How to Make Travel Affordable (100+ Tips)

Here’s a comprehensive guide on making travel more affordable, with over 100 tips to help you save:

Planning Ahead: The Key to Budget-Friendly Trips

Travel off-season: Avoid peak tourist seasons when prices skyrocket. Explore destinations during their shoulder seasons.
Set a realistic budget: Determine what you can afford and stick to it. Create categories for transportation, lodging, food, activities, and incidentals. Travel site 2020Shift.com recommends getting a rewards credit card.
Be flexible with your dates: If possible, having the freedom to adjust travel dates can save you big on flights and accommodations.
Choose alternative destinations: Consider less popular but equally beautiful locations for less crowded, more affordable experiences.
Price tracking tools: Use flight alerts on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to track price fluctuations and snag deals.

Flights: Finding the Best Deals

Book flights in advance: Generally, the earlier you book, the better the prices. Aim for at least 2-3 months ahead of your trip.
Consider budget airlines: Look into no-frills airlines that often offer significantly cheaper fares.
Fly on weekdays or red-eyes: These flights tend to be less expensive than weekend or popular daytime flights.
Be open to layovers: Flights with connections can sometimes be considerably cheaper.
Bundle flights and hotels: Check package deals that combine flights and accommodations for potential savings.
Sign up for airline newsletters: Get notified of exclusive sales and promotions.

Lodging: Affordable and Comfortable Stays

Hostels for social travelers: Great for budget-minded travelers and a chance to meet fellow explorers.
Vacation rentals: Consider sites like Airbnb or VRBO for apartments or houses that can be cheaper, especially for longer stays and groups.
House-sitting: Watch someone’s home and pets in exchange for free lodging, a unique way to experience local life.
Couchsurfing: Connect with locals willing to offer a spare couch or room.
Hotel loyalty programs: Earn points and perks for free nights or upgrades.
Consider staying outside city centers: Lodging is often cheaper in surrounding areas with easy access to public transportation.

Saving on Ground Transportation

Public transportation for the win: Utilize buses, trains, and subways for getting around cities affordably.
Walk whenever possible: It’s a great way to see the sights, get exercise, and save money.
Consider bike rentals: A fun and active way to explore certain destinations.
Rideshare sparingly: Use apps like Uber or Lyft strategically when other options aren’t available.
Research airport transfers: Compare shuttles, buses, and trains for the most affordable way to get from the airport to your lodging.
City passes: If you plan on visiting lots of attractions, a city pass could save money on entry fees.

Food: Delicious and Budget-Friendly Eats

Local markets and grocery stores: Stock up on picnic supplies or snacks to offset restaurant costs.
Cook (if you have a kitchen): If your accommodation allows, save big by preparing some of your own meals.
Street food and hole-in-the-wall gems: Discover delicious local specialties at budget-friendly prices.
Free lunch specials: Many restaurants offer discounted lunch menus.
Happy hours: Take advantage of deals on drinks and snacks during happy hours.
Free water refills: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it wherever possible.

Activities: Fun without Breaking the Bank

Free walking tours: A great way to get oriented and learn about a city’s history and culture.
Parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces: Relaxing and sightseeing without spending a dime.
Museums with free days/hours: Many have designated days or times with free admission.
Local events and festivals: Check community calendars for free concerts, markets, and cultural events.
Enjoy the great outdoors: Hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities are often free or low-cost.
People watch from a cafe: Order a single coffee and soak up the city vibes.

Smart Spending and Maximizing Value

Credit card perks: Take advantage of travel credit cards that offer miles, points, or cashback on travel-related expenses.
Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees: Save on currency exchange costs when traveling internationally.
Student/Senior/Military discounts: Ask about age-related discounts on transportation, lodging, and attractions.
Negotiate prices: Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit at local markets or for souvenirs.
Minimize souvenirs: It’s easy to overspend on souvenirs. Focus on a few meaningful items or experiences as mementos.
Travel insurance (when necessary): Protect yourself from unexpected expenses like cancellations or medical emergencies.
Exchange currency wisely: Compare rates at banks and exchange bureaus to get the best deal. For large amounts, consider ordering currency in advance.
Consider travel hacking: Strategically use credit card sign-up bonuses and rewards to earn nearly free travel.

Embracing the Budget Mindset

Focus on experiences: Prioritize the activities and moments that will create lasting memories over material things.
Pack lightly: More stuff can create headaches and also greater travel expenses.
Embrace slow travel: Spending longer periods in a destination allows for deeper immersion and can be more economical.
Volunteer your time: Exchange your skills for accommodation and food through programs like Workaway or Worldpackers.
House-swap: Offer your own home in exchange for free lodging elsewhere.
Travel with like-minded friends: Share costs for transportation, lodging, and meals when traveling as a group.
Seek off-the-beaten-path adventures: Explore less touristy areas for unique experiences and lower prices.
Look for work abroad: Get a job teaching English, bartending, or working in tourism to fund your stay while immersing in a new culture.

Tech Tools to Save You Cash

Mobile translation apps: Communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Budgeting apps: Track your spending and stay within your budget.
Travel review sites: Read up on restaurants, attractions, and accommodations to find the best value for your money.
City-specific apps: Discover deals, local tips, and public transportation maps.
Wi-Fi finder apps: Locate free Wi-Fi hotspots to reduce data charges.
Mobile boarding passes: Save time and paper by using your phone for check-in.

