59 Budget Travel Tips to Save Money and See the World

Making your money go further is key to seeing more amazing places all over the world. Discover the ultimate list of budget travel tips to help you explore efficiently.

There are few better ways to spend your hard-earned money than travelling the world and exploring new places. 

However, your money won’t always get you that far… especially for those more expensive destinations, and if you don’t know savvy tips to make your money (and you) go further.

Hotels and flights can take the lion’s share of your budget. If that wasn’t enough, all the other seemingly minimal expenses can add up to an overwhelming amount. 

This is why knowing certain budget travel tips can be the difference between seeing one place, or seeing many for the same amount.

Explore the list of travel saving tips below to make the most of your valuable time and funds.

Taking a trip somewhere where overall costs are relatively affordable is the easiest way to save money. Some costs like accommodation and food are just unavoidable, and a more expensive city definitely doesn’t always mean better.

Tip: Check out our top European city breaks or budget beach destinations articles for inspiration.

Likely savings: £££s compared to more expensive cities

Opt for a card which won’t charge you for transactions or withdrawals in a foreign country. This avoids the stress of carrying all your cash around, worrying about exchange rates or pesky foreign transaction fees as these can add up.

Tip: Starling, Monzo and Revolut are particularly good options in the UK.

Likely savings: 3-6% of all your spending

Our phones have become an amazing tool for helping us on our travels, but this also means we are constantly connected to the internet. Even small amounts of data can rack up huge sums overseas, so switch this setting off until you have a local sim. Of course if you are travelling in the EU from an EU country you don’t have to worry… (I’m not crying, you’re crying!).

Tip: You can usually switch off roaming by going to Settings > Network (/Cellular) > Mobile Data

Likely savings: up to ££££s per trip (seriously…)

Never have more flights and holidays been prematurely cancelled than 2020. Covid-19 has finally made travel insurance a must, as opposed to a choice. Make sure you read the fine print as many may try to find ways to avoid cover in these uncertain times.

Tip: Check out this simple guide for what you need to know about travel insurance for more info.

Likely savings: Up to 100% of money spent on booking (minus the excess)

The best places to see often don’t have an entry fee. This includes museums, churches, bridges and other man-made structures. Even better though, all of nature is free. Explore stunning mountains, lush forests, gorgeous lakes and calming beaches all without spending a penny.

Tip: Our ultimate London guide compiles the best free attractions here, and which tourist traps you can skip.

Likely savings: ££s per day

Your money will go a lot further in general if you only use it on things you need, and are as practical as possible. Ask yourself if you can save yourself money by doing things a different way, even if it likely requires more effort.

Likely savings: ££s-£££s (depends on how practical you are feeling)

There can be a temptation to buy only the cheapest gear for your travels, and this is totally understandable. However you will likely find you get exactly what you pay for, and those cheap items will eventually break meaning you need to buy another. If you buy something more reliable from good-value brands, there is less chance you’ll need to replace it.

Tip: Osprey (bags) and Regatta (clothing/shoes) are two great-value options.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

You’d be surprised by how far emotional intelligence and being generally kind can get you. Sometimes the kindness of strangers right back can save you a whole lot, whether it be on upgrades, refunds or discounts. Complaining can also yield results (sometimes more so), but think about how it would feel if you were in that person’s shoes.

Tip: Just smiling at others is a great way to build relationships.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

The more research you do on a place, the more prepared you’ll be for challenges that come your way. However, there will always be something you aren’t expecting which pops up. The locals are experts on the most cost-effective way to live, so it’s best to meet someone who can be your unofficial guide.

Tip: Learning a language can also be a great way to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. Whilst being friendly is important, staff usually won’t go out of their way to make sure you are 100% happy. If something wasn’t right with your meal or journey, raise it with someone to see if they can do something about it. We live in the age where customer service is king so chances are you may get something out of it.

Tip: Complaining in a calm, empathetic way is super effective, rather than ruining someone else’s day.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

When you get put on the spot, it can be easy to feel guilty and spend more as you don’t want to be judged as thrifty. Maybe you sit down at a restaurant and only then realise how expensive everything is. In these situations, remind yourself of your long-term plan and spending budget… and that this is your hard-earned money so only you can deem how it should be spent.

If you do find you’ve spent a little more than you wanted, be mindful to not dwell on the negatives – just do a little better moving forward.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

Websites like Skyscanner and Kayak do a lot of the legwork in finding the cheapest flight combinations for you. However, you do have to be quite careful since they usually suggest types of tickets without necessary extras like a checked bag – naturally this means the ticket price will go up. Even still, they are a great tool to scan for cheap options.

Tip: Use an incognito browser until you are ready to book, so the prices of the flights don’t go up. 

