Want to know the best tips on how to travel the world on a budget? These are secrets that everyone planning on traveling should know.
Planning to become a traveler or travel more often is exciting but you want to make sure you are prepared as possible. As a fellow traveler, I am giving the insider tips on how to travel the world on a budget.
You are going to learn budget travel tips about when to travel, how to find the best deals, and saving money related to travel.
After reading, you will feel ready to travel the world.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the below links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
This post is all about travel budget tips.
How To Travel The World On A Budget
1. Make a budget
First up is establishing your budget. Everyone has different lifestyles and incomes. It is vital that you realize what is important to you and what you could cut back on. For example, if you are serious about traveling and never seem to have money for it, then it has not become a priority. There is always a way. You could get a second job or cut back on something to travel yearly. Good things do take time so keep that in mind if you are saving. It is all about understanding where your money goes. Luckily, there are apps that could break this down for you. In addition, most bank apps will breakdown where your money is going each month, week, day.
How much are you willing to spend?
The question to ask yourself is how much do you want to set aside for travel? The bigger question is how often do you want to travel? It is important you know how much you want to travel and where. This will ensure you could set the appropriate budget each month and have amazing vacations to constantly look forward to. 😀
2. Travel Rewards Programs
Invest in a travel credit card or travel rewards program if you want to begin traveling. This is a must for any avid traveler! If you are one that has sworn off credit cards or using them often, then do not break that promise to yourself. There are many travel rewards programs you could join that are not credit cards. However, travel credit cards are a great investment if you can and want to, and a way to travel for almost free or enjoy more perks while traveling. Personally, many of my flights have practically been free with my travel credit cards. Usually there are additional perks with travel credit cards; however, travel rewards programs have amazing perks too. I know people that have also traveled for free (plus taxes, small fees) with only a travel rewards program and no travel credit card.
Need help choosing a travel credit card? This related post breaks down the benefits of 4 of the best travel rewards programs. Key Benefits of the Best Travel Rewards Programs
3. Travel Bundles
Travel Bundles could save you a ton of money when it comes to traveling the world on a budget. For example, a website such as Expedia.com could find you the best travel deals in a bundle. You would simply put in where you want to go and what to add for that bundle. For example, if you are visiting Milan, Italy and want to find a hotel + flight, you would input that into their website with your travel date details. If you want to add a rental car you could do that. These websites tend to find the best deals for you if you want traveling made easy. Typically they give you savings the more you add to a bundle.
4. Luggage Choice
Not only will durable luggage last you, it will save you in fees. If you want to save on constantly paying for carry on luggage (yes, some airlines charge for carry on luggage) and checked luggage, the luggage you choose is important. If you are looking to travel often, this could literally save you hundreds a year!
Important factors to look for in a luggage:
- Durability: Will it last a long time? Do not cheap out when it comes to luggage otherwise you will be buying it often and not saving money in the long run.
- Maximize space: Get luggage that you could also be your personal item size for traveling. If you choose your luggage wisely, for those weekend trips you could bring a personal size item luggage only. Again, you will save money from baggage fees.
- Compartments: Get luggage that has compartments for organization. Travel organization not only gives you peace of mind, it helps you not overpack which in the end saves you money.
For additional tips on travel organization with a carry on only, check out this related post: 9 Super tips for Traveling with a Carry On Only
5. Travel Off Peak
Next is traveling off peak season. This cannot be stressed enough!!! I have said it many times and will again, when it comes to finding the best deals, off peak is the way to go. Off peak travel will not only be amazing for your wallet, you will also have less tourists. Less tourist means a better chance of going to all those restaurants and sites you want to see. If you travel during busy times, sometimes certain sites/restaurants will fully booked. If it can be helped with your work or school schedule, travel off peak.
6. Consider Remote Work
This is a big one but if you are really serious about traveling the world, consider finding a remote position. Times have changed and remote work is very attainable in many fields. There are people that backpack all year round in exchange for travel. In addition, you will not have to take time off if your job is remote. This will allow more flexibility with travel dates and will save you money in the long run as you could travel off peak. If your job is remote already, awesome!!
