Hi there! I’m Sarah Houghton. After spending over 15 years exploring this beautiful planet, I’ve learned one important thing—travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Sure, I’ve had splurges here and there, but most of my adventures were done on a reasonable budget.
And guess what? Some of my favorite experiences weren’t about spending big; they were about traveling smart. Today, I want to share my top tips to help you travel the world on a budget without sacrificing amazing memories!
Busting the myth first—traveling on a budget isn’t boring. On the contrary, it forces you to get creative, which often leads to incredible, unexpected experiences. Planning ahead is key, though. Whenever I take a trip, I sit down, grab a notebook, and map out ways to save ahead of time.
Whether it’s hunting for a great flight deal or using travel loyalty points wisely, there’s always a way to make your vacation memorable without breaking the bank.
Weekly Nugget: Looking for more bang for your buck? Choose destinations where the exchange rate works in your favor. Countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and South Africa offer great value for every dollar, euro, or pound!
First stop? Finding affordable flights. I remember planning a last-minute trip to Greece a couple of years ago—Santorini, specifically. Flights were ridiculously pricey. That’s when I discovered the magic of using incognito mode to search! Airlines and booking sites track your searches (sneaky, right?) and can hike prices. By switching to incognito, I managed to snag a much cheaper deal a few days later.
Also, timing is everything. Did you know that weekends are often the best days to book flights? Early weekday departures can also be cheaper than weekend ones. I also swear by tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner. The key here is to compare, compare, compare—you’d be surprised how much you can save!
Ah, travel rewards—a secret weapon in my travel arsenal. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, signing up for rewards programs is non-negotiable. My go-to? A credit card with a stellar travel rewards plan. For example, I recently booked a weekend getaway to Argentina almost entirely using points I earned from everyday purchases.
Some cards also offer sweet perks like lounge access (hello, comfy couches), waived baggage fees, and even travel insurance. Pro tip? Always look out for bonus offers on sign-up. A little extra effort here means huge savings later!
One of my rookie mistakes during my early travel years? Ignoring transaction fees. On my first trip to Iceland, I racked up so many fees pulling money out of ATMs—I could’ve treated myself to another excursion instead!
Now, I always travel with a bank account that doesn’t charge fees for foreign transactions and refunds ATM charges. Trust me, it doesn’t seem like much at first glance, but over a couple of weeks, those savings add up fast.
Weekly Nugget: Use technology to budget smarter! Apps like Splitwise split expenses with friends, while XE Currency tracks live exchange rates so you know when to make transactions.
Imagine dining at five-star restaurants, staying in cute boutique accommodations, and joining awesome guided tours—all at a fraction of the cost. That’s what happens when you travel to countries with a favorable exchange rate. One of my favorite trips was to South Korea, where my U.S. dollars stretched far. Delicious street food, subway rides around Seoul, and even a rooftop stay with breathtaking views were ridiculously affordable.
Do some research before booking your trip. Some spots offer luxury experiences you wouldn’t dream of at home—for a fraction of the price!
Speaking of making travel more affordable, have you heard of working holidays? A couple of years ago, I did just that in Australia. I taught English in the mornings and surfed Gold Coast’s famous waves in the afternoons. Not only did I cover my living expenses, but I also got to immerse myself in Aussie culture and meet incredible people from all over the globe.
Working holidays are perfect for open-ended adventures. All you need is the right visa and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Who knows? That side hustle could fund your next big adventure!
This one’s a game-changer. My trip to Japan in late November was one of my most affordable trips to date. The cherry blossom crowds were long gone, yet I got to walk temple grounds in Kyoto without the usual swarm of tourists. Flights and accommodations? Half the price of their peak-season rates!
Traveling off-season isn’t just about saving money—it’s also incredibly peaceful. There’s nothing like having stunning backdrops all to yourself.
Weekly Nugget: Don’t pack your calendar from sunrise to sunset. Leave room for spontaneity! Sometimes, the best experiences are unplanned.**
Once you’re at your destination, transportation costs can sneak up on you. On my recent trip to Italy, I ditched car rentals and opted for public transportation. The trains were efficient, and walking through charming cobblestone alleys allowed me to stumble upon hidden gems I would’ve missed otherwise.
If you’re in a city, consider bike-sharing or scooter rentals. And when in doubt? Try walking—it’s free, plus it helps balance out all those vacation indulgences (gelato, anyone?).
When I first started traveling, I thought hotels were my only option. Boy, was I wrong. I remember staying in an Airbnb in Lisbon with a rooftop terrace that overlooked the city. The cost? Less than half of a basic hotel room. Sometimes, staying in alternative accommodations like hostels, house swaps, or long-term rentals not only saves money but also gives you unique, local experiences.
Look out for extended-stay discounts if you’re in one place for a while—they’re more common than you’d think!
Oh, food. One of my favorite parts of traveling! But here’s the thing—those flashy restaurants targeting tourists often charge a premium. Instead, I like to eat where locals eat. On a trip to Mexico City, I skipped the fancy spots and dined at street taco stands. Those $2 tacos were not only budget-friendly but also life-changing!
Always ask the locals for recommendations. Your hotel receptionist, barista, or even your taxi driver will know the best eats in town.
Confession time—I used to come home from trips with bags of overpriced souvenirs for friends and family. These days, I prefer taking photos to capture memories. When I was in Bali, I spent a few bucks hiring a local guide who took me to the island’s best-hidden photo spots. The pictures are now priceless souvenirs that I can share with everyone.
Of course, if something truly unique catches your eye, go for it—just make sure it’s worth the price.
With a little planning and creativity, the world is yours to explore without draining your bank account. Budget travel isn’t about limitation—it’s about discovery. Some of my best memories, like singing along with locals at an Irish pub or hiking a breathtaking trail in the Philippines, came from traveling smart and staying flexible.
Pack your bags, plan wisely, and go see the world. Because trust me, no matter how big or small your budget is, incredible adventures await you. Happy travels!
