How to Travel on a Budget: Top Tips to Save Money
Seeing the world doesn’t have to be expensive. Over time, we’ve found ways to visit amazing destinations while keeping spending manageable, and we’re sharing our top tips to help you save.
With some planning and flexibility in travel dates, you can reduce costs by up to 60% on flights and places to stay. Small changes to how you organise your trip can make a big difference to the total spend.
Explore more options through our Travel Deals for beach holidays, city breaks, ski trips, and cruise offers. Knowing the best times and locations to visit means you can get more out of your trips for less.
This guide walks you through how to make the most of your travels, from choosing budget-friendly destinations to finding ways to enjoy local experiences affordably.
Why Cost-Conscious Travel Matters
Focusing on travel that keeps spending under control allows you to go further and stay longer. You can enjoy more experiences without constantly worrying about money.
Many assume travel is only possible with big savings, but careful planning shows that’s not true. You can explore popular destinations at a fraction of the usual cost.
Being mindful about spending while travelling also develops skills in managing money and prioritising essentials, lessons that carry over to everyday life.
Estimating Your Daily Travel Costs
A daily budget of around £30–£100 is realistic depending on your destination. Using holiday deal sites and holiday discounts can lower accommodation costs.
Typical expense breakdown:
- Accommodation: 30–40%
- Transport: 20–25%
- Food: 20–25%
- Activities: 10–15%
- Miscellaneous: 5–10%
Traveling during off-peak months can save 20–50%, and booking 3–6 months ahead often secures better rates.
Planning an Affordable Trip Without Missing Out
Pack light to avoid luggage fees; often one carry-on is enough. Choose destinations where your money goes further. Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America often provide excellent value.
Use public transport instead of taxis, and walking is a great way to explore. Check city break discounts and city attraction deals for extra savings. City breaks are usually cheaper midweek than at weekends, and hotels can drop rates by up to 30% in quieter periods.
Staying in hostels, rented apartments, or Airbnb listings with kitchens lets you prepare some meals and save. Moving at a slower pace reduces transport costs and gives you more time to enjoy each place.
Saving Money on Flights, Transport, and Booking Deals
Transport is often the largest expense, but timing and flexibility can make a major difference. Knowing when to book and where to look helps reduce costs without limiting travel options.
Finding Cheap Flight Deals
Comparison tools such as Skyscanner and Google Flights make it easier to spot lower fares across different dates. Viewing prices across an entire month often highlights the cheapest days to fly.
Budget airlines can be a good option for short-haul routes, especially when travelling light. Seasonal promotions and flight promo codes can reduce prices further.
Fare alerts are useful for popular routes, while early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper than peak departure times.
Saving on Trains, Coaches, and Transfers
Train tickets are usually cheaper when booked early, often around 12 weeks in advance. For longer journeys, split-ticket options can reduce fares without changing routes.
Many rail providers offer discounts for students, young travellers, and railcard holders. Coaches are usually the lowest-cost option, and overnight journeys can reduce accommodation needs.
For trips requiring cars or transfers, check car hire and transfer deals to save on local transport.
Why Booking in Advance Works
Airlines, train companies, and accommodation providers release tickets in stages, with lower prices available earlier. Waiting until the last minute often limits choice and increases costs, especially during busy periods.
Flexible dates increase the chance of finding better prices, particularly when travelling outside school holidays.
Cashback, Rewards, and Travel Points
Airline loyalty schemes allow travellers to collect points that can later be used for flights or upgrades. Some schemes also offer member-only discounts.
Credit cards with travel benefits can help reduce costs through points or cashback. Subscribing to newsletters can also unlock limited-time deals and early access to promotions.
Off-Peak Travel: How It Helps You Save
Travelling outside peak periods reduces costs across flights, accommodation, and attractions while also avoiding crowds.
How Shoulder Seasons Reduce Costs
Hotel prices often drop by 20–45% during shoulder months, which sit between peak and low seasons. Mediterranean destinations in May or September are a good example, offering comfortable weather at lower prices.
Flights are also cheaper during these periods, with airlines competing for fewer travellers. Attractions are easier to access, making sightseeing more relaxed.
Top Off-Season Destinations
Europe:
- Venice (Nov–Feb)
- Greek Islands (Mar–Apr)
- Scottish Highlands (Oct)
- Provence (Apr–May)
The Caribbean is often cheaper from June to November. Some ski resorts also offer good value during summer months, particularly for hiking and sightseeing, see ski holiday deals.
Spotting Last-Minute Deals
Monitoring fares and setting alerts helps identify price drops, which often appear six to eight weeks before departure.
- Check prices midweek
- Compare nearby airports
- Follow airlines, hotels, and cruise companies on social media
- Review package options close to departure, including holiday packages and cruise deals
Finding Affordable Accommodation
Accommodation choices shape both comfort and cost, making it worth comparing options carefully.
Booking Budget Hotels and Hostels
Midweek stays and off-season bookings often lead to lower prices. Checking hotel websites directly can sometimes reveal better rates than third-party listings.
Private hostel rooms offer a balance between privacy and lower costs. Hotel discounts can reduce prices further.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
Properties just outside tourist centres are often 30–50% cheaper. Rentals with kitchens also help reduce food costs over longer stays.
House Sitting and Couchsurfing
House sitting exchanges accommodation for property care, while Couchsurfing provides free stays and local connections. Both require planning and reviews to build trust.
Hotel Loyalty Programmes
Frequent travellers benefit from loyalty schemes offering free nights, upgrades, and member rates.
Travel Insurance and Safety
Affordable travel insurance makes sure unexpected events don’t create large expenses.
Eating Well on a Budget
Food is a major travel cost, but local options usually offer better value.
Street Food and Markets
Markets and street stalls often provide filling meals at lower prices. Busy stalls tend to reflect popularity and freshness.
Restaurant Deals
Lunch menus and early dining options are usually cheaper than evening meals. Subscribing to local listings can highlight discounts.
Apps for Affordable Meals
- TheFork
- OpenTable
- TooGoodToGo
- Yelp
Cooking Your Own Meals
Booking accommodation with kitchen access allows for simple meals that reduce daily costs.
Getting Around Without Spending Too Much
Public Transport vs Taxis
Buses, trains, and metros are cheaper and often faster than taxis in busy cities.
Travel Passes and City Cards
Multi-day passes reduce per-trip costs and sometimes include attractions, see city attraction discounts.
Walking is free, bike-share schemes offer low-cost daily travel, and carpool apps help split fuel costs.
Managing Money Abroad
No-Fee Cards and Currency
Cards like Wise, Revolut, and Monzo reduce foreign transaction costs. Avoid airport exchange desks and always pay in local currency.
SIM Cards and VPNs
Prepaid SIM cards and VPNs keep you connected safely without overspending.
Final Tips for Budget Travel Success
Good planning, flexible timing, and smart booking choices make travel more affordable without reducing enjoyment. Using discounts, tracking spending, and choosing value-focused options allows trips to last longer and cover more ground.
Conclusion: Travel More, Spend Less
Travelling on a budget is about informed decisions rather than cutting experiences. With the right preparation and access to deals, travel becomes more accessible, flexible, and rewarding. Explore all travel offers to find inspiration and savings for every trip.
