Want to travel more without emptying your bank account?
Travel is getting more expensive every year. Flights cost more. Hotels cost more.
And it's travellers who are noticing. According to a recent poll, 57% of Americans believe it costs more to travel than it did last year.
Here's the good news:
Having a better trip doesn't mean you need a bigger budget. It just means spending your money smarter. The top 3 expenses for any trip are:
- Where you sleep
- What you eat
- How you get around
Three you get plenty more you see, taste and do…for much less.
Inside this guide:
Start With Off-Season Travel Deals
Before you book a single bed, think about timing.
Where you go isn't the only thing that should matter when you travel. Traveling during the shoulder season is by far the easiest way to reduce your expenses.
Why? Because supply decreases. With less travellers around, guesthouses drop prices, flights become more affordable and the lines shorten. You still get the same beaches, markets and museums… just without as many people in your pictures.
Take early spring for instance. Lots of locations find themselves in the lull between peak seasons. That's when you'll really start to see the best out of season travel deals. If you're flexible with your travel dates, check out the best places to travel in march on a budget list and see how far your money can go.
Pretty simple, right?
But here's the thing…
Off-season does not equal a bad season. Research the "shoulder season". This is usually just a few weeks before or after the peak season. Typically the weather is still wonderful but prices have begun to drop.
Quick tip: Create price alerts for your dream destination a few months in advance. That way, you'll know when prices drop first.
Guesthouses: Sleep Cheap, Live Local
Accommodation will generally take up the largest portion of your budget. If you stay at a hotel in a touristy area it could account for half your expenses just sitting in your hotel room.
That's where guesthouses come in.
A guesthouse is a privately-owned lodging that tends to be small. Rooms are usually basic but tidy. Rates are significantly cheaper than at chain hotels.
But price isn't the only benefit…
Guesthouse owners are locals. They know the best restaurants, which tourist traps to avoid and which bus will take you to the beach quickest. That's the kind of advice you can't put a price on.
What to look for in a good guesthouse:
- Recent reviews that mention cleanliness
- A central spot near public transport
- Breakfast included (that's one less meal to pay for!)
- Clear prices with no hidden fees
Extra tip: Many guesthouses have discounted rates for weekly or longer stays. It never hurts to negotiate before committing.
Street Food: The Best Meals Cost The Least
Travel food is where most travelers go broke. Restaurants make you pay tourist prices. Three meals a day and you'll be BROKE!
Cutting back on dining out is hardly surprising. After all, a recent survey found that travel budgets are down an average of 23%, with eating out topping the charts of what Americans are cutting.
But you don't have to stop eating well. You just have to eat differently.
Street food is the answer.
In Bangkok, Mexico City and Istanbul among other places, some of the best meals you will ever eat will come from a humble cart on the street corner. It's fresh. It's quick. And it's usually a fraction of the price of eating at a restaurant.
And here's the kicker…
Street food is the quintessential local experience. You are eating what they eat and you are eating it where they eat it. None of that fancy menu nonsense.
How to pick a safe street food stall:
- Look for long lines of locals
- Watch the food get cooked fresh in front of you
- Choose busy stalls where food doesn't sit around
- Carry hand sanitiser (just in case)
Another quick win? Local markets. Grab fruit, bread and snacks for the day.
Public Transit: Travel Like A Local
Taxi rides and rideshares seem convenient. However they are one of the quickest ways to deplete your travel funds.
Public transit is cheaper. Much cheaper.
Taxi rides between city center and airports can cost more than a week's worth of bus/train tickets. Many larger cities also offer day passes or weekly passes where you can ride unlimited. Purchase one on day one and you'll never have to worry about transportation costs again.
There's one trick most travellers miss…
Night trains and buses. You travel between cities while you sleep, saving yourself the price of a night's lodging. Two birds, one ticket.
Plus the savings. Riding public transit will show you the city as it truly is. You'll ride through neighbourhoods you wouldn't see as a tourist. You'll hear the local dialect.
Want to save even more money? Walk. Walking is usually quicker than the bus for trips lasting 15 – 20 minutes….Plus it's free!
The Budget Swap Cheat Sheet
Truthfully you don't have to swap all your things at once. Swap one or two and go from there.
|
Expense |
The Expensive Way |
The Smart Way |
|
Timing |
Peak season |
Off-season or shoulder season |
|
Sleeping |
Big chain hotel |
Local guesthouse |
|
Eating |
Tourist restaurants |
Street food and markets |
|
Getting around |
Taxis and rideshares |
Buses, trains and walking |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are off-season travel deals?
Off-season travel deals mean reduced prices for flights, hotel rooms and excursions when there are fewer people travelling. Businesses lower prices during these slower times to fill up vacant rooms and seats.
Is street food safe to eat?
Yes, for the most part. Avoid stalls that aren't busy with locals eating there. Also, look for food that is cooked in front of you. Places that turn over quickly have fresher food.
Are guesthouses safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travelers like them as the owners are hospitable and they tend to be nearby. Read recent reviews and choose a guesthouse in a well lit central location.
Spend Less, See More
Live More For Less is not about depriving yourself of things that are fun. It's about spending your money wisely. Here's a quick review:
- Book during the off-season or shoulder season
- Stay in local guesthouses instead of big hotels
- Eat street food and shop at local markets
- Use public transit (and your own two feet)
Small swaps. Big savings. A richer trip.
The best part is, every dollar you save on beds, meals and taxis is a dollar you can spend on memories you'll cherish forever.