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Let’s be honest—budget travel doesn’t mean bare-bones travel. It means being smart about where your money goes so you can do more, see more, and stress less.
I’ve been on trips where every penny counted (like backpacking through Europe) and others where I gave myself room to splurge a little (like honeymooning in Greece). Along the way, I’ve figured out what’s actually worth the upgrade—and what’s just hype.
If you’re trying to stretch your travel budget without missing out, here’s your no-BS breakdown of when to save and when to splurge.
Splurge: Accommodations When You Need to Sleep Well
If you’re arriving after a red-eye or know you’ll be jet-lagged, do not book the cheapest dorm bed or shady Airbnb just to save $15. Sleep is non-negotiable.
When I splurge: After long-haul flights, for early morning tours, after several nights in hostels, or when I need guaranteed Wi-Fi and quiet to work or unwind.
👉 Book smarter: Use Booking.com to filter by review score, price, and amenities like late check-in or breakfast included (I LOVE breakfast included – it’s one less meal to account for – #budgethack). Sometimes the next-tier-up hotel is only $10 more—but makes a huge difference in comfort.
Save: Local Transit Over Taxis
I love arriving in a new city and immediately hopping on public transit. It’s cheap, gives you a taste of local life, and often faster than a cab.
Also consider train or ferry travel over flying. It’s often cheaper, and you get to see so much more of the country.
Pro tip: Download a city’s metro or bus app ahead of time, and use Airalo to grab an affordable eSIM so you’re never stuck without data.
💬 Bonus: Locals will respect you more when you ride like one. Trust me.
Splurge: Food That’s a Cultural Experience
I’ll eat street tacos or pastries on the go any day—but when a meal is the experience (like a seafood feast in Split, Croatia, or cooking class in Bali)? Totally worth the splurge.
What’s worth it: A multi-course meal with a view, local wine tastings, or market-to-table cooking classes.
🔗 Want to make your meal unforgettable? Browse top-rated food tours on Viator or GetYourGuide—I always read the reviews before booking!
Save: Trendy Travel Gear (Most of It, Anyway)
Instagram may tell you you need a $400 travel backpack, but honestly? Most budget travelers do just fine with a mid-range carry-on and some smart packing cubes. “Beast” has been all around the world and he cost about $150 from EMS. He has all the space I need, great pockets, and he came with “Mini Beast”!
The exception: I do invest in luggage that opens on both sides, has compartments for shoes, and doesn’t collapse mid-trip. My new Delsey Paris carry-on has everything I need (opens both sides, smart compartments), and it’s actually budget-friendly.
Splurge: Travel Insurance You Actually Understand
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. I don’t mean to scare you—but one injury, illness, or lost bag could wipe out your whole budget.
👀 I use and recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing, depending on the trip. Both are budget-friendly but comprehensive. Travel insurance offers piece of mind for anything unexpected.
Legal Note: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Save: Tourist Traps Disguised as “Must-See” Spots
Skip the overpriced attractions that only exist for the ‘Gram. I’ve paid $30+ for views that weren’t half as good as the free ones a block away.
Research alternatives: Local parks, rooftop bars, free walking tours, and markets give you the vibe without the markup.
True story: In Madrid recently, I took about a dozen pictures of the palace, trying to find just the right spot. Later that night on the absolutely-worth-it tapas tour, our guide took us her local route to get to the next restaurant and I found the perfect spot for that picture I’d been trying to get. Off the beaten path is usually the best experience.
Need help avoiding tourist traps? I wrote a whole post about it here.
Splurge: Bucket List Moments
You’re not flying across the world to not ride that hot air balloon in Cappadocia or dive in the Great Barrier Reef.
If it’s something you’ve dreamed of for years, that’s not a splurge—it’s the reason you’re there.
Pro tip: Save ahead, book early, and use a cashback-friendly site like Expedia or Kiwi.com.
Final Thoughts: Spend Where It Matters to You
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to saving vs. splurging. It’s about knowing your why for every dollar. Would you rather spend $20 on a forgettable museum ticket—or save that to splurge on a beachside dinner you’ll remember forever?
Over to You:
Where do you save and where do you splurge? Drop it in the comments—I love hearing how other travelers prioritize!
📌 Pin it for later: Save vs. Splurge Travel Hacks You’ll Actually Use
