How to travel on the cheap - 10 ways

How To Travel on the cheap: 10 Ways

ByHilary

If you’re like me, you want to see the world without blowing your entire life savings. I have a long list of places I dream of visiting, and the only way I’ve been able to start checking them off is to travel on the cheap. The truth? Budget travel isn’t just possible—it’s fun, freeing, and often even more meaningful.

I took my daughter on a dream trip to England, France, and Italy for just under two weeks and spent only $3,500. To put that in perspective, my husband and I once spent twice that for a one-week trip to Hawaii! Europe affordable? You bet. And I’ve got the receipts to prove it.

Here are 10 of the best hacks I’ve picked up from fellow travelers—and from plenty of trial and error—so you can travel on the cheap and still have the time of your life.

Be sure and shop my travel essentials for a great trip!

1. Fly Smart: Be Flexible and Creative

Want to travel on the cheap before your trip even begins? Get flexible with your flight plans. Sometimes flying into a nearby city is much cheaper than your actual destination. Use trains or budget airlines to connect. For example, fly into Bologna instead of Florence, or Frankfurt instead of Paris.

Watch out for hidden airline fees—especially when using miles. Airports like London Heathrow can slap on massive surcharges. Instead, try routing through cities like Dublin or Amsterdam where fees are much lower.

And don’t be afraid of long layovers or extra stops. On a recent trip to Tenerife, our “inconvenient” route home had us stopping in Dublin. We added 3 days in Ireland and checked off another destination—for cheap.

2. Pack Light, Buy Toiletries There

One of the easiest ways to travel on the cheap is to avoid baggage fees. You don’t need to pack a year’s worth of toiletries for a two-week trip. My daughter and I did London with just carry-ons and picked up our shampoo and toothpaste once we arrived.

3. Eat Like a Local

Eating out three times a day will drain your budget fast. I like to grab breakfast and lunch items at local markets—especially in Europe where fresh, affordable food is everywhere.

In Hawaii, my husband and I delay lunch until around 2 or 3 p.m. and hit happy hour for both food and drinks. Then it’s a light snack later at the condo. If you want to travel on the cheap and still enjoy great meals, this approach works. And when we do eat out, we always avoid touristy spots, menus with photos, and high-traffic areas.

4. Take the Train or Bus

Public transportation is one of the best ways to travel on the cheap and experience a destination more authentically. I love Europe’s train systems—reliable, scenic, and affordable. Buses can be even cheaper. Just keep your bag in front of you and stay alert, especially in crowded areas.

5. Skip the Hotel

Hotels often come with a high price tag. Hostels, short-term rentals, and splitting costs with a travel buddy are great ways to cut expenses. My daughter and I stayed in a hostel in London, and I’ve also split costs with a friend in both Portugal and Tenerife. It’s a fantastic way to travel on the cheap without sacrificing comfort or fun.

6. Bring Snacks and a Refillable Water Bottle

Airport food is overpriced and usually disappointing. Pack your own snacks—granola bars, trail mix, fruit—and bring a reusable water bottle to fill after security. It keeps you fueled and saves money on long travel days.

7. Use the Duty-Free Bag Hack

Tight on carry-on space? Buy something small at the duty-free shop and ask for a large bag. Most airlines don’t count this against your carry-on allowance, so you can bring a little more onboard for free.

8. Ship Purchases Home

Found the perfect rug or fragile wine glasses? Don’t risk checking them or paying for an extra suitcase. Many countries have easy, affordable shipping services. I’ve done this on several trips, and it’s a smart way to keep things light while still bringing home treasures.

9. Use Prepaid Travel Cards

Foreign transaction fees and ATM surcharges can add up. Prepaid travel cards help you stick to your budget and keep your funds safe. Load one before your trip to stay on top of spending without needing to carry large amounts of cash.

10. Let the Deals Pick Your Destination

Sometimes the best adventures come from being open. Some of my favorite trips happened because I found an unbeatable deal—not because I planned to go there. Want to travel on the cheap? Sign up for fare alerts, check last-minute deals, and go where the discounts lead you. You might fall in love with a place you’d never considered.

Travel Essentials

Here are a few must-haves I always bring on trips to save money and stay comfortable—with affiliate links to support the blog at no extra cost to you.

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Final Thought: You don’t have to be rich to see the world—you just need to get creative. When you travel on the cheap, you often end up with more authentic experiences, richer memories, and fewer regrets. These tips are how I’ve made dream trips happen—and how you can, too.

Got your own tip for how to travel on the cheap? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear it!

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