How to travel on a budget | Tips to Travel for cheap
Some links are affiliated. This means I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no extra cost to you. Disclaimer: Content on this blog is based off personal experience and informational purposes only and not to be taken as or replace medical advice. I am not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any losses or damages incurred by using this information
Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by Tiffany
So you’re wondering how to travel on a budget without selling your left kidney for the trip you’ve been dreaming about. At 25 years old, I’ve been to well over 30 countries, seen 5 of the 7 continents, and have seen so much of the world.
When I share my story with people, they ask me “well, you must be rich”. Little do they know that I am far from it! I’m a regular, working middle class American who has had a dream to see the world since I was in school.
I’ve learned the ins and outs on how to travel on a budget, and I’m going to share them all with you!
There are simple ways that I’m able to travel on a budget and save money. Some are small changes, others are quite big ones. regardless, all of my habits have saved me thousands of dollars when I’m on the road!
Take public transportation or just walk!- How to Travel on a Budget
No sis, you don’t actually have to uber everywhere. I rarely use uber when I’m travelling, especially in more pricey destinations like London or Berlin.
It is my goal to put most of my money towards activities like petting elephants and a lot of times, an uber ride can literally be that same amount.
When I’m leaving my home city (Atlanta twinnnn) I always have a friend drop me off at the airport or take the train. Before I arrive at the destinations, I do quick research on how to affordably get from the airport to the city.
When I traveled to LA, I could either do a $64 uber to Hollywood or a $13 coach bus ticket then walk to my accommodation. I obviously chose the latter.
Plus, I absolutely ADORE getting to walkable cities and being able to walk to lunch, then a bookstore, then sightseeing, then the club, and walk back to the hotel. You also get your steps in so it’s a win win situation.
Don’t eat out for every meal!
– How to Travel on a Budget
This one might be a bit trickier for people. Imagine specifically travelling for food, and some random girl (me, lol heyyy) is telling you to not eat out often and cook at your accommodation. Let me explain.
Eating out for every meal is really expensive and it starts to add up. What I typically do is make breakfast at home (cereal, pancakes, etc) and then stop at the place I’ve been craving for lunch.
Then I’ll typically either have leftovers or make pasta for dinner. Sometimes I might even spice it up and eat out for dinner instead and pack a sandwich for lunch while I’m exploring.
I’ve actually learned this method from my brilliant mama who had 3 hungry kids to feed every summer on vacation. I’m extremely blessed to say I’ve visited amazing destinations like Grand Cayman Islands and Arizona all before graduating high school. That means this food method most definitely saves money.
Be sure to get accommodation that has a kitchen. I always hit the grocery store as soon as I get off the plan and take a car into the city. This way I have snacks in my bag while I’m site seeing and don’t have to spend money on overpriced tourist food.
Visit affordable countries
You want to travel to 10 countries this year, but you only have expensive countries like Monaco, Switzerland, and the Maldives on your list?
Babes, let me tell you something. While expensive destinations are gorgeous, there are more affordable destinations that can offer the same thing for much cheaper.
Countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Georgia all have so much to offer, and are a lot more affordable than Singapore, Thailand, and Greece.
There are some countries that you really want to go to and that’s that. For that I completely understand. But if you’re just looking to explore Europe or Asia, you can easily enjoy more affordable countries and have such an enjoyable experience too!
Use budget flight scanner websites
– How to Travel on a Budget
I always start off my flight search on budget flight airlines. Kiwi website is definitely my go to. Instead of prioritizing more expensive airlines like Delta and Jet Blue, Kiwi will have budget airlines up top.
Kiwi will also combine different flights to get the most affordable price. For example, if there’s one flight going to LA then the Philippines, it will group those together. Even if they’re from two different airlines.
The goal with budget flight searches are to help you find the cheapest ticket, even if it means combining different airlines!
Fly with Budget airlines
Yes honey, I’m walking frontier, jet2 all the money saving airlines. So many people allow a bounce mentality to get in the way of their ability to see the world.
I have been to 32 countries and I stay flying budget airlines. Heck, I even have a credit card with Frontier!
When I was travelling throughout Europe, there were plenty of Jet2 flights for $50 to get to the next country, and some higher class airlines for $200. Same destination, different name.
Truth is, at the end of the day we will all get to the destination. Customer service on budget airlines can sometimes be a bummer, but you would have saved $200. It’s really up to you sis, imma book that frontier flight though.
Sign up for the points system with airlines
– How to Travel on a Budget
Babe, you mean to tell me that you want to travel on a budget and don’t have any accounts with the airlines you follow? Meaning you just buy flights all willy nilly not accumulating points?
One of the biggest ways I’ve been able to save money while travelling is booking flights with airline points. If there is a company I find myself flying with frequently, I always set up an account and allow myself to earn points.
