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How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

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Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

How to travel on a budget: Here are our 22 top tips

Editor's Note

"How can I travel on a budget?" is one of the top questions we receive at TPG.

There's no question that travel is expensive right now as millions satisfy the itch to travel more. Demand has been through the roof. Inflation and correspondingly high hotel, rental car and airline ticket costs have many would-be travelers throwing up their hands in frustration.

However, there are still many ways to save. In addition to using reserves of points and miles to book hotels and airfare, TPGers have many budget travel tips to help stretch your dollars when traveling.

Here are 22 ways to travel on a budget.

Use membership codes to save on car rentals

If you're a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn't even know about. A few examples from AARP include 30% off a car rental at Budget or Avis.

Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car

Look beyond traditional car rental companies and locations

Most people search for rentals at the airport with standard companies like Hertz and Avis. If you don't find good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte , Turo and Silvercar.

Related: Delta and Turo launch partnership, allowing travelers to earn 2,000 SkyMiles on 1st rental

Check credit card merchant offers

Before booking your trip, review your credit cards' special merchant offers. Multiple issuers offer this option (although American Express is a leader in the category).

Every program works similarly: Log in to your card account online or through your banking app, review the offers available to you, add the ones you want and make a qualifying purchase using the card for which the offer is registered.

There are no promo codes to enter at online checkout or coupons to print to take to the register. There are likely offers you can activate that will provide discounts on dining, gas and entertainment.

Related: How credit card merchant offers can save you hundreds of dollars every year

Take advantage of free days at national parks

Every year the U.S. National Park Service sets aside several days when entry is completely free ; options include Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, the first day of National Park Week in April, National Public Lands Day in September and Veterans Day in November.

Visiting a national park on one of the NPS' free-entry days can save you up to $35 per vehicle at some of the most popular national parks, such as Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon .

Stay outside the national parks

You might dream of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly — especially if you can't pay for it with points.

However, just beyond the park, there's probably a hotel you can book with points. For example, you could stay at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone with IHG One Rewards points; the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spend.

Related: The best campgrounds, hotels and lodges near Yellowstone National Park

Download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app

If you're a T-Mobile user, you're in luck: This app is a major perk that will put money in your pocket just for checking your phone on Tuesdays.

To participate, download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app , check the app on Tuesday and claim your discount code. We've seen weekly discounts on everything from rental cars to gas, hotels and theme park tickets.

Related: T-Mobile expands travel-focused 'Coverage Beyond' benefits

Get discounted gas at Shell through the Fuel Rewards app

At TPG, we love to stack savings. The Shell Fuel Rewards app is a good one to pile on the discounts.

You can link it to other loyalty programs — including American Airlines AAdvantage, Giant Food, Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and more — to receive extra discounts. Also, if you purchase through Fuel Rewards, link to partner retailers such as Petco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Office Depot/OfficeMax and many others to save even more.

Don't forget to use a credit card that gives bonus points or discounts at gas stations for even more savings. TPG likes the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , which gives 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout).

Related: These are the best credit cards for gas purchases

Save on theater tickets in New York and London

Check TodayTix for cheap Broadway and West End tickets if traveling to New York City or London.

The TodayTix app has discounted tickets to various shows available. Prices vary, but most of the top shows currently playing are available on the site and the app.

While not all shows are hugely discounted, TodayTix often runs no-fee promotions. Keep in mind that for some shows, you won't be able to choose your precise ticket location. Instead, you will pick a section you'd like to sit in.

Related: On with the show! How to get a great deal on Broadway tickets

Save on entrance fees with Bank of America

Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of U.S. cities on the first weekend of every month just by showing their cards. It's through the Museums on Us program that's been going on for 25 years. It's open to Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card holders.

Related: 5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Use your library card for museum entry

Another way to get free museum admission is with a library "lending ticket" — a program where libraries will lend museum passes for a set amount of time.

Also, check if your local museum's membership comes with ROAM (a reciprocity program across North America). It's an easy way to get maximum value from a regional (and usually less expensive) membership.

Take a free walking tour

Sign up for a free walking tour on your first day in a new city. It's an inexpensive way to learn about the city and orient yourself.

Look online for options before traveling and sign up in advance if necessary. Then, all you need to do is show up with comfortable shoes and enjoy your free tour.

Although tipping is suggested, you'll spend much less, even after generously tipping your guide, than you would with a standard tour option. You will likely also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you're traveling alone or looking to make new friends.

If you're interested in seeing what's available on your next trip, Google the city you'll visit and the phrase "free walking tour" to see what comes up.

Dine on the cheap with Seated

Here's a fun one: The Seated app allows you to dine out and get paid for it.

The app rewards diners who sign up and eat at designated restaurants with cash they can redeem through gift cards. All you have to do is let the app know you'll be dining at a location before you take a seat. You can also get gift cards for Uber, Amazon and Starbucks.

Fly on weekdays

Flexibility on which days you fly is one of the keys to getting the best airfare prices. Leisure travelers most commonly book weekend flights, while many business travelers fly on Monday. So, the midweek days — Tuesday and Wednesday — have lower demand and are often the best days to travel for lower prices.

Related: When is the best time to book airfare?

Book vacation packages

Airlines that bundle airfare and hotels as vacation packages can offer better deals thanks to their vast buying power and inventory. These bundles can offer savings of up to 40% off. Savings on business-class plane tickets and high-end hotels can offer some of the best deals.

Also, purchasing directly from the airline gives you a one-stop shopping experience. You can even add a car and activities to your trip at the same time. Plus, you'll often be able to take advantage of special sales and bonus points and miles offers.

Related: Everything you need to know about saving money with vacation packages

Use a price monitoring tool

Airline fare monitoring sites such as Hopper and Google Flights ensure you get notifications when your trip's best and lowest prices become available. Set up as many combinations as you're considering, including different departure and return dates, so that you can get alerts for all possible fare reductions.

Be flexible on destination

If you're not locked into a fall or winter vacation location (like you would be for a destination wedding or family reunion that you can't change), try an alternative to find better prices. For example, consider subbing Quebec City in for Paris if you want Old World charm. For scuba diving enthusiasts, skip the expensive long-haul flight to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef and instead head to the second-largest barrier reef in the world in easy-to-access Belize.

Related: 5 key tools and tips for cheap airfare

Hold your deal

If you see a great deal but are not yet ready to book, hold it . For example, Hopper's Price Freeze allows you to lock in the price of a flight for up to seven days to take more time to finalize plans before you book. Some airlines will also let you hold flights for a small fee. (Remember that all U.S. airlines, by law, allow you to hold and cancel a flight booking within 24 hours without penalty as long as you book more than seven days in advance.)

Re-price your flights and hotels

As long as you've booked a hotel, car or flight that can be canceled without penalty, you should make it part of your weekly routine to check for price drops. If you find a lower price, rebook. You can use these same rebooking strategies with points to make dynamic pricing work in your favor for hotel stays so you can save on award nights.

Related: How I saved 33,500 points on upcoming hotel stays

Consider alternative airports

With prices high, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports. For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports, while the New York City area has three, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey . In Southern Florida, you could easily fly to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It works internationally too: Try Gatwick Airport (LGW) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR) when flying to London.

It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another city and then taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey. For instance, you could fly into Philadelphia and catch a train to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.

Use positioning flights

Positioning flights are unrealistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport. Can you reach your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago? Would adding another flight to a different airport save you money or miles? Just ensure you leave enough time between flights to avoid unnecessary travel headaches.

Related: Use positioning flights to get amazing deals

Use points and miles when appropriate

Since you are reading TPG, you may also want to earn points or miles through your everyday spending that you can use to pay for part of your trip. Some credit cards — like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card — can help you earn airline miles or hotel points that you can redeem directly with the airline or hotel. Cards such as the American Express® Gold Card earn transferable points you can redeem for travel or transfer to various travel partners.

If you have a stash of points and cash fares are high, it makes a lot of sense to use those points instead. For example, I recently priced a trip to San Francisco and found a flight over the Fourth of July weekend; it should normally cost about $400, but for this particular weekend, it was going to cost me at least $621. I used 46,000 Delta SkyMiles instead. While it wasn't the best redemption in the world, it was better than shelling out all that cash. Most of those SkyMiles came from credit card spending on my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Related: Why I'm keeping my Delta Reserve card even when I'm flying less

There are many strategies for getting the most out of your credit card . You'll generally get the most value when redeeming for premium-cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. However, you may prefer to book economy award flights or lower-category hotel stays using your points to stretch your points further.

You can join AARP for discounts even if you are not retired. The advocacy group for older adults offers all kinds of cool discounts, including $60 to $200 off British Airways flights and 10% off Hilton hotels.

Related: How to use AARP discounts on travel

Bottom line

Spending a small amount of time researching the best ways to travel on a budget could easily make a dream trip, like a Paris vacation, more attainable.

It's possible to take an excellent vacation on a budget. You just need to put in the time to plan your trip, budget your expenses, download a virtual wallet of money-saving apps and consider using points and miles to decrease your out-of-pocket costs.

Some of our top budget travel tips include shopping around, signing up for deal alerts through websites like TPG and using points and miles. Opening a credit card or two for the sign-up bonus once or twice every few years could make your trips even cheaper. Don't forget to sign up for our daily newsletter , where we teach you how to travel better for less. At TPG, we make traveling on a budget easy.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Additional reporting by Melissa Klurman.

How to Travel on a Budget: Ultimate Budget Travel Guide (2024)

Wondering how to travel on a budget?

You’ve come to the right place as I’m a full-time budget traveller and I’ve visited over 20 countries on a budget.

If you’ve never done it before, it can be hard to know how to travel with less money, but thankfully, there are lots of ways you can cut costs down while travelling.

From simple things like not staying in a fancy hotel, to more advanced tips like making use of travel points, there are so many things to learn about travelling on a shoestring budget.

So make sure to read all of this post as I will tell you everything you need to know before planning your first trip.

How to Travel on a Budget

When travelling, regardless of your budget, there are four main factors which will affect how much you spend. These are accommodation, transport, activities and food.

Depending on where you are in the world will affect which factor costs the most. For example, if you are visiting London on a budget , accommodation will be the largest. But if you’re in Thailand, it will likely be activities.

To understand how to travel on a budget overall, it’s important to understand ways you can save money on each factor individually. So I’ll now break down the four categories in more detail.

By the way, I’ve got lots of budget travel tips later in the post, so make sure to continue reading for those.

Accommodation

One of the cons of backpacking is that you have to give up lots of comforts and luxuries, and your accommodation is where most of the compromising will happen.

When travelling on a budget, you can’t afford to stay in a hotel. There’s not much room for debate there; I’ve never met a budget traveller who stays in hotels, as it’s simply not viable because they’re the most expensive form of accommodation.

Airbnbs are usually too expensive too. Depending on the country, you can sometimes find really cheap options, but personally, I much prefer hostels. There are so many benefits.

When you stay in a hostel , not only are you saving money, but you’re surrounding yourself with like-minded people. I’ve made so many friends from staying in hostels, lots of whom I still speak to on a regular basis.

Hostels also help you to save money on activities and food, but I’ll speak about that in their respective sections.

Sometimes hostels have a reputation for being unsafe, but this is untrue. It’s safe to stay in a hostel 99.9% of the time.

There are so many reasons to stay in a hostel, but in this case, the money you save is the best reason. I’ve found hostels to cost as low as 5% of the price of a hotel. It’s a no-brainer!

Transport is one of the easiest ways you can cut costs while travelling. I see backpackers make so many mistakes all the time, for example when I was backpacking Copenhagen , a guy from my hostel got a taxi from the airport to the hostel.

Copenhagen is notoriously expensive, and it was such an unnecessary waste of money. The train was only 20 minutes as well!

When you’re staying somewhere, you want to walk as many places as possible. Or if it’s too far (everyone has their own definition of “too far”, mine is a 1-hour walk or more), then take public transport.

Taxis are a big no-go, they’re such a money-drainer. Unless it’s an absolute necessity, like getting to the airport at 4 am or something, I avoid taxis at all costs.

For getting between destinations, for example when you’re backpacking the Banana Pancake Trail and you want to go from Krabi to Bangkok, then it’s much cheaper to get a bus or a train than it is to fly.

In my opinion, I’d rather spend an extra 5 hours travelling than spend an extra $200.

If you want to take it to the extreme, you can even try hitchhiking. Depending on what country you’re in, you might see some success or you might not. Plus, there’s no way to guarantee safety. It’s one of those things I recommend to “try at your own risk”.

To summarise, budget-friendly modes of transport: Walking, Buses, Trains, Trams, Subways, Tuk-Tuks, Rickshaws, Cycling and Hitchhiking.

Not budget-friendly modes of transport: Planes, Taxis, Ferries and Car Rentals.

From my experience, the biggest factor which determines a backpacker’s budget is activities. What I mean by this is that ultra shoestring backpackers will do only free activities whereas higher-budget flashpackers will do lots of paid activities.

I find the nice balance to be somewhere in the middle. So I, as an average backpacker, will do mostly free activities but I’ll sprinkle in some things which cost money every now and again.

Finding free things to do is actually easier than you’d think. All you need to do really is Google “free things to do in [insert place]” and you’ll have a ton of results.

Some common free things to do include:

• Museums (depending on the country, some countries have an entry fee)
• Botanical Gardens
• Sightseeing
• Churches, Cathedrals, Temples (again, depends on the country)
• Parks & Gardens
• Street markets
• Monuments, Memorials, Statues

But make sure to always do your research as you never know what you’ll find. As a random example from my travels, in Basel , Switzerland, there is a free zoo you can go to.

That being said, there is one main free thing to do pretty much anywhere in the world, and that is a f ree walking tour. Personally, I always use FreeTour .

The name is slightly misleading as you are expected to give a tip at the end. But compare a $5 tip to the usual price for the same tour at $50 and it’s a bargain.

Hostels are another great way to find free things to do. Some hostels will run their own free walking tours for a start, but good hostels will also organise events like a pub quiz, movie night, and things like that. Not only are they free/cheap and fun, but they help you make new friends too. I always choose a hostel which organises events.

