Traveling cheap may not be the simplest way, but it is doable. You do not need tons of money in the bank to go on a trip of a lifetime. You just need some time, dedication and the willingness for adventure.
If you are itching for your next vacation but have limited funds, we have a few tips that may come in handy. With these few ideas, you will be ready to plan your next big trip on a pretty tight budget.
Rack Up Some Points
Want a flight that costs you little to no money? Look at getting a travel rewards credit card. When spent wisely, these cards give you points towards travel, accommodations and lots of other great rewards. They come in handy if you plan to travel a lot and use your credit card all the time.
But what card best suits you? Do some research beforehand to compare annual fees, interest rates and rewards. For example, the American Express Platinum card is considered one of the best travel rewards in Canada. It provides its customers with many different perks like airline upgrades, rental discounts and annual travel credits.
There Are More Accommodation Options Than Hotels
If you are trying to travel on a budget, stay at hotels may not always work. Luckily there is a variety of accommodation options available that cater to travelers. Something like a hostel is a cheap way to have a place to lay your head. You rent a bed and share the rest of the living space with others just like you.
If your travel plans include you leaving home for an extended period, consider renting out your home. You’ll be making a small income while traveling across the world. Or look into house-sitting options. Many people look for someone to stay in their house for a period and see after everything (maybe a dog or two as well). Basically, you get to sleep for free as long as you keep everything in order.
Work While Traveling
Although vacation is meant to get you away from work, sometimes picking up a side job helps keep the trip going. Maybe you are going to New Zealand for an extended period. Getting a farm job would help pay any travel expenses, all while giving you a unique take on the area you are visiting. There are many job options available to suit what you are looking for.
Be Flexible
If you can keep your schedule relatively flexible as to when you leave, there’s a good chance of you can score some outstanding deals. Flight fares vary depending on the time of year. Going in peak season (spring break, Christmas or other holidays) will be more expensive if you were to leave during the off-season. Also, be flexible in where you go as well. That trip you want to take to one destination might be a lot more expensive than somewhere else right now.
So consider these few pointers when planning for your next vacation. You never know how cheap you can make it unless you try.
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Jing
February 13, 2018 at 1:30 amGreat budget tips! Looking for homestays is one alternative accommodation I am considering when traveling nowadays. It’s cheaper than hotels and a great chance of meeting local friends. 🙂
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2018 at 7:31 pmI couldn’t agree more! Housesitting is also a great option.
Hannah
February 13, 2018 at 8:28 amBeing flexible is my NUMBER ONE when trying to keep costs down. If you’re set on one day or one place or one time then you’ll just have to pay what it is. Also yesss to the points. I rack up so many points and it has honestly saved me so much money in the long term. Great article!
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2018 at 7:32 pmThanks, Hannah! Sounds like you know your stuff.
Shelby Kirk
February 13, 2018 at 12:24 pmVery helpful list to save while traveling! I am happy to say we normally do all of these except gather miles with our credit card. Will have to sign up for that soon. Saving on nightly accommodation is normally how we can afford traveling all the time. Skip the hotels, and stay in motels or cheap AirBnB’s. In the past we even slept out of our van! Thanks for sharing these tips!
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2018 at 7:32 pmThat’s great, Shelby! And get on that credit card for miles 🙂
Cheryl
February 13, 2018 at 5:37 pmGreat post. I live by Airbnb, great options and price ranges.
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2018 at 7:33 pmThanks! I absolutely love Airbnb.
Shane Prather
February 13, 2018 at 7:48 pmI’ve been getting into travel hacking lately! It’s so possible to travel on a budget. Great tips!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2018 at 8:17 amThat’s great! Thanks for reading 🙂
Natalia
February 13, 2018 at 9:36 pmMy best way of saving money is using night buses. If you plan it well, you can travel and save on a hotel! Not the most luxurious, but great if you’re short of cash!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2018 at 8:17 amThat would be hard for me but my kids would so do it!
Alice ford
February 13, 2018 at 11:44 pmGreat tips. If only everyone had the ability to be flexible. A great travel credit card is definitely key.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2018 at 8:18 amDefinitely! And these don’t apply to everyone but hopefully one or two might 🙂
Abelia Herry
February 14, 2018 at 6:23 amI would like to say that all these tips are really very amazing and useful.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2018 at 8:20 amSo glad to hear that, Abelia!
Carly | Fearless Female Travels
February 14, 2018 at 10:42 pmI dream of a day when I’m allowed to take time off work during the low (or even shoulder!) season!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2018 at 8:21 amFingers crossed, Carly! Some of these other tips might help.
Punita Malhotra
February 15, 2018 at 12:10 amI guess the last tip is the most useful. Being flexible about where to travel to and when…can make all the difference. Those who can do this, can save big time. We still have to tune ourselves for this mindset 🙂
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2018 at 8:23 amYes, absolutely! Thanks for reading 🙂
Gallantly, gal
February 15, 2018 at 10:08 amThis is all very true… I’ve been deploring my inability to go traveling for a while now because of the expenses, but you’re right that I can find a way to do anything if I set my mind on it. It’s just about thinking ahead and being proactive. Thanks for this list!
Carmen Edelson
February 17, 2018 at 8:15 amYes, absolutely! Good luck to you and happy travels 🙂
Elijah
February 16, 2018 at 7:18 pmPeople underestimate the importance of being flexible but man can it save you so much money! Also the concept of working while travelling is interesting; I’ve heard about many who’ve done it but I just don’t think I could do it. Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
February 17, 2018 at 8:16 amYou’re right, it’s not for everyone! But yes, flexibility is so important 🙂
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
February 23, 2018 at 7:07 amFlexibility is the number one key to saving money, I think! These are all great tips. 🙂
Carmen Edelson
February 25, 2018 at 12:49 pmI agree – flexibility is key!
Farenexus
March 5, 2018 at 3:32 amGreat article with very useful tips. These tips especially hostel like place tip is very useful in terms of saving money.
Going to implement these tips in my next travel trip. Thanks for sharing this useful post with us.
Carmen Edelson
March 5, 2018 at 12:21 pmYou’re so welcome, good luck 🙂
Natalie Redman
April 20, 2018 at 6:50 amGreat post! I want to travel more so I need to get a job that allows me to do that!
Carmen Edelson
April 23, 2018 at 9:39 amI wish you the best of luck, Natalie!
Lisa Musser
November 11, 2019 at 1:46 pmI definitely agree with the rewards cards for getting cheap airfare. If you travel frequently, having a card that offers free miles or cashback is a lifesaver. Plus, you can use them for discounts on hotels, fuel, and more.
Carmen Edelson
November 21, 2019 at 3:20 pmYes so many discounts to be had!
Jen Ambrose
December 10, 2023 at 10:09 amI’ve also found that many hotels that have a timeshare component will give you up to a week free to sit through a one-hour talk.
Carmen Edelson
December 13, 2023 at 12:28 pmYes!