How to Travel on a Budget: Insider Tips and Tricks!

Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning and budgeting, you can explore new destinations without overspending.

Travel is something that we feel everyone should have the opportunity to experience. Traveling to places with different cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities helps change a person’s perspective on the world and communicate to a wider audience. We want to make this dream of travel accessible to everyone so that we can all appreciate each other’s values and worldviews.

Here are some expert tips and tricks to help you travel on a budget.

Many of the posts contain an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Top 19 Tips For Traveling on a Budget

1. Book far in advance

By booking early, you have the opportunity to shop around with a wide selection of options. It’s a known fact that airfare and hotel prices skyrocket for last-minute trips. Sometimes cruise prices drop last minute, but I don’t recommend waiting unless you live near a cruise port. We usually plan our trips 12-18 months in advance for both domestic and international vacations.

Do you always have to book trips early?

The rule of thumb used to be 6-12 months was enough time to plan a land trip and 12-18 months was recommended for booking a cruise. Things have changed now. With COVID-19, people are eager to escape their cubicles and home offices with some cruises being booked up to 2 years in advance.

3. Find good cancellation policies

Shop around for deals. If you find a good deal and there is a great cancellation policy, don’t hesitate to book it. Why? Because with good cancellation policies, you can always re-book down the road if you see something even better! If the cancellation policy is not written out, e-mail the hotel for written confirmation of the policy prior to booking.

4. Go during shoulder or off-season

While not always a feasible travel option, if this is viable for you I suggest taking advantage! Research the peak travel times for your destination, and avoid them! You will have a much more relaxing trip. Traveling during shoulder or off-season is typically the most cost-effective and quiet time to travel.

Travel Guide to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons

How can you save time?

Peak season usually varies based on destination. Pay attention to holidays and spring break too, as this will also cause an influx of people. By avoiding crowds, you can save time by not having to wait in lines, wait for dinner reservations, etc.

Our Disney Experience

Disney world is busiest from December 26-31, mid-February to mid-April, and midsummer (negotiable). We went to Disney World in early December in hopes to avoid the crowds and the heat. As a result, we fell in love with the “happiest place on Earth.” The thing about Disney is that you really have to plan out your trip to avoid/minimize lines and waiting.

After experiencing Disney in early December, we got spoiled and would have a hard time going back to Florida in the middle of Summer or peak travel times.

How can you save money?

Better deals can be found when traveling during shoulder or off-season. It’s usually cheaper to travel during these times, so, ultimately, it’s best to travel with flexible dates in order to minimize crowds and spend less money.

While traveling during the shoulder or off-season can make for a great vacation, keep in mind that shops and restaurants may close for the season or have reduced hours, depending on your destination.

4. Travel with a group

Travel with another couple, family, or group of friends and then split the cost. Most of our friends are still single, so this doesn’t really pan out for us. We do, however, travel a lot with parents and grandparents, which allows us to go to several places and spend quality family bonding time making memories.

5. Utilize credit card reward programs

Look into your credit card and its reward program to help offset the cost. I am no expert on this subject and won’t pretend to be. Head on over to Brian Kelly, CEO – The Points Guy for the best tips related to travel credit cards and reward points.

6. Utilize AAA and wholesale clubs

Are you a member of AAA or any type of wholesale club? It’s definitely worth looking into any travel deals they offer. We took a trip to Walt Disney World in 2018 that we booked through Costco (our favorite store!) With the package deal, we stayed at the Swan & Dolphin Resort, received a Costco credit, and had park passes included for the duration of our 5-night stay. If we were to book everything separately, it definitely would have been more expensive!

And another shoutout to Costco on the Mediterranean cruise we took in 2022 (Costco does not sponsor this, by the way!) Not only did we get a better deal, but we also were given a Costco Credit, onboard WiFi, and the beverage package was included.

7. Discuss with a travel agent

Personally, I usually find the trip and do all of the research. This is primarily because I love it and want to make sure that I know everything there is to know before traveling to some random place. There are, however, some benefits to discussing travel plans with a travel agent.

What are the benefits?