I don’t just do free activities though- I recommend treating yourself every now and again. For example, it would be a shame to visit Vietnam without taking a Ha Long Bay cruise. Even if it’s just a cheap day-tour.

There’s nothing wrong with spending money on things to do, the key to travelling on a budget is simply limiting yourself and making sure you aren’t spending $30 a day on activities.

Food is another easy way to save money while travelling on a budget. Just like with transport, there are places to eat which are budget-friendly and places to eat which aren’t.

When I’m backpacking, I always stay in a hostel which has a free breakfast. For an extra few dollars each night, I can actually save money long-term as I don’t have to spend money for 1/3 of my meals for the day.

At lunchtime, I usually just grab something quick. Something like a croissant from a 7-Eleven or a sausage roll from a bakery , things like that. Again, this always only costs a few dollars at most.

And at dinner time, I either eat street food, find a cheap fast food place, or make my own meals. A top tip is to always see if there are any locals eating there . If there are, then it’s not going to be overpriced and aimed at tourists. Usually, the food is better too.

This is where hostels again can save you money, as hostels have communal kitchens where you can make your own food. Naturally, making meals is cheaper than eating out every night. Plus, it’s probably better for you too.

I pretty much never eat in a proper sit-down restaurant. They’re simply too expensive.

As I said at the start, when you learn how to travel on a budget, you learn to compromise, but food isn’t as big of a compromise as you think. If you’re eating street food, most of the time it’s tastier than a restaurant’s meal and it’s a fraction of the price. Win-win!

Josh’s 10 General Budget Travel Tips

Budget travelling is a fine art, and it takes a lot of practice to get used to. I’ve given you specific tips for each of the four categories that affect your budget, but I have some tips which are more general and can help you travel on a budget.

There are so many things to learn, and while I’m a believer in learning on the job , these tips can help you to get started. It would be impossible to include all of my backpacking tips , but I’ve put together a range of tips from basic beginner advice to advanced ways to save money.

1. Visit Affordable Countries

The most obvious way to keep your budget at a minimum is to visit countries which are affordable. I’ve got a list later in this post with the best countries to visit on a budget .

It’s pretty self-explanatory, if things are cheaper, and you’re spending less, then you don’t need as large of a budget.

That being said, there are some countries that are more expensive but are still possible to visit on a budget as there is an extensive network of hostels, street food stalls, etc. Singapore is the best example I can think of.

2. Travel for longer

One of the best ways to travel on a budget is to travel for a longer period of time. By travelling at a slower pace, you are able to stretch your budget as you aren’t doing as many activities, you aren’t travelling between places as much, but you also don’t need as many things.

For example, if you’re visiting France for one week, you need to buy some shampoo. If you’re visiting France for one month, that one bottle of shampoo is probably going to last the whole month.

The longer you travel, the less initial expenses will impact your overall budget. Plus, I think travelling at a slower pace is better anyway as you get a more authentic feel of places rather than just visiting the tourist sights.

3. Travel in the off-season

When people ask me “how to travel on a budget?” one of the easiest tips I have is to travel when no one else is travelling.

If a country is popular to visit in summertime, visit in winter. If it’s popular in winter, visit in summer.

There are lots of benefits such as the lack of crowds and fewer touristy attractions, but of course, the main reason to visit in the off-season is because prices are lower. Supply and demand means that the less people that visit, the cheaper things will be.

Visiting in shoulder seasons is a nice middle ground if you don’t want to visit in the so-called “worst” time to visit a destination. But I’m a strong believer that there’s never a bad time to visit anywhere, destinations just offer different things at different times of year.

4. Leverage Points and Miles

Leveraging points and miles is one of the best ways to score free (or very cheap) flights.

How it works is you use credit cards that have perks such as American Express where you get points/miles every time you use the card.

Then you convert these points into flights. It’s a great way to keep your budget down, especially for international flights.

Unfortunately, this one only works best for Americans and Canadians. It is possible to do it in other countries, it’s just not as easy.

I’m from the UK, for example, and we have nowhere near as many perks with credit cards as they do in America. British Airways is the best one for us.

5. Get a local SIM card

When you’re travelling in other countries, especially for a longer period of time, it’s so easy to rack up a huge phone bill.

An easy way to avoid that is to simply buy a local SIM card. It’s super easy to do, all you need to do is swap out your current SIM card for a local one.

It’s really cheap. For example, in Vietnam, you can find 20GB of data for like $10 . It’s so much cheaper than paying extortionate fees from your current SIM card company just to use your phone abroad.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can buy an eSIM which essentially means you have a local SIM card without the physical SIM card. I recommend using Airalo .

6. Work or Volunteer

If you remember I said the four expenses you have while travelling are accommodation, transport, activities and food. Well, it’s actually possible to get 2 of those for free.

Using platforms like Worldpackers , you can do a few hours of work each day in exchange for free accommodation and free meals.

If you ask me, it’s a pretty fair trade-off and both sides benefit. They get the work done and you get to travel for much cheaper.

Most programmes leave enough time for you to do your own thing most days and at the weekends too, so you still get plenty of free time to travel properly.

But I really enjoy using Worldpackers , you make lots of good memories as well as keep your budget low.

7. Use a carry-on sized bag

Some people choose to travel on a budget with a suitcase, but I really don’t recommend it.

Firstly, it’s really inconvenient and a hassle to move from place to place. But secondly, you get charged every time you take a flight because it needs to be checked in.

Instead, I always recommend taking a backpack as hand luggage to avoid any extra airline fees. I also think it’s much easier to travel with just a backpack.

This is pretty much the single difference between being a budget traveller and being a backpacker, though most people use the terms interchangeably.

Plus, it means you don’t overpack. One of the biggest mistakes I see among first-time backpackers is overpacking. There aren’t many things you actually need to take to a hostel .

Before taking my first trip, someone told me: “Whatever you have packed, half it” , so I did, and I still felt like I brought too much.

It’s pretty hard to bring too little, especially since you can buy things during your trip. But it’s really easy to bring too much.

8. Take advantage of Student Discounts

If you’re under 30, this is one of the best tricks you can use to travel on a budget in my opinion.

Using your Student ID can get your discounts all around the world , especially for tourist attractions. Don’t forget to bring it with you on your travels- it’s on my backpacking packing list for a reason!

I’ve found discounts as high as 60% , especially in Europe. Just think how many extra activities you could do if everything was half-price.

And I’m not telling you to make a fake ID, but what I’ll say is that people in other countries won’t know what your local university’s student ID will look like…

9. Use your network

When you’re travelling, especially if you’re solo travelling, you’ll meet people all the time . And these people will be from all around the world.

For example, when I took a trip to Washington DC, I met at least one person from all of these countries: USA, UK, Thailand, Turkey, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Germany, Greece, Finland, Switzerland and Australia.

What this means is that now if I visit any of these places, I know someone there; someone who might offer me a place to stay . In fact, I’m meeting up with the guy in Thailand in Bangkok in a few months from writing this.

But you might also have family connections too. If your mum’s cousin moved to New Zealand, why not ask them if you can stay for a few nights?

Travelling develops connections worldwide, you may as well use them! Just make sure to stay in touch with people- I always use Instagram personally.

I recently created a Facebook group where you can make these connections with travellers all around the world. It’s a backpacking group where you can share tips and tricks, ask questions, and even arrange meetups if you want, maybe you can find somewhere to stay using the group!

10. Use Revolut

In my opinion, Revolut is an essential must-have for any budget traveller.

We’ve all been there where you’ve been in a country, paid in a different currency using your card, and when you’ve checked your bank account, you’ve been hit with a huge currency exchange fee.

Well, Revolut pretty much avoids this charge. You can pay in any currency anywhere in the world, and you won’t have a fee for converting currencies. Plus, the exchange rates are usually better too.

I use it everywhere I go and I’ve never had any problems. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough!

Best Countries for Budget Travel

There are so many popular backpacking routes around the world , and while many of the cheapest countries in the world are in Asia , I’ve given some countries which you can visit on a budget from other continents too.

But what I mean is, for example, if you are visiting Thailand or Vietnam then you should also visit Laos and Cambodia which are very cheap. And if you visit Mexico, also visit some countries in Central America on a budget .

I just didn’t want to have a list of the best countries “in the world” and have them all be in Southeast Asia, or Latin America, so I’ve put together a variety of countries from different continents, all of which are affordable to travel.

Tens of thousands of people backpack Thailand every year, and there’s a good reason why- it’s an extraordinary country which is very affordable to visit.

Thailand genuinely has a little bit of everything, it’s one of the most “complete” countries I’ve ever visited, and I really recommend it as your first country to visit on a budget because of how easy it is.

The backpacking community in Thailand is also really strong , so it’s incredibly easy to meet new people and make new friends, especially in popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Phi Phi islands, etc.

Vietnam is a close second behind Thailand for the best countries to visit on a budget. Vietnam is one of the  cheapest countries in the world to visit , so it’s an obvious choice.

But it’s a beautiful country to visit too. Just like Thailand, it has a little bit of everything from beaches to jungles, and everything in between. And of course, a load of culture too. Backpacking Vietnam is an unforgettable experience and I loved every second.

If you’re visiting Thailand, you may as well visit both Thailand and Vietnam. You can easily get by in both countries with $1000 a month.

Heading over to the Americas, and Mexico is another favourite for budget travel. Lots of people begin their Mexico backpacking journey before continuing on to work their way through Central America and even down into South America.

You’re guaranteed to leave Mexico with a lifelong love for the country. I t’s jam-packed with culture with the likes of Chichen Itza, but it’s also filled with natural beauty such as the cenotes.

And of course, one of the biggest selling points for Mexico is the cuisine. For us budget travellers, it’s even better because the best Mexican food comes from street food markets, and that’s what’s the cheapest.

Visiting Pakistan on a budget is not only easy but also an incredibly rewarding experience.

This beautiful country, often overlooked by mainstream tourism, offers an abundance of cultural, historical, and natural wonders, all accessible on a shoestring budget.

It’s not quite as easy to navigate as the previous three since it’s not as popular, but if you fancy a challenge, Pakistan is one of the best budget countries to visit.

Morocco has so much to offer but what really sells Morocco for me is the people. The people are so welcoming and so friendly, and they always have time to talk to tourists and share an insight into their lives.

It’s not uncommon to be invited for meals and the host refuses to take anything in return.

Visiting Morocco is also pretty affordable, and even after the earthquake , there is still so much to see and do.

Ways to Make Money while Travelling

If you want to take it one step further, you can travel on a budget and make money while travelling. Lots of backpackers will find ways to make a bit of cash while they’re on the move, which can allow them to travel for a bit longer.

There are plenty of ways to make money while travelling, and it’s actually easier than you would think, especially in today’s world, where you can make money online. For example, right now, by reading this post, you are helping me to make money while travelling. Want to do the same? Here are some ways you can earn on the go.

Work in a hostel

Some hostels will allow guests to stay long-term for free in return for working in the hostel for a few hours each day. I’d enquire about this when you’re staying in the hostel. It’s not really a thing in Europe, more in the Americas and Asia.

Work in a bar or restaurant

Another way to earn money while travelling is to work in a bar or restaurant. Pretty self-explanatory really. This tactic works best in countries where tourism is popular, but the locals aren’t great at speaking English. Mexico is a good example, as you would be ideal for serving tourists, assuming you speak English.

Teach English

And speaking of English, teaching the language while travelling can be a source of income. This can be in person or online. Sites like VIPKid allow you to teach English online and you can actually make a decent amount of money helping fund future travels.

If you have a real passion for a country or a destination, you could consider becoming a tour guide. For example, one of my friends fell in love with Bangkok and now he’s a tour guide there. You don’t even need to speak the local language as you could offer tours in English.

Social Media

In today’s world, everyone uses social media every day. The chances are, you’re already posting about your travels on social media anyway, so you may as well try to monetise it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s really hard to become an “influencer”, but if you have a few thousand followers, you can start to generate a small monthly income by using affiliates and the like. An added perk is you can get things for free while travelling.

Travel Blogging

My favourite way (I’m biased) to make money while travelling is by running a travel blog, i.e. this site that you’re reading right now. I make money on my site through ads, affiliates, sponsorships and SEO work. If this all sounds alien to you, don’t worry, it did to me once too. I recommend looking into SYTB if you want to start as a travel blogger.

Freelance work

Before I started travel blogging, I used to do graphic design and video editing work. I was completely freelance which meant I had no binding contracts, so I could work whenever I wanted and wherever I wanted. There are lots of options for freelancing such as writing, web design, social media management (you could combine this with the last one) and virtual assistant work. Pretty much any service can be done as freelance work.

Photography

If you’re travelling, you’re probably already taking photos as you go. Well, why not try to make some money with it? Sure, it helps to have an actual camera, but you can definitely make a start with just an iPhone. Look at this photo I took in Iceland, it looks like a stock photo, right? It was actually taken using my iPhone 13!

Translation work

If you speak two or more languages, first of all, nice; and second of all, you could be using your skills to make money. Translation work is a very in-demand service, and you could actually do it as freelance work, or you could work remotely for a company. Since you speak both languages, it’s not very difficult work, but it can be time-consuming. Nonetheless, it’s a way to make money on the go.

Work in a resort

Last but by no means least, you can work in a resort. Usually, this means you have to stay in one place for a few months at a time, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It gives you a chance to really thoroughly explore an area. I would recommend TUI who have a number of jobs within resorts such as holiday reps, entertainers, sports coaches, kids club workers and more. It’s a great way to get a free trip (flights included!) and make money at the same time.

How to Travel on a Budget: FAQ

Below are some questions related to how to travel on a budget along with my answers to each question.

The easiest way to travel a lot for cheap is to go to an affordable country, stay in hostels and travel slowly, doing mainly free activities and eating street food.

To plan a cheap trip, you first need to set your budget. Then find a country which is affordable to visit, and estimate the daily budget. You can save money by staying in hostels, eating street food, and only doing free activities.

To travel for 6 months on a budget, you need to compromise your luxuries. Staying in hostels, eating street food, doing free activities and walking everywhere are four simple ways to save money on travel.

