When you start planning travel, what’s your biggest concern for you? I think there are many places where you want to go, foods you want to eat, and views you want to see. But the problem is money. It costs a lot of money to travel, of course.
I have traveled around 20 countries on a tight budget, from Southeast Asia to Europe. During those trips, I learned how to save money ―like choosing the right accommodation or transportation. And over time, I found the best way to save travel costs. For example, I traveled to Mongolia for $1,500 total for 10 days. I’ll share those tips.
So, let’s dive into it!
1. Book Flights Smartly
The first step is saving flight costs. Flight is usually one of the biggest expenses, so it will save around 20% of total cost.
Book 2–3 months in advance (1 month for domestic flights)
The booking timing is really important. It’s better to book as soon as possible once your travel date is set. In terms of traveling abroad, you need to book 2 months in advance at least. The price is getting higher after that.
Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights
Which app do you usually use to book flights? I always use skyscanner to compare prices first. And after comparing, it shows various airlines that you can book with. I usually compare 2 or 3 platforms (for example Trip.com or Booking.com or each official airline website.) It depends on the person, but I usually use Trip.com because I have used it many times and I have membership points.
2. Choose Affordable Accommodation
Utilize hostels, guesthouses, Airbnb for big savings.
When I travel abroad, I don’t care about the quality of the hotel much. The main purpose is going to see beautiful scenery, eating delicious food, and interacting with local people. So I choose affordable accommodation. You can find it on Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb.
When choosing accommodations, I always think of location as my top priority. It’s because I can save money to move around from touring spots to my hotel. But the problem is the hotel downtown is expensive. So, I choose a hotel that is a bit far from downtown if the transportation fee is cheap in that country. You need to consider the balance between location and transportation costs.
I recommend Rakuten Travel if you want to search accommodation based on location.
You can find it visually on a map.
3. Keep Transportation Costs Low (Use buses if you have time)
Transportation costs are also an important point where you can save money.
Use local public transport such as bus
Using a taxi is an easier way, but I recommend using local transportation. It’s not only saving money, but also can connect with local people. You can see how locals live in their country. I like using buses in any country because I can feel local vibes.
For short distances, walk or rent a bike to save money and explore
Walking or renting a bike is also a good way to save money. When I went to Laos, I rented a bike and I used it for 2days. It’s much cheaper than using a taxi many times. Walking is also a good way if you have time. You can walk around the city and feel vibes.
4. Save on Food by Going Local
Tourist-area restaurants are expensive, so buy local street food
The popular restaurant in tourist areas is way too expensive. You can also enjoy local supermarkets or street food. I always try eating local street food. It’s cheaper and you can communicate with local people there. You can also learn about local culture and lifestyle in that country.
5. Take Advantage of Free or Discounted coupons
Check for free events or museum days offered by the city, use student/young adult or group discounts, and get coupons from local tourist guides or free magazines.
Many cities have specific days when museums and attractions are free or discounted.
For example:
・Paris：The first Sunday of every month, many major museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are free.
・London：National museums such as the British Museum or Tate Modern are always free.
・Singapore：The National Gallery offers free entry on certain public holidays.
Use apps and local resources to find deals
You can get coupons and discounts from touring applications or local tour companies. I always use Klook or GetYourGuide ,which often provide skip-the-line tickets or bundle deals.
Tips for maximizing savings
・If you’re a student, always carry your student ID; many places offer 20-50% off.
・For group travel, check about group rates －even 3-4 people can save a lot.
・Combine free attractions with low-cost guided tours, which often include hidden spots that are hard to find by yourself.
6. Conclusion －Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Traveling on a budget is possible if you choose smartly about flights, accommodations, food and transportation. Even small decisions can make a big difference in your total cost. With these tips, you can enjoy more travel experiences without overpaying. I hope this guide helps you explore the world on a reasonable budget.