There are countless reasons why traveling is not only beneficial, fascinating, but also downright essential. It has the power to rejuvenate you, inspire you to meet new and diverse people, teach you new skills, and leave you with indelible impressions and memories that will stay with you forever. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if traveling were a right that was accessible to everyone? And indeed, it is! Well, when it comes to finances, my own experiences have taught me that there are indeed affordable ways to travel that make it accessible to all.
Flights, hotels, visas, transportation, food, and communication – all these aspects can be managed in such a way to reduce costs if you plan ahead. I am going to share with you dozens of useful tips on how to travel on a shoestring… So, let’s get started!
**12 Cheap Ways to Travel That Everyone Should Know**
**Image 1**: A beautiful landscape with a plane in the sky.
**Image 2**: A person carrying a small backpack.
**1. Travel Outside of Peak Seasons**
Typically, the prices of aircraft tickets and hotels are significantly lower when flights are not operating during the peak seasons. Additionally, weekends tend to be cheaper than weekdays. Keep an eye on the dynamics of both airfare and hotel prices in advance to ensure you are getting the best deals.
**2. Utilize Low-Cost Airlines**
These airlines offer fares that are much lower than those of regular airlines. The reason for this is due to various factors, and of course, it doesn’t come at the expense of passenger safety. It’s important to note that ticket prices are constantly fluctuating, so keep an eye on the websites of these airlines, monitor the prices, and plan your trip based on when the tickets are at their most affordable.
**3. Never Pay for Excessive Baggage Fees**
Only bring what you truly need. Avoid loading yourself up with unnecessary luggage. This has several advantages. You won’t have to wait in long lines to retrieve your luggage, there’s less risk of it getting lost, and you won’t have to pay for overweight baggage (and with low-budget airlines, in general, there are often no baggage fees at all). If you don’t have to carry around huge suitcases and bags, traveling to the airport and your destination will be much easier and more enjoyable.
Some low-cost airlines charge additional baggage fees. If you want to find cheap ways to travel, consider leaving your luggage at home if possible and only carrying carry-on luggage. Alternatively, if you do need to pack more, do it smartly. Shipping your luggage in advance can be cheaper than paying the excess baggage fees. This service also eliminates the hassle of hauling your suitcase or bags through train stations, taxis, and airports. The saying “travel light” truly is the best approach. For example, I traveled from Paris to New York for two weeks with only my backpack. Instead of paying 400 euros for checked luggage on the tickets, I paid 200 euros. I also spent around $10 each time I did laundry, which saved me almost $180.
**4. Save on Transfer Costs**
When flying to a foreign city, it may seem easier to simply hop into a taxi and go straight to the hotel. However, there are often trains, buses, or subways available from the airport to the city center. It’s a good idea to research in advance the different transportation options from the airport to the city and use public transportation to save money rather than relying on a taxi or transfer offered by the hotel or airline.
**5. Volunteer as an NFCVB (No Fees for Volunteers and Backpackers) Volunteer**
If your goal is not only to save money but also to have unique and immersive travel experiences, volunteering is definitely an option to consider. NFCVB is a great platform where you can find a variety of projects worldwide where you can offer your skills in exchange for free accommodation. Additionally, the WP team is trained to ensure a fun and safe experience for both you and your host. You can choose the type of volunteer work that aligns with your travel purpose and your talents.
There are different opportunities available. If you love animals and eco-friendly projects, you can volunteer on a farm, in an ecovillage, or on a permaculture project. If you are a party person, you can do a work exchange in a hostel and make many new friends. You can also help with a social impact project, volunteering in a community, school, or NGO in amazing locations around the world.
Here are 10 Places Where You Can Live for Free Using NFCVB!
**6. Plan Intercity Trips in Advance**
Another tip for those looking to find cheap ways to travel is to do thorough research in advance and become familiar with the different types of trains and buses in the city you are visiting. There are both regional and international transportation options, and the prices can vary. Be aware of this and try to purchase tickets online in advance. If you are traveling with a group of friends, renting a car might be a more cost-effective option. In this case, consider the costs of rental, insurance, fuel, parking, and road tolls.
**You Might Also Like**: 5 Cheap Tropical Vacations for an Incredible Relaxing Getaway
**7. Utilize Public Transportation**
Public transportation is a relatively inexpensive way to get around the city. Generally speaking, single-use tickets are more expensive, so it’s a better idea to use a few days of public transport passes. You can also rent a bike or simply walk.
**8. Buy Your Tickets in Advance**
Find out information about the sights, museums, parks, attractions, or other places you want to visit, and if possible, buy tickets online in advance. This not only saves you money but also helps you plan your day and allows you to visit the most popular attractions without having to wait in long queues.
**9. Look for Student Discounts and Other Benefits**
Many museums offer discounts to students and those under 26, so if you qualify, make sure to have a document or passport to prove your status. Some museums also have free days for visitors. Find out about this in advance and, if possible, plan your visit on those days.
**10. Follow the “1-2” Rule for Food**
This means having two economical meals and one “generous” dinner. This rule can help you save a certain amount while still allowing you to enjoy the local cuisine. It’s also a good idea to look for customer reviews and ratings of food establishments, such as those on Google or TripAdvisor. This will help you discover good food at a price that is acceptable to you.
**11. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping**
Tax-Free means getting a refund on the value-added tax paid for goods purchased in a foreign country. This means that when you make a purchase, you can keep the receipts, fill out a special form, and receive a percentage of the amount paid back when you are leaving the country at the airport. Check whether the tax-free regime applies in the country you are visiting.
**12. Listen to and Read the Experiences of Experienced Travelers**
Finally, it’s always beneficial to learn from the experiences of others. So, keep exploring our blog for more amazing budget travel tips, such as this guide on the best places to travel on a budget, this list of 16 awesome places to get free accommodation in exchange for work, and how to find cheap accommodation. You can also explore the NFCVB website to find a variety of volunteer positions around the world.
That’s it for our list of 12 cheap ways to travel that everyone should know. So, pack your bags, start planning your adventures, and make the most of your travels while staying within your budget!