How to Travel for cheap: Hacks, Tips, and Tricks for Budget Wanderlust
Welcome to the How to travel for cheap article! Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world only to cringe after looking at your bank account? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. You don’t have to win the lottery or sell a kidney in order to see the world. If you are aware of the right hacks, it is possible to travel on a budget. We’ll show you how to go for cheap but still be able to go on adventures, have fun, and be comfortable in this guide.
I’m not gonna say that I run out and buy all my travel for the cheapest price available; I am a Chicago-ian and I have my limits.
But first, let’s clear the air: travel is not only for those with wide wallets or Instagram influencers with shady “brand deals.” With some planning, resourcefulness and flexibility, you can make your dollar go further than you might think possible. The key? Play the game and do it on a dime.
The Golden Ticket Is Flexibility
Be Flexible With Dates: Have you ever noticed how flight prices surge on Fridays and holidays? Instead, book flights mid-week, or in off-peak season. You can also see prices throughout the calendar on tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to see which dates are the cheapest.
Be Open to Where You Go: Rather than deciding where you want to go first, map out where your budget permits. You can use platforms such as Hopper or Kayak Explore to see destination options within your budget.
Affordable Lodging
Forget overpriced hotels. Here are lower-cost (and frequently cooler) options:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers or outgoing types who are OK with sharing a dorm. Budget options can be found on sites like Hostelworld. Ratings and reviews help.
- House-Sitting: Sites such as TrustedHousesitters will let you stay in a person’s house for free in exchange for watching their pet, or a houseplant.
- Airbnb & Couchsurfer: Airbnb gives you private rooms for cheap, Couchsurfing matches you with locals to crash at their place for free. (Bonus: You often get insider tips from locals with Couchsurfing!)
Flights for (Almost) Free
Maximize Travel Credit Cards: Most travel credit cards will offer you signup bonuses worth enough to pay for a round trip flight. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns points that you can use for flights or hotels.
- Seek Out Flight Deals: If you’re flexible with dates, follow Scott’s Cheap Flights or The Points Guy on social media for mind-blowing deals. A $200 round-trip to Europe? Yes, please.
- Budget airlines: Ryanair, Spirit Airlines and other no-frills airlines might have a menu of chargeable extras, but their base airfare is often a steal. Travel tip: Airline baggage fees can be sneaky — travel light.
Eat Like a Local (and Save)
Food is one of the largest parts of a travel budget, but it doesn’t need to be:
- Street Food: Forego upscale dining and dive right into the local street food scene. It’s authentic, delicious and unbelievably cheap.
- Make Your Meals: If you have a kitchen where you are staying, go to a local market and cook. You’ll save money and sample authentic ingredients.
- Lunch Over Dinner: Many restaurants have lunch specials that are cheaper than dinner, often offering the same exact dishes as at night.
Learn How to Game Free Activities for Fun
You don’t have to buy your own entertainment. Here’s how you can keep the fun going on a budget:
- Free Walking Tours: Many cities offer these “pay-what-you-can” tours. They’re an excellent way to get to know the destination without spending a dime.
- Get Out In Nature: Beaches, trails and public parks are generally free and about as good as it gets.
- Museum Deals: Look for free admission dates, or discounted passes for students, seniors or families.
Transportation Hacks
- Public Transport: Think buses, trains or subways, not taxis or rideshares. It’s more affordable, and often a more entertaining way to interact with locals.
- Walk or Ride a Bike: Many cities are extremely walkable, and bike rentals can sometimes be a cheaper option than public transport.
- Travelling overnight: Use overnight buses or trains to cover long distances overnight which helps in saving on accommodation. You’re traveling and sleeping at the same time — two birds, one stone!
Roam Without Beyond the Connecting Costs
Roaming fees can really add up. Here’s how to stay connected without breaking the bank:
- Get a Local SIM Card: They’re cheap and much cheaper than international rates.
- Count on Free Wi-Fi: Cafés, libraries and hostels often provide free Wi-Fi. Use offline maps and guides beforehand to save cell data.
- Travel Insurance Is (Not) Optional : “But isn’t insurance costly?” you ask. Not as costly as an unexpected hospital bill or misplaced luggage. World Nomads and SafetyWing are budget-friendly travel insurance options. It’s the feeling of security for a fraction of the price.
Get the Most from Points and Rewards
Travel rewards programs are the best friend of a budget traveler:
- Join airline loyalty programs (even if you rarely fly).
- Rack up hotel-chain points for free stays.
- Use cashback apps like Rakuten for travel purchases.
- Most RSVPs are no longer necessary, but plan ahead, and be spontaneous
- Book your flights and accommodations ahead of time to find the best bargains.
- Be Spontaneous With Activities: When you arrive at your destination, talk with locals, explore and take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
Final words : Your Gate to Affordable Flights
Being able to travel for less isn’t a dream — it’s a skill anyone can learn. Being resourceful, flexible, and open to unconventional options will enable you to explore the world without breaking the bank. So shine up that passport, grab a backpack, and go on cheap!
What is your favorite travel hack to save money? Let us know your tips in the comments!
