How to Budget Travel

If you want to travel, but your budget is low, here are some tips and tricks I've used to see the world at a low cost.

One of the easiest ways to budget travel is by keeping your destination open. Research which countries are the cheapest to travel to, and which time of the year is the cheapest. Sometimes the popular expensive destination isn't even the best choice, just the most touristy. If you want a Greek or Italian vibe but less expensive, go to Albania. Instead of Thailand, go to Vietnam. It's like when you don't have a certain ingredient for a recipe, so you look up the substitutes you may have in your house instead. Both are equally effective, just one is less well-known.

Research which countries have the cheapest flights from your location. Even if daily activities turn out to be more expensive, if you can save a few hundred on the flight, that makes all the difference. Red-eye flights tend to be cheaper. I read somewhere that flights tend to be cheaper on Tuesdays, so if I'm ready to book, I always try to do it on a Tuesday morning. I use Google Flights, Skyscanner, Trip.com, and Expedia to check flights. Flying during the week is also usually less expensive than flying on the weekend.

If you have your mind set on a place, see which time of the year is the least expensive to travel. The busy season always means accommodations will cost more with less availability. Just be aware, once you have the time chosen, check the weather. Usually slow season coincides with the less desirable climate.

Check the local transportation methods. If you travel to somewhere where you will need a car to get around, the rental cost needs to be considered. Most city centers have a pretty good public transportation system; if you don't want to rent a car, choose to stay near the city and possibly near a train station. On the other hand, staying outside the city could provide a bit cheaper accommodations, if this is the case, weigh the pros and cons. Will staying further from the city center mean you need to pay for transportation every day? Is that price more than what you'd save?

When deciding where to stay, hostels will always be the most cost-efficient. You can use HostelWorld, Hostelz, or Booking.com, too. Once I find a place I like, I search if they have their own website outside of the 3rd party application. Booking directly on their website usually eliminates added fees. You can also look for hostels with certain accommodations and amenities. If you don't bring a towel on your travels, some will provide one for free, while others charge. Some provide you with breakfast, some at a low rate. Some will give you discounts on local restaurants or tours. Mostly all provide free walking tours, but checking doesn't hurt.

If you're a seasoned traveler, maybe you've heard of Couchsurfing. This is an app that connects you with people around the world who will provide free housing to you in their country for a period of time. I myself have never tried this, but I know tons of people who have; just check for reviews and have a backup plan in your rearview mirror, just in case.

Now, you're on your trip and want to save money. Depending on the cost of food, you could cook your own meals. Instead of buying a coffee and avocado toast each morning, buy a loaf of bread and avocados yourself. Fruit markets are huge all over Central and South America, way cheaper than anything you’ve seen in the States. A lot of hostels offer free coffee or tea as well. Choose your restaurants wisely; if you see one with big flashy "tourists welcome" aesthetics, those are probably not the cheapest option. Take the back road to a local, authentic spot, that's where you'll get the good prices and the better food.

If you want an authentic tour of the city you're in, befriend a local. A local can show you the best spots, while a tour guide will show you the busiest tourist traps. A local will show you around while giving you a cultural experience, while a tour will be swamped with other people moving from place to place rapidly. A local will also expect nothing in return; they will be happy to have shown you a part of themselves in a city they love. Get a beer after, you just made a lifelong friend.

If you want to turn your love for travel into multi-month or week-long trips, start volunteering. I found my volunteering opportunities through Worldpackers. This is a very safe and reliable way to be connected with experiences around the world- as always, make sure you check the reviews and are in communication with the owners before you arrive. That way, you know what you’re getting yourself into. This app/website allows you to filter your search by the accommodations you’d like to receive. You can choose to only see places that will house you, privately or dorm-style, and feed you three times a day. This means your only expenses would be the flight to get there and any extra excursions/tours you do, which are usually discounted! I also met travelers who would just arrive at a location, start staying at a hostel, then, if they like the vibe, ask if they need volunteers. More than likely, they will, especially if you do your research and arrive in a country right before their peak tourist season.

These are simple things that, when put into affect truly can make traveling very, very inexpensive. If you want to see the world authentically through the eyes of locals, budget traveling is the way to go. And while you gain more experiences, chat with other travelers, they will have tricks up their sleeve to save a buck. I believe in you!