Whether 10K is enough to travel depends on a number of factors. What country are you going to? How long are you going for? What sort of accommodation are you staying in? Will you do many activities? These questions determine whether 10K is enough or not.

Final Thoughts: Travelling on a Budget

And there you have it, a complete guide to how to travel on a budget.

As I said in the introduction, it can seem hard when you don’t know how to do it. Hopefully, it looks less scary now.

But to be honest, it is also a case of practice makes perfect. You’ll make mistakes and you’ll learn from them, just like I did.

Ready to take your first budget trip? Make sure to use my budget trip calculator to see how much money you need to bring.

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

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25 top tips for travelling on a budget

Updated On 28th February, 2024

If you’re looking for tips for travelling on a budget, top tips for budget travel or how to save money when you’re travelling, then you’re in the right place. I  love  a good bargain, especially when it comes to saving money when travelling!

Travelling is such a wonderful opportunity, and being able to travel on a budget makes it more accessible to people. Also, if you spend less on one adventure, you have money to spend on another. Budget travel doesn’t have to be any less fun either. There are  cheap places to travel to all over the world , including plenty of  places to travel on a budget in Europe . There are lots of ways to save money when you’re travelling, from planning your travel budget carefully before you leave, considering backpacking and car-sharing, through to the choices you make (e.g. food) when you are on your trip.

And even if you’re travelling somewhere that is considered to be expensive, there are top tips for travelling on a budget. From  things to do in Vienna on a budget  to  free things to do in London , as well as  cheap things to do in Copenhagen , there are definitely plenty of ways to go  backpacking in Europe on a budget.  There are even  ways to save money when travelling in Australia , and  budget travel tips for New Zealand !

In this post I’ve shared all my top tips for travelling on a budget. From what you need to do before you go, to advice for when you’re already abroad, this post has it all: travel tips, money saving tips, budget travel tips, free things to do, cheap places to visit and more!

Budget travel blog posts you might like…

• 30 places to travel on a budget
• The cheapest places to visit in Europe
• Top tips for travelling in Europe
• How to save money in Australia
• How to save money in New Zealand
• Free things to do in London
• Budget-friendly things to do in Copenhagen
• Cheap things to do in Vienna

CHECK OUT BUDGET TRAVEL ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

Here are my 25 top tips for travelling on a budget…

1. Choose your destination carefully.

Some places are naturally more expensive or cheaper than where you call home. My first tip for travelling on a budget is to research  places that are good for travelling on a budget.  Maybe it’s somewhere that’s cheap and easy to get to, somewhere where the currency gets you good value because of the exchange rate, or somewhere that has a lower cost of living than home!

If you’re looking for cheap destinations,  here are 30 places to travel on a budget.

2. Avoid tourist traps.

Big cities and tourist hotspots are often a lot more expensive than straying off the beaten track! Try and choose less well-known destinations, if you can.  Check out  these hidden gems in Europe you must visit.

Even within your destination, avoid restaurants on the main strip and try something down a sidewalk. The food will probably be better as well as cheaper!

EXPLORE BALI ON MY BLOG HERE

3. Get travel insurance.

Perhaps the most important tip for travelling on a budget! Sure, it’s initially an extra expense, but you’ll thank yourself for sorting it out if your trip gets cancelled, or God forbid you get ill abroad.  Click here for the travel insurance I use.

Looking to travel in Europe? Here are  21 cheap places to visit in Europe!

4. Travel off-season.

Sure, you might not be able to guarantee the weather, but your chosen destination will be a lot less busy and crowded. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you’ll have it all to yourself!

Check out the best time to visit Bali here.

EXPLORE PORTUGAL ON MY BLOG HERE

5. Book in advance.

Last minute deals can be a godsend if you’re travelling on a budget , but it’s often cheaper (and less stressful!) to book transport, accommodation and activities well in advance.

Check out this blog post to see what travel apps you should download on your phone before your trip.

6. Or, in less touristy destinations, be spontaneous.

Accommodation isn’t always advertised online and you may save money when travelling by booking directly with the owner, especially for places in small towns or in homestays. It really depends on where you’re going!

EXPLORE GREECE ON MY BLOG HERE

7. Use  Skyscanner  to find the cheapest flight deals.

Skyscanner.net  is the easiest way to find cheap flights between countries! Simply put in your home airport/country and your destination, and you can see what is available on specific dates, or across a whole month if you’re able to be flexible.

Top tip:  You can save even more money by booking flights in incognito mode, using a VPN, or after deleting your cookies.

8. Fly mid-week.

Flights are more expensive at weekends, because more people are free to travel. Try and fly between Tuesday-Thursday, if you can.

EXPLORE ALBANIA ON MY BLOG HERE

9. Pack well.

Firstly, pack light. You won’t wear half the clothes you want to take, and it’ll only cost you more in baggage to bring more than you need.

However, one of the most important tips for travelling on a budget is that it’s important to check that you take everything you need, not forgetting anything! If you forget something, it could cost a lot of money to buy that essential missing item when you’re abroad.

EXPLORE PACKING TIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

10. Be prepared to share.

You’ll save a lot of money on accommodation when travelling if you’re willing to stay in a dorm in a hostel with a shared bathroom.  See  why I love hostels  here , and  how to choose your hostel  here.

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before,  check out my top tips for staying in a hostel and all my hostel packing essentials here.

11. Couchsurfing

Meet locals and stay with them all over the world! Couchsurfing is ideal if you are travelling on a budget, because you can stay at people’s houses for free. Just make sure you stay safe, choosing people with consistently good reviews.  Check out couchsurfing here.

EXPLORE THAILAND ON MY BLOG HERE

12. Travel overnight.

If you have a long journey to complete as part of you trip, one way to save money is to travel overnight. You have to pay to get from A to B no matter what time of day you travel, but travelling overnight saves you the cost of accommodation for that night. Bonus: you don’t ‘waste time’ travelling during the day, so you have more time to explore!

Read this post for all my top tips and advice on planning and researching your next adventure.

13. Look into carpooling services, such as Bla Bla Car.

Bla Bla Car  and other similar services can save you a lot of money if you’re travelling on a budget. People who have cars and are doing the journey anyway say if they have any spaces, and then you can pay for that space. It’s often cheaper than public transport. Similarly, if you’re doing a road trip and you have a space in the car, then you can get a bit of money back towards the petrol.

EXPLORE POLAND HERE

14. Read others’ backpacking experiences.

Google ‘a backpacker’s guide to …’ when you’re planning. This way you’ll be able to see immediately what a low-cost holiday looks like in your destination, and you should be able to get an idea about costs, accommodation and activities.

See our backpacker’s guide to travelling in Europe on a budget here.

SEE ALL MY BACKPACKING GUIDES HERE

16. Search for free things to do in your chosen destination.

A great top tip for travelling on a budget is to look for free things to do wherever you’re heading. It could be that certain museums are free on certain days or that there are local events on. Don’t forget the classic ‘free walking tour’, a great way of seeing the city you are visiting. Just remember that it’s customary to tip at the end.

• Free things to do in Vienna
• Free things to do in Copenhagen

Check out my 22 top tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post.

15. Get a local SIM.

Data roaming or paying for WiFi abroad can be extortionate. One way to save money when you’re travelling is to get a local SIM card with locally priced data packages. You’ll want the data for navigating your way around and keeping in touch with home!  This is something I’ve done in both  the Philippines  and  Albania , and it was really easy to sort! 

EXPLORE THE PHILIPPINES ON MY BLOG HERE

17. DIY excursions.

You can often save a lot of money by skipping out on a planned tour and working it out for yourself! Use public transport to get there, take a picnic, and buy your own entry ticket (if needed).

A great example of this is my self-guided trip to the Blue Mountains in Australia. A group tour will cost at least 100 AUD per person, but my return train ticket was just 12 AUD! The only other expense was the packed lunch I took with me, and a coffee I bought en route.  Check out my self-guided trip to the Blue Mountains here.

EXPLORE AUSTRALIA ON MY BLOG HERE

18. Don’t eat out all the time.

Another tip for travelling on a budget is to shop at the supermarket and cook for yourself. Factor trying some local delicacies into your budget (if you can), but beyond that, prepare your own food. Most hostels have kitchen facilities that are available for everyone to use. There might even be a shelf with leftover food from backpackers that have moved on!

19. Be aware of ATM charges.

ATMs can charge a lot of money to withdraw and exchange your money. However, it is often the case that it’s cheaper to take money out on your travels than it is to get it exchanged before you go. To avoid charges, take as much money as you can afford to lose out at once. The more you take out, the less often you’ll pay the charge, but there’s more to lose/have stolen! If you have lots of cash, put it in different parts of your bag/pockets, and leave some in a locked, secure space at your accommodation.

Top tip:  If you prefer to be cashless, cards such as  Monzo  and  Revolut  allow you to keep and spend in multiple currencies with one card, and with few to no fees!

20. Try and haggle.

Prices are often marked up for tourists, so put your negotiating skills to good use and see if you can get a discount! This is more likely if you are in a group, either travelling together or friends made along the way, and all of you book onto e.g. the same excursion.

Check out this post about how to make friends when travelling solo.

EXPLORE VIETNAM ON MY BLOG HERE

21. Get recommendations from the locals.

The locals definitely don’t want to pay tourist prices for food, drink and activities. Speak to someone from the area (perhaps someone at the hostel reception) and find out their favourite hotspots. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Check out  this post for why it’s better to travel with a local.

EXPLORE ITALY ON MY BLOG HERE

22. Bring your own water bottle and coffee cup.

I never travel without my reusables now! Taking your own water bottle means you can fill up for free from fountains, cafes or mountain springs. Having your own coffee cup often gets you a discount!

Not only does having a reusable water bottle or coffee cup save you money, but it helps the environment!  Here are more ways you can travel sustainably.

23. Walk everywhere.

Walking is the cheapest form of transport and by far the best way to discover a new area. Renting a bike is often cheap if you need to go a little bit further.  Both cycling and walking are great ways to keep fit when you’re on your travels; see some more here.

If you have to take public transport, buses are typically the cheapest. Avoid taxis and Ubers like the plague if you are travelling on a budget; they are by far the most expensive form of transport. With a bit of planning, there’s almost always a much cheaper bus or train alternative.

EXPLORE SPAIN ON MY BLOG HERE

24. Work as you travel.

An obvious way to save money while you’re travelling is to earn money doing it! Many hostels offer free or reduced rate accommodation if you put in a few shifts, and there’s also the option of bartending, teaching abroad, or getting a working holiday visa.

Find out  how to get a  New Zealand working holiday visa  in this guest post !

Find out about getting an  Australian working holiday visa  in this video…

25. Decide on your budget, and stick to it.

There are very few places that can’t be travelled on a low budget. There are free things to do in every destination, so you just need to manage your expectations of how many expensive activities you can do there or how often you can eat out at restaurants, for example. Once you’ve planned your budget, try not to overspend; it’ll only cause you more stress later on your trip or when you get home.

EXPLORE MONEY SAVING TRAVEL TIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you got any more tips for travelling on a budget?

What are your budget travel top tips? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring…

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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How to Travel on a Budget: 50 Practical Tips!

Let’s face it, even seasoned travelers like myself want to know how to travel on a budget. Why spend money when you don’t have to? The more you save, the more you have for even more adventures!

Lots of mores!

As I write this post, I am getting excited! Only 3 months to go until we set off traversing the globe again, so I’ve been researching and drawing on my own travel experiences.

Whether you’re a lifestyle entrepreneur , a digital nomad, a professional traveler, or just like planning vacations, here are 50 practical tips for traveling on a budget:

Table of Contents

1. Set a Daily Budget

Determine a reasonable amount to spend each day and try to stick to it.

This will help you prioritize your spending. Include all your expenses, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. This will make you more conscious of your expenses and less likely to splurge on unnecessary items.

2. Travel Off-Peak

Travel during shoulder seasons —the period between peak and off-peak seasons.

You will find that flights and accommodations are much cheaper, and destinations are less crowded. This not only saves you money but also enhances your travel experience.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Utilize websites like Skyscanner , Kayak, or Google Flights to compare prices across various airlines.

These websites aggregate prices and show you the cheapest options. Sometimes they even have exclusive deals that you might not find on the airline’s website.

4. Use Travel Reward Cards

Credit cards that offer travel rewards can be incredibly valuable.

By spending on everyday items, you can accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. Make sure to pay off the balance every month to avoid interest charges.

5. Pack Light

Save on checked luggage fees by packing only the essentials in a carry-on.

Besides saving money, packing light also saves time, as you don’t have to wait for your luggage at the carousel, and it makes moving around much easier.

6. Travel Overnight

Opt for night buses or trains when moving from one city to another.

Not only is it often cheaper than daytime travel, but you also save on one night’s accommodation. Make sure to bring earplugs and an eye mask for a more comfortable sleep.

7. Use Public Transport

Public transportation is usually much cheaper than taxis or rideshares.

Plus, it’s a great way to experience how locals live. Before you travel, check the public transportation options of your destination and familiarize yourself with routes and tickets.

8. Book in Advance

Many transportation companies offer lower rates if you book weeks or even months in advance.

This also applies to some attractions and accommodations. Just make sure to read the cancellation policy in case your plans change.

9. Cook Your Own Meals

By staying in hostels or Airbnbs with kitchens, you can save a lot by cooking your own meals.

Visit local markets for fresh ingredients, and try making some local dishes. This is not only cost-effective but also a fun cultural experience.

10. Travel with Friends

When you travel with friends or family members, you can share expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and even meals. This can significantly reduce the financial burden on each person.

11. Free Walking Tours

Many cities offer free walking tours. These are not only an inexpensive way to see the city but also a great opportunity to learn about the local history and culture. Don’t forget to tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour.

12. Use Travel Apps

There are many travel apps designed to help travelers save money.

These range from maps and transportation apps to those that find the best local deals. Some popular ones include Maps.me, XE Currency, and TripAdvisor.

13. Use Hostels

Hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels. They’re also great places to meet other travelers. Look for hostels with good reviews and the amenities you need, like free Wi-Fi or a kitchen.

