Thrifty Travel Tips
How to Stretch Your Dollars on the Road
Discover practical tips and insider secrets to save money while traveling. From budget-friendly accommodations to cost-effective transportation options, learn how to maximize your travel budget and embark on adventures without breaking the bank.
How do I afford to travel full-time? That is the question I have been asked repeatedly for the past six years. Traveling the world is not cheap, but it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. Embarking on international adventures doesn't have to drain your bank account; in fact, with the right strategies and mindset, you can explore the world while staying within your budget.
Contrary to popular belief, I am neither a trust fund baby nor do my parents pay for my adventures. This is my dream, and It’s something I have worked really hard to achieve. I worked four jobs during my time at university and continued to work the entire time during my adventures. After my first trip, I sat down and asked myself, “What can I do for work that will allow me to travel full-time?” And here we are.
While many people may view my life as a permanent vacation, I promise you that is far from the case. I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I went on a real vacation. I am constantly working, no matter where I am in the world.
Saving money while traveling abroad is not about sacrificing experiences but rather about being intelligent, resourceful, and strategic in your choices. Now that I've learned better and have been able to budget a lot more with a lot more money, I'd like to share some tips and tricks on saving money overseas.
Research
Doing research ahead of time is a crucial step in saving money while traveling. By investing time in comprehensive analysis, you can make informed decisions, uncover hidden gems, and secure the best value for your money, ultimately allowing you to stretch your travel budget and make your journey financially sustainable. By comparing prices, reading reviews, and exploring different booking platforms, you can find the best deals and discounts available. Additionally, researching local customs, traditions, and local eateries can help you discover affordable dining options and avoid tourist traps.
Be Flexible
Being flexible is a valuable strategy for saving money while traveling long-term. While it’s not always possible, depending on your travel style, being flexible with my travel plans has saved me thousands of dollars in expenses. Flexibility allows you to take advantage of various cost-saving opportunities that may arise during your journey. By being open to adjusting your travel dates, you can benefit from off-peak or shoulder season discounts on flights, accommodations, and attractions. Additionally, staying flexible with your destination choices enables you to explore lesser-known, budget-friendly locations or take advantage of last-minute deals and promotions. Ultimately, embracing flexibility creates room for unexpected savings and serendipitous adventures, ensuring that your long-term travel journey remains affordable and filled with delightful surprises.
Accommodation & Transport
Accommodation expenses can significantly impact your budget, so opting for budget-friendly options such as hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals can help cut costs. Hostels are one of the best places to meet other travelers when you are on the road solo. While this accommodation option may not be for everyone, it can save you a significant amount of money. As I have gotten older and now have more responsibilities when it comes to work, hostel dorm rooms aren't always the best option for me anymore. However, private rooms are only available, allowing me to work, save money, and interact with others while still managing my own space. Similarly, being savvy with transportation choices can result in substantial savings. Opting for public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars can significantly reduce transportation costs, and utilizing ride-sharing services or booking flights in advance can lead to significant savings.
Take Advantage
One of the best tips you can take when looking for ways to save money while traveling is to always take advantage. Seriously, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANYTHING THAT IS FREE OR ON SALE! Many destinations offer a plethora of free attractions, activities, and experiences that can provide immense value without costing a dime. From free walking tours and museum admission on certain days to public parks, scenic viewpoints, and cultural festivals, these opportunities allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the surroundings, and create meaningful memories at no extra cost. By embracing the free offerings and experiences available, you not only save money but also have the chance to uncover hidden gems, connect with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of the destination.
Coupons
If you are new to the lifestyle here at Ali’s Happy Adventure, you’ll quickly learn that I am a sucker for coupons and promo codes. Coupons and promo codes offer exclusive savings on flights, accommodations, dining, activities, and more savings. They can be easily found online through email subscriptions or travel-related apps, providing instant access to discounted prices and special offers. Whether it's a percentage off on hotel bookings, a discounted attraction ticket, or a promotional code for plane tickets, I never let a coupon go to waste.
Travel Credit Cards
Utilizing travel credit cards is an excellent way to save money while traveling, especially on long-term travel adventures. These specialized credit cards offer a range of benefits that can significantly reduce your travel expenses. With features such as travel rewards, airline miles, and hotel discounts, travel credit cards provide opportunities to earn points or miles for your spending, which can be redeemed for flights, accommodations, or other travel-related expenses. Moreover, many travel credit cards offer perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and waived foreign transaction fees, adding value to your travel experience while saving you money.
So there you have it, my top ways of saving money while traveling! Of course, there are always other ways to make your dollar stretch on the road. I’ve started rolling my own cigarettes. I’ve lived in a van and camped in tents in people back yards. I've slept in a car, lived off of bread and apples for days, and so many other things when I desperately need to save money. While my spending habits have definitely improved in the past six years, and I now have a lot more funds to work with, being a budget traveler is something I’ll never grow out of. Remember, be willing to be adventurous and experimental, and the world will be yours!