12 best budget travel tips
Staycations and trips abroad can be expensive, but they don't have to be. With these budget travel tips, we'll help you explore for less.
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Whether you're heading overseas or keen to see more of the UK, the costs of holidays can quickly add up. From transportation and accommodation to food, activities and tours, you can easily spend a small fortune.
In our latest National Student Money Survey, students spent an average of £29 per month (equivalent to £348 per year) on holidays and events. However, there are lots of little-known ways to save money and travel on a budget. You just need to know how.
How to travel on a budget
Here's how you can travel cheaply:
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Volunteer abroad
Going on a gap year or fancy spending a summer overseas? Then volunteering in another country is a rewarding way to travel. In doing so, you often get free food and somewhere to sleep.
Many young travellers try WWOOFing (worldwide opportunities on organic farms). In exchange for your hard work on the farm, you get free food and accommodation.
Other companies like Worldpackers specialise in volunteer opportunities worldwide. Typically, volunteer periods last anything from one week to 30+ days so they're a great option if you have less time.
It can be an amazing experience that will see you gain new skills, like-minded friends and unique memories. Plus, it's a nice CV boost!
Before you go down this route, make sure you're aware of voluntourism. Research the opportunities out there and consider if you'd be helping the community. If not, think about supporting them in a different way like donating money or organising a fundraiser.
Although you don't get paid as a volunteer, there are ways to earn money on your travels. -
Travel outside of peak season
When you choose to travel in peak season, you tend to pay the price. Not only will it be busier, but you'll spend more too. To escape the crowds and pay less for your getaway, plan your trips during the shoulder season (typically in spring or autumn depending on the destination).
Summer tends to be a popular time to visit European countries like Italy. Go against the norms and visit in autumn. That way, you are bound to save money on hotels and there will be fewer tourists when you hit up the Trevi Fountain. It's a win-win.
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Make the most out of free attractions
When it comes to free things to do, there are plenty of options out there. From parks and beaches to museums and markets, the possibilities are endless.
If you're heading somewhere you've never been before, trying free activities can be just as exciting as checking out world-famous monuments.
Free walking tours will help you get your bearings (and pro tips) from your guide on your first day. And, watching the sunset from beautiful viewpoints is an ideal way to end a day on the road.
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Buy a city pass
Not all attractions are free and paid activities can open your mind as a traveller. They allow you to dive deeper into local culture and broaden your knowledge of the location. But, things can get pricey.
Instead of paying entrance fees to many museums, think about buying a city card. It isn't always the case, but you could end up spending a lot less.
If you're the type of person to hit the ground running on your city break, it's one of our top budget travel tips. Prefer to take things slow and live like a local? It may not be for you. Only you can decide if it's worthwhile.
As you plan your trip, do a quick search online to see if there are any city passes available. The likes of GoCity cover many highly visited locations and tourism boards sell them too.
I've used city cards before:
I visit Amsterdam several times a year and as a big museum fan, I tend to use the Iamsterdam city card.It comes with lots of perks – a free canal cruise, bike rental for 24 hours, use of public transport and entry into 70+ attractions. It also offers discounts and freebies at certain bars and restaurants across the city.
On a past trip, I worked out that I'd saved over £50.
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Save money on food
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Like back home, food will be one of your biggest expenses while travelling. But, there are ways to eat well without sacrificing your bank balance or enjoyment.
For example, Thailand and India are known for their street food and it's the perfect way to sample cuisines cheaply.
Also, staying somewhere with a kitchen means you'll have the ability to cook your favourite meals and save on eating out.
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Take advantage of cheap flights
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air make sticking to a travel budget a breeze. Who can resist £30 return flights to Poland?
By only using a small rucksack, you can skip extra fees and discover a new city for less than the cost of a night out. We know what we'd prefer...
Proceed with caution though as cheap flights don't always mean an affordable holiday. You may think you've found a good deal, but hotel prices could be sky-high.
Plus, visiting some destinations can be quite pricey in general – Paris, Oslo and Copenhagen to name a few. It's no use bagging inexpensive flights if you'll go over budget once you're there.
Another way to grab a bargain on flights is to fly from (or to) a nearby airport. If you'll save hundreds by departing from Manchester instead of Liverpool, it's well worth the quick train journey.
Ultimately, do a spot of research before finalising any bookings to check you really are getting value for money.
Are you a frequent flyer? Consider these ways to reduce your carbon footprint. -
Stay with family or friends
This won't be an option for everyone, but try reaching out to friends or family living abroad. As well as saving money on your holiday, you'll get to catch up with a loved one.
As you'll have access to a kitchen, you might want to cook them a nice meal to thank them for their generosity. Our easy pasta recipes always go down a treat.
If you don't know anyone living overseas, try house-sitting. It's one of the easiest ways to get accommodation for free. Sometimes it even involves looking after cute pets.
We share more handy tips in our guide to hotel deals.
I've previously saved money by staying with family in Canada:
During my time at uni, my sister and I visited our auntie in Alberta, Canada. As she had a house with spare bedrooms, we were able to stay with her for free and save on accommodation.If that wasn't option, we would have spent hundreds on hotels or hostels.
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Use public transport to get around
Wherever you go, taxis are an expensive way to get around. While they can't always be avoided, aim to use public transport as often as possible.
Companies like FlixBus and megabus offer bargain coach journeys, but getting around by train or bus is a great option too (depending on the length of your journey).
If you spend a lot of time travelling around the UK, Railcards and National Express Coachcards can save you a tonne.
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Buy an eSim
These days, many mobile phone networks let you use your monthly package overseas without cost or for a small fee. However, it typically only applies to certain countries.
If you're heading outside of these locations, you could be faced with a hefty bill when you return home. In some places, you're even expected to pay £8+ per day. To stop that (or if you only have a pay-as-you-go phone), purchase an eSim.
Wherever you are in the world, you'll then be able to send messages, make calls and update your friends on social media at a fraction of the price.
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Use your student discount
You may not realise this, but you can sometimes use your student discount internationally. No matter where you're going on your next trip, bring it along just in case. Although it's not guaranteed, it's definitely worth a try.
With a paid TOTUM membership, you can get a 12-month international student identity card which is accepted worldwide.
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Avoid fees when spending abroad
Spending money abroad can be a recipe for disaster. You might rack up high foreign transaction fees without your knowledge. Being aware of these charges and knowing what to do instead is key.
App-based banks such as Chase, Starling and Monzo let you spend in other countries without fees.
I personally use Monzo whenever I'm travelling:
As a frequent traveller, I opened an account with Monzo and I've used my card in many countries across the globe.It's completely fee-free to pay by card and withdraw up to £200 a month in any country. This was super helpful when I needed cash to pay for shopping in the souks of Morocco.
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Travel at a slower pace
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Look, we get it – the temptation to see as much as possible can be high when you're in a new country. However, there are many pros to slowing down.
Firstly, it's a great way to relax and truly appreciate your new surroundings. If you're hopping from A to B without barely catching a breath, you could end up feeling rushed.
Secondly, you'll spend way less money if you travel at a slower pace. It gives you the option to book long-term accommodation which can be more cost-efficient. And, if you're not rushing to tick off five attractions a day, you'll have time to cook cheap meals too.
It also means saving on trains and buses as you won't be moving around so much. Ideal.
Looking for budget-friendly destinations? Then check out our guide to affordable city breaks.