In many countries, particularly in markets, prices are inflated for tourists. Don’t be afraid to bargain.

It’s often expected. Be polite, and if you feel like the price is too high, it’s okay to walk away.

15. Use Airbnb

Airbnb can be a cheaper and more authentic alternative to hotels. Staying in a local’s home or apartment can also provide a different perspective on the place you’re visiting.

16. Book Flights on Tuesdays

Many airlines release their sales early in the week, making Tuesday often the best day to find deals. It’s also said that booking around six weeks in advance can get you the best rates.

17. Use Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing allows you to stay with locals for free. It’s not just about free accommodation but also about cultural exchange and making new friends. Be respectful and considerate when staying with a host.

18. Travel Insurance

Though it seems like an extra expense, travel insurance like SafetyWing can save you money in the long run in case something goes wrong, such as a medical emergency or loss of luggage. Make sure to read the policy details.

19. Pack Snacks

Food at airports and tourist spots can be overpriced. Bring your own snacks, like nuts or granola bars for those moments when hunger strikes.

This small habit can save you quite a bit in the long run.

20. City Tourist Cards

Many cities offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted access to major attractions and public transport. If you plan to visit many attractions, this can save you a substantial amount.

21. Use a VPN

Sometimes prices for flights and accommodations can be cheaper when booking from a different country. A VPN changes your virtual location , allowing you to check prices from different countries.

22. Eat Street Food

Street food is often cheap and delicious. It’s also a fantastic way to experience local cuisine. Just make sure it looks clean and safe. Opt for busy stalls as high turnover usually means fresher ingredients.

23. Use a Water Bottle

Bring a refillable water bottle. It’s more environmentally friendly and saves you money. In countries where tap water is not safe to drink, look for water refill stations or use a bottle with a filter.

In compact cities, walking is often the most economical and enjoyable way to get around . You can take your time, take photos, and discover hidden gems that you might miss when using public transport.

25. Avoid Tourist Traps

Places near major tourist attractions are usually overpriced and not always the best quality. Walk a few blocks away from the tourist areas to find better and cheaper options.

26. Go to Free Museums

Many cities have museums that are either always free or have specific free-entry days. Plan your visits around these times. These cultural experiences can be just as enriching as the costly ones.

27. Travel Slowly

Constantly moving from one place to another can be expensive. By staying longer in one place, you can take advantage of weekly accommodation rates and have more time to find cheap local spots.

28. Use Currency Exchange Wisely

Currency exchange centers, especially at the airport, usually have bad rates. Withdraw money from ATMs for better rates, but be aware of fees. Also, always choose to be charged in the local currency.

29. Use Student Discounts

If you’re a student, always ask if there’s a student discount. Many places offer reduced prices for students. Just make sure to carry your student ID with you.

30. Work Exchange

Websites like Workaway and WWOOF connect travelers with locals looking for help with various tasks in exchange for food and accommodation. This is not only a way to save money but also a unique cultural experience.

31. Use Local SIM Cards

Roaming fees can be exorbitant. When you arrive, buy a local SIM card. This will allow you to use the internet and make calls at a much lower rate.

32. Choose Cheaper Destinations

Some countries are significantly cheaper to travel in than others. Countries in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or Central America often have lower living costs compared to Western Europe or North America.

33. Pack a First-Aid Kit

Having basic medicines and first-aid supplies can save you from having to find and purchase them at a local pharmacy, which can be particularly expensive in some countries.

34. Share Meals

In many countries, especially in the USA, portion sizes can be very large. Consider sharing a meal with a travel companion. This saves money and prevents food waste.

35. Research

Knowledge is power. The more you know about the place you’re visiting, the better decisions you can make about where to save money. Look for local blogs and forums for insider tips.

36. Avoid Single Supplements

Some hotels charge a single supplement , essentially penalizing solo travelers. Look for accommodations that don’t charge this fee or consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb.

37. House Sitting

Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect travelers with homeowners looking for someone to take care of their home and pets while they are away, often in exchange for free accommodation.

38. Bike Rentals

Many cities offer bike rental programs. Biking is often cheaper than public transport and gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

39. Find Free Entertainment

Look for free entertainment options such as concerts , street festivals , or public events . These can often provide some of the most memorable experiences of your trip.

40. Ask Locals for Tips

Locals often know the best places to eat , visit , and shop . Don’t be shy about asking for advice. They can often direct you to hidden gems that are not on the tourist radar.

41. Use Library for Freebies

Some local libraries offer free or discounted passes to local museums , zoos , and other attractions . Check the library’s website or ask the librarian for information.

42. Use Deal Websites

Websites like Groupon can offer substantial savings on activities, meals, and even accommodations in the country you’re visiting.

43. Alternative Airports

Sometimes flying into or out of a secondary airport can be significantly cheaper than using the main airport. Just make sure to factor in the cost and time of getting to and from the airport.

44. Carry Small Change

Having small denominations of the local currency can be handy for small purchases, and in some places, it is necessary for public toilets or local buses.

45. Flexibility

Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can save you a lot of money. Sometimes changing your departure date by just one day can make a big difference in flight prices.

46. Avoid Expensive Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages can be pricey. Limit your consumption or buy it at a local store and enjoy it at your accommodation.

47. Use a Money Belt

Protect your money and essential documents by using a money belt or hidden pouch. This is especially important in areas known for pickpocketing.

48. Take Advantage of Duty-Free

If you need to purchase gifts or specific items, sometimes buying them in the duty-free area of the airport can save you money.

49. Volunteering

Some organizations offer food and accommodations in exchange for volunteer work . This can be an incredibly rewarding way to immerse yourself in the local culture while giving back.

50. Set Fare Alerts

Many flight search engines allow you to set alerts for specific routes. They will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book at the best possible price.

Remember that traveling on a budget is also about making choices.

Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more on an experience that will really enhance your trip, and other times it’s better to save. The key is finding the right balance.

Here are three top considerations for how to travel on a budget safely and healthily;

3 Top Considerations for Traveling on a Budget Safely & Healthily

1. budget travel styles.

Understanding and choosing a travel style that suits your budget is essential. The way you travel can significantly impact your expenses. Here are a few budget travel styles:

• Backpacking: Involves traveling with minimal luggage, often staying in hostels or budget accommodations, and using cost-effective transportation. It is popular among young and solo travelers.
• Slow Travel: Staying longer in one place to immerse yourself in the local culture. This style can save money as you can avail of long-term accommodation discounts and reduce transportation costs.
• Working Holidays: Involves volunteering or taking short-term jobs while traveling. This can offset some of your travel costs and is also a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture.
• Travel Hacking: Utilizing credit card points, frequent flyer programs, and other rewards to reduce the cost of flights and accommodations.

2. Staying Healthy on a Budget

Maintaining your health during your travels is crucial , as getting sick can be both costly and disruptive. Here are some tips:

• Travel Insurance: Invest in a good travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses. This can save you from hefty hospital bills in case of an emergency.
• Vaccinations and Medications: Ensure you are up-to-date with necessary vaccinations and carry essential medications. This prevents avoidable illnesses and the associated costs.
• Eat Wisely: Opt for hygienic eateries and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Drink bottled or purified water in countries where tap water isn’t safe.
• Stay Active and Rested: Engage in physical activities but also ensure you get enough rest. A balanced routine keeps you healthy and energized.

3. Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

Falling victim to a scam can be a major setback for budget travelers. Here’s some travel safety tips to stay vigilant:

• Research Common Scams: Before you travel, research common scams in the destination you are visiting. Being aware is the first step to avoid being tricked.
• Keep Valuables Safe: Carry only what you need for the day, and use a money belt or hotel safe for important documents and valuables.
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious if someone approaches you with an unsolicited offer, especially if it seems too good to be true.
• Stay Calm and Walk Away: If you feel like you’re being scammed, remain calm. Often, scammers rely on pressuring you into making hasty decisions. If something feels off, it’s okay to walk away.

By considering your travel style, staying healthy, and being vigilant against scams, you can make the most of your travels while sticking to your budget.

These considerations are fundamental to having a smooth and enriching travel experience without unexpected expenditures.

How to Travel on a Budget – Summary

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on experiences; rather, it’s about making smart choices that maximize the value of each dollar spent.

The key takeaways for a rewarding budget travel experience include:

• choosing a travel style that aligns with your preferences and budget
• prioritizing your health to avoid unexpected medical costs
• staying vigilant to protect yourself from scams

Being informed and planning ahead can significantly enhance the quality of your travels while keeping costs in check.

One crucial aspect of planning is ensuring you have reliable travel insurance.

For budget travelers, a highly recommended option is SafetyWing Insurance .

SafetyWing offers affordable travel medical insurance , which is invaluable for peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen medical emergencies. It’s flexible, designed with the traveler in mind, and easy to purchase even after your journey has begun.

As you embark on your next adventure, don’t forget that smart budgeting is an enabler, not a constraint. Take that leap, explore new cultures, make lifelong memories, and do it all without breaking the bank.

Subscribe to the Working Traveller Newsletter and alongside weekly money making and nomadic lifestyle tips, get instant access to my FREE ebook – 200+ Ways to Generate an Income While Travelling the World !

How to Travel on a Budget – FAQs

What is the meaning of budget travel.

Budget travel refers to the practice of traveling while minimizing expenses and seeking ways to make the most of a limited budget. This means being cost-conscious regarding transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.

Budget travelers often look for the best value options rather than the cheapest, aiming to have enriching travel experiences without overspending. This can involve staying in hostels or budget accommodations, using public transportation, eating at local eateries, and looking for free or low-cost attractions.

How do you travel for a year on a low budget?

Traveling for a year on a low budget requires careful planning and flexibility. Here are a few steps to consider:

• Choose Affordable Destinations: Opt for countries with lower living costs, such as those in Southeast Asia or Central America.
• Plan and Save: Prioritize saving money before your trip and set a realistic daily budget for your travels.
• Work or Volunteer: Consider working holidays, remote work, or volunteering in exchange for accommodation.
• Travel Slowly: Slow travel not only lets you immerse yourself in the culture but also saves money on transportation.
• Be Frugal: Cook your own meals, use public transport, and avoid expensive tourist traps.
• Travel Hacking: Learn the art of travel hacking to utilize credit card points and frequent flyer miles for flights and accommodations.
• Have Travel Insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance to avoid unexpected medical costs.

How can I travel the world with little money?

Traveling the world with little money is challenging but possible through creativity and adaptability. Here are some tips:

• Work Abroad: Take up short-term jobs or freelancing work as you travel.
• Couchsurfing and Hostels: Use platforms like Couchsurfing for free accommodation or stay in hostels.
• Hitchhiking and Rideshares: In safe and common areas, hitchhiking or using rideshare apps can save on transportation costs.
• Earn While Traveling: If you have skills like writing, web development, or photography, you can earn money online while traveling.
• Utilize Reward Programs: Use airline and credit card reward programs to your advantage.
• Travel Light: Pack minimally to avoid additional baggage fees.

What is the cheapest way to travel around the world?

The cheapest way to travel around the world involves a combination of strategies:

• Round-The-World (RTW) Tickets: Consider purchasing RTW tickets from airline alliances, which can be cost-effective for extensive travel.
• Low-Cost Carriers: Use low-cost airlines for regional flights and always be on the lookout for promotions and deals.
• Overland Travel: Where feasible, use buses and trains instead of flying.
• Hostels and Alternative Accommodations: Opt for hostels, guesthouses, or services like Couchsurfing .
• Eat Like a Local: Shop at local markets and eat street food.
• Free Attractions: Take advantage of free museums, parks, and walking tours.
• Travel Slowly: Longer stays often mean reduced accommodation and transportation costs.

Remember that while traveling cheaply, it’s essential not to compromise your safety and well-being. Always be informed and make sensible decisions.

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services I’ve used or would use myself. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊

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How to Budget for a Trip: The Easiest Travel Budgeting Method (+ Tips!)

Here’s a silly secret: I love budgeting travel… and I also think that most guides to creating a travel budget make it entirely too complicated.

I initially wrote this guide on how to budget for a trip almost 7 years ago, when we were prepping for what we were then calling a 6 month round the world trip (spoiler: depending on your definition of “trip”, it never actually ended).

50+ countries and the better part of a decade later, I’m still using the exact same, simple formula for calculating our budget while traveling–even if our definition of “on a budget” has changed over the years.

Planning to hit the road soon and wondering how much money you need for your trip?

Whether you’re headed off on a 2-week Europe trip or you’re planning to live out of a backpack for years like we did, our simple method for budgeting travel expenses has you covered.

Here’s the travel budget strategy that we swear by to this day!

Table of Contents

Our Formula for Creating a Travel Budget

Why we like this travel budgeting system, example of how to budget for a trip, tips for travel budgeting, planning a trip.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Here’s our incredible simple calculation for travel expenses:

(Money Saved – Major Expenses) / Number of Days Traveling = D aily Budget

That’s it–simple, easy to remember, and allows you to easily translate your savings from a pile of money into an actual travel budget.

Some long term travelers prefer to divide by the number of weeks instead of the number of days, on the premise that some days you may blow a large amount, and then have cheaper days to make up for it.

While that is 100% true and Jeremy and I definitely balance expensive days with inexpensive ones, I still prefer to think in terms of days.

In my experience, smaller numbers tend to be more easily tracked, and are less overwhelming as a result.

How to Define Major Travel Expenses

“Major expenses” can be somewhat of an ambiguous term, but I tend to use this for pricey plane tickets, travel insurance, and large monthly bills that you’re still responsible for during your trip (say, a car payment or health insurance). 

If you’re headed to any destinations that require a visa, be sure to include those costs as well!

For shorter trips, I also like to include lodging and certain cheaper transportation costs (night trains, budget airline flights, rental cars) here, but for long-term travel, that’s obviously not practical.

The point of the major expenses category is simply to remove the money that is allocated for specific expenses from play before determining how much you have to spend.

This is to avoid either a) running around feeling like you have more money than you do and overspending or b) anxiously fretting about the upcoming expense (like a plane ticket home) and saying no to things that you want to do because you’re needlessly stressed about not having enough money.

