out of homes, villas, baths, and businesses where pots and vases still lay. What really struck me was entering the houses and seeing that the fountains and most of the beautiful frescoes are still intact. Admission is 22 EUR while a guided tour with a professional archeologist is 55 EUR. It’s a huge site and will take a full day to visit in depth.

4. Hike the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consists of five colorful coastal villages on the west coast of Italy, backed by steep vineyards and mountains. These small towns are by no means undiscovered by tourists but still absolutely beautiful and teeming with great shops and cafes. Each village has its own unique charm and personality so be sure to visit all of them. I absolutely love the fun hikes in the stunning hills high above the sea between the villages that range in difficulty. The Cinque Terre express train makes it super easy to pop around to the different villages if you don’t want to hike between the towns. Trail #7 is my favorite.

5. Relax on the Amalfi Coast

Other things to see and do in italy, 1. party at the venice carnival.

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the biggest festivals in Italy, with millions of people attending every year. Though it’s too crowded for my taste, the iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you want to splash out, you can even attend a traditional masquerade ball! Just be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance.

2. Explore Milan

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Spend some time taking in the glamor but don’t spend more than a day or two here unless you’re looking to splash out. While you’re here, don’t miss the beautiful Milan Cathedral, which boasts 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors. Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture, is also worth a visit. There’s also Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as Leonardo’s Horse, one of the largest equine statues in the world. To get away from the crowds, spend some time relaxing in Parco Sempione, Milan’s most famous city park. It’s a vast oasis of green space and perfect for a picnic when the weather is nice.

3. See the Leaning Tower in Pisa

The entire city of Pisa is focused on taking photos of this famed tower. Started in 1173 and finished in 1399, it’s the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral, located next door. Although it was meant to be perfectly vertical, the tower started leaning during construction due to the weight of the building on an unstable foundation. Most people come for the tower, but I find the entire complex to be stunning! The white marble buildings of the Baptistry and the Duomo are equally impressive but don’t get the same attention as the tower. They’re worth a visit. Admission to the top is 20 EUR or 27 EUR for a ticket that includes all the monuments in the complex. DiscoveryPisa runs a guided tour of all three sites for 40 EUR if you want a more in-depth experience.

4. Visit Siena

Everyone who visits Siena walks away loving it. Located in Tuscany, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy and boasts a labyrinth of lanes gathered around the arena of Piazza del Campo. Spend a few days admiring this charming city and exploring one of Italy’s most popular and famous regions. The main draw to the city is the stunning Siena Cathedral, which was constructed with white and black marble and is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country (the interior is massive and ornately decorated and lined by huge columns). Be sure to also visit the Torre del Mangia, a narrow 14th-century tower that offers stunning views of the area, as well as the 14th-century Fonte Gaia fountain, which is decorated by centuries-old marble panels.

5. Wander Naples

Naples , made famous as the birthplace of pizza, is a gritty city home to a wealth of historical treasures. There’s the medieval Naples Cathedral, the 18th-century Villa Comunale Park, and nearby Naples , Pompeii , one of the most amazing and important sites to visit in the country. The Archaeological Museum of Naples is also worth a visit, and if you enjoy hiking you can climb up the iconic Mount Vesuvius. Naples is the gateway to the south so you’re very likely to come here if you’re crisscrossing the country. Its location near Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the region. Best of all, it’s a foodie city like no other; I ate my weight in pizza during my visit!

6. Explore Florence

There’s no real need to explain why one should visit Florence — the city speaks for itself. Everything people say about it is true: great food, amazing museums, ancient buildings, small streets, awesome gelato. The city has it all. Be sure to visit The Uffizi, which holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). The famous David statue is also in Florence, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s one of the most impressive sculptures in the world and at 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be! While here, make sure you take a few wine tours throughout the region to get a feel for the verdant countryside. Don’t miss the view from the highest point in the Piazzale Michelangelo. It was my favorite and well worth the hike to get there.