Sometimes a travel agent may have, or know of, some perks that you just can’t find online. They may have some connections and can connect you with a better deal. There’s nothing to lose, honestly, because it costs nothing to use a travel agent.

8. Set a flight watch

On average, flights start opening up about 11 months in advance. To make sure you get the best deal, set a flight watch/price alert so you ensure you get the best deal and to monitor flight price fluctuations. Click here for Google’s outlined directions on how to set up a flight watch. You don’t have to use google flights- feel free to use Kayak, Skyscanner, and/or Hopper (to name a few).

9. Use budget airlines and public transportation

One of the biggest expenses when traveling is transportation. There are ways, however, to save money on this aspect of your trip. Consider using budget airlines, which offer lower prices but may have fewer amenities and charge for extras like checked baggage. Additionally, using public transportation such as buses or trains can be a cost-effective way to get around, especially in cities where taxis or rental cars can be expensive. Research transportation options in advance and compare prices to find the best deals.

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10. Stay in budget accommodations like hostels or Airbnb

Accommodations can also be a major expense when traveling, but there are ways to save money here as well. Consider staying in budget accommodations like hostels, which offer shared dormitory-style rooms at a lower cost than traditional hotels. Another option is to use Airbnb, which allows you to rent a room or entire apartment from a local resident at a lower cost than a hotel. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your budget and travel needs.

11. Cook your own meals and avoid expensive restaurants

Another big expense when traveling is eating out at restaurants. To save money, consider cooking your own meals instead. Look for accommodations that offer kitchen facilities, or bring along a portable stove or camping grill. You can also save money by shopping at local markets and grocery stores for ingredients. Not only will this save you money, but it can also be a fun way to experience local cuisine and culture.

12. Take advantage of free activities and attractions

When traveling on a budget, it’s important to find ways to enjoy your destination without breaking the bank. Look for free activities and attractions in the area, such as parks, museums with free admission days, and walking tours. Many cities also offer free concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can experience the local culture and have fun without spending a lot of money.

Free Things To Do at Hanging Rock State Park

Free Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida

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13. Avoid Tourist Traps

Getting off the beaten path is one of the things we love about travel It allows you to experience and immerse yourself in the culture. Tourist traps can be a fun experience to visit once, but they’re typically more expensive areas as the vendors and locals know you’ll be willing to pay top dollar.

14. Fly Mid Week

Flights are generally less expensive in the middle of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly. If your dates are flexible, try to book flights in the middle of the week to save money on airfare. According to Nerdwallet, Tuesdays are about 24% lower for economy tickets than the peak prices on Sundays. This translates to savings of approximately $85 per ticket!

15. Pack Well

Packing efficiently can save you money and make your trip more comfortable. Pack only the essentials and consider packing only a carry-on to avoid checked luggage fees. Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched, and bring a reusable water bottle and a small first-aid kit to save on expenses during your trip.

16. Be Aware of ATM Charges

ATM fees can quickly add up when you’re traveling, so be aware of the fees associated with using ATMs abroad. Consider getting a travel credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, or research banks that offer free ATM withdrawals for travelers.

17. Try To Haggle (if appropriate)

In many parts of the world, haggling is a common practice when shopping at markets and street vendors. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, but also be respectful and remember that a fair price is a win-win for both parties.

18. Get recommendations from the locals

Locals can offer the best recommendations for off-the-beaten-path attractions, authentic restaurants, and hidden gems. Strike up a conversation with locals, ask for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

19. Walk everywhere

Walking is not only good for your health, but it can also save you money on transportation costs. Explore your destination on foot and discover new neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks that you might not have seen otherwise. Use a map or GPS to navigate and be aware of safety precautions, especially at night.

In conclusion, traveling on a budget doesn’t have to limit your experiences or dampen your sense of adventure. By employing these practical travel tips on a budget, you can embark on incredible journeys while keeping your wallet intact.

Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and take advantage of money-saving strategies such as budget accommodations, local cuisine, and public transportation. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can unlock a world of affordable travel opportunities.

So, don’t let financial constraints hold you back—embrace these travel tips on a budget and make your dream adventures a reality without breaking the bank!!