Personally, we’re much more likely to do the second.

Looking back on almost 7 years of travel, I can now definitively say that there have been more experiences than we’ve said no to when we should have jumped at the opportunity than times we splurged on an experience that wasn’t worth deducting from our calculated travel budget.

Luckily, thanks to this travel budgeting system, those experiences have been few and far between.

For us, this method of creating a travel budget works perfectly.

Thanks to careful tracking, we have never overspent on a trip, and we’ve also never worried much about money during our travels.

The worst that will happen is that we have a couple of pricey days in a row and follow it up with a day of inexpensive hiking or laying on the beach to make up for it (hardly a tragedy).

While I tend to track our daily expenses via mental estimates, I will write out cash expenses daily and credit card/more easily tracked expenses a couple of times a week–yes, even 7 years later.

It may seem like a drag, but 10 minutes of work can relieve a lot of stress and fear of the unknown that can come with just letting your money slip to the back of your mind.

(At least, it will be in the back of your mind until you start panicking over the thought of where your checking account balance might be when trying to fall asleep at night!).

Let’s say that a couple traveling is traveling to Paris from the USA for one week, and wants to calculate their travel budget.

In the interest of not searching too deeply for a pretend trip, I’ll say they buy the first flights they search for don’t stress about that too much. They’re also cautious and want travel insurance for their trip.

Our pretend couple has a $4000 travel budget, in total.

Major Travel Expenses for Our Mock Paris Trip

Round-Trip Flights to Paris: $2000

Travel Insurance : $150 

Hotel Room, $130/night for 7 nights: $910

($4000 total budget – $3060 major expenses) / 7 days = $134.28/day to spend, or $67.14/per person, per day.

I would round those down to $134 or $67, both for the ease of math and to build in a slightly conservative slant to the budget.

This would need to cover activities/tours, souvenirs/shopping, transportation while in Paris, and food/drinks.

That’s not only doable but completely comfortable in Paris, as long as our pretend couple is not hoping for luxury travel.

Know what’s worth it to you.

If you’re a major foodie, skimping on dining probably isn’t going to work for you–and if you’re a SCUBA lover, suggesting you limit dives on a beach trip may sound miserable.

Whatever your priorities are, focus on those and skimp on other areas, instead–even if other travelers consider the things you skip to be must-see sights.

Check in on your budget regularly.

Even if you don’t check in daily, be sure to track your budget at least every few days.

This will help keep you from blowing off course in either direction and also relieve any anxiety you have about not knowing the status of your budget.

Remember that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean having less fun!

Some of our favorite travel experiences cost little to nothing.

Browsing local markets, enjoying a beach day, going for a hike, wandering aimlessly through cities, sampling street food, and more all make for wonderful and incredibly memorable travel days.

Travel budgeting can be daunting when you get started, but once you get used to it, it enhances, rather than detracts from your experiences.

Not only are there wonderful travel experiences to be had at all budgets, but knowing where you are in your trip financially is much less stressful than constantly worrying that you’re over your travel budget… without having the concrete data to confirm either way.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

11 thoughts on “How to Budget for a Trip: The Easiest Travel Budgeting Method (+ Tips!)”

Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!

Extremely useful information specifically the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

Thank you! Appreciate you stopping by! :-)

bookmarked!!, I love your site!

Another small thing to consider would be to convert your daily budget amount to local currency.

Great point, thanks for stopping by! :-)

This is by far the best travel blog I have come across. Thank you!!!

So happy to hear that, DeElla!

Great info!

Good info. Thanks we will be traveling Italy for 28 days. The last 7 we are staying with friends. We don’t want to rent a car but use trains between towns and subway/buses in the cities. How do I budget for that? Are there month long passes for each? Excluding airfare we have $7000 food/transportation/entrance fees. Does that sound doable? We are flying into Rome, then Florence and take day trips from there, then ending up in Ugento. Any recommendations?

Thanks, Brenda!

You can definitely get around Italy without a car, that’s not a problem at all. $7000 for for 28 days on the ground also sounds reasonable (I’m assuming you’re traveling as a couple).

Trenitalia does have a monthly pass of sorts for trains, similar to the Eurail pass but for Italy only. However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it without knowing your schedule. Most likely, booking each leg individually is fine.

For short distances in rural areas that you travel by bus, you won’t need online tickets or anything like that. Same for any “local” trains you take, like the slow train between Florence and Bologna. You can buy those tickets step by step as you go, as the prices are set.

Where the prices get higher and you’ll need to budget in advance is for the high-speed train routes around Italy, like from Florence to Lecce, for example. Those trains have dynamic pricing, so if you can book your tickets in advance, you’ll both spend less and be able to budget more easily.

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Here’s How to Travel if You’re on a Budget

For travelers, planning a vacation doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. 

More than half of Gen Z adults are frequent travelers, taking at least three annual trips for leisure, according to data research group Morning Consult . And many of these travelers come from households that are less financially affluent—meaning they are not letting lower funds limit their travel excursions to one summer vacation a year.

Experts say that numerous apps and third party sites make traveling on a budget possible; it’s just a matter of knowing how to best use these resources to meet financial constraints while checking off must-haves when visiting particular locations. 

“First, you’ve got to know how you're going to attack the beast,” says Jo Franco, a host of the Netflix travel show World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals and CEO of her journaling company JoClub . “What are the things [you] want to see and experience, what lights [you] up, and pick one daily splurge.”

Here’s what experts told TIME about how to travel on a budget.

Know your limits before planning a trip

Experts say budgeting doesn’t have to limit a trip, but rather means travelers have to make adjustments when it comes to finding affordable options.

Travelers should first assess how much money they would like to spend on a particular vacation to best accommodate their financial constraints, Madison Lee, a 25-year-old travel content creator, tells TIME that can mean being open to a variety of travel dates, flying from a smaller airport, or traveling midweek as opposed to over a weekend. Traveling during the shoulder season of a particular location—typically spring and fall—is also more cost effective . 

More From TIME

Before planning, travelers should determine whether they are constrained to vacation during a specific time of year, or if they have more flexibility. “Are you going to look for the destination first and find the cheapest flights, and then work backwards and plan it into your schedule? Or do you know that you only have these two weeks off and your time is limited to those two weeks,” asks Franco, who created travel-related YouTube content for more than a decade. 

Travelers should keep in mind that a vacation will always be more expensive during national (and international) holidays. Franco warns that people should be aware of “phenomena travel,” which is when a certain event occurs in a city that draws in tourists and increases prices. “Not to say you shouldn't experience those things,” Franco says. “But if you're sticking to a budget and you're traveling for the sake of traveling and not necessarily to experience [something], then it would be good to research what happens in the locations during the year.” 

It may also be ideal to choose a location that is less known, according to Lee. “Choosing countries where your currency goes further will allow you to experience amazing things for much less than you would in popular tourist destinations. Decide what you want to see on your trip: mountains, beaches, cities etc… then look at less visited places that have those qualities—Milos vs Santorini, Albania vs Croatia, Chiapas vs Yucatán,” she says. 

Know what you want to get out of traveling 

Franco suggests travelers ensure they know what they most want out of a particular location, whether that be visiting a particular museum, eating at a specific restaurant, or exploring nature. Analyzing their preferences should help them decide whether to splurge on an experience, or meal for the day. 

For trips that are a week or longer, Franco suggests people only plan the first three days of their trip and leave the rest to fate. “When you travel on a budget, you're going to be in more communal places… you're going to meet more people,” Franco says. “The spontaneity that makes a trip special … usually happens when you meet somebody. They tell you about a place. You take their advice, you go to the place you end up having a magical time, or you meet a person that ends up becoming your travel companion and you sync up and you plan the rest of your trips.” 

Waiting to arrive at a vacation spot can make the journey much more fun. If someone’s budget is really tight, Franco also suggests that it may be more worthwhile to go to the second most popular destination in a country rather than the first as it’s less costly.

Saving on hotels 

Travelers can save on the most costly portions of their trip by being smart about their reservations. 

Solo travelers should consider staying at a hostel, which also tends to offer community events or discounted activities in the area. They can also provide amenities like laundry machines or kitchens. Lee also mentions services like Couchsurfing , which allows guests to stay with locals while abroad. But, “if you're traveling in a big group it'll be cheaper to get Airbnb with multiple beds in the Airbnb and to get multiple hotel rooms,” Franco says. (Airbnb prices have seen increases over the past few years, though some experts say prices are expected to fall in 2023.)

Franco also suggests that users check out apps like Hotel Tonight or more popular websites like Booking.com, which also offers mobile deals for people. It may also be useful to look at companies that do bundle save options—which happen when someone books a flight, hotel, and car rental—on a site like Expedia or Priceline. 

Experts warn, however, that people should consider the full scope of a vacation, which includes money for transportation to and from each location. “Staying outside of the city can sometimes look like it is saving you money, however, if transportation costs are expensive within that city, you might rack up more money on transportation cost s than you would spending a little bit extra on the accommodation,” Lee notes.

Saving on flights

Knowing when to book a flight is key to keeping prices low. Lee adds that airlines typically release new fares on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so booking on those days can help travelers pick the best seats or save the most. 

Cassy Martinez, a 31-year-old based out of Rio Grande, Texas founded Globethotter , an online travel community that hosts group trips in Europe and Mexico. Martinez recommends not waiting too long before booking their flight and stay. “I plan the group trips that I host nearly half a year in advance and do a lot of price estimates. I’ll often notice just five months later a significant spike, so you should really plan in advance."

Franco uses an app called Hopper for flights. The app informs buyers of the best time to book a flight based on historical pricing. Google Flights and Skyscanner are also great options, according to experts. For those who frequently travel, picking one airline and staying loyal to that company can help them rack up points to check bags, or get free upgrades. A travel credit card is also a must have for borrowers who want to use their points towards travel miles. 

However, people should also be aware of flights that may be too good to be true. “Flights [may be] really cheap, but a lot of times you can only get one personal item on the plane,” Franco says. Travelers with extra luggage might also consider booking an overnight train or bus, which may extend the length of time to reach a destination, but is much more affordable. 

“ Travel is what you make it,” says Martinez, “There is always something to match different people’s bank accounts and meet you where you are.”

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The Best Budget Travel Tips — From Saving Money on Air Travel to Spending Less on Hotels

The finance and travel pros have you covered.

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It’s clear that people are thinking about travel this year, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them. Whether a weekend getaway, staycation, cruise, or faraway excursion, a trip is in the plans (and/or wishes) for many Americans. According to an IPX1031 survey with 1,000 participants, more than 90 percent of Americans plan to travel in 2023. The majority (86 percent) are planning a trip out of state, and nearly 30 percent expect to vacation abroad.

RetailMeNot asked 1,000 U.S. consumers about their spring and summer travel plans and found that 96 percent hope to take at least one trip between March and May. Their survey also revealed that price is the most important factor when it comes to deciding on vacation experiences and activities. Two-thirds of the respondents agreed that inflation is impacting where and how they travel, especially the high cost of transportation.

Even with budget concerns, though, travel is still possible. Getting away from the daily routine, even briefly, provides relaxation, enjoyment, enrichment, and health benefits . To help make those travel plans come to fruition, we gathered some ideas on budget vacations from travel and finance expert.

How to Plan Travel Within a Budget

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"Don’t let Instagram influencers make you think you can’t travel on a budget, and don’t believe travel isn’t worthwhile just because you don’t have a lot of money to spend," Samantha Brown , travel expert and host of PBS’s Emmy-winning series, Samantha Brown’s Places to Love , told Travel + Leisure .

With that encouragement, Brown offered some suggestions: " Road tripping saves on both costs and stress because so much travel anxiety can be attributed to airports and airlines." She continued, "Take more road trips in your own car and explore your own state. Travelers rarely think about their own backyard, but they should."

Along those lines, Brown suggested checking out the National Wildlife Refuge System , with more than 560 refuges, including 100 urban national wildlife refuges located near metropolitan areas. There’s also access to hiking and biking trails, wetlands, and a thriving animal population. 

Brown added, "Think in terms of opposites: If it’s summer and everyone’s going to the beach, head to a city and enjoy all their free events such as outdoor concerts." Consumer financial advocate Courtney Alev of Credit Karma echoed Brown’s suggestion to avoid popular spots during their high seasons, when prices are guaranteed to be more expensive. Instead, look into alternative, similar destinations. Alev added, "A fun getaway doesn’t always involve a flight. Look at destinations that are within driving distance of home and see where you can go close by."

T+L A-list advisor Jonathan Alder agreed that travelers should seek out the shoulder and off-season periods when costs are lower. He suggested considering destinations outside of the U.S. "Many people might assume it’s less expensive or a greater value to travel within the U.S., although that is far from true for the last few years. Consider destinations that might not be your first thought as there are so many amazing countries out there."

Saving Dollars on Air Travel

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Kristin McGrath, shopping expert for RetailMeNot, suggested signing up for email alerts from tools like Expedia, Travelocity, and Google Flights to get early access to coupon codes. "Experiment with different travel dates," she said. "If your travel plans are flexible, check alternative flight dates to see if you can dig up a lower fare. You may be able to trim your ticket price by changing your dates by as little as one day."

Alev added, "When your travel plans are flexible it’s usually easier to find cheap flights. Traveling during the week, tolerating a longer layover, or taking a red-eye flight often provides the best deals. Also, book somewhat in advance so you aren’t paying last-minute prices."

A travel trends report from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo suggests Sunday is the best day to book and Wednesday is the best day to depart. They recommend one month lead time for booking domestic flights and six months for international flights. Of course, advice on this topic varies, but it’s a good idea to compare and learn as much as you can before booking. 

Spending Less for Hotels

"Spend no money on accommodations. Think of house swapping or housesitting. You can stay all over the world for free," Brown told T+L, recommending TrustedHousesitters and Home Exchange as two sites to explore.

McGrath, meanwhile, advised, "For vacation rentals, book your stay as early as possible. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a tropical vacation or are planning to head home for a specific holiday or event, book early. Vrbo, Airbnb, and other vacation rental prices tend to be less expensive when booking months or even weeks ahead."

