When you travel on a budget you don’t have to compromise on quality or experience. With a few smart strategies, you can find the best deals on flights, accommodation and transportation. Here are some tips and tricks to help you travel on a budget by scoring some cheap travel options and stretch those precious funds!
To save up for my gap year traveling around Europe, I worked as a bartender for a few months in Australia. Still, with limited funds, I had to be financially savvy to make my money last throughout my time overseas. I prioritized spending on the things that mattered most to me, and using these key budget-friendly tips was essential in achieving that.
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1. Use flight comparison websites
Flight comparison websites aggregate fares from multiple airlines, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deals. Use these platforms to monitor and book your flights. You can also set fare alerts to notify you when prices drop for your desired routes.
Recommended: Skyscanner, Kayak
2. Be flexible with travel dates
If you are still in the planning stage and are flexible with dates, you can often find cheaper flights on lesser preferred days or flight times, or special deals may take your fancy . Mid-week flights are usually less expensive, and monitoring flight options over a few weeks may result in a good offer arising.
3. Travel off-peak season
Travelling during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce your travel costs. Prices for flights, accommodation and attractions are lower when demand is less.
Personally, I find the shoulder seasons – April/May and September/October – great times to travel in Europe for cheaper options and less crowds.
4. Use incognito mode when searching
This is a cheeky trick that I was unaware of when I first started booking trips for myself. Flight prices can increase based on your search history. Use incognito/private mode to avoid this.
5. Utilise budget airlines
Budget airlines can offer far lower fares compared to the big full-service carriers. This is perfect for those cheap trips across Europe when you don’t need all the bells and whistles. Be aware that many budget airlines have steep additional fees for baggage/other services and may fly to secondary airport – e.g. Ryanair flights to London land at Stansted airport, rather than Heathrow or Gatwick.
Recommended: Ryanair, EasyJet
6. Use accommodation comparison websites
Use comparison websites to find the best deals on hotels. This is also a great way to get details about the services/amenities offered and read reviews from fellow travellers. Websites such as Booking.com offers last-minute deals, special offers and loyalty discounts.
Recommended: Booking.com, Agoda
7. Consider budget alternative accommodation options
Alternative accommodation options such as hostels, vacation rental and homestays can often be cheaper than hotels and offer unique lodging options. Hostels are a quintessential part of budget travelling and a great way to meet other travellers and gain local insights (see my hostel article). I’ve even met people who find accommodation on pet-sitting websites by looking after pets in return for accommodation.
Check out my comprehensive guide to hostel travel – which outlines the benefits of staying in hostels, tips for a great hostel experience and essential packing items (plus some European recommendations)! Check out Hostelworld to browse a range of amazing hostel options all over the world!
Recommended: Hostelworld, Airbnb
8. Avoid eating out all the time
I get it – one of the biggest attractions of travelling overseas (for me, especially!) is sampling local culinary delights. Of course I’m going out to restaurants to get pizza and pasta in Italy and schnitzels in Germany! Spending money on food and drinks was an area that I definitely prioritised, but it was crucial to be smart with my funds to make the most of my options.
If you are staying in hostels, most will have kitchen facilities. When I was staying in one place for a few days, I often went down to the local store to grab some cereal and milk for breakfasts or some pasta and a jar of sauce to make a lunch or dinner. If you’re on the go, why not grab a yogurt and granola cup or a pastry from the store rather than eating a meal out? This simple approach allowed me to enjoy meals out while also balancing my spending.
9. Use public transportation
Instead of taxis or car rentals (which are often inconvenient and stressful to navigate in tight European city streets), use public transportation to easily get around cities and save money. Most cities have affordable and efficient transport systems and can offer multi day transit passes for tourists.
Recommended: Citymapper, Google Maps
10. Utilise long distance trains and buses
Using trains and buses to travel around Europe is essential and very affordable. Most countries have well developed and efficient rail networks to get you to wherever you need to go cheaply and quickly. Check out overnight travel options to also save you the cost of one night’s accommodation!
Coming from Australia, it still amazes me how easy it is to travel to another country in a couple hours on the train. The Eurail pass is totally worthwhile and gives you flexibility when booking travel.
Recommended: Eurail, FlixBus
11. Free attractions
There are countless landmarks and attractions that have free entry, like parks, public squares, and historical sites. Taking advantage of the great free attractions of offer is crucial for travel on a budget.
Examples include the Eiffel Tower from a distance, London’s Hyde Park, and the Berlin Wall.
12. Free walking tours!!!
One of the best discoveries to come out of my Europe tour! A walking tour is a great way to explore the city and get those steps in with a friendly and knowledgeable guide to inform you all about the city and give some stellar recommendations! I did these types of tours in Krakow, Prague, Berlin, Madrid and many more!!
These free walking tours cost nothing up front and the tour guides rely on tips at the conclusion. No one is under obligation to pay and it’s based on the principal of ‘pay what you can afford’, but the guides are so good at their job you’ll want to compensate them! Even €10/person works out far cheaper than paid alternatives.
Summary
By applying these tips and utilising some of these great recommended platforms, you’ll be better able to travel on a budget by finding the cheapest travel and accommodation options for your next adventure, and save money along the way! Let’s go get these incredible experiences at the best prices!