7. Drive around “the Heel”

Few travelers ever visit the southern heel of the Italian “boot.” But, if you have time, it’s worth the trip. This is where most of the fruits and vegetables in Italy come from so a trip down here will give you the best glimpse into rustic Italian life far from the maddening crowds of Rome and Italy’s other tourist hotspots. Don’t miss the picturesque Polignano a Mare, with its rugged cliffs and white-washed houses. Gallipoli, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes and historic port, is also worth visiting. There are tons of amazing beaches in this part of the country too, including Marina di Pescoluse (Salento), Cala Porto (Polignano a Mare), and Torre Guaceto (Brindisi).

8. Eat your way around Sicily

There’s Italian culture and then there’s Sicily. Sicily has its own unique cooking style, traditions, and customs. It’s unlike the rest of Italy. Be sure to spend some time in Taormina and Palermo (the capital of Sicily). The UNESCO Valley of the Temples is also in Sicily, a national park home to incredible Greek ruins that are over 2,000 years old. Don’t miss the stunning Mount Etna , an active volcano that you can ski on it in the winter or take a tour of the top in the summer.

9. Stroll through Sorrento

Sorrento is a small city in southwestern Italy surrounded by a dreamy landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Lattari Mountains. There’s not a lot to do in the town itself but Sorrento makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions to nearby cities and islands around the famous Amalfi Coast, like Capri and Ischia. I especially love driving along the winding coastal roads overlooking the sea. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Blue Grotto .

10. Attend Settimana Santa (Holy Week)

This is the last week of Lent, known as Holy Week. During this time, there are several processions throughout Italy, drawing crowds of thousands. Throughout the week, there are various gatherings in Puglia, Abruzzo, and Sicily but the major event occurs on Easter Sunday and is led by the Pope himself. It’s an amazing time to visit, but expect huge crowds and for accommodation to sell out months in advance.

11. Visit Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an interesting and picturesque little town just south of Bari (a port city on the Adriatic Sea) known for its unusual white cone-shaped houses (they’re super peculiar). It’s well worth a visit between the months of November and April (to avoid the flocks of tourists) as there are a couple of museums to peruse, in addition to some great restaurants, bars, and markets.

12. Tour the Vatican Museums

Founded in the early 16th century, it is a complex of museums spanning over 12 acres. There are so many priceless highlights, including Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. You could easily spend hours here so don’t rush your visit. Consider getting a guide to make the museum come to life and give you some context and history of what you are seeing. Admission is 20 EUR and skip-the-line guided tours with Get Your Guide start around 40 EUR.

13. See Chiesa di Sant’Efisio

When you find yourself in Cagliari on Sardinia, wander over to the Stampace quarter to see this church. Dedicated to the patron Saint Ephisius, this is the most important church in the city. The original building dates to the 13th century, though it was rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century and then again in the 18th century, this time in the Baroque style. Admission is free.

14. Take a cooking class

Italy is a dream destination for foodies and the best way to learn about this amazing cuisine is to take a cooking class . You’ll get to visit a local market, learn about the history of some of the country’s best dishes, and then learn how to make them yourself so you can impress friends and family back home. You can find cooking classes all over the country. They are very common. Prices vary depending on what city you take a class in, but most cost at least 40 EUR and last a few hours.

15. Take a walking tour

Walks of Italy offers incredible, detailed tours all around the country. They are my favorite tour company in the country. And they are relatively inexpensive and you definitely get your money’s worth. If you are big into history, culture, or architecture these tours are for you. You’ll walk away with a much richer understanding of the country. Don’t miss them.

For information on specific cities in Italy, check out these city guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Italy Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms average 30-70 EUR per night for rooms with 6-8 beds. Private rooms are usually between 100-140 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities and include breakfast. During the summer months, expect prices to double. In Rome and Florence, prices throughout the year are about 20% higher than anywhere else.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country, usually costing between 15-40 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a two-star budget hotel ranges between 70-125 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and occasionally free breakfast. Prices are on the higher end in cities like Rome and Venice and also double during the summer.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 45-90 EUR, while entire apartments usually start around 70-150 EUR. Expect prices on the higher end in hotspots like Rome and Venice. Prices can also double (or triple) when not booked in advance. Additionally, expect even higher prices in the busy summer months.

Food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most dishes, with meat, fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. Gelato and pizza, of course, are also super popular. Some traditional dishes include bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew), and tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles).

A casual restaurant meal of pizza or pasta usually costs 15-25 EUR. In tourist hot spots, add 5-10 EUR to that.