McGrath also suggested booking bundled vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and car rentals. In addition to saving money, you’ll know the price of your entire trip at the time of booking, rather than getting a cheap flight only to be surprised by the cost of hotels and car rentals. 

The Expedia travel trends report points out a boom in more affordable three-star hotel stays. "Fewer stars don’t equal lower standards ... Many properties still offer excellent amenities, stylish interiors, and unique vibes...just at lower rates." The report continues, "As nearly a quarter of global travelers plan to be more frugal in 2023, added value without compromised quality is vital.” 

Budget Travel Without Debt

According to a study from Accrue Savings , one in five consumers have gone into debt for travel, with 81 percent incurring more than $500 worth of debt. Instead of facing payments for a past vacation, the company recommends saving in advance for a trip. 

Alev advised creating a separate savings account to give your money a purpose. "Dedicating that account to a specific getaway will make it easier to see how your savings are growing over time, and will help you avoid accidentally spending that money on something else." She also suggested setting up automatic withdrawals from your checking account or having part of your paycheck automatically deposited into your savings account.

Retail and shopping expert Kristen Gall of Rakuten understands it’s hard to resist buying items to have a piece of that memory at home. "However, it’s important to remember you don’t need every souvenir that catches your eye. I recommend only purchasing items that you simply can’t get back at home or that are small enough to not impact your luggage weight."

With these expert suggestions and your own creative approach to budgeting, this may be the time to start planning a well-deserved vacation.

Related Articles

Free Travel Budget Calculator: Easily Make Your Vacation Budget

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Ready to take the hassle out of planning and managing your vacation budget? Our online Free Travel Budget Calculator is  simple, and easy to use, and can help you plan and track your vacation expenses in just a few clicks.  

I’ve used these same methods and categories of expenses for every trip I’ve taken over the last 25 years. From multiple  3 month solo adventures through Europe and South America, to weeks long trips to Cuba and Vancouver Island, Canada with my family. 

Now online with automatic calculations, so you don’t have to mess around with spreadsheets or hand write in printables that clutter up your home. 

In this post you’ll get access to this free tool, plus, you’ll get my top tips for planning your budget effectively for your trips and how to save money on travel. All the advice you need for smarter travel planning is right here.

How to Use the Travel Budget Calculator & Try It Out!

Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back to it anytime you need to track your vacation expenses and make travel plans.

This free vacation budget calculator will give you an estimate of total travel costs for your trip and whether your budget is enough to cover what you want to do.

It can help you identify areas you can potentially save money on trip expenses. Whether it’s choosing more budget-friendly hotels, walking or taking the bus instead of taxis, or prioritizing your top not-to-miss activities.

You can also start with your budget.

Then play around with the length of your trip, how much hotels, flights etc will cost to help you determine your price range for each travel expense as well.

• Enter 0 (zero) if there are certain categories you don’t need . The calculator will output an error ($NaN) if you don’t.
• Instructions for the calculator are below the Travel Budget Calculator, to give you an idea of what you should include under each budget item.

Vacation Budget Calculator

Calculator instructions.

Enter all your estimated expenses you’ve gathered during your vacation research.

Make sure it’s actually a realistic travel budget. For a  family trip with young kids, you’ll also need to factor other things like diapers, baby wipes etc.

• Travel Budget : Enter your overall vacation budget you have for this trip.
• Number of Travellers: Enter the number of people you are paying for on this trip
• Number of Nights: Enter the number of nights you will need accommodations for. This will be used to calculate hotel costs.
• Number of Vacation Days: Enter the number of days you will be on vacation. Include travel days to be safe . This will be used to calculate your overall food & drink, daily transportation and activity costs.
• Total Flight Costs: Enter the estimated total of flight costs for everyone travelling. Be sure to include any baggage fees.
• Transportation Costs: Enter the total transportation costs for the trip. This is for any major transport costs that aren’t flights like trains, city transfers, car or RV rentals.
• Daily Transportation Costs: Enter your anticipated daily transport costs. This is for things like taxis, buses, Ubers, parking costs etc, you might need to get around every day.
• Hotel Costs (Per Night): Enter the amount your accommodations will cost each night. Don’t forget to include any tips for housekeeping staff etc. you may need to pay.
• Total Tour Costs: Enter your overall total budget or cost for tours, including guide tips.
• Activity Costs (Per Day) : Enter the amount you expect to spend on activities daily (do not include tours). These are for things like seeing movies, souvenirs, shopping, trips to a rec centre / pool, bowling, seeing a hockey game or a concert etc.
• Food & Drink Costs (per Day): Enter your overall daily food & drink budget or expected costs for everyone. Don’t forget to include tips.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Enter an amount of money you will have overall for unexpected expenses or miscellaneous costs that pop up. Be sure to also include extra travel expenses not covered elsewhere.
• Travel Insurance: Enter the overall amount of money you will pay for travel insurance for everyone. This is for things like travel health insurance, trip cancellation insurance etc.

Budget Outputs

Currency Note: While the output is in dollars (uses the $ symbol), you can really use any numerical currency you’d like. Just ignore the $ symbol.

Once you hit the calculate button, you will get 4 pieces of info based on the numbers you provided:

• Total Vacation Costs : This is the estimated cost for your vacation based on the info you provided.
• Over Budget / Under Budget: This is the amount you are either over or under budget. If your expenses are over your vacation budget, it will say Over Budget and the number will be negative. If it says Under Budget, that is the amount you are under your estimated budget.
• Travel Costs Per Day: This is the amount of money your trip will cost you each day.
• Cost Per Person Per Day: This is the amount of money your trip will cost you per person, each day.

Make sure to review your results. If your over budget are there things you can do to bring the costs down? Or is there a way you can save or make more money before your trip?

Why You Need A Travel Budget

Listen, I am all for spending a little extra to do things our family doesn’t get to do at home. 

But there is nothing more anxiety-inducing than running out of money on a trip, or having to pay off huge credit card bills at 28%  interest because you didn’t plan ahead.

This is where a vacation budget can really help. 

It doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or spend money.

Creating a budget will actually help you be able to afford your dreams. Plus be able to relax & have fun on your vacation knowing you won’t be in debt when you get back home.

The trip budget calculator will make financial planning fun, and easy.

How To Set Your Travel Budget & Determine Expenses

1. determine your overall travel budget.

First things first. Decide on your overall vacation budget or the money you are willing to spend on this trip.

When determining your overall vacation budget, you’ll want to consider a few things:

• How much money are you willing to spend on this trip?
• How much have you already saved?
• How long do you plan to go for? (more or less time can impact your budget)
• How many people will be travelling? (some places like Europe limit 4 people to a hotel room, this can significantly impact cost)
• When do you want to travel and how much time do you have to add to your vacation fund?
• How much extra can you afford to put away every week / month on top of your regular bills & household expenses?
• Is there any way you can decrease household expenses, or increase your income to add to your vacation fund faster?

Just make sure it’s a realistic budget. It doesn’t do anybody any good to use too low or too high numbers as a starting point. 

2. Do Your Research

The type of trip you want to take, the length and the type of activities you want to do, will really impact your budget.

For example a week long trip to Thailand will be much different than a week in Japan, or a trip to Disneyworld.

Do some intial research to give you an idea of what your basic travel expenses will costs, so you can have ballpark figures to enter in the travel cost calculator.

You can always google average costs of living / travelling at your destination.

Careful planning is an important part of any travel budget. 

3. Find Ways to Cut Costs

Unless you have a rich benefactor, or suddenly won the lottery, it’s a good idea to consider ways you can cut costs, save money and use your travel budget wisely.

Besides using our holiday budget calculator, our favourite ways to save money on travel expenses.

Transportation & Accommodation

• Find flight deals & error fares : The best way is with Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) Flight tickets can be a big expense and make up a good portion of the total cost usually. 
• Consider housesitting: is our go-to site for housesitting around the world.
• Rent a place with a kitchen : Save money on food with a vacation rental . They can also be cheaper than renting multiple hotel rooms if you have a large family or group.
• Compare car rentals: Using Discover Cars can help you save up to 70% by quickly comparing rental cars options.
• Book early: Hotels, flights and trains are generally cheaper booked in advance. You won’t want to risk paying significantly more waiting until last minute.
• Take public transportation: If it’s safe to do so, take the local bus, or walk instead of relying on expensive taxis all the time.

⭐️ Also check out our list of the best ways to save money on flights .

General Money Saving Tips

• Travel off season or peak season: Not only is it usually much cheaper, there’s usually fewer tourists.
• Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees : Those transaction fees can really add up. Also consider if travel credit cards with points are for you.
• Eat where the locals eat : Avoiding the touristy restuarants, and eating where the locals eat will not only save you lots of money, it will give you a more authentic look into their local cuisine and culture.
• Avoid popular destinations:  The most popular touristy destinations  often cost a lot of money, compared to smaller, lesser known destinations.  
• Consider using travel agents: Sometimes a travel agent can find you a great deal, with much less work on your part. 
• Adjust your travel style: Luxury resorts may be out of your price range. Road trips, camping trips can be just as memorable for for a family vacation.
• Plan free activities : Pick some free activities to do in between your more expensive tours, theme parks, & day trips to ancient ruins. 
• Check out these ways to save on flights

Final Thoughts Using The Vacation Budget Calendar

Creating a vacation budget might seem challenging, but don’t worry! Equipped with the right tools and a bit of strategic planning, your next epic adventure is closer than you think.

Using a vacation budget calculator can help guide you to make smart, affordable choices, allowing you to experience the journey you’ve always dreamed of, without stressing about expenses.

Travel can be exciting and enjoyable at all budget levels. So here’s to making memories with your family, and friends.

Related travel planning resources:

• Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist
• Family beach vacation tips
• Tips for saving money on road trips
• Easy ways to build a travel fund
• Save money on attractions: Where to buy online tour tickets

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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Creating a travel budget may seem like a hassle, but it’ll actually make your vacation more enjoyable. Knowing that you’ve already planned out how you’re going to pay for everything will help you relax and have a good time.

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Many people enjoy traveling the world, exploring new places, or just relaxing in a tranquil environment.

Taking a vacation is a great way to reduce stress and improve productivity, but traveling can be costly. Making a travel budget will make a big difference while planning your next getaway.

Those who love to travel should incorporate it as a line item in their monthly budgets. Each month, set aside a certain amount for travel in its own separate account.

Earmark that money specifically as a vacation budget so that it can be spent guilt-free. Money that is put toward trip expenses can simply be reimbursed from the travel account.

With that said, if there is outstanding debt that is difficult to pay off, planning an immediate vacation may not be a good idea. In this case, the priority should be to set up an emergency fund that includes three-to-six months’ worth of living expenses.

Why Is Budgeting for a Vacation Important?

While it is good to get into the habit of setting aside vacation funds every month, it is also important to create a budget for each individual trip. This will help determine how long it will take to build up enough money in the vacation account to pay for that trip. It will also allow for logistics to be planned out, while staying on budget.

Scheduling and budgeting for vacations can be very enjoyable. Researching hotel accommodations, restaurants, and free things to do helps to build up anticipation. It can be fun for the whole family to spend time together, figuring out the different parts of an upcoming trip.

How to Budget for A Vacation in 5 Simple Steps

When it comes time to map out those vacation expenses, a few key steps will help lead to success and worry-free traveling. Begin by drafting a well-rounded vacation budget, focusing on expenses in the following five main categories. Once these are figured out, the rest of the details will fall into place.

1. Choose a destination and preferred date

Start by picking a destination and nailing down travel dates. Remember that some locations are more expensive to visit than others. The time of year can also make a difference in pricing. Traveling done at peak tourist times usually costs more than off-season trips.

Be flexible

Being flexible is one of the easiest ways to save when budgeting for a vacation. Check out multiple travel destinations and compare prices before settling on options for lodging and airfare. Since these are two of the largest expenses in any travel budget, keeping them in check will go a long way toward helping to keep the overall cost down.

Be willing to look at alternative accommodations or stay at a place that is a little farther away from the tourist areas. Remember that most vacation time is spent outside the hotel room – so there is no reason to put a large chunk of the budget toward nice accommodations that will be used only for sleep.

Also, be flexible when choosing a travel date. Many travel search engines have a “flexible dates” option that can be used to research the lowest prices for airfare and lodging. Plan around these dates for added savings in the travel budget.

Consider the season

The time of year can really impact a travel budget. A lot of people have begun to plan weddings around their honeymoons, and not vise versa. For example, if the goal is to travel to Italy without spending a fortune or facing large crowds of tourists – while still enjoying nice weather – get married in early autumn, which is known as the shoulder season. It’s a great time of year to travel, because the weather is still nice, but the crowds have thinned out. Most people with children travel during the summer. Once the kids are back in school, prices for airfare and accommodations tend to drop, allowing people with more flexibility to travel cheaper.

Related: Make Money Renting Your Home with Airbnb While You’re on Vacation

2. Make a list of your major expenses (use a travel budget worksheet)

When drafting a travel budget worksheet, plan for the biggest expenses, including transportation, accommodations, and food, first. Getting those out of the way will greatly aid in putting together the overall vacation budget.

Research cheap travel deals (transportation)

Transportation costs for trips that are taken close to home will not be very high. But when airfare comes into the picture, the transportation line item will increase dramatically. Research multiple airlines for cheap travel deals, and consider taking connecting flights to cut down on the cost. If it’s feasible, check out the price of flights leaving from airports in nearby cities.

Flights on airlines to and from major airport hubs are usually lower in cost. For example, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are both headquartered in Dallas. Flights on those airlines tend to be the cheapest travel to and from that area.

Research accommodations

Another large expense in any travel budget is lodging. There is a wide range of options to consider when it comes to picking out a place to stay, including hostels, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or apartments. Or, if a trip includes camping, those accommodations can include cabins and tents.

Rather than being brand-loyal to a particular hotel, utilize travel sites like Hotels.com to compare costs at different chains. After all, most travel time is spent sightseeing and exploring, not inside the room.

The closer accommodations are to major attractions, the more expensive they will be. Consider staying somewhere off the beaten path to save money.