Likely savings: £££s per trip

Many airlines have started to offer flexible tickets that can be changed without fees as long as you cancel or change it enough in advance. This can be very useful as entry restrictions and the Covid situation in your destination is updated. 

Likely savings: £££s per trip

Tour operators usually get exclusive package deals with the hotels they work with. Not only can this work out cheaper than booking the equivalent holiday separately, they do the work for you. Flights, transfers, meals and more can be included, reducing those extra costs that add up. 

Likely savings: £££s per trip

Naturally, hotels and airlines cash in when the weather is best (usually Summer) or during the windows when children are off school. If you aren’t restricted to these time periods, you will be able to save a lot of money on your trip, and potentially reap some other benefits too. Exploring a city when it is a little quieter off-peak could well be worth missing out on perfect weather.

Likely savings: £££s per trip

Early morning or overnight flights are usually cheapest, especially when it comes to long-haul travel. “Red eye” flights can even save you a night of accommodation, although you risk arriving less than fresh for the first day of your trip.

Tip: Early morning flights are also less likely to be delayed.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

If you look harder enough, you’ll tend to find loads of resources to help you save. For example, websites like Jack’s Flying Club have made their name finding cheap deals to save people hundreds on plane tickets. You can use a railcard in the UK to save ⅓ on all train tickets. Doing some research online is well worth the effort.

Likely savings: ££s per trip

You can fit a surprising amount in cabin bags these days, and makes travelling around far easier. Also, choosing hand luggage only can encourage you to only take what you need rather than taking stuff you never end up using or wearing.

Tip: If an airline only allows one cabin bag, buy the cheapest thing in duty free to get a plastic bag which can serve as a second bag. If you are struggling with liquid limits, our essential travel cosmetics guide can help!

Likely savings: £15-40 per bag, per way (depending on airline)

Checking in an overweight bag is always a risk, so make sure you weigh it beforehand. Similarly for hand luggage, make sure your bag fits the airline’s measurement tool. If your cabin bag looks even close to being too big, you may get asked to prove it fits. Fail and you’ll have to pay to check the bag.

Tip: On busy flights the airline may start to check bags for free as there isn’t enough room. Wait until the end if you aren’t sure if yours is too big.

Likely savings: £15-40 per bag, per way (depending on airline)

Unless you are super particular about where you sit on a plane, you probably won’t need to buy a seat. Other add-ons can include things like travel insurance and car rental, but you are better off sorting these services out yourself. 

Likely savings: ££s

A great way to save money on a flight is to choose one with a stopover somewhere. However, check how long the layover is and how much longer it adds to your journey, as the money you save may not be worth losing a hefty amount of time on your trip. Not to mention the emotional toll a long layover can take, plus any extra costs like food during that extra time.

Likely savings: ££s

Airport parking is usually insanely expensive and should be avoided at all costs. If you really need to drive, it may be a better idea to park near a station and travel the last few miles by public transport. 

Likely savings: ££s per day

When you find the right route and an appropriate cost for miles, frequent flyer miles can save quite a bit. The trick is actually finding that route, and having enough miles to make a difference. That said, these airline loyalty schemes are by no means always cheaper. You can even end up paying more for the tax + miles cost on your ticket rather than just booking straight with Skyscanner, so buyer beware.

Likely savings: £££s (more if you have enough points for business class flights)

Airlines usually run flight sales or promotions at certain points in the year. Stay on the lookout for these, and act quickly when the sales go live.

Likely savings: 20-50% of standard costs

Generally it is good practise to try your luck with travel agents and operators to see what they can do for you – after all they are salespeople and have a vested interest in you buying the product. With the travel industry also really struggling lately, this may mean there is even more flexibility for you to get value-for-money.

Likely savings: £££s

Airports know they can charge premium prices because you literally have nowhere else to go. The fact that food in airports is generally substandard makes this fact even worse. Wherever possible, pack something quick, clean and easy to eat on-the-go to save money and time.

Tip: Take an empty or collapsible water bottle too that you can fill up once past security.

Likely savings: ££s

The price difference between economy and premium economy is usually pretty significant, and the difference in comfort generally minimal. I’ll assume since you are reading these travel saving tips that luxury and business class is also not an “essential”…

Likely savings: £££s

Is there only one way to get to your destination, or many? When your priority is to save money, a longer journey could help you to visit more places and even save you money on a hotel bed. Naturally, this can also take a toll on your energy levels so make sure you also give your body time to rest properly.

Likely savings: £££s

When you arrive in a new country, the last thing you want to do is wing it. Let’s say you arrive very early AM and discover there are no more buses towards your hotel for hours. Suddenly your only option may be a costly taxi. Ensure there is a cheap option at the time you arrive, your future mental health will thank you for it.