Quick eats like pizza by the slice, paninis, and light snacks cost between 3-8 EUR. Snacks like croissants are less than 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 10-12 EUR for a combo meal while Chinese, Thai, or Indian food is 10-12 EUR for a main dish. Dessert is usually around 4-8 EUR for something like tiramisu.

Your average restaurant meal costs around 30 EUR with a drink. Most main dishes cost around 15-20 EUR while a pizza is around 10-15 EUR. For higher-end meals, expect to spend about 70 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer costs around 4-5 EUR while a glass of wine costs 4-8 EUR. For non-alcoholic drinks, a latte or cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR and bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own groceries, expect to spend 50-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Italy Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Italy, my suggested budget is 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and the beaches. If you plan on drinking a lot, add at least 15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or budget hotel, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring the Colosseum or exploring Pompeii.

On an upscale budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This isn’t a real luxury budget but it’s a budget that affords you the ability to do anything you want. If you want real luxury, you’ll need to read a different blog for that!

Italy Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Italy is one of the most expensive Eurozone countries. It’s very easy to break the bank in Italy, owing to all the historic sites, expensive accommodation, and delicious but pricey restaurants. You’re going to be spending a lot on a visit here. However, there are still lots of ways to reduce your expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money in Italy:

• Skip the bread – Many restaurants offer you bread when you sit down — but they don’t mention that it’s not free. If you’re on a budget, decline the bread and save a few Euros each dining experience.
• Picnic – Head to the store or one of the many markets in the country and grab food for a picnic. It’s cheaper than eating out and you can lounge in one of the many parks to watch the day go by. Food markets are a good place to try things, get fresh cheese and cold cuts, pasta, and snacks like ‘arancini,’ a super-filling rice ball stuffed with meat or cheese.
• Drink the tap water – When out at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you will automatically get expensive bottled water included on your bill. Since the tap water is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for 6-10 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar. Take it outdoors and sit around and enjoy the day/evening or skip expensive nightlife and go out for a long dinner and just drink it at the hostel. Just make sure you have a travel corkscrew on you if you’re going to sit outside somewhere!
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 6 EUR you really can’t complain! (And it’s cheaper than the train.) Taking the bus in town inside big cities instead of taking taxis everywhere or renting a car will save you lots of money.
• Redeem hotel points – If you sign up for hotel credit cards, you can use those points when you travel. It’s always nice to have free accommodations and most cards offer at least 1-2 nights free when you sign up, which can save you a lot. Use this post can to get started with the basics so you can start earning points now and have some built up for your trip.
• Take a free walking tour – Most cities in Italy offer free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. It’s the best budget-friendly way to explore and also a great way to meet other travelers if you’re alone. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds or couches for free. It’s the best way to save money and meet people. Just be sure to send your requests early (especially in the summer). Also, it’s a good idea to research the area you’re staying in first so you’re not so far away from the city center (or city!) that you need to spend a lot of time/money getting into town to see the sites.
• Get a city tourist card – Many tourism offices offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted entry to the main attractions. Some even include restaurant discounts and free transportation. If you plan on sightseeing a lot, these cards can cut your costs drastically. Check the local tourism board in each city for info when you arrive.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities. I used this service and not only did I save money, I got to meet interesting people and learn more about life in Italy. This is a good option to book a few days in advance. Just make sure to pick someone who has good ratings because newer drivers can have a tendency to be unreliable or cancel at the last minute.

Where to Stay in Italy

There’s a lot of hostels and hotels in Italy to choose from. Check out my city guides for a more complete list of favorites but, below, are some of my top recommended hostels and budget hotels in Italy:

• Loly Boutique Hotel (Rome)
• The Beehive (Rome)
• Hotel Montecarlo (Venice)
• Generator (Venice)
• Hostel of the Sun (Naples)
• Ulisse Deluxe (Sorrento)
• Hotel Bologna (Pisa)
• Hostel Pisa Tower (Pisa)

How to Get Around Italy

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in all the major cities in Italy (many of which have comprehensive metro systems). Tickets usually cost between 1-2 EUR for a single journey. Some cities also have day passes that offer unlimited travel. In Rome, you can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited travel for 7 EUR. A three-day pass costs 18 EUR, for example. While public transportation is generally reliable, traffic can be a nightmare — especially in Rome.