When traveling with a group of people, split the cost of accommodations. For example, rent a house or condo with multiple rooms and divide the costs. If your destination is more remote, consider renting an RV. For as low as $175 per night, you can comfortably sleep 10 adults and still come in under $20 per person per day.

Budget for food

One of the trickiest line items in a vacation budget is food. To save some money in this area, choose a place to stay that has a kitchen – or at least a refrigerator and microwave. Eat some meals there, and then splurge a few times by going out to eat at local restaurants.

Another great way to save money on food is to stay in a bed and breakfast or a hotel that includes breakfast. Some chains like Homewood Suites or DoubleTree offer both a kitchen area and a hot breakfast, which helps in saving money . Drinks bought while eating out can quickly add to a bill, so buy wine or beer for the room to keep that travel budget in check.

When budgeting for meals, try going out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner, and many of the same options are offered for less. It is also usually not as tempting to order pricey alcoholic beverages during lunch.

Related: How to Find Cheap Gas Nearby (When You’re On the Go)

3. Make a list of smaller expenses

Once the larger expenses are planned out, figure out the extras, like sightseeing, entertainment, and gifts.

Research potential vacation activities and local places to visit. Go online to get an idea of the associated costs, and budget accordingly.

Don’t forget to plan for any necessary vaccines if traveling abroad, as well as gifts to take back home. Build a buffer into the budget to account for any surprise expenses. It’s always best to plan for more, and then spend less.

4. Determine the monthly savings

Once a rough vacation budget has been established, it’s time to figure out how to pay for it. Take the total amount and divide it by the number of months left until the trip. For example, if the vacation date is in nine months and the cost of the trip is approximately $2,700, $300 must be set aside every month.

If that amount seems too large, there are two options: adjust the timeline or make some extra money.

If necessary, push the trip out by a few months until enough money can be saved, or figure out how to bring in some extra income. There are many different ways to make money on the side, and help to reach that savings goal.

5. Vacation budgeting doesn’t end there

Those travel budgets won’t do much good if they aren’t followed. It is important to track costs and stay on top of spending while on vacation. Don’t stress out over every penny, but don’t go overboard, either. It wouldn’t be fun to see some nasty surprises on the bank or credit card statement later.

One of the easiest ways to track expenditures while traveling is with a budgeting tool like Personal Capital. Alternatively, keep on top of spending with an Excel spreadsheet or even with a pen and paper. Whatever the method, keep it updated and check it regularly.

Bonus Tip: Draft an itinerary

While it’s not necessary to create an itinerary when budgeting for a vacation, it really helps stay on track. The best way to do this is by using an Excel spreadsheet. Make a rough outline with a separate entry for each day of the vacation. Fill in all of the travel information and any scheduled activities like sightseeing tours.

Make a separate column to the side and list out all potential vacation activities. Group together any events that are in the same area of town and write down approximately how long each one would take. Now slot them in under the different day headers for either the morning or afternoon.

Try to group together activities or sightseeing that will occur in the same part of town. Food and restaurant options can be added in after the schedule is roughed out.

Itineraries are meant to be flexible, not restrictive. Move things around to find the right balance. Note the associated cost of each entry on the list.

Add all of the expenses together at the bottom of the spreadsheet to estimate the total travel budget. Remember that it’s not necessary to follow the itinerary word for word. Use it as a planning tool and focus on enjoying the trip.

Creating a Travel Budget Is Well Worth the Time

Even though it may seem like creating a travel budget can be a hassle, in the long run, it will make vacations far more enjoyable.

Having a vacation budget means not stressing about money after the trip. It allows for advanced planning and time to save up enough money. Budgeting for a vacation means that it will be easy to relax and have a good time, knowing that everything is in the budget and ready to be paid for.

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Cheap Holiday Ideas: 8 Budget Vacation Deals

While many of us dream of traveling the world (or at least taking a few months off from work in pursuit of adventure), it’s not always feasible — even for those with the best of intentions. A lot of things can get in the way.

I frequently talk about long-term travel and round-the-world trips , but I know that realistically, not everyone can take those kinds of trips — or wants to. I don’t think traveling the world as a digital nomad is hard , but I also know that what I do isn’t for everyone.

Some people just want to go on a cheap vacation for a few weeks. Not everyone has the time or interest in taking an extended trip.

And that’s perfectly ok!

So, what do you do when you only have a short amount of time and a limited budget? What are some budget vacation ideas that  aren’t about traveling the world?

Even if you don’t want to backpack Cambodia for three months or walk the Camino de Santiago , there are many ways to get on the road and see the world without breaking the bank!

Here are eight cheap travel ideas if you are cash-strapped and/or time-poor:

Table of Contents

1. Be a Local Tourist

2. travel regionally, 3. go to national (and regional) parks, 4. book a last-minute cruise (or book far in advance), 5. think outside the box, 6. book a last-minute tour, 7. become a house sitter, 8. grab a cheap flight, want more cheap vacation ideas.

We’re all guilty of this. It took me five years to see the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok (even after living there), and I’ve still never been to Bunker Hill in Boston despite spending the first 24 years of my life there.

We always put it off until tomorrow , because when we live in a city, we think there is always a tomorrow.

We get so caught up in our daily lives we forget that we can have a cheap vacation in our own city. We don’t have to go anywhere!

If you’re short on time and money, there’s no better way to spend some free time than to wander your own city. No matter what its size, it has a number of wonders that you’ve never seen or even known about because you just haven’t explored it like you would somewhere far-flung and “exotic.”

Explore your city the way you would explore it if it were half a world away. Be a traveler in your own town and look at it with new eyes. You might just be surprised!

Check and see what unique activities you can do that you wouldn’t do otherwise. To see what fun activities are available near you, check out Get Your Guide .

EatWith can also be found in cities all around the world, offering unique, locally-created culinary experiences. You’ll get to try new food and meet new people — all while staying in your own backyard!

Additionally, check and see if there are any walking or cycling tour companies in your city (or nearby cities). Take Walks runs fun, detailed, and insightful tours in cities all around the world. I always book a tour with them when I want to get beneath the surface of a destination!

Moreover, if you live in a large city, be sure to go to your local tourism office and get a city tourism pass. These cards allow you to see a wide range of local attractions for free or reduced prices and can be your way to see your local sites on a budget. They aren’t just for outsiders!

Important Tip: When you become a local tourist, check out of your house and into a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse. It’s important to get out of your familiar environment because if you stay home, you’ll find something to do around the house and create excuses for why you can’t sightsee.

To find accommodation, Booking.com is the best place to start. It has an easy-to-use interface and generous cancellation policies should you change your mind.

Moving to a different location can help give you that feeling of adventure, excitement, and unfamiliarity.

LEARN MORE :

• Staycations: 5 Ways to Embrace Your Next Holiday at Home
• How to Find Cheap Accommodation in 7 Easy Steps
• My Favorite Hostels Around the World
• How to Find the Perfect Airbnb

But I could say the same thing as my Aussie friends.

I grew up in Boston , and from there, I could road-trip New England and visit New Hampshire, the woods of Maine, the bed-and-breakfasts of the Berkshires, or the farms of Vermont. New York was a four-hour car ride from home.

How often did I do that? Not often enough!

Exploring your own region is an underrated and often overlooked aspect of travel. It gets the occasional lip service in magazines, but driving across the United States made me realize how much our own countries have to offer us and how often we overlook that for some foreign place.

There’s something special about being a stranger in your homeland and realizing you really don’t know as much about it as you thought.

We think because we’re born in a place we understand it but every country has regional differences that make it unique and, unless we travel to see and experience them, we’ll never fully understand the place we call home.

Driving across the US taught me a lot about this . It gave me a deep appreciation for the country, the people, and the diversity within its borders. It broke down stereotypes and misconceptions I had about the different regions in the US.

My time exploring my own backyard was just as important to my growth as any trip to a foreign country.

If you’re on a limited budget, can’t afford a flight or a trip to exotic lands, or just want to do something different, don’t forget that you can always travel around your own country. It can be just as powerful as going abroad.

Budget-friendly bus companies like FlixBus can help you travel your region on the cheap. They have routes around Europe and the US, with tickets starting at just $5 USD!

• The Great American Road Trip: A 4 Month Itinerary
• How to Road Trip Across the USA on a Budget
• A 21-Day Road Trip Itinerary Around the Deep South
• A 7-Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary

In many countries, particularly in Europe (especially Scandinavia), you can camp on public lands for free. In the United States, you can camp on undeveloped BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands for free, provided the spot you choose is a sufficient distance from established campgrounds and you follow local restrictions.

Additionally, you go camping stocked with all your own supplies and accommodation (i.e., a tent), so you don’t have to worry about spending lots of extra money once you have the gear. Your food bill can be whatever you spend on groceries and nothing more. Just be sure to leave no trace of your stay at your campsite and pack out anything you brought with you.

You don’t need to love camping to spend time in the national parks, either. Personally, I hate camping. I’m not the camp-in-a-tent kind of guy; I need toilets, beds, and hot water. Luckily, many parks provide cabins for rent. While hiking the Grand Canyon, I stayed at a national park lodge at the bottom. I had a room in a dormitory, but for a few nights, it was the cheap accommodation I needed.

And while national parks are impressive, state or provincial parks can be just as spectacular, but with fewer crowds, and easier to access. There’s almost always a park nearby and spending a few days with nature is not only good for your wallet but also good for your mental health.

Looking for a more unique experience? Campspace is a website that lets people camp in someone’s backyard, garden, parked camper, or private land for a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for unique camping spots.

Want to do a mini road trip around your region? Use RVShare to rent an RV from a local for cheap!

And if you’re looking to rent a car, use Discover Cars to find the best rental car prices.

• Hiking the Grand Canyon
• The Girl’s Guide to Hiking Solo
• How to Plan a Successful RV Trip

But, if you’re the last passenger running onto that ship, you can find some sweet deals.

Cruise lines always offer incredible last-minute deals. No cruise company wants to leave with half the cabins empty. If you wait until a few weeks before departure, you can usually find some really amazing deals as cruise lines scramble to find passengers. Plus, cruise operators always throw in some onboard amenities, free upgrades, and cash vouchers to sweeten the deal.

The website CruiseSheet often has cruises as low as $50 per day! (It’s the best cruise booking website in the world!)

Conversely, if you book over a year in advance, cruise lines also offer amazing low fares for early birds.

Cruises are the one form of travel for which I recommend visiting a travel agent if you’re part of a big group. They have wonderful working relationships with the operators and can score better packages than booking online.

After you book, keep an eye out on prices, because if they drop, you can often call your travel agent or the cruise company itself to get a partial refund or vouchers to use for dining and alcohol on the boat.

The cruise industry was drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most cruise lines lost billions of dollars, which means there are some amazing deals out there if you’re looking to plan a cruise.

That said, lots of passengers ended up stuck in quarantine on cruise ships as well. Cruise ships, while fun, can easily turn into floating petri dishes, so make sure if you book a cruise that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers cruises in case you get sick.

• How to Find a Cheap Cruise
• The Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World

The list goes on and on. There are countless cheap alternatives and budget destinations around the world!

Travel counter to the prevailing trend.

Zig when everyone zags.

If people are going in the summer, you go in the spring or winter. Skip the popular destinations and head off the beaten path a bit.

Contrarian travel will save you a bundle of money. It’s like reverse commuting. While others heading into the city in the morning for work are stuck in traffic, you breeze the opposite way hassle-free. The same is true for travel.

The more you are a contrarian in where — and when — you go, the better off your wallet will be. Plus, you’ll enjoy destinations more because there will be fewer crowds. No one loves a crowd!

LEARN MORE : 

• 10 Destinations to Visit on a Budget
• Cheap Places to Visit on the US Dollar

Why are tours so cheap last-minute? Well, think about how people plan vacations. You get the time off work, you book your vacation, you buy your flight, and you go. Since people pre-book, prices are higher in advance because these companies understand booking patterns and then price accordingly.

As departure time nears, companies know people aren’t likely to turn up and book on departure day, so they sweeten the price to increase bookings. So take the time off work, wait until the week before, see what’s cheap, and then go.

My favorite company, Intrepid Travel , often offers 15–30% discounts on last-minute tours.

• How to Choose the Perfect Tour Company
• The Best Tour Companies in Europe
• The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

A way around that is to stay somewhere for free.

While I like Couchsurfing , it’s hard to do that for two weeks without annoying your host. A unique way to overcome this is to housesit for someone while they are on vacation. You get free accommodation, a kitchen to cook in, and the chance to explore a destination in depth. It’s a pretty unique way to travel and one that I know a lot of world travelers take advantage of. You can even do this in your own region too, to cut down on transportation costs.

The best way to secure housesitting gigs is to build up your portfolio of reviews on a site like Trusted Housesitters by starting small. Find opportunities near you so secure a few reviews before you start competing for housesitting gigs in popular places like NYC or Paris (since those are more competitive). If you’re willing to do housesits in “less popular” destinations you can easily find opportunities.

• How to Become a Housesitter
• How to Start House Sitting

With those sites, you can type in “(the closest airport to you)” for your departure city and “everywhere” for your destination. Then a list of the cheapest flights appears in front of your very eyes, so you can choose where to go within your budget. This is how I decide where to go when I don’t have a specific place in mind. It’s a great tool!

The website Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is another great way to find rock bottom flight prices. They scour the web daily and send the cheap flights they find directly to your inbox, saving you hundreds of dollars – as well as the time spent to find those deals!

The key to finding the best deals is to be flexible — with either your dates or your destination (but ideally both). The more flexible you are, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to snag a great deal.

• The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Cheap Flight
• How to Buy A Round-The-World Ticket

Not everyone can jump overseas at the drop of a hat or spend six months backpacking around Europe or Asia . A fancy vacation to Mexico may be out of your reach.

But while you might not have a lot of time or money, there’s more than one way to see the world.

After all, travel is simply the art of going somewhere new and different and exploring everything the place has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you have two days, two weeks, or two months. Use these cheap vacation ideas and go explore on a budget. You might just be surprised what you discover.  

