How to Travel on a Budget: 11 Useful Tips

12 Jul, 2022

How to Travel on a Budget: 11 Useful Tips

Jul 12, 2022

Are you heading off on holiday but don’t want to spend a fortune? You’re in luck! Here are some of our top tips for travelling on a budget. From finding cheap flights to getting the best deals on accommodation, we’ll show you how to save money without compromising on your enjoyment. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream getaway today!

1- Avoid Peak Season

Budget travellers know that one of the best ways to save money on travel is to avoid peak season. 

Not only are flight and accommodation prices higher during this time, but popular tourist destinations are often more crowded.

 If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and get a better deal on travel, it’s worth considering travelling during the off-season. 

In many cases, you’ll find that the weather is just as good (if not better) and that there are fewer people around. 

This can make for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience overall. Plus, you’ll often find that local businesses are more than willing to offer discounts to attract customers during this quieter time. 

So if you’re looking to save money and enjoy a more pleasant travel experience, consider venturing off the beaten path and travelling during the off-season.

2- Book your flights in advance

If you’re looking to save money on your next flight, you may want to book your tickets well in advance. 

While it’s often possible to find deals by booking last-minute, this is generally not the case for budget travel. 

Airlines typically release their cheapest seats weeks or even months before the departure date, so if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a better deal by planning ahead. 

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, so it’s always worth checking for last-minute deals. However, if you’re looking to save money on your travels, it’s best to book your flights well in advance.

3- Use Meta Search Engines like Skyscanner for Cheap Flights

There are a few different ways to find cheap flights. 

  • One option is to use a flight search engine like Skyscanner or Kayak. You can enter your travel dates and destination, and the search engine will show you a list of flights. 
  • Another option is to sign up for a travel alerts service. Travel alerts services send you an email or text message whenever there’s a price drop on flights that match your criteria. 
  • Finally, you can also contact a travel agent. Travel agents have access to deals that aren’t available to the general public, and they may be able to help you find a good deal on flights. 

Whichever method you choose, make sure to book your flights in advance to get the best price.

4- Look for pocket-friendly accommodation options

Staying in a hotel can be expensive, especially if you’re staying in a city. One way to save money is to look for cheap accommodation. 

There are a number of websites that list affordable accommodation options, including hostels, Airbnbs, and even Couchsurfing. Hostels are often much cheaper than hotels, and they offer a great way to meet other travelers. You can also try asking locals for recommendations. 

In addition, it’s worth checking out hotel websites directly, as you may be able to find special rates or discounts. With a little bit of effort, it’s possible to find accommodation that is both comfortable and affordable.

  • Hostelworld is a great resource for finding cheap accommodation options around the world. In addition, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of accommodations, so you can find something that fits your budget and your travel style. 
  • If you’re looking for even cheaper accommodation, consider Couchsurfing. This website connects travelers with locals who are willing to host them in their homes. This is a great way to save money and get to know the local culture. 
  • Finally, don’t forget about Budget Hotels and Cheap Airbnbs. These can be great options for finding affordable accommodation in your destination of choice.
  • Always look at past guest reviews before you book anything

5- Save on food

No one wants to spend their entire vacation budget on food, but it can be easy to do when you’re constantly eating out. 

If you’re looking to save money on food while travelling, one of the easiest things you can do is to have supermarket food for one meal a day. 

This doesn’t mean eating processed junk food – there are plenty of healthy and delicious options available at most supermarkets. 

For example, you could buy a pre-made salad or wraps for lunch, or frozen vegetable stir-fry for dinner. 

Not only is this more affordable than eating out or ordering takeout, but it’s also much healthier.

But that doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of delicious local meals. Research and find affordable local restaurants with great reviews to make the most of your trip. Gorge on delicious food without breaking the bank.

6- Use public transport

When travelling, one of the biggest expenses is often transportation. Taxis and rental cars can quickly add up, especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. 

A great way to save money is to take advantage of public transportation. In most cities, you can purchase a day pass that will allow you unlimited travel on buses, trains, and even boats. 

This can be a great way to see the sights without having to worry about the cost of fuel or parking. 

Plus, it’s often much easier to get around using public transport, as you can avoid getting stuck in traffic or having to deal with directions. 

So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to consider using public transport to save yourself some money.

7- Choose walkable destinations for your travels

For many people, travel is all about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. But if you’re not careful, all that walking can quickly turn into a lot of wasted time and energy. 

That’s why it’s important to choose walkable cities for your travels. By planning ahead and selecting destinations that are easy to get around on foot, you can make the most of your time and see more of what each city has to offer. 

Plus, you’ll get some exercise in the process! So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to consider how easy it will be to get around on foot. It’ll also help you save money

After all, the best way to see a city is often by simply exploring it on your own two feet. 

8- Find Carpooling Services When Possible

Have you ever needed to travel somewhere but found the cost of gas too prohibitive? Or maybe you just hate dealing with the hassle and expense of parking. 

If so, carpooling might be the solution for you. Blablacar is a ride-sharing service that can help you find other people traveling to your destination. 

Simply enter your trip details into the app and it will match you with potential carpoolers. 

You can then chat with them to arrange a time and place to meet, and off you go! Not only will you save money on gas, but you might even make some new friends along the way. 

So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out Blablacar.

9- Lookup Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are a great way to see a new city, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in tourist destinations around the world. 

Basically, you just follow a guide around for an hour or two, and at the end you tip them whatever you think the tour was worth. 

No reservations are required, and you can usually just show up at the starting point and join the group. 

One of the great things about tip-based tours is that they’re very flexible; if you need to take a break or leave early, you can just do so without any hassle. 

And since the guides are paid entirely through tips, they generally have a lot of enthusiasm and energy

So if you’re looking for an affordable and easy way to explore a new place, definitely consider taking a free walking tour.

10- Try and Avoid Tourist Traps

If you’re budget-conscious and want to avoid tourist traps, there are a few things you can do. 

  • First, do your research before you go. Look up reviews of restaurants and attractions to get an idea of what’s worth your time and money. 
  • Second, don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat, drink, and shop. 
  • You’re likely to find hidden gems that are much more affordable than the touristy spots. 
  • Finally, be flexible with your plans. If something turns out to be overpriced or disappointing, don’t hesitate to move on to something else. 

With a little effort, you can easily avoid the pitfalls of tourist traps and have a great budget-friendly trip.

11- Get a local SIM

Whenever you travel to a new country, the first thing to do is buy a local sim card. Not only does this save you money on roaming charges, but it also allows you to stay connected with your family and friends back home. 

Moreover, having a local sim means that I always have access to Google Maps and other essential apps. Even if you get lost, you can simply pull out your phone and find your way. 

In addition, buying a local sim is a great way to support the local economy. By using a local service provider, you are helping to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. 

So if you’re ever planning a trip abroad, be sure to pick up a local sim card. It’s an easy and affordable way to stay connected while you’re on the go.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Find Your Next Adventure

Looking for some travel inspiration? Find your next short break, big adventure or authentic experience through Travel Gabbers