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Dreaming of your next getaway but worried about costs? Good news – you can travel without breaking the bank! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to planning a budget-friendly trip, from picking a destination to actually getting there without draining your savings.
Step 1: Choose an Affordable Destination
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to budget travel. Some places will stretch your dollars (hello, Southeast Asia and Central America), while others will make your wallet cry (cough Switzerland). Consider:
Cost of flights
Exchange rates
Food & accommodation prices
Free or cheap things to do
Budget hack: Use Google Flights’ “Explore” feature or Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to find the cheapest destinations from your home airport!
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
Before you go, figure out how much you can and want to spend. Break it down into:
Flights/transportation
Accommodation
Food
Activities & entrance fees
Local transportation
Souvenirs/shopping
Emergency buffer
Budget hack: Use apps like Trabee Pocket or TravelSpend to track expenses in real-time!
Step 3: Hunt for Cheap Flights
Flights can be the biggest expense, but they don’t have to be. Try these tricks:
Book in advance (but not too early – sweet spot is usually 1-3 months for domestic and 3-6 months for international).
Use incognito mode or a VPN to avoid price hikes.
Be flexible with your dates – flying midweek is often cheaper!
Consider nearby airports and budget airlines.
Read my guide on finding budget airfare without the stress for more on hunting for cheap flights!
Budget hack: Sign up for flight deal alerts with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Hopper!
Step 4: Find Budget-Friendly Accommodation
Hotels are great, but they’re not always the best for saving cash. Consider:
Budget hotels – Check Booking.com for the best deals!
Hostels – Great for solo travelers & social vibes. Hostelworld is my go to app!
Airbnb – Good for longer stays or group trips.
Couchsurfing – Stay with locals for free.
Camping – Perfect for outdoor lovers.
Budget hack: Look for places with free breakfast, kitchen access, or laundry – little things that add up!
Step 5: Plan (Some) Activities in Advance
You don’t need to schedule every minute, but it helps to book key experiences ahead of time – especially ones that sell out or offer early-bird discounts.
Check free walking tours (usually tip-based). Freetour.com offers awesome tours around the world!
Look for city tourism passes (sometimes they save $$).
Make reservations or book tours for must-see attractions. Viator offers some of the best tour options with excellent support! And they have a new reserve now, pay later feature!
Budget hack: Download Google Maps offline & star places you want to visit – it’ll help you navigate without using data!
Step 6: Save on Food & Drinks
Eating out for every meal adds up FAST. Here’s how to eat well for less:
Hit up street food stalls & local markets.
Book stays with kitchen access & cook a few meals.
Look for lunch specials – they’re usually cheaper than dinner.
Carry a refillable water bottle like this one (especially in places where tap water is safe).
Budget hack: The Too Good To Go app helps you discover discounted leftover restaurant meals!
Step 7: Be Smart About Transportation
Getting around can be pricey, but there are ways to cut costs:
Take public transport instead of taxis/Ubers.
Rent a bike or walk when possible.
If renting a car, compare rates & watch for hidden fees.
Consider rail/bus passes if you’re moving between cities.
Budget hack: I love using Rome2Rio to compare different transport options & find the cheapest one!
Step 8: Pack Smart & Avoid Extra Fees
Overpacking = baggage fees + sore shoulders. Stick to the essentials:
Choose a carry-on-friendly bag to avoid checked baggage costs.
Pack versatile, layer-able clothes.
Bring comfy walking shoes (trust me, your feet will thank you).
Pack a universal adapter if traveling internationally.
Need help packing? Check out my ultimate guide to packing for a month in a carry-on!
Budget hack: Weigh your bag at home to avoid surprise fees at the airport!
Step 9: Get Travel Insurance (Yes, Really)
No one wants to think about accidents, lost luggage, or trip cancellations – but travel insurance can save you from massive headaches (and costs). It has saved me money on three separate trips! Compare plans from:
SafetyWing (great for long-term travelers).
World Nomads (covers adventure activities).
Allianz (solid for shorter trips).
Budget hack: Some credit cards include travel insurance – check before you buy a separate plan!
Step 10: Book & Go!
Once your flights and stays are booked, you’re good to go! Just:
✔️ Screenshot important documents
✔️ Notify your bank about travel plans
✔️ Download offline maps & translation apps.).
Beware of Hidden Travel Fees! (Because Surprise Charges Suck)
Budget travel isn’t just about finding the cheapest flight—it’s about avoiding sneaky fees that add up fast. Here’s what to watch out for:
Foreign Transaction Fees – Some credit/debit cards charge an extra 3% on every international purchase. No thanks! Get a travel-friendly card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture (both have no foreign fees. And both offer killer points incentives!).
Resort & Service Fees – Some hotels and Airbnbs sneak in daily “resort fees” or cleaning charges that aren’t included in the upfront price. Read the fine print before booking!
Baggage Fees – Budget airlines love to lure you in with low fares, then hit you with fees for checked bags, carry-ons, or even selecting a seat. Always check baggage policies before booking.
Seat Selection Fees – Some airlines charge you just to pick a seat. If you don’t care where you sit, skip the fee and let the airline assign you one for free.
Tourist Taxes – Many cities (especially in Europe) charge a per-night tourist tax on hotels. It’s usually small, but worth factoring into your budget.
Toll Roads & Rental Car Fees – If you’re renting a car, watch out for sneaky add-ons like GPS rentals, insurance upsells, and refueling fees. Use Google Maps on your phone and refill the tank yourself to save. Also, check your credit card or your own car insurance policies; sometimes they offer rental car insurance, too!
Public Transport Fees – Some cities charge extra for paper tickets instead of transit cards. Always check if there’s a discount for using an app or prepaid pass.
Attraction Booking Fees – Some ticketing websites charge extra processing fees. If possible, book directly through the attraction’s official website. Booking directly can save on extra processing fees and ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Budget hack: Always read the fine print before booking anything. A “cheap” deal can turn expensive really quickly!
What’s your best budget-saving travel tip? Drop it in the comments!