Additional Money-Saving Strategies for the Extreme Budget Traveler

Overnight buses/trains: Combine transportation and accommodation costs.
Stay in monasteries and ashrams: Some offer simple and inexpensive accommodations.
Camp: A very affordable option if you enjoy the outdoors.
Hitchhike (with caution): Not for everyone, but a potential means of free transportation. Do your research and understand the risks in specific locations.
Embrace free food: Some grocery stores have samples, farmers’ markets allow tasting, and community events might have free refreshments.

Communication and Connectivity

Unlock your phone: An unlocked phone allows you to use local SIM cards for cheaper data and call plans than international roaming fees.
Purchase a local SIM card: Research prepaid options in your destination country for the best deal.
Utilize free Wi-Fi responsibly: Cafes, libraries, and some public spaces offer free Wi-Fi. Be mindful of cybersecurity when using public networks.
Download offline maps: Save on data usage by downloading maps in apps like Google Maps for offline navigation.
Offline communication apps: Utilize messaging apps that work without an internet connection (when both parties have the app downloaded in advance).

Pre-Trip Preparations

Get in shape: Avoid feeling worn out quickly on your adventures; increase your fitness level before traveling.
Learn to pack efficiently: Take only the essentials to fit everything in a carry-on and save on baggage fees.
Minimize toiletries: Decant liquids into travel-sized containers or get to your destination and buy what you need.
DIY laundry: Bring along travel-sized detergent to do laundry in your accommodation’s sink or locate laundromats.
Check visa requirements early: Some countries require visas, which can have fees and take time to process.
Vaccinations and medications: Research if any vaccinations are needed and stock up on your regular medications.

Unexpected Money-Saving Hacks

Airport lounges (without paying full price): Some credit cards offer lounge access, or you can sometimes purchase a cheaper day pass.
Embrace layovers: With a longer layover, explore a bit of the city during your connection instead of staying confined to the airport.
Travel in groups: Take advantage of group discounts for attractions and transport.
Use your own water bottle: Buy a large, refillable water bottle at your destination to reduce purchasing single-use ones.
City water safety: Research if tap water is safe to drink, potentially eliminating the need to purchase bottled water.
Become a tour guide in your hometown: You might learn about free perks and discounts you can later use for your own travels.
Bring your own entertainment: Download movies, podcasts, and e-books in advance to avoid boredom during travel.

Travel as a Lifestyle

Travel continuously: Long-term travel is often cheaper per day than short trips due to reduced transportation costs and greater leverage for negotiating lodging.
Live like a local: Rent an apartment for a month or more and establish a routine for a deeper and more affordable experience.
Consider a working holiday: Obtain a working holiday visa in certain countries to earn money while also exploring.
Teach a skill: Share your expertise as a yoga instructor, English teacher, or something else marketable to fund your travels.
Bartend abroad: Many bars in tourist destinations are open to hiring international staff for the season.

The Right Attitude is Key

Flexibility is your friend: Embracing last-minute plans and changes can often lead to unexpected bargains and adventures.
Embrace the ‘slow travel’ mindset: Don’t try to pack too much in. Spend more time in fewer places for deeper experiences.
Learn to say ‘yes’: Be open to opportunities, even those that may lie outside your comfort zone.
Expect the unexpected: There will be bumps in the road. Maintain a positive attitude and focus on solutions.
Travel is an investment: Invest in experiences over possessions. Memories last a lifetime.
Travel light: Avoid checked baggage fees with a carry-on bag when possible.
Pack snacks: Bring snacks from home to fend off hunger at airports or when on the go.

Safety and Security While Saving

Research your destination: Be aware of potential scams, safety concerns, and local customs.
Make copies of important documents: Store copies of your passport, ID, and travel insurance information digitally and in a separate place.
Be aware of your surroundings: Be vigilant in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
Inform someone of your plans: Let a trusted person know your travel itinerary and check in with them from time to time.
Travel insurance (if it makes sense): Consider the type of trip you’re doing and weigh whether having some travel insurance for potential issues is worth the cost.

More Quirky Ways to Save

“Mystery shopper” at the airport: Some companies will pay you to visit airport stores and report on your experience.
Airport focus groups: Get paid to give feedback on airport amenities and services.
Pet sitting: Not only do you get paid, but you also get free accommodations while caring for someone’s furry friend.
Participate in paid clinical trials: If the timing and location align, they can sometimes offer compensation.
“Rent” your belongings: Websites exist to let you rent out your car, camera gear, parking space, or even just extra space in your luggage.

Final Note on Responsible Travel

Support local businesses: Prioritize eating at local restaurants, shopping in markets, and booking with independent tour operators.
Minimize your environmental impact: Reduce waste, conserve water, and respect wildlife habitats.
Ethical tourism: Avoid exploitative activities and attractions that may harm animals or communities.
Be a respectful traveler: Learn about local customs and dress codes, and be mindful of your behavior.
Give back when you can: Volunteer your time or donate to projects that support local communities.

Final Word

The most important takeaway: Don’t let a limited budget prevent you from exploring the world.

With creativity, planning, and a positive attitude, you can have incredible experiences while being mindful of your wallet.

There’s no one right way to travel. Find what works for you and enjoy the process of exploration! 🌎