Train – The best way to get around Italy is via their extensive train network. Prices are affordable too, with most trips costing just 10-30 EUR. Rome to Florence takes just 90 minutes (on the fast train) with tickets starting at 25 EUR. Rome to Venice takes around 4 hours with tickets starting around 45 EUR. Rome to Naples is just over one hour and costs around 20 EUR.

Italo and Trenitalia are the two main rail systems. Tickets on Trenitalia are often a standard price, while Italo’s ticket prices fluctuate more widely.

To find routes and prices for trains around Italy (and Europe), use Trainline .

Bus – The bus is slower than the train but cheaper, with prices on FlixBus starting as low as 6 EUR. This isn’t the most convenient or fastest way to travel, but the buses are comfortable and good for short and medium journeys. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi too.

The 4-hour trip from Rome to Florence costs around 3-12 EUR, while a longer trip like Venice to Naples takes 10-15 hours and costs just 7-26 EUR.

Flying – If you’re pressed for time and are looking to jump from one city to the next, a budget airline might be the way to go. Prices can be incredibly low on airlines like Ryanair.

That said, when you factor in the time spent at airports, you’re likely not going to save much time when compared to high-speed trains. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights and you usually need to print your boarding pass out too (or pay a fee).

Ferry – If you want to visit some of Italy’s amazing islands, you’ll have to book a ferry. Ferries are frequent and you don’t need to book too far in advance, but during peak season it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks ahead. You can use FerryHopper to find routes and prices. The popular one-hour ferry from Naples to Capri starts from 27 EUR.

Car rental – Car rentals are generally quite affordable here, usually starting around 25-35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as it’s required before you rent a car. Also, keep in mind that Italian drivers can be on the aggressive side so drive cautiously. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Italy

There’s no wrong time to visit Italy. Historically, the peak season has been July and August, but post-COVID cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are busy pretty much year-round.

There’s a huge variation in climate across the country. Temperatures can soar as high as 36°C (98°F) during the summer in the southern part of the country, and popular cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence experience a huge influx of visitors. I’d try to avoid visiting these cities in the summer if you can as it’s just too crowded, too hot, and prices increase during this time as well. However, if you want to visit the Alps in the northern part of the country, near Milan, summer is when the weather is best. Temperatures are around 24°C (76°F), but you’ll have to deal with the crowds.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm in the south but the crowds have thinned and prices are lower. This is a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean. Expect daily highs around 22°C (72°F). It’s still nice in the northern part of the country too. Average temperatures are around 14°C (57°F), so you’ll want layers for the cool mornings and evenings. If you want to get into the higher elevations, plan on colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 2°C (36°F) in Milan and 4°C (39°F) in Rome. In the south, near Sorrento and Naples, average temperatures are closer to 12°C (54°F) and you won’t have to worry about snow. On the other hand, November to December is fantastic — you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals galore!

How to Stay Safe in Italy

Italy is a safe country to travel as violent crime against tourists is very rare. However, scams and pickpocketing are incredibly common, especially around high-traffic tourist sites in places like Rome and Venice. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight on public transportation and when out and about. The biggest things to watch out for are pickpockets on public transportation and in crowds. Don’t leave your bag open or put your mobile phone in loose jacket pockets on the tram or subway.

Be wary of people selling discounted tickets on the street. Chances are they are fake so always buy tickets from reputable sellers only. If you take a taxi somewhere, make sure the driver uses the meter so you don’t get ripped off.

You can read about other common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in Italy. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Catcalling is not uncommon in Italy. Also, on public transport be mindful of groping on public transport. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the country as they will have better advice for you.

If you rent a car, make sure you drive carefully and also have extra insurance. The roads in much of the country are very winding and narrow and drivers here are on the aggressive side.

Natural disasters here are uncommon, but since there are several active volcanoes in the country they can occur. Venice is also prone to flooding, so always be mindful of the weather while you’re here and heed any warnings or advisories.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Italy Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

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Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you're traveling this summer.