Hybrid works has its advantages too. You are typically able to go away during a long weekend and travel more often than others. Take advantage of any flexibility your job offers. The flexibility could save your thousands each year in travel expenses. Choose your priorities and decide what is important. If traveling is at the top of your list, the extra time you could land with that dream flexible remote/hybrid job will allow you to explore more than the average person.
7. Cheap Flights
Next up is finding those cheap flights. If you are going to save money anywhere but also feel safe at the same time, flights is the way to go. Another option is driving. Road trips are fun! Also, you could see more places by taking a road trip. If you are traveling somewhere it is possible to drive to, it could save you money by choosing driving. Weigh the costs and your options ahead of time. A cheap flight is typically a flight that you are paying à la carte. What that means is you will have to possibly pay to choose your seat, carry on, and checked luggage. Ensure you check the airlines policy and read the fine print. The fine print is so important! Many people have been stuck paying large fees at the airport they were not expecting. Preparation and awareness are vital when it comes to travel.
While you could likely find a cheaper accommodation, be careful with this. You want to feel safe while traveling so if you find that cheap hotel, check the ratings. The reviews that people are paid to write are likely untrue. Be careful with Airbnb/VRBO that have little to no reviews. There are great new hosts with little to no reviews yet but be careful and do your research. Go with your gut and always be safe!
8. Affordable/Free Attractions
There are many attractions around the world that are affordable or even free. This is where research comes in handy when you are planning a trip. Do not go to places that are outside of your budget. As tempting as it may be, you will be kicking yourself later. It is no fun going into debt for travel. You will not be able to enjoy your trip if you have no clue how you will pay it off when you get home. Save your money and when you have enough saved then go to that dream destination. Again, good things take time! You will enjoy the vacation that much more knowing it is fully paid off. There are many gorgeous places to see around the world that are affordable. In addition, there are many places that have free attractions around the world. You need to research and find them, but they are out there. 🙂
9. Pack Light
This goes back to an earlier point on choosing luggage wisely. Packing light will save you a lot of money in luggage fees. True story, I took a couple round trip flights last year for $50 due to packing light and avoiding luggage fees. Imagine getting flights that price all the time! It is possible if you avoid overpacking and make a list. The travel days should not count towards your outfits. Dress comfortable because travel days are a lot and you tend to sleep anyway. Your wallet will thank you in the end if you learn how to be a minimalist packer. If you are in need of travel luggage that is usually the size for a personal carry on item, an Amazon link is below. Check the airline you are traveling prior to traveling for dimensions on their personal item size. Airline policies are always changing. The bag below is also a great weekender bag for a road trip!
10. Plan Ahead
Next up is planning ahead. Knowing when you want to travel and how many times a year will help with your travel budget. Pay yourself first. What this means is set money aside for savings/travel savings first. If you get into the habit of doing this you will no longer miss the money. You will begin to get used to having only the leftover money and save in the end. Even if you are not paying for the trip yet, plan a year or more in advance. Also, this will give you something to look forward to. 🙂 There are many accommodations that you could put a deposit down or even pay in full in person. If you want to travel the world on a budget, planning is key! Anyone that is great at budgeting is a planner, even if you have apps to assist. Apps are your friends and we live in an amazing time where there are many options available.
11. Flexibility
Lastly, flexibility is soooo important! You might not get everything you exactly planned, but it could be better! Be flexible with planning and where you are going. If you want to travel the world on a budget, the best way to do it is keep an open mind. Join online travel groups and network with other travelers. Frequent travelers are an excellent way to get advice and even the best deals. These travel groups want to help you and share tips and tricks. Some of them work in the travel industry too.
Traveling the world on a budget is doable for anyone on any budget. The important factors are knowing how often you want to travel, where, and the frequency.
Happy and safe travels! xx
This post was all about travel budget tips on traveling the world on a budget.
Enter your email below for a free PDF ultimate travel checklist. This checklist is customizable so you could add and remove anything that does not apply to you. Entering your email below and clicking that follow button on Pinterest will keep you up to date on travel guides, travel budget tips, and travel organization tips. Ensure you never miss the latest travel budget tips, travel organization tips, or travel guides.
Leave a Reply