55 Great Travel Tips for Those Broke on the Budget

You often find yourself browsing social media, daydreaming about faraway places, inspiring photos and life-changing adventures, don’t you? But then you come back to reality, check your bank balance and… damn. Travelling on a tight budget is daunting for many people, and unfortunately it can prevent some travellers from getting to know this incredible planet. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together 55 tips for those on the dole:

1. Search and book using a private browsing window

Always make sure you clear your browser’s cookies, and ideally use a private/anonymous window when searching for airline tickets. Websites know your search history and the prices you’ve already seen, so to keep things competitive and cheap, search anonymously.

2. Stay in hostels

This is an obvious one, but we can’t stress enough how much better budget accommodation, such as hostels, can be for your pocket than hotels, resorts and rented houses. As well as getting lower prices (some hostels can cost as little as a few dollars a night), you’ll immerse yourself in the authentic backpacker atmosphere and have memories to last a lifetime.

3. Take free classes

Many hostels around the world offer free classes for guests. You can soothe your soul with a bit of yoga, learn how to rock the kitchen with local cookery classes, take surfing lessons or even exercise your creative side with art classes. With a little research, it’s very easy to find the hostels that offer the best free classes for travellers.

4. Hostels with free food

It may sound obvious, but MANY hostels offer free food. Of course, breakfast is usually already part of the daily rate, but some hostels around the world also offer bread and muffins, barbecues, pizza nights and much more. Stock up on free food for your adventures throughout the day. Take a look at the marvellous food these hostels offer!

5. To save money, avoid the usual places

Tourist traps can be a total nightmare for your wallet. Of course, these places are popular for a reason. But literally anywhere in the world you choose to visit will have plenty of amazing things to see, people to meet and food to try, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money or waste hours in a queue. Some places that were virtually unknown are becoming more and more popular with backpackers, while new hidden treasures are appearing.

?: @TeeJayHughes

6. Value experiences, not material things

Travel souvenirs are overrated. Really! Instead of carrying a suitcase full of tourist paraphernalia, why not focus on collecting memories and experiences instead of material things? This will make your trip much happier, your luggage lighter and your wallet fuller.

?: @boscoppa

7. Working in a hostel is a great way to get free accommodation

“Work in hostels and save even more money on accommodation. Most hostels need people to help out with cleaning and reception, and many offer exchange programmes where you work a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation.” – @BudgetTraveller

? by:@lola.photography

8. Do you know how much a visa costs?

Some countries don’t require visas to enter as short-term travellers, while others charge for the privilege of crossing their borders. Find out which is the case for your destinations, as you can plan trips to places with cheaper visa processes.

9. Book in advance

Another simple thing to remember: prices are often higher when travelling closer together. Booking train tickets, hostel accommodation and airline tickets in advance guarantees that you won’t have to spend much more for a better room or last-minute tickets on a crowded flight.

? by:@lola.photography

10. Plan trips outside the high season

Know the seasonality of your travel destination. What is known as the low season in one country may not be in another. Various destinations have different peak tourist seasons, so do your research. With a bit of planning, you can guarantee that you’ll escape the price hikes and hoards of tourists!

11. Use VPN to find cheaper deals

Prices can vary depending on where you book from. Using a VPN plugin in your browser makes it look like you’re searching from another region. It’s definitely worth checking the price differences and looking for the best deals.

12. Bet on loyalty miles

The chances are that, at some point, your adventures will take you further than you realise. So it’s definitely worth becoming a member of loyalty mileage programmes and accumulating as many points as you can. Over time, they’ll really help you get discounts on tickets and upgrades.

13. Research prices

Another simple and important tip! Don’t take out your credit card at the first airline ticket or hostel rate you come across. Do your research! Take a look at Skyscanner and the HostelWorld app. Ask backpacker friends for website recommendations. Don’t accept the first offer just to save time!

14. Take advantage of promotions at major sales events

While people load up on new TVs and tablets on Black Friday, you can rush to airline ticket websites and HostelWorld. Your wallet will thank you!

15. Travel lighter

“Save money while you fly by only having hand luggage, avoiding extra fees for checked bags.” – @BudgetTraveller

Learn how to pack like a minimalist and enjoy your trip more!

16. Hire a bike

“When you need to go a bit further, hire a bike. As well as being a cheaper means of transport, it’ll keep you fitter!”- @BudgetTraveller

17. Try combinations with different airports

The key is to make the right changes! Of course, a flight to the other side of the world can always seem expensive, but if the outward and return flights leave from different airports or cities, you may be able to save money. What’s more, it can happen that other countries and airlines offer discounts for those making a stopover in their home country. For example, if you’re travelling from New York to London, you can save money if you stop over in Iceland (and make a mini-trip out of it).

18. Be flexible

This is probably the most important quality when travelling on a tight budget. Being able to let go of some plans and change things at the last minute can help you take advantage of promotions and opportunities that arise on your travels. Don’t stick to your original plans.

?: @PatchinPixels

19. Be strong

No trip is complete without a few minor problems, but if an airline or accommodation disrupts your trip in a way that could have been avoided, stand your ground. Have a polite chat with the customer service representative to make sure you’re compensated. No more spending more because of bad service!

