Traveling on a budget? Planning a trip with limited funds can be tricky, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll find budget travel hacks to help you save big without cutting back on the fun.
With over 15 years of experience planning budget-friendly trips, I’m here to share my best tips. You’ll learn 20 simple ways to save up to 50% on your travels.
Whether you’re after quick, easy tips or ready to put in a bit more effort for bigger savings, this guide has you covered.
Excited for budget-friendly adventures that won’t break the bank? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Budget Travel Hacks: Book Your Flights Early
Flight prices can be unpredictable, but the key is booking a few months in advance.
The best deals are usually found 2-4 months before your trip. You can save up to 50%, with typical savings around 20-30%.
Waiting until the last minute rarely gets you lower prices, so it’s better to plan ahead. However, don’t book too far in advance—more than 6 months before your trip usually isn’t ideal either.
2. Choose Flights with Layovers
Taking a longer route with an extra layover can often save you some cash.
While it’s not always the case, many times, choosing a flight with one or more layovers can save you up to 30%. The trade-off? A few extra hours of travel time.
For example, a direct flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok takes about 10-12 hours. But if you opt for a flight with one layover, the journey stretches to 16-18 hours, though you’ll enjoy that 30% savings.
3. Use Car Rental Comparison Sites
When looking for the best car rental deals, comparison websites are a game changer. They bring all the options together in one place, making it easier to find the best price.
These sites often have better prices and promotions than booking directly with rental companies, so you can save some extra cash.
Just don’t forget to compare insurance fees and deposits to make sure the total price fits your budget. My go-to is RentalCars.com.
4. Rent an RV for Larger Groups
RV trips have been big in the USA for ages, and now they’re catching on in Europe too with lots of RV parks around.
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting an RV can save you a ton. You can skip pricey hotels and restaurantsby cooking your own meals. Companies like Cruise America make it easy.
Just keep in mind that prices have gone up lately. Sometimes, it might even be cheaper to buy an RV at the start of your trip and sell it at the end.
5. Budget Travel Hacks: Stay with Locals
One of the best ways to save cash and connect with people is by staying in local homes.
You can find rooms to rent on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo.com, or even for free on Couchsurfing.
I’ve had some awesome stays, like in Kochi, India, where Priya, my super friendly host, welcomed me into her family guesthouse.
The room was cozy, breakfast was homemade and served on the terrace, and Priya’s tips and stories made the experience unforgettable.
6. Become a Volunteer
Looking for budget travel hacks? Consider volunteering or joining a work exchange program.
Many organizations offer free stays in exchange for your help, so you can explore new places without spending on accommodation.
You might also find opportunities to work at hostels or resorts for free lodging.
It’s a great way to travel affordably while getting to know local communities and having unique experiences.
7. Go for Hotels with Buffets
Staying at hotels with buffet breakfasts or dinners can save you a lot on food. You get unlimited servings, so you can cut back on eating out.
If you’re really looking to save, you could fill up at breakfast, grab some fruit for later, and have a big meal in the evening.
It’s a personal choice, but it’s a great way to save money. Just don’t waste food when you’re enjoying the buffet!
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8. Aim for Genius Status on Booking.com
Booking.com has a Genius program that gives you awesome perks like secret deals, a 10% discount on stays, free room upgrades, and even welcome drinks.
You can level up to Genius status by making more bookings, so booking a few hotels for your trip can help you get there faster.
It’s definitely worth it if you’re looking to save and enjoy a little extra during your travels.
9. Eat Where the Locals Eat
In Asia, street food is super popular. Just look for where the locals are eating — you’ll find affordable and delicious meals, plus a chance to chat with some friendly faces.
In Bangkok, we grabbed the best curry from a street vendor for just $1, all while hanging out with the locals in line.
It’s one of the best ways to taste the real flavors of a place without breaking the bank.
10. Use Local Transport
Local transport is usually much cheaper than tourist options. A local bus or train is often a fraction of the cost of taxis or organized tours.
For example, a day trip from Yogyakarta to Borobudur cost $120 per person on a tour, but taking a local bus was only $1! Even after food, accommodation, and entry fees, we spent way less.
Book locally for the best prices, or check 12go.asia for tickets.
11. Avoid Organized Tours
On my first trip to Thailand, I relied on organized tours.
Over time, though, I realized that planning our own excursions saves a lot of money and lets me enjoy things at our own pace.