Before you know it, you’ll have enough points for a free flights! Also, I pay with credit card only for this very reason as well. When I rack up enough credit card points, I have enough to pay for my vacation’s flight. You have to pay bills regardless, why not get rewarded for it?
Stay at Hostels
I know so many people have this thing against staying at hostels. “I would never share a room with strangers”, “They’re dangerous,” “I’m just now doing it”. I’ve heard it all!
If I had this mentality for every trip I’ve taken, I wouldn’t have been able to afford half the countries I’ve been to. When I stay in hostels, I have a goal in mind. Stay in female only dorms, and with the least amount of people.
Also, I recognize that when I travel, I’m going to be adventurous and explore my surrounding area. Probably the only time I’ll be in the room is when I’m getting ready. I would rather have most of my money go towards activities than a fancy hotel I’ll only be at for 10% of my time.
Not only have I saved literally thousands of dollars on accommodation, I have met some of my current best friends in hostels around the world.
Carry-on Only
– How to Travel on a Budget
Repeat after me, I do NOT need three outfits and two shoes per day. Travelling lighter has been on of the best ways that I’ve saved money while travelling. I’ve traveled as long as three months with a carryon.
I either travel with a 40 L backpack, or small suitcase, both carry on sized. Not only does this save me money, but it saves me major headaches! No worrying about if the airport will lose my bag. No fear of anyone potentially stealing important items. Everything I’m traveling with stays right by my side and above my head on the flight.
⬆️These are ALL the clothes I carried for my 2 week Europe and 1 week Curacao trip! Yep, everything in that little green suitcase!
When packing, I make sure to have enough clothes for one week, and wash weekly. I always try to make sure that I pack interchangeable outfits. This shirt can match with this skirt and these jeans. This dress can be dressed up and dressed down.
Trust and believe, packing in a carryon is very much so possible! Have your bare necessities, and purchase any extra toiletries (tooth paste, conditioner, etc) when you land!
While this might be harder for kinky oily haired girls like myself, I always make sure to over pack when it comes to my hair products and pack less on other items. Especially if the airport I’m flying through allows me to take as many toiletries as long as they’re four ounces.
Do free walking tours
– How to Travel on a Budget
One of THE best ways that I’ve been able to enjoy a country for completely free is by signing up for free walking tours. As I’ve stayed in hostels around the world, most reception desks offer daily free walking tours.
Not only does this allow me to learn more about the rich culture of the country I’m visiting, I get to meet other solo travellers too!
If you’re not staying in a hostel or yours doesn’t offer tours, the website GuruWalk.com allows local tour guides to host their own walking tours. I’ve used the app to tour Brazilian favelas by a real local, and in so many other countries too!
Get a debit/credit card with no foreign transaction fees
This is an area that most people don’t think about, but it can burn a hole through your wallet fast. A lot of ATMS charge a $5 fee every time you take out cash. If you’re someone like me that goes to get cash every couple of days, you might wanna listen up.
Investing in a foreign transaction fee free debit AND credit card has literally saved me hundreds throughout the years. Two American banks that offer foreign transaction fee debit cards are Betterment and Charles Schwab.
The most popular credit cards are the Chase Preferred/Reserve, AMEX Gold Card, and Capital Venture Rewards. While they do require higher credit scores and have yearly fees, the benefits are by far worth it!
No transaction fees in any country you visit, rewards for spending on travel and restaurants and lots of cash back. That’s what I’m talking about!
Scan Airbnb & Booking.com for affordable accommodation
The reason I’ve been able to travel to 5 out of the 7 continents is not because I’m a super rich millionaire. well, not yet at least! It’s because I look for affordable accommodation when I go on a trip.
You can choose to spend $300 a night on an all inclusive resort, or you can spend $75 a night on a nice, local owned airbnb and split that price with your friend or partner. This route is the perfect option for those who don’t want to stay in hostels, but still want to save money.
Work trade opportunities
Would you believe me if I told you that you can travel for completely free? Well, free accommodation that is. Let me explain. Work exchange is where you volunteer a few hours of your week for free accommodation.
It’s awesome and completely free! I’ve done it many times in Jamaica, San Francisco, I even got my own small apartment in Mexico City for managing the social media page of a small cafe!
There are a few websites where you can look for these opportunities like worldpackers, workaway, and sometimes you can reach out to a hostel or airbnb and ask directly. House sitting is also an amazing oppotunity for people who prioritize long term travel.
Travel during off season
– How to Travel on a Budget
Visiting Brazil during Carnaval, Italy during the summer, and Jamaica during December may sound amazing, but they all have one thing in common.
These are the most popular visited times to travel to these countries. *cough cough, the most expensive times to visit.
I have often times travelled to destinations during off seasons, and have enjoyed it even more during the busy season! Cooler weather, cheaper plane tickets, discounted activities, yes please!
Did you enjoy this article? Sharing is caring! Be sure to share with family and friends and save to your Pinterest board for later.