? by: @JohannaW

20. Do more and more research

Another logical tip, really. One of the biggest mistakes budget travellers make is rushing their plans. It may be tempting, as doing all this research can be tiring, but take some time to read travel blog posts, research prices, talk to other travellers, read reviews of accommodation and attractions, etc.

? by: Jennifer Lachs

21. Talk to other travellers

Probably the best source for saving money is experience, and who better to ask for tips than travellers themselves? Talk to everyone you know who has backpacked around, read forums and articles by previous travellers. You know, articles like this one?

? by:@ic.theworld

22. Start your digital detox

Travelling the world is an incredible time to get away from electronic addictions. You’ll save on batteries, chargers, plug adapters, Wi-Fi chargers, roaming fees, insurance, etc. Life is cheaper when you don’t worry about electronics.

? by:@ic.theworld

23. Meet the locals

Learn from our local Aussie expert: “Don’t pay $350 for a climb when you can walk the pedestrianised Sydney Harbor Bridge for free. Want the best views of Sydney? The coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi is free and will take you a couple of hours. And how about bringing some snacks for a picnic lunch? Is Surfers Paradise too crowded? Escape the crowds and enjoy the quieter vibe of the Southern Gold Coast, without all the people and high spending. Give places like Kirra, Burleigh or Coolangatta a try. What’s more, for a fortnight in January, the Sydney Festival offers more than 450 performances and 150 events, with more than 1000 artists taking part in almost 50 venues. And most of them are FREE or cost less than $30!!!”- @KristyDoesStuff

? by:@ic.theworld

24. Buy at local markets

“Temple Bar in Dublin is home to three different markets over the weekend. They offer cheaper and more original souvenirs than those found in shops.” – @KristyDoesStuff

? by: @raquelalmeida_

25. Turn on notifications

“Often, sites like Skyscanner offer the option of setting up some alerts to be the first to know about new offers. Other sites such as Travel Pirates and Thrifty Traveler also have good bets. And I always check out Fares Error on Twitter. They publish fare errors so that you can book before they are corrected. You need to buy the ticket and wait 24 hours before planning your trip. If the airline corrects the error within 24 hours, they can cancel your ticket, but after that you’re good to go!” – @wordswithfran

? by:@ic.theworld

26. Be open to new places

We all have a long wish list full of destinations, but don’t get too attached to them! Sometimes some of the best destinations in the world haven’t made it onto our radar yet, but they’re definitely worth the trip. And often these destinations will be cheaper too. This year, several places that were previously off the travel map are popping up as backpacker paradises, partly because they simply aren’t as expensive as more traditional places, but are just as amazing. Check out this amazing list of different places to visit in 2018!

? by: Emily Mulligan

27. Book your flights on Tuesdays

“When booking flights, Tuesday is almost always the cheapest day of the week due to the low demand for flights on this day. If you’re willing and able to book your outward or return flight on a Tuesday, you can save a little more.”- @BudgetTraveller

28. Take your food with you

Stock your pockets for the road! Take food from home, shop in supermarkets (instead of restaurants) and so on. It may not be as glamorous as dining in a fancy bistro, but financially, it will save your liver.

29. Travel at night

“Save a night’s accommodation and take the bus or night train. Particularly in Europe, you’ll find that night trains are very comfortable. And in some countries, such as Argentina, bus seats can tilt up to 180°.” – @BudgetTraveller

30. Take walking tours

Walking tours (or simply: guided sightseeing walks) are one of the best ways to explore a new city. And these tours are usually free and accompanied by locals who know everything.

“Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Take a walking tour with the guys from the SANDEMAN Tour Company at 11.00 and 14.00. Incredible!”- @KristyDoesStuff

? by:@lola.photography

31. Discover street art

I believe that one of the best ways to really get to know a city is to look at the street art. You’ll discover the cultural nuances, colours, themes, styles and stories that make a city what it is. And best of all, it costs nothing!

? by:@ic.theworld

32. Visit free galleries and museums

Some cities, like London, are full of free attractions, including art and history collections open to the public. Other cities charge a small entrance fee to museums, but even these places offer discounted days or free entry. Google it to find out!

33. Take a hammock

“In my experience, some crowded hostels will let you hang a hammock (and for a lower rate than dorm beds).” – @BudgetTraveller

?: @boscoppa

34. Use the hostel kitchens

“Most hostels have kitchens. By eating there, you can save a fortune on meals.” – @BudgetTraveller

Remember what we said about taking food with you? The same applies here! If you have access to a kitchen in the hostel, cooking and sharing meals with other travellers will be much cheaper than a night on the town.

