Traveling on a Budget: How to Save Money and See More
Looking for the best budget travel tips? Traveling doesn't have to drain your savings. With a little planning and a few smart travel hacks, you can enjoy incredible experiences without overspending.
I asked my friend Taylor, who blogs over at Tay-Coff to Adventure!, if she would write an article for those of us who are interested in traveling but aren't really sure how to travel on a budget. Just in time for holiday travel, Taylor packs this blog post full of budget travel tips and tricks from a seasoned traveler. Grab a notepad and pen because you'll definitely want to take notes!
Some argue money is best spent on experiences rather than things. When it comes to traveling, those memories truly are priceless. I admittedly travel a lot, and while it can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money while traveling and stretch your travel budget. Here are some of my favorite ways to curb expenses and enjoy more for less.
WHEN: Choose the Right Time to Travel
One of the easiest ways to save money is by choosing the right time to travel.
Travel During Shoulder Season
Look at shoulder seasons—the times of year between peak travel periods, like the middle of summer. You'll find fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and more affordable accommodations.
Fly Midweek
Fly midweek and consider booking your flight on a holiday for lower airfare. I've sacrificed Thanksgiving dinner for a cheap flight to Europe and didn't regret it at all.
Stay During the Week
If you want to visit commonly expensive destinations, travel there on weekdays when hotel rates are much lower. When everyone goes right, go left. Supply and demand suddenly work in your favor. The same hotel on a Tuesday can cost significantly less than on a Saturday.
WHERE: Save Money on Accommodations
Some destinations are naturally more affordable than others. If you're planning a budget-friendly vacation, keep this in mind.
For example, Big Sur has only a handful of hotels, so you'll pay a premium for even a standard room.
Staying just outside your destination might seem cheaper, but always balance transportation costs and your time. Sometimes paying a little more to stay close to attractions saves money on rental cars, rideshares, or taxis.
Consider Airbnb
Airbnbs are a fantastic alternative. Prices are often comparable to those of hotels, but having a kitchen lets you cook meals instead of eating out every day. Buying local groceries is a great way to reduce food expenses.
Use Hotel Rewards Programs
Websites like Hotels.com can help frequent travelers earn free nights through reward programs. If the rates are similar, it often makes sense to book through a rewards platform.
Look for Free Breakfast
Choose accommodations that include breakfast or other complimentary perks. Every little bit helps stretch your travel budget.
Go Camping
I love camping! For around $30 per night, you can have an incredible place to stay, especially in destinations where nature is the main attraction.
HOW: Save Money on Transportation
Transportation is often one of the biggest travel expenses, but there are several ways to cut costs.
Fly Budget Airlines
When traveling to Europe, budget airlines like Wow Air and Norwegian (or other low-cost carriers) can offer excellent deals for thrifty travelers.
You may not receive a meal onboard—but airplane food isn't exactly gourmet anyway.
Pack your own lunch, refill your water bottle after security, download Netflix shows before your flight, bring a charger, a good book, and an eye mask, then enjoy the journey.
Use Flight Tracking Apps
Apps like Hopper are excellent tools for finding the best time to book flights. They're not perfect, but they're surprisingly accurate.
I almost booked a flight to Mexico before Hopper suggested waiting. Sure enough, the airfare dropped considerably.
Contrary to popular belief, booking extremely early doesn't always mean cheaper prices. Often, the best fares appear around three months before departure.
Fly Into Nearby Cities
Is your dream destination too expensive?
Instead of flying directly there, search for flights to nearby cities. Flights within Europe, for example, are often inexpensive. Spend a day or two exploring another city before heading to your final destination.
Rent Cars Strategically
Always factor in parking costs before renting a car, especially in large cities where parking can be difficult and expensive.
Know when a rental is actually necessary. During a recent trip to Italy, we needed a car in Northern Italy but returned it before Venice because cars aren't useful there.
Also research:
International driver's license requirements
Rental taxes
Insurance fees
Fuel policies
Sometimes the final price is much higher than the advertised rate.
Compare Train Passes
A Eurail pass isn't always the best deal.
If you're spending two weeks in one country, buying individual train tickets may actually cost less. Compare your options before purchasing.
WHAT: Spend Smarter While Traveling
Use the Right Travel Credit Card
Always check whether your credit card charges international transaction fees.
Many travel credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees and offer valuable travel rewards, airport lounge access, travel credits, or companion tickets.
If you travel regularly, the right card can easily pay for itself.
Exchange Money Wisely
Avoid exchanging currency at airport kiosks whenever possible.
Instead:
Notify your bank before traveling.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM after arriving.
Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees whenever possible.
If you have leftover foreign currency before heading home, spend it instead of exchanging it back—you'll usually lose value in the exchange.
Also be cautious when receiving change in unfamiliar currencies.
Eat Like a Local
I like to schedule a few memorable splurge meals, but between those I eat authentic local food.
Street food, farmers markets, neighborhood cafés, and small family-owned restaurants often serve amazing food at a fraction of tourist prices.
Another great tip?
Enjoy fine dining at lunch instead of dinner, when many restaurants offer lower-priced menus.
Buy Attraction Tickets Early
Purchasing attraction tickets online ahead of time doesn't always save money, but it often saves valuable vacation time.
Skipping long lines means you can experience more during your trip.
Prepare Your Phone
Before traveling internationally, purchase an international data plan or travel eSIM to avoid expensive roaming charges.
I usually download Google Maps while connected to Wi-Fi and then switch my phone to airplane mode throughout the day. Having offline maps is incredibly helpful.
Still, having a data plan can be invaluable when you need directions, emergency assistance, or last-minute research.
WHO: Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Skip expensive group tours when possible.
Instead:
Read travel blogs.
Ask hotel concierge staff for recommendations.
Explore on your own.
That said, guided tours can absolutely be worthwhile in historic locations. Audio tours often provide fascinating context without the high price of large group excursions.
I spend a lot of time researching destinations before I travel, and it makes every trip better. Knowing what you want to see ahead of time means less time planning while you're on vacation.
And yes...
Countless hidden gems never appear in guidebooks.
I'm also a huge fan of Rick Steves for Europe. He does a fantastic job explaining which famous attractions are truly worth the crowds—and which ones you can happily skip.
If you're planning an extended adventure, consider subletting your home or apartment to someone you trust. It can help offset rent while you're away.
WHY: The Value of Travel
Traveling costs money. There is simply no way around it.
However, I believe the cost of not traveling is much higher.
The experiences, memories, friendships, and lessons you gain while exploring the world are priceless. You'll likely regret the trips you never took far more than the money you spent on the ones you did.
Don't let cost stop you from following your sense of adventure.
Many people assume travel is always expensive, but with careful planning, budget travel is more achievable than you might think.
That dream trip you've been thinking about?
It may be much more affordable than you ever imagined.
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