Let’s be real with one another: there are countless articles out there about how to save money when traveling the world. There’s a good reason for this: in a world where everything has a price, we all want to know if our dreams of globetrotting can become a reality, especially when our wallets tend to be emptier than full of cash. It’s easy to feel like we’ll never be able to afford to travel the world. But the good news is that the world is constantly evolving, and you don’t need to be wealthy anymore to embark on your adventures. All you need to do is know how to make the money you have work harder for you!
For example, by pinpointing the hidden travel costs you can avoid to save money, you’ll quickly discover how easy it is to travel on a budget. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-prepared to plan a wonderful trip that won’t drain your entire savings! These are my very own budget travel tips, gained over the past nine-plus years of my travels and in the nine countries I’ve visited – with family, friends, and on my own. Some of these might be considered “travel hacks to save money” – I like to call it “good planning!” You won’t be able to use all of these tips all the time, that’s okay. Just pick and choose the ones that suit your needs, and you’ll be able to shave off some of the expenses that come your way!
The Best Ways to Save Money While Traveling
Getting There
Let’s talk about the biggest expenses when traveling to a new place: getting there! Flights can be expensive, but it’s possible to fly without spending a fortune and find cheap airfare at any time of the year. Here are my top five budget travel hacks to save money on transportation:
1. Travel in the “Off” Season
Most destinations have off seasons when tourism is lower. This is usually due to weather – people prefer to travel during the best weather to fit in all their activities. When you travel during off seasons, everything, from souvenirs to accommodation, is cheaper, including plane tickets!
2. Be Flexible with Your Flights
Some airlines, like NorwegianAir, offer discounted fares on certain days of the week or months. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can search for flights using the “Low Fare Calendar” feature to find the cheapest days to fly. I’ve found round-trip tickets from California, USA to popular cities like London for as low as $650 USD, and if I had been able to change my dates, it could have been even cheaper!
3. Fly Strategically
Often, the cheapest flights are those with long layovers. While not everyone enjoys indirect flights with multiple connections, if it’s all you can afford, you can make the most of it. Look for flights with layovers in places you want to visit and choose ones with at least five hours to explore. I got to explore Athens on my way home from Israel by choosing a flight with a 11-hour layover! It was a great opportunity to see a new city and saved me money on accommodation.
4. Skip the Extra Fees!
If you don’t mind having a random seat, don’t pay to choose your own. Avoid on-flight meals and bring your own snacks and water. Also, fly with a carry-on bag only to avoid checked baggage fees. If you travel with only one bag, you’ll be less tempted to buy too many souvenirs, which can save you a significant amount.
5. Fly “Less”
This means staying longer in one place instead of constantly hopping from one destination to another during your trip. By choosing a couple of destinations and spending more time there, you’ll not only save money but also have a deeper and more enjoyable experience. This can also help you save on food and accommodation.
Now that you know how to score a cheap flight, it’s time to move on to saving on accommodation!
Sleep for Cheap
1. Discover Hostels!
Hostels offer dormitory-style accommodations where you can share a room with other guests. Staying in hostels is a great way to save money on your travels, especially if you don’t mind meeting new people. HostelWorld is a useful website for finding affordable hostels, and you can read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect. You can also search for hostels with laundry facilities to make your life easier on the road.
Pro tip: If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you can bring your own soap and a laundry line to do your laundry in the sink. This way, you won’t have to pay for laundry services and save even more money!
2. Try AirBnB or Couchsurfing
If the place you want to visit doesn’t have hostels nearby, AirBnB can be a cost-effective option. You can find locals who are willing to rent out spare rooms or even whole houses. I’ve had great experiences with AirBnB and love meeting locals in a more intimate setting. Some AirBnBs in remote areas even offer breakfast, which can save you money on meals. For the adventurous, Couchsurfing is an option to consider. While it may not be as reliable as a paid accommodation, some people have had successful experiences and been able to sleep on people’s couches for free.
