How to travel cheaply and save along the way
A popular anonymous quote says that “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. However, your bank account seems to be proving the opposite. Although the value of the experiences you have while travelling is incalculable, the budget you set aside for it is. And sometimes it is tighter than we would like. A whole year of saving for a holiday and then other travellers – those whose Instagram accounts are full of different places every week – tell us that “travelling is cheaper than staying at home”. We’re not going to kid you, if you don’t stop paying rent or you’re a digital nomad, no, it’s not. Travelling costs money too, but by following a few tricks we can tell you how to travel cheaply:
1. How to travel cheap: Make your searches with the “private browsing” option
have you ever looked at a flight and the next time you search for it, the price is much more expensive? Well, you may have noticed that Google knows you better than your mother… it knows what you’re looking for and what you’re interested in, and the flight websites have their tricks to know what prices you’ve been looking at and what flights you’ve been comparing. For many people, the fear of the price continuing to rise is more than enough reason to encourage them to buy their plane tickets. Be smarter and always make sure you clear your browser cookies and use a private window / incognito window when searching for flights – to always get the cheapest price, make sure you do your searches without being “spied on”!
2. Book in advance
A simple and obvious tip, but one that we sometimes forget. Prices are going to go up as the date of travel approaches. It is very rare to find such “last minute” deals, or if you do, they are very much a fairytale. The only way to guarantee the best price on your train seat, hostel beds and, of course, flight, is to book in advance.
3. Try combining different airports
Sometimes it’s not cheapest to fly out and back from the same airport. If you manage to buy your return flights from different airports you could save a lot. Also, with many airlines you will save a lot by making a stopover in another country instead of flying direct. For example if you fly from Madrid to New York but make a stopover in Amsterdam.
Another trick is to choose neighbouring airports. “For example, if you want to visit Laos or Burma, the best option is to fly to Bangkok (you don’t need to pay a visa to enter Thailand) and then look at local airline flights to your final destination. Often there is also the option of getting there by bus and it is much cheaper. You’d be surprised how cheap it can be to travel to Australia or New Zealand from Southeast Asia. It only takes a few hours to find the best combinations. The same if you want to travel to the Caribbean from the US or get around some parts of Europe.” – @raponchii
4. Use a VPN to find the cheapest offers
This cheap travel trick consists of changing the IP address of your computer. This IP tells the server which country you are in. But by using a VPN or a proxy you can change the location of your computer and therefore the location of the country you are buying from. Why would we want to do this? Well, you might be surprised to know that the same flight to the same destination can be cheaper if you buy it from another location. With this trick you could save between €50 and €300 on a long-haul flight.
5. The Tuesday rule
Many people are unaware that Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly due to the low demand for travel on this day. What’s more, flying on Tuesday the 13th could save you almost 50% on the price of your ticket. If you have the ability to be flexible in your travels, you can turn other people’s superstitions into your saving trick!
6. Take advantage of the offers
Sales are not limited to clothing or electronics. Airline companies have their own “summer sales”. So do their Black Friday offers. If you’re wondering how to travel cheaply, simply decide your holiday according to the offer you find!
7. Before you buy, do your research
📷 Jennifer Lachs
8. Pick a destination that fits your budget
📷 Emily Mulligan
“It may seem like a no-brainer but how often do we get carried away by the price of flights. “Stockholm is 50 euros,” you say to yourself excitedly. Stop! Don’t buy yet: Have you checked out the standard of living in Sweden? Before jumping at any bargain on the Internet – and there are plenty of them – you should think about how much you want to spend on your trip. Sometimes it’s better to pay a little more for the flight and opt for a destination that allows you to enjoy all the comforts” – @raponchii
9. Be flexible
Being flexible may be one of the most important qualities for a backpacker on a tight budget. Being able to modify your plans and change your mind at the last minute will help you take advantage of deals and opportunities that arise during your trip. Don’t be tied to your plans. Similarly, being flexible in the timing of your holiday is an advantage when it comes to finding the best prices on flights and accommodation.
“There are two types of people in the world: those who can freely choose their holidays at any time of the year, or those who are forced to go in August. The former have it easy: search for flights and choose the cheapest day to fly (or go to Low Cost Guide and let yourself be carried away by any of its finds/bargains). The latter can get cheap trips by travelling to countries where it’s low season” – @raponchii
10. Plan travel out of high season
Be aware of the seasonality of travel. The cheapest travel dates do not coincide in all countries. What is considered “high season” in one country may not be the same in another. Also, when it is summer in one part of the world, it is winter in another. Various destinations have different tourist seasons, so you will have to do your research.
