How to Travel Cheap: 18 Tips for Budget-Friendly Adventures

I’ve never had the luxury to travel in luxury – but that doesn’t mean I don’t spend on travel. I save for it, and when I do, I make sure it’s worth every cent. Travelling on a budget isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making smart choices that let you stretch your money further.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the best experiences happen when you’re squeezing every dollar, stretching your budget, and somehow convincing yourself that canned tuna is an acceptable meal.

Whether you’re backpacking across Southeast Asia, navigating Europe on a budget, or simply trying to extend your travels, here are 18 tried-and-tested tips to help you travel cheap – without missing out on the magic.

1. Follow Flight Deals Instead of Fixed Plans

Flexibility is your best friend when travelling on a budget. Being open to off-season trips, mid-week flights, and spontaneous destination changes can turn an expensive trip into an affordable adventure.

Let cheap flights guide your next adventure – you might end up somewhere you never expected but absolutely love.

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search to find the cheapest destinations from your location. Sometimes the best adventures happen in places you never planned to visit.

2. Master Budget Airlines Without Hidden Costs

Cheap flights are tempting, but the real savings come from knowing the fine print.

Before you jump on that ultra-cheap deal, know what you’re signing up for. Budget airlines can save you a fortune – if you know how to navigate their hidden fees and tricky policies.

Avoid surprise fees by skipping extras like checked luggage, choosing your seat wisely, and checking in online to dodge printing charges.

3. Use Smart Routes and Nearby Airports

Sometimes, the cheapest way to reach your dream destination isn’t the most obvious.

Flying into a nearby city and taking a budget bus or train to your final stop can save you more than booking a direct flight.

Look at regional hubs with cheaper connections and explore multi-city flight options to hack your way to a lower fare.

4. Turn Long Layovers into Free Bonus Trips

Some airlines offer free stopovers in cities like Doha, Singapore, or Istanbul – giving you a chance to explore a new destination at no extra cost.

Instead of booking direct flights, take advantage of these extended layovers to add an extra city to your itinerary, sometimes with free hotels or transit tours included.

5. Travel Overnight

Sleeping on the move isn’t just efficient – it’s a budget traveller’s secret weapon. Why pay for a bed when your transport can double as your hotel?

Turn travel time into sleep time by taking overnight buses or trains. You’ll wake up in a new city, ready to explore, while saving on a night's accommodation.

Some routes even offer reclining seats or sleeper cabins for extra comfort.

6. Lock in Cheaper Rates with Early Bookings

Planning ahead doesn’t just keep you organised – it keeps your wallet happy.

Securing transport and accommodation in advance often results in better rates.

Train tickets, budget airline seats, and hostels are usually cheaper when booked weeks ahead rather than last minute.

7. Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses

Forget luxury hotels – hostels, guesthouses, and budget stays offer cheap and social options that make your travels more interesting.

Many hostels offer free breakfast, communal kitchens, and even organised events, making them a great place to meet fellow travellers.

Opt for dorm-style rooms if you're comfortable sharing, or look for private budget-friendly options if you prefer more space without breaking the bank.

8. Stay for Free with Work, Farm Stays, or Community Stays

Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses, but if you're open to alternative stays, you can cut costs dramatically.

Workaway and WWOOF let you trade a few hours of farm work for free lodging and meals, while house-sitting (trustedhousesitters.com) offers free stays in exchange for caring for pets or homes.

Couchsurfing connects travellers with locals who offer a place to sleep, often leading to unforgettable cultural exchanges.

If you have friends in your destination, reaching out to them for a stay can also be a budget-friendly and meaningful option.

9. Pack Like a Minimalist, Think Like a Strategist

Packing light isn’t just about avoiding baggage fees – it’s about freedom. Plus, you’ll never have to play an awkward game of suitcase Tetris at the check-in counter.

Bring multipurpose clothing, skip bulky items, and, if needed, wear your heaviest clothes on the plane like a human layer cake.

