After slow-traveling the world for 5 years, we can tell that traveling is a fantastic experience that broadens our horizons, exposes us to new cultures and landscapes, and allows us to create unforgettable memories. However, traveling can also be expensive, and many people may find it challenging to budget for all of the costs associated with travel. Whether you’re a backpacker or just someone who wants to be money-conscious while on vacation, there are many ways to save money and stretch your budget.
In this blog post, we will provide you with some helpful tips to save money while traveling. These tips are not only for backpackers, but also for people who want to make the most of their vacation without breaking the bank. From planning ahead to choosing budget-friendly destinations, to staying in affordable accommodations, to cooking your own meals, to using public transportation, and taking advantage of local activities, we’ll cover everything you need to know to save money while traveling. Are you ready to make travel even more affordable?
Planning
Planning ahead is essential for saving money while traveling. Here are some tips to consider:
Get the Best Rate
Book your accommodation and flights in advance will give you the best rates. Last-minute bookings are often more expensive and can be quite stressful, especially if you plan to travel for an extended period of time. Use comparison websites to find the best deals on flights and accommodation. We love to use Google Flight for our flight and Airbnb for our accommodation.
Use Travel Rewards
Join travel rewards programs to earn points and discounts for future trips. Take advantage of loyalty programs offered by airlines, hotels, and travel credit cards to accumulate points that can be used to offset future travel expenses.
If you are resident of the USA, check our detailed article on credit card / travel rewards. These tips alone let us save about $10,000 a year on airfare alone. Quite a juicy perk that many other countries envy us about!
Travel During Low Season
Traveling during low season can save you a lot of money. Prices tend to be lower, and there are fewer tourists, which can make your travel experience more enjoyable overall.
Pack Light
Packing light can help you save on check-in costs and make it easier to use public transportation. Avoid over-packing and carry only the essentials. Also check out our carry-on packing list for men and our carry-on packing list for women if you are curious about what we travel with!
Stay
Accommodation is a significant expense when traveling. Here are some ways to save money on lodging:
Stay in Long Term Accommodation
Staying in long-term accommodation, such as an Airbnb, can be cheaper than staying in a hotel. You can often negotiate better rates if you book for an extended period. Check our ultimate guide on how to save up to 50% by using Airbnb.
Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is another option for animal lovers, as it can offer free accommodation in exchange for taking care of pets. Several websites connect pet owners with travelers who can help with pet sitting. While we have considered but not used these platforms, one that has been recommended to us is Trusted HouseSitters.
Home Swap
Home swapping is an option where you can exchange homes with someone else in a different location. It’s a great way to save money on accommodation and experience the local culture. The leader in the house swapping market is HomeExchange that offers 400,000 homes in 187 different countries!
Consider Volunteering
Volunteering for accommodation can be a great way to save money while also giving back to the local community. You can work in exchange for free lodging, meals, and other benefits. A great platform to find such stays is WorkAway.
Food
Food can be another significant expense while traveling. Here are some ways to save money on meals:
Cook at Home
Consider cooking at home instead of eating out. This can be done by staying in accommodation with a kitchen or using a shared kitchen facility.
Shop at Local Markets
Shopping at local markets for fresh produce and cooking ingredients can save you money. This is also an excellent way to support local farmers and small businesses.
Eat Out at Local Restaurants
Eating out at local restaurants can be a great way to experience local cuisine without breaking the bank. Look for eateries that offer set menus or daily specials to save even more money.
Pack Your Own Food
Packing your food while going on activities can save you money on snacks and meals while on the go. Consider packing sandwiches, fruits, nuts, and other healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up. We love to pack our food everytime we go hiking, as it is also usually quite hard to find a restaurant while hiking places like mountains, forest or remote areas.
Transportation
Transportation costs can quickly add up when traveling. Here are some ways to save money on transportation:
Use Public Transportation
Consider using public transportation, such as buses or trains. It’s often cheaper than using taxis or rental cars.
Walk or Bike
Walking or biking is a great way to save money while getting exercise and seeing more of your destination. It’s also eco-friendly and sustainable. We loved using the city rental bikes in Taiwan as they are available in major cities and are super affordable (about one dollar for one hour or rental).
Rent a Bike or a Scooter
Renting a bike or a scooter can be a great way to explore your destination while saving on transportation costs. It’s also a fun way to see the sights. If you stay in one place for a month, the rental for the bike itself would easily cover the cost of using a taxi 3-4 times during your stay.
Activities
Join Local Activities
Joining local activities can be a great way to experience the culture of your destination while saving money. Look for free events, festivals, and activities that are open to the public. Additionally, consider joining a local group or club to meet new people and learn more about the area. We love using Facebook groups to help us connect with such events.
Get Discounted Activities
Using discount websites can help you save money on activities, tours, and attractions. Look for deals on websites like Groupon or LivingSocial to get discounted prices on popular activities. We like using platform like Groupon or Klook.
Research Free Events
Researching free events in your destination can help you save money on entertainment. Look for free museums, concerts, and other events that are open to the public. Additionally, check with the local tourism board for information on free activities and events. We personally love the free city walking tours. There are a great way to learn about the city by passionate local guides.
Others tips
Use Debit Card with No Fees
Using a debit card with no fees can save you money on transaction fees and ATM fees while traveling. Look for banks that offer fee-free debit cards, or consider using a digital bank that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you live in the USA we highly recommend this debit card.
Use Credit Card with No Fees
Using a credit card with no fees can also save you money on foreign transaction fees and other fees while traveling. Look for credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees, and consider using a credit card that offers rewards points for travel expenses. If you live in the USA check out our credit card recommendations as they all have zero foreign transaction fee.
Use Local SIM Card (or e-SIM)
Using a local SIM card or e-SIM can help you save money on data and roaming charges while traveling. Look for local mobile providers that offer affordable data plans, or consider purchasing an e-SIM that allows you to use data on multiple devices.
We recommend using Airalo that provides e-Sim for most countries worldwide at a very affordable cost.
Alternatively Google FI provides a hassle free service that lets you use your phone worldwide at a very affordable cost. Keep in mind that starting in 2022, if you do travel for an extended period of time, Google will likely stop your services after 2-3 months being overseen and reactivate it once you return to the state.
Our bottom line
Saving money while traveling can take some effort, but it’s worth it to be able to stretch your budget and have more experiences. By planning ahead, staying in affordable accommodations, cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and taking advantage of local activities, you can save money while still having an amazing trip. Additionally, using fee-free debit and credit cards and local SIM cards can help you save money on transaction fees and data charges while on the go.
Remember, these tips aren’t just for backpackers. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or just looking to save some money on your next trip, these tips can help you make the most of your travel experience while keeping more money in your pocket.
If you have any additional tips or strategies for saving money while traveling, we would love to hear them! Please leave us a comment so we can keep this blog post up to date!
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