Likely savings: ££s

In the past, using local taxis was a stressful experience you just couldn’t avoid. In some cases, it would be a constant battle to ensure you weren’t ripped off. Now with ride apps, you can stay safe and confident in the fact that you know exactly how much a journey will cost. That said, in some places local taxis are so cheap it may not even matter.

Tip: Check your destination to see if ride apps are available. Uber and Lyft tend to be the ones with the best UX and network.

Likely savings: ££s (and lots of saved anxiety)

Trying to get a refund for your cancelled flight or changing to a different time if the airline actually cares about providing a good service for customers. If you book with an airline you’ve never heard of, if something goes wrong things will be a lot harder. Sometimes paying a little extra for peace of mind can be a worthwhile investment.

Your travel plans can always change… in fact in 2021 they probably WILL change. This is why the ability to cancel your booking without losing a penny is such an essential tactic to save you money.

Likely savings: 100% of your booking cost

Finding the best-value places in the best areas is tough, especially when they are priced differently on different sites. This is why we always use Booking.com or AirBnB to find our hotels. You can add filters for how much you are willing to spend (now with an actual slider rather than bracket), and any other criteria which are essential for you.

Tip: Complete 5 stays in 2 years to get Booking.com Genius Level 2 status and get 15% off and even free breakfast sometimes at hotels.

Likely savings: ££s per night

A bed in a dormitory is always the cheapest option, and makes it so much easier to travel the world on a budget. Especially if you are travelling on your own or as a group of friends, a hotel room is an unnecessary luxury. Dorm rooms are also a great place to meet new people!

Tip: Always take extra precautions with your valuables, or that cheap bed can cost quite a lot.

Likely savings: ££s per night

Unless the city you are visiting is quite small, the cost of getting around can add up. This is why you should always choose your accommodation based on proximity to main attractions and restaurants. 

Likely savings: ££s per day

Certain types of holidays and package options are usually better booked through tour operators. For example, we spent a week in Crete at an all-inclusive 4* hotel, including flights and transfers for £500 per person. I’ve seen that same deal even cheaper recently.

Tip: Travelzoo Top 20 usually has excellent deals, as does Broadway Travel.

Likely savings: £££s per night

Whilst staying somewhere like right next to the Grand Canal in Venice makes for a very convenient location, it doesn’t come cheap. Try to find areas close to these main areas without the premium price.

Likely savings: £££s per night

Minibars are the definition of an unnecessary luxury. You can choose to pay 3-5x what this item is worth here, or go to the nearest local supermarket instead… And before you get tempted, things in the minibar are NEVER complimentary with the room. 

Likely savings: ££s per night (or even per item…)

The part in Friends where Ross steals everything from the room is missing the bit when he receives a bill to the credit card the hotel has on file. While the hotel expects you to take small items like vanity kits, be mindful the plush towels and soft bath robe may be noticed as missing. 

Likely savings: ££s per trip

In certain cities, having an entire apartment to yourself can be cheaper than a tine hotel room. Check a few websites and types of properties to see which offers the best experience for your trip.

Tip: Apartments in better locations are less likely to come with the same premium hotels do.

Likely savings: ££s per night

Almost all cities have plenty of free sights that don’t require an entrance fee that can fill the days of your trip. Especially since entry ticket can be £15, £25 or even £35, visiting these sights can really hurt your wallet so try to steer clear where they seem unnecessary.

Tip: Some museums and churches have a day during the month or week when they are free. Plan your trip around these to save some cash (they will likely be busy on these days though)

Likely savings: £££s per trip

It can feel so deflating to fork out for a pricey ticket to get into the attraction and find it disappointing – I’m looking at you Madame Tussauds… Make sure you read up thoroughly on your planned itinerary (not just google reviews, as these are generally positive). Similarly, ensure that you visit the attractions really worth seeing (despite the price), otherwise you may find yourself wanting to fly all the way back to the city in the future.

Likely savings: £££s per trip

Walking is perhaps the best way to see a new city – of course this depends on how big the city is and how comfortable you are being on your feet all day. Usually the best thing you can do is to plan to walk from one attraction to others close by, and avoid going back and forth. Depending on how expensive taxis or public transport is, this can save you a considerable amount and plenty of time too.

Likely savings: ££s per day

Audio and tour guides inside museums or cultural highlights can sometimes cost as much as the entry fee itself. Instead, check if there are apps which have all the information you need and which are completely free.

Likely savings: ££s 

In some cities, certain travel passes can save you a lot of money and really open up your opportunities to get around on a budget. This is especially perfect if you are planning to squeeze a lot into a short amount of time.

Tip: City Sightseeing Red buses can work well if public transport is quite expensive, but the guides are generally underwhelming.