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"With peak season prices, crowds, flight delays and more, your itinerary should be in pencil − not pen," said Bill Smith, CEO of Landing , a company that offers flexible rentals. "Being flexible can help to minimize your travel spend while maximizing your adventure this summer."

There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there. Being a more flexible traveler also means thinking about travel a little differently − bending but not breaking.

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Ways to become more flexible this summer

So, how do you become more flexible? Here are a few examples:

• Fly to another city. Sometimes, the place you're trying to visit is too popular − and expensive. That's what happened to Phil Strazzulla when he tried to visit Milan last summer. Airline ticket prices were more than $1,000. But he could fly to nearby Zurich for less. So he did. "Not only did this save us more than $300 for each ticket, but the drive over the mountains was spectacular," said Strazzulla, who runs a software review company. "Travel flexibility can result in cost savings − and a unique experience."
• Go off the beaten path. Being truly flexible can mean getting outside your comfort zone. "Instead of Rome, Italy, go to the Puglia region," said Lynna Goldsby, a cruise planner with Travel With Lynna. "Instead of London, try Normandy or Bath." Trying these alternate destinations can still satisfy your travel itch but also reduce your expenses for lodging, restaurants, tours and transfers, she said.
• Take a detour. Airfares are often less expensive if you fly out of the way through an airline's hub. Don't waste that opportunity, said Linda Robert, a travel coach with Back in the Groove Again. Airlines such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Copa have stopover programs that allow you to enjoy a day or two at their hubs before continuing to your vacation destination, often at no extra cost. "This strategy enriches your travel experience and offers a cost-effective way to see more places," she said. 

Here are a few useful flexibility tools

There are a few new ways to be flexible. 

For example, Landing, which is a favorite of digital nomads and location-independent workers, rolled out a new tool this week. Its 12-month Flex Stay program offers renters the opportunity to save up to 30% on monthly rates by committing to living with Landing for a year, which has locations in more than 375 cities.

"This new offering gives members the freedom to roam throughout our nationwide network of fully furnished apartments as much − or as little − as they’d like throughout the year," Smith said.

Another newish feature is Airbnb's flexible dates search , which lets you select a period of time rather than a specific date, to see more options. Airbnb introduced the feature during the pandemic, and it can help you save as much as 20% on vacation rental accommodations.

One of my all-time favorite tools is available on almost every self-respecting online travel site. It's the ability to search for airfares or hotel rates based on a more flexible schedule. Google Flights and Kayak are great at showing you more flexible options. Pro tip: Don't limit your flexibility to dates; select a region you want to visit, which may include an alternate airport.

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You can also be flexible when it comes to the rate you pay, said Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan. Hotels cut their rates by about 20% if you pay upfront. (But you have to be sure you're going because those lower rates are usually nonrefundable.)

"At times, selecting a hotel away from busy destinations, yet comfortable for commuting, helps in finding an economical deal," he said.

But how do you put it all together this summer, including the flexible itinerary and the tools? Funny you should ask.

What are some more ways to increase your travel flexibility?

There are also new strategies to increase your travel flexibility, which can help you save money and a big headache when you're on the road. 

"A critical skill is knowing how and when to put white space into your itinerary," said Stephanie Chastain, owner of Infinite Ireland Travel, a boutique travel consultancy. "A too-rigid schedule leaves travelers vulnerable to travel hiccups that disrupt well-intended plans."

What is white space? It's literally that − a blank page on your itinerary. An empty afternoon with free time. A leisurely breakfast instead of getting up at the crack of dawn for an all-day tour. It's a rest day every two or three days, to prevent yourself from vacation burnout and to give your schedule some wiggle room.

Even the experts keep relearning the lesson of flexibility. For example, I had to fly from Anguilla to Miami at the last minute recently, and the flights were crazy expensive − around $800 for a one-way ticket. Just as I got ready to book, I realized that Anguilla is a short ferry ride from St. Martin, which has more flights. 

Total savings: $200. 

Being flexible means thinking about travel differently from everyone else. It's the belief that there are many ways to get to your destination and that if you don't get there on the exact day your vacation starts, it's not the end of the world. Travel companies love sticking it to you when you absolutely must be in one place at a fixed time. Be a contrarian. But don't go too far.