“Travel to countries where the quality of life is lower than ours or where they are in low season. Flights may be a bit more expensive, but if you opt for Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa or even Latin America, you can find good prices on accommodation and activities. There are also fewer people and you can enjoy other types of activities and landscapes. “But Asia is the rainy season,” you might be told. Yes, but it’s the best time to see the rice terraces with the green they show in the catalogues.” – @raponchii
11. Find out about visa prices
Some countries do not require a visa to visit the country for a short period of time, but others do charge for the privilege of entering. Consider visas for the places you want to visit. Travellers venturing on a long trip of several months may want to plan their trip around destinations where these visa processes are cheaper.
12. Join a points programme
If you’re a hardcore traveller, your travels can take you even further. It’s definitely worth joining a frequent flyer programme to collect points. Over time the miles add up and you can get discounted flights and promotions!
13. Give other places a try
We all have our own list of things to see or do before we die but that doesn’t mean we can’t look beyond it. Usually some of the most amazing places in the world are not in our immediate plans, but they are totally worth it. Often they will even be cheaper. Many destinations that have been underrated for years are finally starting to catch on with backpackers, partly because they are not as expensive as traditional destinations but also because they are not overcrowded and still have their charm!
14. Stay away from the touristy places
Tourist traps can be an absolute nightmare for your wallet. Sure, these attractions are famous for a reason, but wherever you go you’ll always have a choice of what to do. Near the most popular (and most crowded) cities there are lesser-known ones where you can get the same experiences. Going off the beaten track pays off. And the same goes for eating establishments. Sometimes it’s just not worth waiting in long queues. Some become famous because they are mentioned in a guidebook or have been featured in a film. When hundreds of tourists are crowded at the entrance, you can opt for somewhere more authentic and local. You’ll save time and money – because when something is popular, prices are unfortunately inflated!
15. Choose cheap accommodation
📷 @raponchii at Billabong Hostel in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
“Many travellers choose to stay in hostels. This type of accommodation allows you to share a room, so if you’re travelling with friends or on your own it’s cheaper. In addition, most hostels also have private rooms at lower prices than those you would find in a traditional hotel. There are all kinds: with a party atmosphere, relaxing, ecological, rural, etc. Some of their advantages is that they all usually have common areas where you can meet people, so you may end up finding someone to share transport, dinner or excursions. The latter can be booked from reception.” – @raponchii
We don’t want to make you fall in love, but the Hostelworld app (free) is the most used by backpackers because you can find and book directly the cheapest and best rated accommodation in the country you are travelling to.
16. Talk to other travellers
It makes sense that the best tips for cheap travel come from those who have lived the experience, so…. who better to ask for travel tips than travellers themselves? Yet another reason to sleep in a hostel because it’s full of them? talk to them!
“Some of the advantages of hostels is that they all have common areas where you can meet people, so you may end up finding someone to share transport, dinner or excursions. Some of these can be booked from reception.” – @raponchii
17. Take advantage of free classes
Many hostels around the world offer free classes for guests. From yoga, surfing, local cooking classes, and other experiences unique to the country you’re visiting. With a little research it’s fairly easy to find out which hostels offer the best free classes for backpackers on a budget.
18. and the free food!
It may seem obvious, but by eating breakfast at your hostel, you’ll be saving money from your overall travel budget and therefore have more money for other expenses. But it doesn’t stop at breakfast – many hostels also offer barbecues, pizza nights and other events with *free* food and other special offers for guests. Check out these 16 delicious meals you won’t believe hostels offer.
19. Save on souvenirs
Souvenirs are overrated – seriously! Instead of bringing back a suitcase full of tourist paraphernalia, why not invest that small budget in a travel experience that you can carry with you forever? Your friends and family will love you just as much, and not having to worry about what to buy will not only take the worry out of your trip, it will also take the weight out of your suitcase! And one of the keys to enjoying yourself on the road is to travel light!
20. Travel light
The first rule of travelling light is not to check in. For a short trip it is essential to carry a backpack/ hand luggage. Most airlines charge extra for checked baggage and this adds a lot to the final price of the ticket! Read our ultimate guide to travelling light.