35. Learn to bargain

“In many cultures, it’s the norm to negotiate a lower price than the original. You may not feel comfortable at first, but that’s normal. Now, know when to stop and pay a fair price.” – @JohannaW

? by:@ic.theworld

36. Focus on lunch

“If you decide to eat in more expensive restaurants, do it for lunch instead of dinner. In most places, lunch specials are much cheaper than dinner prices.”- @BudgetTraveller

37. Drink local beers and wines

“When drinking, ask for local brands of beer or wine. It’s usually a lot cheaper than the world-renowned brands.” – @BudgetTraveller

38. Keep a bottle of water with you

Help the environment and your pocket at the same time! Having a sturdy water bottle nearby will save you money on drinks throughout the day, especially when you’re in places where it’s safer to drink bottled water.

39. Make friends

“Share. Even if you’re travelling alone, you can share. Often, when a roommate is returning home, they’ll offer shampoo, mosquito repellent and so on. Do the same when it’s your turn, as it’s always nice to get new products to keep you going.”- @JohannaW

40. Walk as much as possible

Travelling will turn you into someone who loves walking. It’s great to cross large fields and roads in motorised vehicles, but whenever you can (especially if you’re in a city), stretch your legs and go for it! You’ll burn calories, save a few quid and definitely get to know the corners of your chosen city in much more detail.

? by: @nataliaanjaphotography

41. Learn the language

If you can converse in the local language, do it! In some places, like Tenerife and Delhi, shops have prices for locals and prices for tourists. Sometimes, just for speaking the local language when you enter the shop, they charge you the lowest price.” – @BudgetTraveller

? by: @nataliaanjaphotography

42. Bring your student ID

“Just like at home, you can find student discounts in other countries! So if you have an ID card, carry it in your bag! You’ll be surprised how many attractions offer student discounts…”- @BudgetTraveller

43. Get an ISIC (International Student Identity Card)

“Get the International Student Identity Card and get thousands of extra discounts in up to 45 different countries. There’s also the Youth Card, available to anyone under 30 who is no longer a full-time student.”- @BudgetTraveller

44. Work while you travel

If you can, work! Some countries (such as New Zealand) can issue a working holiday visa, which allows you to get certain types of jobs for a limited time. If your passport offers this possibility, earn money!

45. Apply for a tax return

As well as allowing a period of work while travelling, some countries also offer the possibility of a tax return for the taxes paid on these jobs. Each country has a different process, but it’s definitely worth finding out more information.

? by: @karynleigh89

46. Choose the best telephone plans for you

Plan ahead so that you have the best telephone service when travelling. This isn’t always possible, but it’s worth looking into. The UK’s 3 Mobile, for example, offers free international roaming in certain countries. Check out travellers’ forums and Facebook pages to find the best phone options in different countries.

47. Free Wi-Fi, everyone!

“Mobile internet in some countries can be expensive (and very slow), so run to a café or hostel to stay connected for free (look out in advance for places that offer free Wi-Fi).” – @KristyDoesStuff

If you’re already researching how to stay connected while travelling, you already know what you’re in for. Obviously, some countries will have very limited access, while in others, such as Japan and the United States, you’ll be fine. Hurry to these bars!

? by: Chris Oakley

48. Street food is cheap food

“Eating from street stalls and food trucks tends to be the cheapest way to eat on a budget, but there is a lot of unnecessary fear surrounding this habit. But remember that you can literally watch the food being prepared, which is much better than food hidden away in the kitchen. Look for places that have a constant queue and freshly made food.”- @JohannaW

49. Let each city show its vibe

“Can’t afford entry to parties and nightclubs? Grab a beer and enjoy the street musicians. Guaranteed fun until the early hours!”- @KristyDoesStuff

50. Avoid taxis

“Always try to use public transport when you arrive in a new country instead of taxis. Usually, using the metro, train or bus services costs a fraction of the price of a taxi, and it’s a good way to get to know the city as soon as you arrive.” – @JohannaW

? by: @raquelalmeida_

51. Find alternative transport

You don’t always have to take the bus or train. Try local fishing boats, kayaks, skooters, trams, rickshaws, etc. After all, there’s no good reason not to do a bit of exploring while getting to know the city, in a way you couldn’t do at home, and usually at a lower price. Anyone up for a cable car?

? by: @mochilerostv

52. Check out the smaller and side streets

“When you go out to eat, explore the smaller, side streets around the main avenues. It sounds obvious, but if you take the more touristy routes, expect to pay tourist prices. Before choosing your table, ask if there are different prices for those sitting on the terrace or outside.” – @JohannaW

? by:@ic.theworld

53. Pool party

“Some luxuries are worth it. For example, even when staying in more modest accommodation in Southeast Asia, some 5-star resorts allow you to enjoy their pool for free, as long as you eat at the on-site bar.” – @KristyDoesStuff

? by:@lola.photography

54. Sell what you no longer need

Take a look at recent classifieds and local hostel notice boards. You may find that it’s cheaper to buy a second-hand vehicle, then resell it again.

“For example, if you’ve finished your trip around Australia and need to sell the vehicle you’ve used, head to the backpackers’ car market, which takes place in the open car park at Kings Cross.” – @KristyDoesStuff

55. Tips from Instagram

A lesser-remembered source of budget travel tips is Instagram. Searching for hashtags like #budgettravel and following the travellers who inspire you the most can be a great help in your planning.

Banner ? by:@TeeJayHughes