Bend so you don't break

Some of the best travel advice for people who want to be flexible comes from veteran travel adviser Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. She told me lowering your expectations is one of the best ways to stay flexible.

"Life isn't perfect," she said. "Your trip will likely involve unforeseen and unpredictable events."

One more thing: Being too rigid is a recipe for a terrible trip. I've made that mistake before, and believe me, it's no fun.

You don't want to take it too far. By all means, schedule your flight on a weekday to avoid high fares. Try booking your flight by using one of the flexible fare features on Google Flights or Kayak, or check out Landing's new flex program. 

But if you make too many compromises, it won't be much of a vacation. You'll end up staying in a motel in the suburbs, far away from all the attractions, and missing all the fun. Be flexible, but be smart. 

Bend − but don't break.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

5 Places To Travel This Summer That Are Like Florida, but Way Cheaper

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For some people, summer vacation means relaxing on beaches, participating in watersports, maybe even a round of golf. Others crave an action-packed theme park adventure. Some vacations combine all these elements, along with vibrant nightlife.

Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other spots along the Florida coastline promise all of this and more. But a Florida vacation, especially if you include a few days at Walt Disney World Resort, isn’t cheap.

Fortunately, you can find the same amenities, often with fewer crowds, in other cities across the U.S. Here are some of our favorite travel spots.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Whether you want to roll out of your hotel room onto a white-sand beach, swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy all-you-can-eat crab legs, you’ll find it all in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Kids will enjoy the WonderWorks experience and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach . To save money, plan ahead and bundle Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and the Mirror Maze with the aquarium for one price.

2. South Padre Island, Texas

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with fishing, dolphin-watching and lying on the beach or want to engage in watersports, ziplining and horse riding, South Padre Island — a barrier island, on the southern border of Texas — has it all.

South Padre Island is rated 271 out of 273 U.S. cities in terms of its low cost-of-living, according to FlyHomes.com . That translates to affordable meals and activities while you’re on vacation, as well.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Gulf Shores of Alabama has become an up-and-coming vacation destination in recent years. Beautiful beaches combine with Southern hospitality and a laidback atmosphere, couples, families or individuals can all find plenty of affordable activities. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel , recommended buying a Gulf Shores Orange Beach Multi-Attraction Pass to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the City of Foley Depot Museum/ Model Train Exhibit and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park all for one low price.  

If thrill rides and waterslides are your speed, book a stay at Tropic Falls at OWA. Home to Alabama’s largest indoor waterpark, plus a theme park, Tropic Falls at OWA is seven miles from the Gulf Coast for a total vacation package. Book a family four-pack of tickets to the theme park and water park for as little as $62 per person on weekdays, or book a two-day admission for $99.99 per person, which is roughly half the price of a single-day Disney World ticket.

4. Sandusky, Ohio

Many families, and especially roller coaster enthusiasts, might consider Sandusky, Ohio, the Disney World of the Midwest. Within a few square miles, this town on Lake Erie features a Kalahari Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge, and the famous Cedar Point amusement park with thrill rides, world-famous roller coasters, and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark. There’s also a lakefront campground.

Nearby shopping makes it easy to purchase food during your trip prepare sandwiches or light meals in your hotel room. Make sure to check out Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor, a landmark in the town. For affordable, diner-like fare and giant portions, grab dinner at Berardi’s Family Kitchen.

Crowds at Cedar Point can get heavy, but not as heavy as Disney. The weather is less humid and generally cooler than Orlando, making for an action-packed yet pleasant family vacation. For just $115 per person, you can get a season pass for unlimited access to Cedar Point through Labor Day.

5. Williamsburg, Virginia

A historic city with tons to do, Williamsburg, Virginia is a great alternative to pricey Florida cities. You can even visit Busch Gardens to get your fill of roller coasters and thrill rides, similar to the Tampa Bay, Florida location.

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BudgetYourTrip.com lists Williamsburg in the top 25% of most affordable cities to visit, with accommodations costing an average of just $132 per night for double occupancy.

To get your beach fix, travel roughly an hour southeast to Virginia Beach or Norfolk and enjoy a relaxing day or two on Chesapeake Bay.

Locals say you’ll want at least two days to explore Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum on 300 acres. A multi-day ticket costs just $60 for adults and $33 for children ages six to 12.

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