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|Updated on January,13,2025|

Isn’t it wonderful to travel on a budget and still have a great experience? Of course, it is! Whether you’re planning a short getaway or dreaming of exploring far-off destinations, finding cheap ways to travel can make it all possible without sacrificing fun. I’ve learned so many tricks over the years to save money while traveling, and they’ve helped me explore more places than I ever imagined.

 

So, if you’ve ever thought travel is too expensive, let me prove you wrong. Here’s a list of 12 top budget traveling tips to help you discover the cheapest ways to travel and enjoy unforgettable adventures without breaking the bank!

 

Travel can be pricey, no doubt, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make your next vacation affordable and within reach. With a little planning and creativity, anything is possible!

 

Did you know that traveling is good for the soul? It’s true! That’s why you should travel more often. Traveling can heal a lot of ‘wounds’, too.

 

We’ve all spent money on clothes, electronics, and shoes that we barely remember later. But the moments that truly stand out are the ones spent exploring new places. The good news? It’s possible to create unforgettable travel memories without spending a fortune, especially when you know how to travel the world cheap and effectively.

 

Why not spend money on experiences instead? There are so many affordable places to explore both in the USA and around the world. With the right travel on-budget tips, you can uncover the best deals for your dream getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning your next adventure!

12 Top Tips for Traveling Cheap

1. Find Affordable Flights with Flexible Dates

This is the #1 tip for booking cheap flights, and it’s the most important one: flexibility is key. Tickets can be pricey if you buy them during peak season, on weekends, holidays, or at the wrong time. But the good news is, there are always ways to score cheaper deals. With the right strategy, you’ll find the cheapest way to travel by air.

 

Many articles suggest that Tuesday or Wednesday is the best day to book flights, and while I check those days too, I don’t think the prices are much different. However, I’ve noticed that flights are often cheaper in the early morning, between 2 am and 5 am. So, be flexible with your dates and try booking mid-week tickets when planning your trip. It also helps to know how long you’ll be traveling and choose dates that align with the best deals. And of course, traveling off-season can save you a lot of money!

 

Read on How to find Cheap flights

 2. Use the Best Websites to Find Cheap Flights

You’ll often hear people say to check Google Flights first, but I don’t think it’s the best option. Every time I use it, the prices are higher than what I find on Skyscanner, Momondo, or Kiwi. Those sites usually give me better deals.

• Once you find a good price, check the airline’s website directly as well. Sometimes, you can get even better prices by booking with them.
• Always search in an incognito window. This makes sure you see the best prices. If you don’t, prices can go up if you keep looking on the same page.
• If you’re planning multiple trips, try buying one-way tickets instead of round-trip ones. I saved about $700 on a trip to Asia by doing this.

And if you’re flexible with dates, set up a price alert. You’ll get notified when prices drop, which makes booking easier. It’s a smart way to learn how to travel cheap and explore new places.

 

3. Find the Cheapest Place to Fly

If you’re unsure about where you want to go and open to traveling anywhere on a budget, Skyscanner has a great “Everywhere” option that lets you search for the best deals. It’s a perfect way to find an affordable destination you might not have considered! This is a great way to discover new places without breaking the bank. You can explore different options and choose the most affordable spot to visit based on your budget.

 

How to Book Cheap Flights With Skyscanner?

Just type “Everywhere” in the Skyscanner search box, and it will show you a list of destinations with prices for different months. You can easily pick the cheapest or most interesting option for your next trip.

 

4. Watch Out for Error Fares

 

To check for such fare mistakes, you can use Secret Flying or Scotts Cheap Flights (which costs $49 a year).

5. Travel Light

Try to travel light to avoid the cost of checked baggage fees, or even carry-on fees in some cases. If you can fit everything into a backpack, that’s the perfect solution.

 

When I traveled with just light baggage, I brought an extra foldable bag with me (packed it in my backpack). I wore extra clothes before boarding, and once I was on the plane, I tucked them into the spare bag. This saved space while still allowing me to bring everything I needed.

 

Also, I recently learned a clever trick: when traveling with a jacket, stuff your pockets with extra items. It works great! I even managed to hide shoes in each sleeve. 😊

 

Consider packing only what you truly need and keep it light. If you’re thinking of bringing many outfits or extra pairs of shoes, it’s usually not worth it. You will end up not wearing all of them, and they’ll just take up unnecessary space in your bag

 

Related article
|The Ultimate Travel Packing Guide

6. Find a Cheap or Free Place to Stay

Not everyone has friends or family where they’re going, so staying with them for free isn’t always an option. But I’ve found that there are plenty of other ways to save on accommodation.