For example, a guided tour to the floating market and Erawan waterfalls cost 2000 baht per person. But when I went to Ayutthaya on my own, it was not only cheaper but also a much more memorable experience.
While organized tours can be worth it sometimes, they’re not needed most of the time.
12. Budget Travel Hacks: Enjoy Free Attractions
Tickets for tourist spots can add up quickly, but don’t overlook the many free alternatives.
Exploring city streets, visiting parks, hiking in forests, or checking out scenic viewpoints can offer enriching experiences without the price tag.
Some cities, like Berlin and Merida, even organize free city tours, which are a great way to explore and learn about the area without spending a dime.
Sometimes, these free activities are even more enjoyable than crowded, expensive tourist sites.
13. Stay Local and Discover More
Travel can get expensive, especially when you add in transportation costs. But sticking close to home can be just as fun and way easier on your wallet.
We often daydream about far-off places, but keep in mind that those same travelers would probably be thrilled to explore spots right in your area. So why not make the most of what’s nearby?
For anything within 25 kilometers (16 miles), hop on a bike; for trips up to 100 kilometers (62 miles), a car is perfect for a day out. You’ll be amazed by the hidden gems waiting to be discovered close to home!
14. Don’t Exchange Money at the Airport
The exchange rate at the airport is usually worse than in the city, often by 5-10%.
If you exchange money outside the airport, you could save enough for a whole day’s expenses on a 3-week trip.
That said, it’s a good idea to exchange just a small amount at the airport to cover any immediate needs until you find a better rate.
Overall, it’s worth taking the time to find a better exchange spot and keep your travel budget intact.
15. Buy a Local SIM Card
Roaming fees can get pretty expensive, especially for data, when you’re abroad. A better option is buying a local SIM card in the city (not at the airport) for better rates.
If your phone supports dual SIMs, you can keep both. If not, you’ll need to swap out your regular SIM, but your number won’t work while you’re away.
Another option is using a travel Wi-Fi router for internet access if you’re traveling with others. You can even buy a local SIM card online at Airalo.com!
16. Budget Travel Hacks: Consider Using Revolut
If you want to save on card payments abroad, check out currency cards or apps like Revolut.
They help you avoid high currency conversion fees, so you can save a good amount on transactions.
Just keep an eye on any limits, like free ATM withdrawals or different exchange rates on weekends. It’s a simple way to manage money while traveling without all the extra fees.
17. Travel During the Off-Season
Prices can shoot up by 30% to 50% in peak season, so traveling off-peak is a great way to save and skip the crowds.
For example, visit Palolem, Goa in November instead of January, or take a Tuscany road trip in May before the summer rush. Consider Indonesia in June or explore the US West Coast in September instead of the busy July.
Just be sure to check the weather for your destination—off-season travel is cheaper, but avoid tropical places during monsoon season for a better experience.
18. Negotiate Prices When You Can
This works especially in Asia and Arab countries, where prices in shops or taxis can usually be haggled.
Start by offering 30-50% less than the initial price and find a middle ground. Don’t be afraid to show hesitation or walk away, as it can often get you a better deal.
Bargaining isn’t just about saving money—it’s also a way to connect with locals and make sure everyone’s happy with the deal.
19. Choose Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Less touristy spots are usually more affordable without sacrificing quality.
Instead of the crowded beaches in southern Bali, check out the northern regions or visit Batur volcano.
Consider Pulau Kapas in Malaysia over the popular Langkawi, or explore Oregon’s Willamette Valley instead of Napa Valley in California.
These hidden gems can save you money on places to stay and eat, and you’ll get to enjoy the sights without all the crowds.
20. Join the Work & Travel Program
A great way to travel affordably is through programs like Work & Travel (especially for students) or by working remotely.
Both options let you explore new places without the extra travel costs.
With Work & Travel, you can earn more in countries with higher wages than at home. Remote work in affordable spots like Southeast Asia lets you make more while living cheaper.
It’s a win-win for both your wallet and your travel dreams.
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20 Budget Travel Hacks: Conclusions
These budget travel hacks are just a few ways to help you save while traveling on a budget, but there are so many more out there.
With a bit of planning and some smart choices, you can make your trips affordable and still amazing.
I hope these tips come in handy for your future adventures! If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends so they can save too.
Got any other budget travel hacks? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
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