Travel Hacks For Travelling On A Budget

Being able to explore the world is a beautiful opportunity no one should take for granted. Over the past few decades, it’s become more and more accessible but is still not the cheapest passion to have. If you are searching for travel hacks for travelling on a budget, look no further! What is a better place to learn how to save than from a 20-something-year-old who just graduated from university and has no savings but still managed to travel every month in 2022?

I love a cheap flight and a good bargain on a hotel. You cannot tell me that Ryanair and EasyJet are not some of the best assets to travellers or that Booking.com Genius Loyalty Programme is something brought to us by the angels of travel.

Travelling on a budget is a skill, but a skill that can be acquired by everyone by implementing a few travel hacks into their holiday planning. If you spend less on one adventure, you have money to spend on another. The best part is that travelling on a budget does not mean limiting the fun because there are cheap places to travel worldwide – from Hungary and Indonesia to Morocco and Peru. 

Sauntering around the world comes down to how well you can save money. Truthfully, even if you want to go somewhere that’s considered expensive (Copenhagen and London come to mind), there are ways to make the destination fit your budget. In this blog post, I’ve shared all my top travel hacks for travelling on a budget. From what you need to do before you go to advice for when you’re already abroad – I have you covered!

Ten Travel Hacks For Travelling On A Budget

Choose The Destination Carefully 

The first and most important thing to do is choose your destination carefully. You may love the idea of visiting Hawaii, but if you live in London, you might not have the budget for the expensive flight – so look for an alternative. Clearly, you hope for a beach holiday, so why not swap Hawaii out for somewhere closer like the Tremiti Islands? 

Travellers from East Africa may want to consider Seychelles over the Maldives and those in Canada may prefer Mexico over Fiji. You are going to find beauty and wonder no matter where you go, so don’t disregard a destination just because it’s not at the top of your bucket list.  

At the end of the day, travelling on a budget is all about compromise. 

Avoid Tourist Traps

Big cities and tourist hotspots are often a lot more expensive than straying off the beaten track! The Grand Bazar in Istanbul, for example, upholds centuries of history and wandering through this shopping paradise is an incredible experience, but buying your Turkish Delight on the side streets outside the bazaar will be hundreds of Liras cheaper. Or in Venice, avoid eating in the main square and venture to the narrow alleys for better prices, a better atmosphere, and better menu diversity. 

Sometimes walking even 5 minutes away from any city centre brings to away from the tourist traps and your bank account will be grateful. 

Travel Off-Season

The best travel hack for travelling on a budget I can share is to travel off-season. Santorini in September is just as wonderful as July, and Marrakesh in November is even better than March. Travelling in the shoulder or off-season may not always provide perfect weather, but this downside is easily outweighed by half-price flights, 3* hotels at the cost of a hostel and nearly no crowds. There is really nothing more lovely than taking beautiful pictures without having to wait for people to pass. 

Have Flexibility With Travel Dates

I understand having travel flexibility is not something everyone can afford, but if you can, avoid travelling between Friday and Sunday and choose the early morning and late-night fights over all else. 6am and 10pm flights are almost always cheaper than those at 9am and 5pm.

It also pays to look at different days up to a week before and after your desired departure dates.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Hostels

If you happen to travel during peak season, especially European summer, you will find that staying in a hostel is the cheapest form of accommodation you will find. It is a style of travelling that is only growing in popularity because including the financial benefit, they’re a great way to meet other travellers and make new friends. Hostels are particularly wonderful for extroverted solo travellers and large friend groups. £20 a night instead of £50? Count me in!

Make Use Of Public Transport And Walk

Ok, so, not every city in the world is graced with fantastic public transport links, but if you are in a place where the transport systems are well connected, you have no logical reason for using Uber and other cab services. Larger cities also often offer discount travel through travel cards which you should take advance off. Typically, you would spend around £25 on a travel card which gives you 72 hours of unlimited travel, while that is probably the cost of one 30-minute Uber trip.

In addition to using public transport, walk as much as you can! Walking is a fun way to discover hidden gems and explore the destination with complete freedom. 

Search For Free Attractions In Your Chosen Destination 

I have come to find that one of the best ways to make your travels budget-friendly is by being selective of the attractions you visit and the experiences you indulge in. Even cities as expensive as London is packed with free things to do and admire – whether it be taking pictures of Big Ben, visiting the National Gallery or watching the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. Therefore, ensure to find a healthy balance between free and paid adventures. 

Get A Local Sim

One of the most magical things about being a UK traveller in the EU is that your data plans work as if you are back home – however if you are outside of these designated regions, it’s time for a local sim. Roaming data or paying for WiFi can be extortionate, so save money by investing in a local SIM card with locally priced data packages. This travel hack for travelling on a budget is the most practical because you’ll need the data for navigation and translation apps. 

Treasure Experiences Over Material Things

You are more than welcome to disagree with me, but I believe that souvenirs are overrated. The only souvenir I tend to buy is a cheap keychain for the sake of the memories because I would rather save my £20 on something I’ll never forget instead of on something that might break or I might lose. 

Buy Travel Insurance 

While the initial cost may seem like an unnecessary expense, travel insurance will be your greatest saviour if your flight is cancelled, if you get sick abroad or lose your luggage. You can get a year’s worth of insurance for as little as £40, which is nothing to help you feel safe, especially if you plan to travel several times during the time period. 

At the end of the day, I think implementing travel hacks for travelling on a budget comes down to establishing attainable money-saving goals and finding a balance between saving and spending (e.g. maybe avoid any take out the month before you travel). You do not want to clutch your card so tightly that you forget to have fun and be spontaneous. 

And remember, if there are certain luxuries you want when travelling, work hard and hustle to afford them! Who’s stopping you from following your dreams?