21. Extend your stay
This only applies to long trips because if you have just enough time you won’t be able to consider it, but spending three days in a city, visiting it calmly, can be cheaper than spending two days moving all the time and investing money in transport.
22. Work in a hostel
📷@lola.photography
“There are many hostels that allow you to stay, enjoy their facilities and get free food and drinks in exchange for helping with work. If you plan to spend a long time in a city, it’s a good way to avoid spending money. The same goes for some shipping companies, where if you lend a hand they will take you free of charge to your destination.” – @raponchii
23. Use public and night transport
“When preparing your route through a country, it is a good idea to look at the airlines they have and the prices of their domestic flights. Sometimes these are similar to other means of transport, so it is cost-effective, especially if you are short on time. If flying is more expensive, one of the cheapest ways to get around a country is by public transport. Sometimes distances can be very long, so it’s best to opt for night travel. In Southeast Asia there are numerous sleeper buses, while in India or Europe they can be found on trains. This saves not only time, but also the night’s accommodation. Another option is to do a self-stop. Before you jump in, see how safe the destination you are travelling to is. In New Zealand, for example, this practice is very widespread and it’s very easy to find a car. – @raponchii
24. Rent a bike
Many cities are very well adapted to cyclists. If time permits, travel by bike. You’ll not only be doing good for the environment, but also for your body! During a long holiday it’s hard to keep fit. Cycling is the perfect way to exercise and save money on transport.
25. Look for unusual transport
You don’t always have to opt for bus or train. Try local fishing boats, kayaks, trams, scooters, bike taxis…. etc. It’s worth doing a bit of research into the best ways to get around. Perhaps the cheapest way to travel is one that we don’t usually find in our city and so we are not even considering it. Do your research on transport as choosing one or the other can save you money during your trip.
26. Don’t take taxis
Try to use public transport instead of taxis, even when you arrive in a new country. Often, the metro or local bus service costs a fraction of the price of a taxi. – @JohannaW
27. Walk as much as you can
One good reason to walk is to burn calories. And there’s more, of course! To enjoy all the details. There is no better way to see a city than to walk around it, to have the freedom to stand where you like, to observe the locals, to take pictures of what you like without the reflection of the bus window. When you go underground, you miss a lot of details.
28. Act like a local
“Can you imagine going out on a Sunday to eat paella in Barcelona and ending up sitting in one of the restaurants on the Rambla? “That’s crazy! If that’s not rice, it’s nothing.” However, the terraces are full to overflowing with tourists who accompany it with a big pitcher of sangria. Well, that’s what I mean: don’t be a tourist when you visit their countries, because we could be making the same mistakes. The best thing to do is to try to get around the same places that the locals do. Ask them without fear what restaurants they recommend, what cafés they frequent, how they move around the city, etc. Note: street stalls are always a good idea.” – @raponchii
29. Try street food
“Eating street food is often the cheapest way to stay within budget. There are a lot of unnecessary fears about this. Unlike in a kitchen where you don’t see your food being prepared, here you can see it live. Go to stalls that have customers all the time and freshly prepared food” – @JohannaW
30. Bring your own food
It won’t be the first or the last time someone brings their own food from home. How many tins of food have been a lifesaver in the pockets of students. Maybe you live in a place where food is cheaper, but we are visiting a country with a very high standard of living. Bringing food from home can save money. Of course it won’t be as glamorous as dining in cafes and restaurants but we’re just telling you one more trick to cheap travel!
31. Cooking in the hostel kitchen
You can’t cook in all hostels but you can in some. If you’re travelling on a budget and plan to buy your food from the corner grocery shop, then you’d better read your hostel’s information carefully and book into one of the many that do have kitchens. It saves a fortune. Even more if you make friends and share your food. And if one day one cooks and another day another? even more! Look at the kitchen furniture to see if there is any space reserved for shared food, you might not have to pay for some basic things, or you might even find a shelf with food donated by other travellers who have just left the hostel. Ask at the reception!
32. Invest in lunch
“If you decide to eat out at more expensive restaurants, do so for lunch rather than dinner. In most places the lunch menu prices are much cheaper than the price they charge for dinner.” – @BudgetTraveller
33. Learn how to bargain
“In many cultures it is the norm to negotiate a lower price than the initial price you are asked. You may not feel comfortable doing this, but it’s just normal. The important thing is to know when to stop and pay a decent price” – @JohannaW
34. Buy from local markets
Eat seasonal produce and local products. Don’t try to eat the same thing everywhere. Go to the local market and look at the prices and the offer. What you can find most easily, will be the cheapest.
