I’m often asked how I can afford to travel as often as I do, and the answer is simple: travel doesn’t have to be expensive!
There are so many different ways to save money while traveling, especially if you’re willing to be a little flexible and put in a bit of extra time when planning. I promise your savings will be worth it in the end!
Here are my 7 ways to save money while traveling:
- Use nfcvb to get free accommodation
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights
- Check foreign transaction fees
- Check Facebook Groups to find free events
- Avoid using third party booking platforms
- Talk to people while you’re traveling
- Ask for what you want
1. Use nfcvb to get free accommodation
My favorite way to save money on travel is working exchange, without a doubt.
The amount of money that can be saved by securing free accommodations is truly remarkable!
I utilized nfcvb to spend seven weeks in New Orleans for free in exchange for 20 hours of easy work per week. Even hostels in New Orleans typically charge $20-$30 per night, so I saved an estimated $1200.
In addition to accommodations, many work exchange programs offer additional perks, such as free meals, discounted tours, discounted drinks, and more.
The hostel where I worked offered free breakfast, but they also agreed to purchase food for the work exchangers to prepare for guests, and we were welcome to enjoy whatever meals we prepared for the group. In this way, I also had free meals, unless I chose to eat out.
nfcvb has opportunities available all over the world, with various setups, and if you’re on a really tight budget, you can even narrow your search to opportunities that provide a specified number of free meals.
2. Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights
Another area where significant savings can be made is transportation.
I always search for flights through Skyscanner because I have consistently found the cheapest flights through them.
Flexibility is crucial here as a difference of just a couple of days in flight dates can save hundreds of dollars. Additionally, consider booking your routes separately.
Recently, I searched for a round trip ticket from New Orleans to Oaxaca, Mexico. The cheapest price I found on my initial search was around $718. By splitting my flights, buying one-way tickets from New Orleans to Mexico City and Mexico City to Oaxaca, and then vice versa for my return trip, and playing around with my departure/arrival dates for each flight, I was able to bring the total cost down to $384.
There is some risk involved in booking flights individually. You need to ensure that you have a sufficient layover length in case of any flight delays, but the $334 in savings is well worth the longer layover for me.
3. Check foreign transaction fees
Be smart with your money. Make sure to check the foreign transaction fees for your bank and credit cards.
You might consider opening a new account or applying for a new credit card with better rates if your existing options aren’t favorable.
Charles Schwab is an online bank that fully reimburses ATM fees worldwide. I opened an account with them before heading abroad so that I can withdraw money directly from any ATM machine without having to worry about excessive fees.
Another advantage of this approach is that you’ll often find the best currency exchange rates by using an ATM rather than a currency exchanger. Remember, currency exchange is their business, so they are definitely making money off of you!
4. Check Facebook Groups to find free events
Before arriving at a destination, do your research. There are often Facebook groups dedicated to free events happening in the area, so don’t forget to check them out!
Visit the websites of attractions that interest you and check their schedules for free days. Many museums offer free admission once a month, and the Smithsonian Magazine hosts an annual Museum Day, during which admission to all participating museums in the US is free for a day.
During this year’s Museum Day, I was able to visit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, which was an incredible experience and usually costs $28 to enter.
Know what you’re paying for before booking tours. If the tour company is charging a hefty price to transport you from one place to another (as they often do), then research other ways to get to the attraction and purchase your admission ticket directly from the venue itself.
5. Avoid using third party booking platforms
When it comes to getting directly to the source, avoid using third party booking platforms such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, Viator, and others whenever possible.
I always knew that there was a slight price difference when booking through these sites, but during my work exchange experience at a hostel, I discovered that the markup is much higher than I had realized. These sites still have great value in helping you find excursions and accommodations, but when it’s time to book, try to book directly through the hostel/hotel or tour company.
6. Talk to people while you’re traveling
Aside from making new friends, both locals and even fellow travelers can be a wealth of information.
I learned about a bar that hosts free dinner every Monday night and another bar that offers free ice cream and comedy every Saturday night simply by chatting with the locals.
When I worked at the hostel, I made sure to be around during breakfast to chat with the guests about their daily plans, and that’s how I found out about Museum Day. Other travelers are also making efforts to save money like you, so they are also asking around and can pass on these freebies to you!
Keep reading: 14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a nfcvb volunteer
7. Ask for what you want
My final tip on how to save money while traveling is the most straightforward: ask for what you want.
I know that it may seem too simple to actually work, but I have been surprised at how often just asking for what I wanted has earned me discounts and freebies.
In New Orleans, there was a Mediterranean restaurant that gave me free food in exchange for a few hours of cleaning. My roommate and I went to ask if we could barter for a month-long membership at the local rock-climbing gym, and after chatting with the manager for a while, he offered us free access!
I’ve been to plenty of bars with international guests, started chatting with the bartender about how we are all travelers, and been given free drinks more than once.
At the very least, I usually get advice on where to go to find cheaper or more suitable places to get whatever I’m asking for. The worst that can happen is that they say no, but even then, hopefully, you have a nice chat with someone new as a result.
Please be aware that when visiting a different country, you should familiarize yourself with their customs before going around asking for free stuff. In some cultures, this can be considered offensive.
This is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways to save money while traveling.
Even today, there are a lot of travel apps and websites that you can use to your advantage.
The possibilities are endless, only limited by your ability to think outside the box, and the rewards are definitely worth the extra effort. Traveling can truly be affordable for anyone!