Traveling is amazing, but what if you can’t afford to go to a specific destination? No worries since we got the best tips and tricks for traveling on a budget! 

For a long time, traveling seemed like something untouchable, and in most cases, only the rich had access to it. But fortunately, those days are now behind us, and we can happily agree that now everyone can afford to go on a trip. But what if you can’t afford the luxury of five-star hotels? No worries, because you deserve to have fun too.

Here at Money Place, we love to give our readers the best advice on how to manage their budgets. And trust us when we say that everything is achievable with a tiny bit of effort and skills.  Wondering how people travel on a budget? Click on the next page to see our best tips and tricks!

Always start planning as early as possible

If traveling on a budget is your goal, the key to success is to start looking early for your destination. This will help you get the right price for both accommodation and plane tickets. And if planning ahead of time isn’t your thing, think about it this way: In most cases, prices rise and fall with demand, and you will be surprised to know that traveling in the autumn instead of July might be a better idea.

You don’t know when the right time is. Well, there are plenty of free tools available for you to discover which dates suit you the most. The price tracking function made accessible through Google Flights is among the simplest to use, even by seniors who aren’t really keen on technology. Why do we say that? Because it’s very intuitive!

For example, this feature enables you to compare the fare you’re considering with previous prices. It also informs you whether rates are excessive or cheap in comparison to typical expenses. If the flight you’re thinking about does seem a tad pricey for your budget, Google Flights also has a price tracker notification system that will inform you when prices change. Within the search bar, you may turn this option on or off.

Skip overpriced guided tours

One of the main keys to traveling on a budget is to skip those expensive tour guides and let yourself roam everything in the destination you pick to visit. Don’t be afraid you will skip the main sites because, with our forever friend Google, you will definitely find everything you need on your own. Plus, you will make your own schedule without depending on a person or a group.

In case this sounds a tad difficult for you, you can opt for free tours that a lot of the major cities offer for tourists. Although tips are appreciated (but of course they’re not mandatory), these walking tours are absolutely free and will provide you with a wealth of local knowledge.

Otherwise, many major cities have substantial information available through applications like Spotted By Locals, Tripadvisor, and Rick Steves. A little price may occasionally be required, but often this is free.

Always fly mid-week!

If you’re thinking about traveling on a budget during the weekends, forget about it! This is more like a trap for the flight companies that want to sell as many tickets as possible. If you have the chance to travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, seize it! You will see how much money you will be able to save. Sometimes it can be a matter of thousands of dollars!

Checked baggage can be very expensive; instead, opt for the carry-on

One of the golden rules of traveling on a budget is to pack as light as possible if you don’t want to pay extra for checked bags. This is a great idea, especially if you are planning on traveling for just a couple of days.

Pick carefully all the clothes you’re planning to wear during the vacation, and if it helps, make a list with all the clothes. Choose one or two T-shirts per day if the climate is still warm there, and just in case it gets colder, also sneak a small jacket.

In this process, it is crucial to not forget anything. If you forget something, the cost of buying your crucial missing item while you’re overseas may be pretty high. Be careful!

…psst! Are you looking for a nice and low-cost cabin bag for your next adventure? Dear, we got you! Check out this Coolife Luggage Expandable (only 28″) Suitcase that’s available on Amazon for only $53.99. Plus, it can be found in five different colors! 

Look into carpooling services

If you’re planning on traveling on a budget, carpooling services are a better and cheaper alternative to a plane. If there are any spots available, those who own automobiles and are making the trip anyhow will let you know, and you may then pay for the available spot. Also, if you’re on a road trip and you have room in your car, you can obtain some reimbursement for your fuel expenses if you get some people to travel with you.

Search for free stuff that you can do in the destination you’re planning on visiting

One of the great tips for traveling on a budget is to take a quick look on Google and find various free things you can do in the place you’re going. Some can be museums that offer free entrance on certain days of the month or events where the entrance is free. By skipping the entrance fee, you will have extra money to pay for souvenirs or other small items you want to buy. Neat, right?

Don’t eat at the restaurants all the time

This is another helpful tip for traveling on a budget: if you stay at an Airbnb, make sure it also has a kitchen so you can cook a few meals. Although vacations are meant for relaxation and free time without worrying about stuff, eating at restaurants all the time might be quite expensive.

Check out all the supermarkets in the area and buy fresh products from the locals. Some of them are even willing to negotiate for produce!

Know your budget and stick to it as much as possible

There aren’t many destinations you can’t visit on a tight budget. You only need to control what you expect—how many pricey activities you can do there or how many times you can eat out at restaurants, for example. There are free things to do in any place; you just have to look for them or ask the locals too. I am sure you will find some nice and kind people who can guide you through the city! Once you’ve established your spending limit, try not to exceed it because doing so will simply add to your stress throughout the vacation or once you return home.

If traveling on a budget was a topic that caught your attention, you may also want to read about checked bag fees.