Traveling on a Budget: How I Traveled Without Spending Too Much

Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about different cultures, try new food, and meet new people; however, it can be expensive. Flights, hotels, food, and activities all add up fast. I’ve learned over time that you don’t have to spend a lot to see the world. Here are some simple tips I’ve used to travel on a budget:

1. Be Flexible with Your Dates

Sometimes, just changing your travel dates by a few days can save you a lot of money. Flying on weekdays is usually cheaper than weekends. You can use websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to see which dates have the best prices.

2. Try Budget Airlines

Budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet might not be as fancy as bigger airlines, but they’re a great way to save money. I have flew with them in Europe and had fine experiences. Just make sure you don’t end up paying for extra things you don’t need, like priority boarding, and overweight or extra check-ins.

3. Stay in Hostels or Rent a Room

Hotels can be expensive, so many times I stay in budget hotels like Fairfield inn by Marriot, Holiday Inn Express or rent rooms on Airbnb. These options are good if all you want to do at the hotels or Airbnb's' is sleep.

4. Look for Free Things to Do

When you travel there are often free activities to do. This includes things such as hikes parks and museums. Many museums offer free days or discounts, and parks or nature walks are usually free.

5. Use Public Transportation

Taxis and rental cars are expensive, so I usually stick to public transportation. Usually big cities will have affordable buses or trains that make getting around easy. If where you are trying to go is not too far, walking can be a great way to explore, and it’s free! Plus, you get to see things you might miss in a taxi.

6. Look for Deals

Before booking anything, I always check for deals. There are many websites that have last minute sales on things like flights and activities. Signing up for email lists from travel websites like Travelzoo can also help you find great deals. If you’re a student or senior, look for extra discounts for activities and flights many times they are available.

7. Travel with Friends

Traveling with friends can save you a lot of money. You can share a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb or split costs for meals and activities. If you can find a group of friends to travel with, you’ll save a lot of money and create many memories together.

8. Plan, But Be Open to Changes

Planning is important, but don’t schedule too much for your trip. After being at the location for a day or two I have found activities that I wanted to do but sometimes I couldn't because there was simply not enough time to achieve it.

Conclusion

Travel doesn’t have to be super expensive; by being smart with how you spend your money, you can see amazing places without spending too much. These tips have helped me travel all over the world, and I hope they help you, too!