How to Travel the World on a Budget: 9 Money-Saving Tips

There are many ways to save money while travelling, from packing light and staying in hostels to taking advantage of student discounts and finding hidden deals online.

No matter your budget, there is always a way of travelling that's easier on the wallet.

Be strategic about planning your trip and where you stay along the way. It'll take a bit of planning, but if you do, you'll find out how to travel the world on a budget.

Don't book your tickets before doing thorough research. Don't book your tickets before doing thorough research. Don't book your tickets before doing thorough research. There, we've said it three times; it's essential.

The internet is an incredible resource for booking flights, hotels, and tours.

You must do your homework before booking anything to know you're getting a good deal.

Some websites will offer you cheaper flights if you're flexible with your dates, while others may be cheaper if you're willing to change your route (with multiple stops).

It's important to know what you want out of your trip (and what you're willing to tolerate) before booking anything. This way, you can find the best prices for the things you need the most, even if that means your itinerary changes a bit.

There are also sites like Skyscanner that help you compare the cheapest fares from all the big-name airlines. You can use this as a tool to look for cheap flights or compare stopover times.

Timing is also important when booking, with some suggesting Tuesday mornings are best to book flights. In contrast, others say as soon as airlines release their season's flights. It's not fully proven, so it's worth taking with a pinch of salt, but don't be scared to check on different days to see what shows up.

Do your homework and save a fortune.

Book in advance

One of the best ways to travel on a budget is by booking in advance.

This applies to both domestic and international flights, as well as accommodation.

Booking in advance gives you a chance to save money and more time to save up for your trip.

Airlines often have sales at certain times of the year, so you can get a great deal if you're flexible with your departure dates.

You'll also find that accommodations book out very quickly. This is especially true around busier times of the year (don't expect to rock up to Koh Phangan around the full moon and get a hostel, no way). There might be rooms left in certain places if you leave it later, but you can be sure they'll be way above the average price.

Demand dictates, so book in before the rush.

Now, to get to most countries, you'll likely have to fly; that's fair.

But, if you want to travel as cheaply as possible in a country, consider taking a slower route.

For example, you can travel by Amtrak train across all of the United States, or even by Greyhound bus.

This way, you can stop at places along the way, taking in the best that America offers. It's also perfect if you want to travel on a budget (such as when you finish summer camp), as these tickets are considerably cheaper than flying.

Planes are quick, but you miss out on some of the same scenery that inspired you to travel in the first place.

Take your time and go slower.

Eat cheap

One of the best parts of travelling is trying new delicacies everywhere you go (remember, holiday calories don't count).

It can be affordable, too, if you avoid expensive, high-end restaurants for every meal.

Some of the best food can be found in small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, which the locals love but tourists don't know about.

As with everything, research the best places to eat before arriving in a new country or city.

Avoid touristy areas if possible, as these places tend to have overpriced food, specifically for tourists looking to stay in their comfort zone. Be prepared to get a little uncomfortable in trying new areas and trying new things.

If you fancy yourself as the next Gordon Ramsay, you could buy your groceries locally and prepare your own meals.

This is a great way to save money while travelling. You can go to the source, try local ingredients, and meet locals (just make sure you mark your hostel food bag clearly, we all know of stories of food going missing…)

If you're short on time and can't find a place to buy groceries, consider buying food from a street vendor. These are some of the cheapest and best places to eat.

Just don't forget the old travel rule: if it smells off, it probably is.

You can also save money by bringing your own water bottle and filling it up at public water stations, so no more $2 wasted on a bottle of water.

If you're trying to travel on a budget, why not keep the piggy bank topped up along the way?

Many people choose to do seasonal work abroad to earn money for their travels. For the tech-savvy amongst us, you can also do longer-term remote work that pays well and that you can do from almost anywhere.

Working abroad allows you to save money while travelling and experience a different culture.

You can find work in almost any country — from New Zealand to Peru to Philadelphia (one of our many summer camp locations).

We're biased, but working abroad at summer camp is the perfect way to supplement your savings. You'll work for 10 weeks, with wage, accommodation, and food included, with 30 days to travel after summer camp.

It's the perfect way to see, earn, and travel more.

Look for accommodation included (or stay in hostels)

Whether you decide to do a ski, summer, or party season, there is a lot of potential work that includes accommodation.

Accommodation is typically the most considerable expense when travelling. Understandable, too, as it's important to have a safe roof over your head, a place of relaxation you can feel comfortable in after a hard day's work.

If you're travelling, or you've finished working for the season, hostels are one of the cheapest ways to stay in a new city and meet new people.

You can find hostels in almost any country, many of which offer special deals for students or younger travellers.

Plus, If you are travelling with a group, staying in a hostel and sharing the cost with your friends may be better. You can save money without sacrificing comfort and have a dorm room all to yourselves.

There are loads of ways to find great hostels, with big sites like Hostelworld being a comprehensive round-up of everything out there.

If you're asking how to travel the world on a budget, then you'll be someone like us who's always looking for free or cheap activities.

But, this isn't a chore; this is actually one of the most exciting parts, creating a self-concocted itinerary involving the least amount of money.

Take New York as an example. You can walk around Central Park, pay respects at the 9/11 fountains, traverse the High Line, cross Brooklyn Bridge, and catch the Staten Island Ferry. All free. Zilch. See some of the world's most iconic places for the same price it costs to say hello.

This is replicated in most places worldwide, which isn't just limited to cities. Wade through the shallow waters at the beach, hike up towering mountains, or simply wander through diverse local markets. You make the rules.

Simply being present and connecting with what's around you costs nothing.

Look out for hidden costs and fees

No matter how much you want to save money when travelling, you'll inevitably have to pay a few fees here and there.

Some of these fees can be avoided if you know what you're looking for. People tend to get stung by using their card or phone abroad, not thoroughly learning the ins and out's that your providers have in tiny print. Check and check again before you go, so you can rest assured you won't get hit with a nasty bill at the end of the month.

Getting a local sim card is an excellent way to save money, as UK providers will tend to let you have a certain amount before telling you you have to pay. Locally, you'll get your minutes and data included, meaning you'll always be able to access your navigation and communication apps.

Another is flight change costs. If you love the moment you're in, you may change your return flight date. We've all done it. Depending on the date, season, airline and other variables, they can end up charging much more than you expect.

Your safest bet; if you don't know when you're returning, book a single or a return with cheap flight change costs.

A return is cheaper if budget is the most important, but you're locked in.

Make the most of discounts. If you're a student or a young traveller, don't be scared to ask if places have an applicable discount. A lot do.

You can find discounts everywhere. The likes of the Sightseeing Pass bundle loads of tourist spots up into one affordable pass, saving potentially hundreds when it comes to seeing these well-known landmarks.

If you're in a city, you'll also likely find places that do cheap Tuesdays or thirsty Thursdays, or some other witty day remark to get you in there.

Listen, if it's much cheaper and it tastes good, then who cares if a marketing slogan works on you.

Travelling the world doesn't have to break the bank. It doesn't even have to break the purse you're carrying.

If you're willing to do a bit of planning and research, you can visit diverse places and experience incredible moments for very little money.

By following these tips on how to travel the world on a budget, you can save money when travelling and keep that hard-earned money in your pocket, not someone else's.

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