3. Become a Worldpacker and Stay for Free!
If you join nfcvb (which costs only $49 per year), you could spend a whole year traveling and never have to pay for accommodation. With nfcvb, you can apply to hosts in your desired destinations, and if they accept you, you’ll trade volunteer time for accommodation. This means you can stay in a place for free while also having some free time to explore the surrounding area. I had a wonderful time in Scotland last year staying at a hostel where I volunteered, and it was a great way to save money and have a local experience. Accommodation is a big part of your travel budget, so why not join nfcvb and enjoy free accommodation, meals, and other perks?
Have any questions about how nfcvb works? You can message any of the nfcvb Experts and Bloggers, and they’ll be happy to help you. You can also check out the Broke Backpacker’s firsthand account of what it’s like to travel with nfcvb.
Now that you know how to budget travel with nfcvb and save on lodging costs, it’s time to focus on saving on food.
Save Money on Food
1. Cook Your Own Meals
One of the easiest ways to save money on food while traveling is to cook your own meals. Shop at local grocery stores or markets and prepare your meals in the kitchen at the hostel or AirBnB you’re staying at. This gives you the flexibility to save money by cooking your own food. If you’re traveling to new places frequently, it’s a good idea to bring some of your cooking essentials, such as oil and spices. I stored my spices in old gin bottles to save space and avoid buying new spices all the time. Pro tip: If you love coffee or tea, consider buying a tiny coffee press and a bag of ground coffee. You’ll be able to make your own coffee at any time, anywhere, and it’ll be much cheaper than buying it at cafes.
2. Eat Local Foods
While it’s tempting to eat the foods you’re used to at home, learning how the locals eat can often be more cost-effective. Skip the specialty stores and find out what the locals eat. You might be surprised at how delicious and affordable the local cuisine can be. In Scotland, I discovered Scotch broth mix and made myself dozens of delicious meals for a fraction of the price. Pro tip: Ask the locals where to find the best places to buy groceries and eat out. They’ll be able to give you insider tips on the cheapest deals.
3. Ask Locals Where to Shop
Locals know the best places to get the cheapest groceries and meals. As you make friends in the area, ask them where you can find the best deals. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction and help you save money on your food expenses.
4. Find the Discount Section at Grocery Stores
Many large grocery stores have aisles with marked-down food at the beginning of the day. These items are usually close to their expiration date and are marked down to get rid of them. This is a great opportunity to get amazing deals on expensive items like meat. If your accommodation has a freezer, you can purchase food when it’s on sale, freeze it, and cook it later when you’re ready. Pro tip: Check if your grocery store offers membership discounts. In Scotland, I was able to get a free membership card at a store that gave me money back on my groceries, which was a nice bonus.
5. Share Meals with Others
See if you can share meals with your fellow travelers. Everyone needs to eat, and by sharing meals, you can split the cost and save money. One of my favorite things about traveling with others was when we would all purchase part of a meal and cook and share it together. It was a great way to bond with new friends and have a fun and affordable meal.
Finally, it’s time to think about saving money on tourist attractions and other adventures!
Save Money on Tourist Attractions and Other Adventures
1. Take Advantage of Free Attractions!
Research the free attractions available in the place you’re visiting. Many cities offer free walking tours, pub crawls, and hiking trails. In London, my friends and I made sure to take advantage of the free museums and walked instead of taking taxis or the Underground to save money. By filling your time with free activities, you’ll be able to save your money for the attractions and experiences you really want to do. Pro tip: Check with the hostel or your host for recommendations on the best free tourist attractions in the area.
2. Use Student Discounts!
If you’re a student or still have a valid student ID card, don’t forget to ask if tourist attractions offer student discounts. Hundreds of museums and places of interest in Europe give significant discounts to students. You might even be able to score a discount on certain City Passes that include access to many popular tourist sites. Just make sure to bring your ID card with you to get the lower price.
Final Thoughts
Remember, there are some things to keep in mind when using these tips. For example, if you travel during the off season, make sure the attractions you want to visit are still open. To make the most of your money, use your smarts, explore your options, and do some planning. These travel hacks will take you and your money on amazing adventures. So, what money-saving travel tips do you swear by? Share your tips in the comments and let’s inspire each other!