Here are a few more posts that can help you plan an epic trip without breaking the bank:

• Ten Destinations Under $50
• 10 Best Places to Travel on a Budget
• The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You Have No Money
• How to Travel the World on $50 A Day

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The 11 best hotels in Paris for budget-friendly breaks and luxury stays

More chimney pot views than a mary poppins film, cocktails that would make hemingway swoon and a whole lot of hausmann — these are the best hotels in paris in 2024, article bookmarked.

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In a city with more than 1,600 hotels , choice can be overwhelming. Palaces, manoirs , a rooftop terrasse every which way you look. New openings saturate the market, each claiming to be bigger and better than the last (the number of hotels grew by more than 200 between 2022 and 2023), and some 40 million tourists flock to Paris each year.

A veritable encyclopedia of information awaits those that delve into Google reviews; in fact, booking a trip now requires the reading time of an encyclopaedia. As if the arrondissement wasn’t already hard enough to pick — should you stay in fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Pres, chic Le Marais or edgy, distinctly un-Parisian Belleville — there’s the new Michelin ‘key’ ranking system to contend with.

Whether brand-spanking new or as ingrained into Paris ’s fabric as a classic tweed Chanel skirt suit, we’ve rounded up the best Parisian hotels, be your budget champagne or chocolat chaud .

Best hotels in Paris

At a glance.

• Best city centre hotel: Hotel Lancaster
• Best luxury hotel: Hotel de Crillon
• Best boutique hotel: La Planque
• Best budget hotel: The People Belleville
• Best hotel with a view: Hotel Rochechouart
• Best for families: Castille
• Best for couples: Grands Voyageurs
• Best spa hotel: Maison Bréguet

1. Dame des Arts

If you were going to make a movie about an idyllic Parisian life, it would likely be at Hôtel Dame des Arts, where sipping a ‘Spritz des Dames’ at their rooftop bar, the spires of Notre-Dame (scaffolding-free, even if AI had to help you with that part), the towers of Saint-Sulpice and the zinc rooftops of the Haussmann buildings formed the backdrop. It’s a shame that on screen you’d miss the hotel’s heady signature scent, which perfumes the whole building.

Address: 4 Rue Danton, 75006 Paris

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Rates provided by Booking.com

Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing.

Read more: The best things to do in Paris

2. Hotel Lancaster

If Gatsby did Paris… Opened in the 1930, there’s an old-world glamour to the Hotel Lancaster, with its decadent chandeliers and grand entrance hall, where horses and carriages would have once arrived. It entertained some of the biggest stars of the silver screen, including Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor. Other than the legacy and sheer splendour of the building, the CopperBay bar alone is enough to warrant a visit, with cocktails so elaborate they’ll dominate your holiday conversation.

Address: 7 Rue de Berri, 75008 Paris

Read more: The best neighbourhoods to stay in and around Paris

3. Hotel Rochechouart

Paris hotels aren’t usually synonymous with space; generally they make Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs look roomy. Hotel Rochechouart, with its high ceilings, is a welcome exception, especially for the price. The space in even the smallest rooms (16 square metres) has been so well utilised that they look airy, and the suites go up to 34 square metres. But why spend time in your room at all? The view from the rooftop over the Sacré-Cœur is too mesmerising.

Address: 55 Blvd Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris

Read more: The best vegan places to eat in Paris

4. The People Belleville

Ironically for a city that attracts backpackers from far and wide, there’s a lack of decent backpacker hostels in Paris. The People hostel group fills the void, and no quartier satisfies the backpacker holy trinity of great food and drink, great street art and rock bottom prices quite like Belleville. The dormitories are well-designed, with opaque curtains, charging sockets and shelves. The views from the roof prove you don’t have to splash cash to see Paris at its most magical.

Address: 59 Bd de Belleville, 75011 Paris

Read more: Family-friendly Paris guide

5. Brach EVOK

The designer of this hotel must have had a sense of humour, as the chickens housed in a large coop on the rooftop enjoy one of the most enviable views in the city. So do the guests, though, with an hour of complimentary use of the rooftop hot tub included in each stay (book your time slot upon arrival). Some of the sixth- and seventh-floor suites have their own private hot tubs, barbecues and views of the Eiffel Tower.

Address: 1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, 75116 Paris

Read more: The alternative guide to Paris: How to enjoy the city like a local

6. Maison Breguet

If you came to Paris to eat (surely the main reason that anyone goes to France), stay at Maison Bréguet. Not only are the dishes delightfully fresh and colourful, but there’s an open kitchen to see your meal being prepared. There’s a large cocktail menu, and an indoor pool, spa and hammam in which to vegetate after indulging. At 53 rooms, it’s neither too big nor too small. Upgrading to a room with a freestanding bath tub is thoroughly worth it.

Address: 8 R. Bréguet, 75011 Paris

Read more: How to do the French capital like Emily in Paris

7. Hotel de Crillon

There’s luxury, and then there’s the Hotel de Crillon, a stone’s throw from the Tuileries Gardens. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would be like to stay in an art gallery, or a royal palace, this one’s for you. The Beauty and the Beast ornate furniture could spring to life, and if it did, we bet it wouldn’t shut up about Les Ambassadeurs bar. There’s so much gold gilding that it gives Versailles a run for its money.

Address: 10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris

Read more: Is it possible to eat out in Paris for under €20?

8. Grands Voyageurs

The attention is in the details. Suite rooms come equipped with vinyl record players, and rather than regular room service, you can choose from a library of over 100 records delivered to your room. The polished wood interiors make everything look a little more beautiful, as though seen through a sepia filter. The breakfast buffet is a sumptuous affair — even more so if you visit for Sunday brunch. You didn’t hear it from us, but there’s a secret bar on-site.

Address: 34 Rue de l'Abbé Grégoire, 75006 Paris

9. Castille

If you’re the type that looks up a restaurant menu 24 hours in advance to mull over your meal selection, this one’s for you. Hotel Castille is all about choice. There’s a pillow menu, and a whopping 11 categories of rooms, the most luxurious of which is an 80 square metre apartment complex. The Italian influence is palpable; the hotel bursts with colour. There are family-friendly rooms and up to two under 16s (sharing with an adult) stay for free.

Address: 33-37 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris

10. Pilgrim Hotel

From the outside, the building is unassuming. The interior is anything but. With 70s style furniture and exposed pipes on the ceiling, a stay at the Pilgrim Hotel feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film, just in flame hues rather than pastel. In the heart of the Latin Quarter, there’s a cocktail bar, rooftop with 360 degree views over Paris, spa, a moodily-lit indoor pool and small gym. It’s very light: the windows in the rooms are positively enormous.

Address: 11 Rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris

11. La Planque

An intimate little hotel with just 35 rooms in a chic building overlooking Paris’s quintessential Haussmann rooftops, La Planque has a picture-perfect dining room and terrasse, the perfect antidote to the bustle of the 10th arrondissement. Canal St Martin’s waterside watering holes are just a five minute walk away, though. The sheer quantity of ceramics and plants jostling for space is a millennial dream. This is a hotel which shatters the stereotype of unfriendly Parisians — the welcome couldn’t be warmer.

Address: 3 Rue Arthur Groussier 75010 Paris

Read more: How to follow Paris’s secret Bievre river to see a different side to the French capital

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5 budget friendly tips for a disney field trip.

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Planning a field trip to Disney parks is a dream for many students and teachers alike. With some careful planning and savvy tips, you can make your Disney field trip not only unforgettable but also budget friendly for your students. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your Disney adventure:

1. Avoid Peak Season Travel

One of the simplest ways to save on your Disney field trip is by steering clear of peak seasons around holidays and spring break. Ticket pricing is higher during peak season, so booking during the regular season can help your group save. Booking during the regular season may also provide savings on hotel rates and transportation options. Off-peak times, such as early fall, summer or late winter may also see lighter crowds than peak season.

Being strategic about when you take your trip can be a great option that has the potential to offer substantial savings without sacrificing the Disney magic. Our pricing calendar can be found on our website for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to assist with your planning.  

2. Stay on Property (WDW only)

If you're visiting Walt Disney World Resort, consider staying at one of the on-site Disney Resort hotels. There are a lot of cost saving benefits to staying on Disney property. Groups booking 10 or more rooms can be eligible for special room rates at our Value and Moderate Resorts. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel also enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks, allowing for flexibility and efficiency in planning your theme park visit. This is also a huge cost saver for groups! Guests staying on Disney property even receive early park entry, allowing your students to experience even more of the magic during their stay.

(Please note that if your group is participating in a Disney Imagination Campus academic workshop or performance experience, it may be necessary to provide your own separate transportation to and from this event.)

3. Purchase Disney Student Tickets

Disney Imagination Campus offers specially priced tickets for students, making it more affordable for youth groups of 10 or more to experience the magic of Disney parks. Connect with us to learn more about purchasing Disney Student Tickets for your group.

4. Collaborate with Other Teachers or Schools

Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to splitting costs. Collaborate with other teachers or schools in your district to plan an amazing field trip for your students. Not only can you divide responsibilities to make planning easier, you can combine classes or groups to arrange shared transportation and make the trip more affordable.

Are you a band director bringing your students to march down Main Street? See if your school’s choir director wants to bring their students to perform at Disney as well! If your physics students want to learn the science of Disney Imagineering, perhaps a fellow teacher at another local school would want to bring her physics students as well.

By pooling resources and sharing expenses, you can significantly reduce the per-person cost of transportation and accommodation, making the trip more affordable for everyone involved.

5. Student Meal Certificates (WDW Only)

Youth groups are eligible to pre-purchase Student Meal Certificates that can be used at select quick service dining locations throughout the resort. These certificates can provide extra value to purchased meals during your stay. It also ensures that your students are staying healthy and nourished during their visit.

Try taking advantage of these cost-effective tips when planning your next Disney field trip!

Ready to learn more? Connect with Us to start planning a Disney field trip with your students!

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The Best Portable Chargers to Pack on Your Next Trip

By Carina Brackett

Carina Brackett

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

Festival season may be officially behind us, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still dozens of use-cases for portable chargers as we head into the colder months. Whether you’re traveling home for the holidays or making your way to any of fall’s many film festivals, you’ll want a way to charge your devices on the go.

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Anker Portable Charger

The brand Anker has built a strong reputation for it’s high-quality, high-performance battery packs at affordable prices. The Anker 325 Power Bank, in particular, is a favorite among travelers worldwide (myself included). It’s reliable, versatile, fast and long-lasting—everything you could want in a power bank.   One of the standout features of this 20,000mAh capacity power bank is its ability to fully charge an iPhone or Android device 4-5 times before needing a recharge. It’s ideal for camping trips, multi-day excursions, or simply for those of us who don’t always remember to plug in our chargers overnight.  The charger allows for simultaneous charging of up to three devices through its twin USB and USB-C ports, making it ideal for those who travel with companions or for those who need to charge multiple devices at once. Adding to its versatility – the power bank can be recharged via either USB-C or micro-USB.   There are few things to keep in mind: it takes over 10 hours to fully recharge and is slightly heavier than other options.

INIU Portable Charger

If you’re looking for the best budget portable charger, this slim and lightweight 10,000mAh power bank is the perfect choice. Despite its compact size, it packs enough power to charge an iPhone or Android phone twice, making it ideal for everyday use or short trips. With two USB ports and a USB-C input/output port, you can conveniently charge up to three devices at once. Plus, its high-speed charging capability ensures that you’re never left waiting long for a quick boost. This charger offers unbeatable value for its performance, making it the top budget option on the market.

Anker Magnetic Power Bank

For the ultimate wireless portable-charging convenience, this sleek 10,000mAh Anker power bank is the best option. With its compact dimensions, it easily slips into your pocket alongside your phone, making it very travel-friendly. Designed for iPhone 12 series and later, it charges your device magnetically, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables. It can power your iPhone twice on a single charge, and also has the unique ability to simultaneously charge devices while recharging itself – no need to wait around for the battery to recharge before you can juice up your phone! Although it may charge devices slower than other models, the convenience of its wireless charging capability makes it a top choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.

myCharge Portable Charger

For the adventurer, this power bank is the most durable option, designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and dirtproof, truly built to conquer the elements! It is compatible with any USB-charged phone and has the capacity to charge one phone up to 3.5 times, and two phones simultaneously. The charger also features a built-in carabiner, allowing you to secure it to your backpack, belt, harness or any secure loop, so it’s always within easy reach. Lastly, myCharge’s eco-friendly mission adds an extra layer of appeal to this sustainability-friendly power bank.

Weighing just 3.6 oz and measuring 3.86″ x 2.64″ x 0.32″, this small-but-mighty portable charger is the most compact, lightweight, high-quality model in the market. It provides wireless magnetic charging for iPhones, and also comes with one short built-in cable, allowing you to ditch supernumerary wires on the go. There are two different versions of the Clutch Pro – one with a lightning cable attached, and another with a USB-C cable attached, so choose wisely depending on your device’s needs. Because it is so compact, it has a lower power capacity than other models mentioned (just 5,000 mAh), which will give you approximately one full charge depending on your phone. The extremely lightweight and pocket-friendliness of this power bank make it an amazing choice for those who don’t want the bulkiness of other options.

Anker 521 Power Bank

  Want to cut down on the number of chargers you need to pack for a trip? The Anker 521 Power Bank is a 2 for 1 bang for your buck! With both a fold-out AC wall plug and portable charging capabilities through two USB-C ports, this charger can do it all. Equipped with an internal 5,000 mAh battery and 45W of power output, this charger boasts fast and powerful charging abilities without the extra weight. This model is smaller than a fist and highly versatile, earning its reputation as the perfect travel companion.

BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank

Going on a trip where you won’t have electricity for an extended period of time or just keen on saving energy? Look no further than the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank, which is the best solar-powered portable charger in the game. It’s pocket-sized, waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers. With 10,000mAh power, it can charge a phone about 2-3 times fully and quickly. It can also charge three devices at once through magnetic charging, USB, and USB-C (input/output) options, which can come in handy when traveling with companions. Finally, this model includes another unique feature that sets it apart from others on this list – it has a built-in flashlight! Even with all of these incredible features, the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank is extremely wallet-friendly, ranking as the second cheapest option on this whole list.

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