“Temple Bar in Dublin has flea markets on weekends. They offer cheaper and more unique souvenirs than you’ll find in the shops” – @KristyDoesStuff
35. Choose local produce
Whether you’re drinking in a bar or in the hostel itself, make sure you buy local brands of beer and wine. They are usually much cheaper than the better known international brands. – @BudgetTraveller
36. Get your money’s worth
“Sometimes it pays to be a bit of a penny wise and pound foolish. Even if you’re staying in a budget hostel in Southeast Asia, 5-star resorts often let you use their pool for free, as long as you buy a drink.” – @KristyDoesStuff
37. Travel independently or with local agencies
“There are still many travellers who don’t dare to make a trip on their own, independently. This is the cheapest way to do it. You can help yourself with a guidebook like Lonely Planet or apps like Maps.me, which you can even use offline. All of them have different routes, information, recommendations, addresses of restaurants, accommodation and transport. There are no intermediaries, so you only pay the actual price of the services. If you are not really convinced, many countries have travel agencies that can organise the route you want at lower prices than those that do it directly from your home country. For example, Southeast Asia is full of local agencies where travellers can buy anything from a guided tour to bus tickets.” – @raponchii
38. Get an International Student Identity Card or ISIC card
Just like at home, student discounts are also valid abroad! So if you have a student card? don’t forget it at home! It is possible that somewhere you might get a problem with your school or university ID card. Because it is not known, or simply because the card is in another language. To avoid problems, it is best to get an internationally recognised ISIC (International Student Identity Card). It can be applied for by any student without age limit or restriction and regardless of their education. It is valid in 135 countries and with it you can get more than 150,000 discounts.
39. Sign up for a free walking tour
We said above that touring a city on foot is one of the best ways to explore a new place. They are often free and the guides are experienced locals. They’ll ask for a tip in return – cheaper than many other agencies!
“Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Take the old city tour with Sandemans. Amazing!” – @KristyDoesStuff
40. Visit the free galleries and museums
In some big cities, such as London, there are a number of museums and galleries with free admission. On the other hand, museums in Berlin are not always free, but you often have the option of discounts with special passes. Whichever city you go to, use the powerful Google tool ? You’ll find that many of the museums that charge admission have a free day, or a few hours at a reduced price. For example, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris closes later on Thursdays, and at the last minute they have a special rate with fewer people standing between you and a Renoir!
41. Enjoy street entertainment
“Don’t have the budget for a concert or a nightclub? Grab a bottle of beer and enjoy the many street musicians – roaring entertainment! ” – @KristyDoesStuff
42. Learn to say a thing or two in the local language
📷 @nataliaanjaphotography
“If you can converse a bit in the local language – then go for it! In some destinations like Tenerife and New Delhi, in shops there is a price for locals and a price for tourists. Sometimes, just for saying hello in the local language when you enter the shop, they charge you the local rate.”- @BudgetTraveller
Another idea is to try and make them laugh with the translator on our Speak The World app, they’ll know you’re just another tourist but maybe they’ll like you!
43. Buy a SIM card in the country you’re visiting
The end of roaming for mobile phone users in the European Union has brought huge savings on our travels. Not having to worry about turning off your mobile or disabling data roaming and using your phone in the same way as if you were at home eliminates some of the headaches. We all want to keep accessing the internet to make our travel more convenient, but what about outside Europe? You can contact your carrier and ask about special rates for mobile use abroad. But the cheapest option will almost certainly be to buy a SIM card in your destination country and use it in an unlocked handset. Check travellers’ forums for the best phone tips for a particular country.
44. Work and travel
You will need to check which countries allow you to apply for a Work & Holiday Visa depending on your nationality. Spaniards, for example, can check the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visa will allow you to work in the foreign country for a period of 1 year. Currently you can do this in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan… If you were considering a long holiday, why not consider working? It will help you recoup some of the costs of your trip.
45. Apply for a tax refund
Each country has a different process but it’s definitely worth investigating whether you can reclaim tax on your purchases during your holiday. Look for the tax-free logo in the shops you visit. Some will require a minimum spend on your purchase and you will usually have to present your passport. Once you’re at the airport on your way home, before checking in, go to the tax refund booth to do the paperwork.
do you have any other cheap travel tips you’d like to share with our community? Leave us a comment! ?
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