Likely savings: ££s per day

We’ve all felt tempted to go and eat at one of the restaurants sat in the middle of a famous square or landmark. Issue is, the food is almost always underwhelming and never cheap – after all, you are paying for the view mainly. It makes much more sense to eat a bit further out, and then just enjoy the sights without the cost.

Likely savings: ££s per meal

This is a must when trying to keep to a travel budget. You can get an idea of how much the meal will cost, portion sizes and if the food is up your street. It’s really not ideal when you sit down for a meal and realise even the starters are wildly expensive.

Tip: Browsing for offers or fixed menu savings in advance can be very effective too.

Likely savings: ££s per meal

Imagine you’ve found the perfect menu with dazzling reviews at an appropriate cost. You get super hungry on your way over, only to find they are fully booked. Now you need to find an alternative, except you are hungry so it can’t be far. Not only will your thorough research be wasted, but the alternative probably won’t be as good value.

Likely savings: ££s per meal

Breakfasts in hotels never come cheap. Often, they also aren’t very tasty. Instead of spending £15-20 before you’ve left the hotel, venture out to find a cheap local eat that also offers a much more authentic and memorable experience.

Tip: If you are on the super-saver budget, you can just bring oatmeal and coffee sachets you can mix with water or milk.

Likely savings: ££s per day

The best places to drink are always where the locals go. Forget snazzy cocktail bars with £15 drinks… a local will laugh in your face if you suggest going here. Also figure out which alcoholic drink is most popular, as this will likely be the tastiest and maybe even cheapest.

Likely savings: ££s per night out

One of the best ways to save money on food is to shop at the local supermarket. You can buy essentials like water, and make your own breakfast, lunch and even dinner. You can still experience the food of the place you are in, but just through produce that locals actually buy. Exploring these supermarkets can also be a wonderful experience!

Likely savings: ££s per day

Almost always the cheapest glass in a given restaurant, the house wine is usually selected because it is the best-value option and will be appreciated by many. Of course, if you know quite a bit about wine then feel free to ignore this advice and follow your own extensive knowledge… 

Likely savings: ££s

In cities where the tap water is free, I’d always suggest asking for this. Don’t worry, you will be told if this is a particularly bad idea. You can save the equivalent of a lunch cost just by avoiding paying £3-4 per bottle at dinner.

Likely savings: £ per meal

When going abroad, it’s best practise to forget the tipping culture in your own country and research the local customs. This could mean you are expected to pay more or less than usual. Whatever you do, don’t apply the norm from your own country, as you’ll either offend people or just give money away…

Tip: Don’t every follow the rule of “one rule for tourists, one rule for locals”. 

Likely savings: Depends…

Is travel your greatest passion? Can’t imagine anything better than going places, writing about your experiences and taking lots of photos? Then travel blogging will likely be right up your street.

Naturally this is something you have to really work towards. Travel blogging involves finding your niche, deciding on a content strategy, how you are going to position yourself on social media, building a website etc. After all that, you need to get your travel blog to the point it’s successful enough to monetise. 

That said, it’s totally achievable. Check out our article on the best travel blogs in various niches to get some inspiration.

Working in a hostel is tough, but also a fantastic experience. This is an area I have some experience in as I lived and worked in a Spanish hostel for 6 months. 

The work can be challenging in that it can take time, to get accustomed to shift work, clients will undoubtedly test you, and the pay probably won’t be mind-blowing. 

However, in exchange you will usually get free accommodation and can live in THE perfect place to meet new people. When part of travelling is all about broadening horizons and making new memories, you couldn’t really ask for more!

We are all experts in one thing – our mother tongue. Teaching is also a skill, but can definitely be learnt and practised. Especially when it comes to teaching English, there is often a real willingness in other countries to learn from a native speaker. 

You can also make quite a bit of money here depending on the age you are teaching and your level of teaching experience.

Ever dreamed you could live the digital nomad/ freelance lifestyle? Well, companies have never been more flexible in terms of how they get the job done than today.

Certain skill sets lend themselves to this more than others, namely tasks that can be completed online. Marketing, coding, design and photography are some skills that are particularly in demand. 

It takes some time to build a profile and a network of clients, and being self-employed definitely comes with it’s risks and fair share of ups and downs… but if you can make it work, you’ll be living the dream!

Other work opportunities may be a fair bit more challenging to find, but the pay often reflects this. 

Usually it’s quite essential you are proficient in the language of the country you want to work in, and have some other transferable skills. If you tick these boxes, definitely look for some local work opportunities.

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Kyri Rousou

Kyri is a multi-lingual marketer who uses his connection with wellbeing and travel to help others make the most of their experiences. Day-to-day, Kyri works as a Growth Marketing Manager (and Mental Health Responder) at Raconteur.

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