 

If you want to find cheaper accommodation, consider staying in hostels instead of hotels. It’s not only more affordable, but also a fun way to meet new people. If you’re traveling solo, you might even find a travel buddy for the rest of your journey. Hostels are much cheaper than hotels, and you’ll have more money to enjoy your trip while paying just a fraction of the cost.”

 

When I search for cheap hostels, I like to use HostelWorld, Hostels, and sometimes Booking , especially if they offer free cancellation and complimentary breakfast. Those little extras make a big difference!

• To find free accommodation, go to Couchsurfing and look for hosts in the city you’re visiting. I tried it once in Paris, and it was a great experience!
• You can consider House sitting as an option to save money as well
• Some sites connect people who need house sitters with those looking for cheap or free accommodations. It’s a fantastic way to save money while traveling. Also, there’s a Facebook group called ‘Host a Sister’ that can help you connect with others and stay for free as well.

• Check out these companies for house-sitting opportunities: Mind My House, House Carers, Trusted House Sitters, Luxury House Sitting  and to cut down on accommodation costs and travel for cheap.

**WWOOF. They offer free stays in exchange for volunteer work on organic farms, providing room and board during your stay. 

 

7. Pay With Travel Points and Travel for FREE

If you have credit cards that earn points through loyalty programs, make sure to use them for travel. Many credit card companies offer great deals, allowing you to convert your points into travel rewards and save money on flights, accommodations, car rentals, and more. This is one of the smartest strategies for how to travel on a budget effectively.

 

I applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card a long time ago and it’s been great for earning travel rewards. You earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent, giving you 25% more value when booking travel.

 

Just a heads-up, when you book tickets directly through your bank, I’ve noticed that prices tend to be higher than when you search through other sources. It’s something to keep in mind—sometimes it’s better to book through a third-party website and still earn miles for your future trips.

 

Note that the first year of service used to be free, but this has changed recently. It might change again in the future, but for now, the annual fee is charged starting in the first year, which is $95. You can cancel your card at any time, but just FYI, if you do, you’ll temporarily lose some of your credit points. I canceled mine the first time because I wasn’t aware of the fee, but I was able to reapply after a year without any problem and still got the bonus offer.

 

Click here for more details.

8. Consider Alternative Airports

Tickets can be cheaper if you include nearby airports in your search. Flying to a more distant airport might end up being less expensive than flying directly to your final destination.

 

However, if you choose the nearest airport based on the lowest price, make sure to factor in the cost of transportation to your final destination. The savings from the cheaper flight might be offset by the extra cost of getting to where you need to go.

 

Related articles

|How to find the best travel deals

|How to find cheap hotel deals

9. Save Money on Travel Insurance With Your Credit Card

Most credit card companies offer great benefits, including complimentary travel insurance.

If you decide to get travel insurance through a third party, it can cost you at least $20, and sometimes even more. So why not take advantage of the coverage your credit card offers instead?

 

Make sure your credit card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, as this can save you a lot of money if you plan to use it abroad.

When booking a trip through a travel agency, check if insurance is included—always ask to be sure. This is another simple but effective way to travel at low cost.

 

Tip: If you encounter unexpected charges while traveling, contact your bank and request a refund. They should refund you if it’s a one-time issue.

10. Cut the Transportation Cost

Instead of taking a taxi, use UBER,  GRAB, or any other ride-hailing service they have where you’re going. If you’re in Europe, check out BlaBlaCar—it’s a carpooling service where you can share rides with others and save on gas.

11. Eat Healthy and Cheap

Skip eating at touristy spots or fancy local restaurants—they tend to be overpriced. Instead, try buying local fruits, especially in warmer countries. They’re fresh, organic, and so delicious!

 

If your accommodation has a kitchen, cook your own meals with groceries from a supermarket. It’s a fun way to save money and experience the local flavors.

 

Always carry snacks and water with you. A collapsible water bottle or tumbler is super handy for refills. Another tip? Don’t forget your travel essentials. Packing smart helps you avoid spending extra money on things you forgot to bring!

12. Spend Less or Nothing on Attractions

Take advantage of free walking tours in cities—they’re a fantastic way to explore, and all you need to do is tip your guide. It’s a budget-friendly way to get to know a new place while learning its history and culture.

 

Look into free museum days; many museums offer them weekly or monthly.

 

Always research free activities in the city you’re visiting. You’d be surprised how much you can enjoy without spending a dime, especially if you’re traveling off-season!

 

Final Thoughts

hope this has shifted your mindset about travel—it doesn’t have to be so expensive! With these budget traveling tips, you’ll know exactly how to travel on a budget and enjoy every moment without overpaying.

 

I also hope these 12 top tips for traveling cheap inspire you to plan your next budget-friendly adventure. Enjoy your travels, and don’t forget to share your own tips in the comments to help other travelers!

 

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