Master the ‘one-bag’ rule, and you’ll move faster, stress less, and save more.

10. Use Public Transport or Ride-Hailing

Navigating a city like a local not only saves you money but also immerses you in daily life.

Mastering local transport is a budget travel superpower. Learn the bus routes, use metro passes, or hop on a shared tuk-tuk.

If public transport is limited, ride-hailing apps like Grab, inDrive, or Uber can be cheaper alternatives to taxis – especially when splitting fares with others.

11. Walk Everywhere

Not every journey needs a ticket. Walking is free, gives you an excuse to eat more street food, and often leads to the best unexpected discoveries.

Bonus: no need to awkwardly figure out a new transport system while looking like a lost tourist. You’ll stumble upon hidden gems, burn off that street food, and actually get a feel for the local rhythm of life.

12. Meals on the Go

Eating out constantly drains your budget fast. Stock up on supermarket finds, grab fresh produce from local markets, or carry simple meals like sandwiches and instant noodles. You’ll save money, eat whenever you’re hungry, and avoid overpriced airport or tourist-trap food.

13. Eat Where the Locals Eat

Skip the overpriced tourist traps with their laminated menus and inflated prices. Follow the locals – they know where to find the best (and cheapest) food.

Whether it’s a tucked-away noodle stall in Bangkok or a bustling family-run taverna in Greece, local eateries offer authentic flavours at a fraction of the cost.

Bonus tip: If a place has no English menu and a long line of locals, you’re in the right spot.

14. Take Advantage of Free Activities

Many cities offer plenty of free things to do if you know where to look.

Free walking tours give you an insider’s perspective without costing a cent (just tip your guide). Some museums have free entry days, while public parks, beaches, and even cultural festivals provide entertainment at no cost.

Check local event listings, ask hostel staff for recommendations, and wander – you’ll be surprised how much you can experience without spending anything.

15. Score Discounts and Free Transport with City Passes

Tourist cards in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Tokyo offer free public transport, discounted entry to attractions, and exclusive deals. Checking local tourism boards or city websites before your trip can help you find the best options.

16. Stay Connected Without Overpaying for Internet

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean selling your soul to expensive roaming charges. Get a local SIM card or use an eSIM service for affordable data. Your wallet will thank you, and so will your sanity when you need Google Maps to rescue you from yet another wrong turn.

Many airports and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs, and apps like Airalo provide instant eSIM access.

Free WiFi is available in cafés, libraries, and public areas – just be cautious of unsecured networks.

17. Avoid Currency Exchange Fees

Every unnecessary fee is money that could have gone toward your next meal, bus ride, or spontaneous adventure. Avoid expensive airport exchange booths and high ATM withdrawal fees by using a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card or withdrawing larger amounts at once to minimise charges.

E-wallets and mobile payment apps can also be a smarter alternative to carrying large amounts of cash. Paying directly in local currency through services like Wise, or BigPay often gives you better exchange rates than traditional money changers.

Plus, digital payments add an extra layer of security – no risk of losing a wad of cash or fumbling for exact change when buying street food.

18. Use Overnight Airports or Stations for Emergency Stays

If you're in transit and accommodations are too pricey, some airports and train stations have designated rest areas for travellers.

Sites like SleepingInAirports.net help you find traveller-friendly terminals where you can stretch your budget even further. While some airports have quiet lounges and rest zones, others might leave you curled up on a plastic bench with questionable armrests.

It’s not glamorous, but when every dollar counts, it’s a sacrifice worth making.

The best travel stories…

The best travel stories aren’t the ones where everything went perfectly – they’re the ones where you improvised, made the most of what you had, and discovered something unexpected along the way.

That budget-friendly street food stall that ended up serving the best meal of your trip. The last-minute detour that led to an unforgettable adventure. The thrill of stretching your travel fund further than you ever thought possible.

So embrace the adventure, make the most of every cent, and find joy in the experiences – not just the price tag. Travel smart, travel cheap, and most importantly, travel well.