10 solid tips for travelling on a budget

With the price of just about everything from basic groceries to a tank of fuel going through the roof, it’s a tough time to think about going travelling. But we’re not about to tell you to cancel your travel plans. In fact, we’re here to make sure they go ahead!

The thing is, travel doesn’t have to be expensive. You can take that sojourn you’ve been longing for – and have a great time – without financially ruining yourself. You just have to be smart with your spending, plan and maybe make the odd concession. As a team with plenty of experience walking that tightrope between itchy feet and the dire state of our bank account, allow us to guide you on the path of frugal enlightenment. Here’s how we saving money while travelling.

‍Don’t buy new – borrow and rummage through second-hand shops

You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe for your trip. Although, there might be a few practical things you need. Maybe you’re going on your first ski trip or you’ve realised your leather knapsack isn’t going to cut it for the hikes you have planned. Before you spend hundreds of dollars buying brand-new apparel, first ask: what can I borrow? Chances are someone you know can lend you a ski jacket and thermals or you’ve got a friend with the perfect backpack gathering dust in the back of their wardrobe. For the things you can’t borrow, try second-hand shops and Facebook Marketplace. Economical and a good shout for the environment!

Do a budget

Not the most inspiring task but if you’re travelling with limited funds, this is necessary. A budget doesn’t have to be an overcomplicated affair or trigger unpleasant flashbacks to learning Excel in Grade 7. Start with the simple facts: how much money do you have (or ideally need) to go away with? Once you’ve accounted for flights, travel insurance and accommodation, you’ll have a clear idea of what you can spend on food and fun each day you’re away. It will also show youhow far you can make your money stretch and the places you might want to have more funds to play with.

Reduce unnecessary expenses while you’re away

There’s no need to be paying rent on an empty room while you’re travelling for two months, right? In the lead up to your trip, take stock of your monthly expenses and identify places where you could save while you’re away. Could you sublet your room to cover your rent? Put your health insurance or phone plan on hold? Or rent your car out on a peer-to-peer car sharing platform?

Book your flights early and explore alternative routes

We’re not exactly living in the golden age of finding sweet last-minute flight deals, so try and book your flights as far in advance as possible. Search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights are great for comparing options and dates. Just remember to check the airline website to make sure you’re getting the best deal. If you can be flexible with your arrival destination, spend some time experimenting with flight paths. An international flight into Paris might end up being a few hundred dollars cheaper than, say a flight to London. In places like Europe and Asia, make the most of budget airlines for short internal flights. But be wary of extra fees for luggage and missing pre-flight check-in (looking at you, Ryanair). And don’t forget that flights tend to be cheaper towards the start of the week than Friday to Sunday.

Avoid peak holiday times

We all want to lounge around the Amalfi Coast drinking Aperols during the peak of European summer, but it’s not always a smart financial decision. Travelling anywhere during peak season means paying inflated flight, accommodation and transport costs. If you can avoid taking your trip during these months, you’ll definitely save money. Or even just outside the peak. There are plenty of countries in Europe where the weather is still beautiful and hot in August and September (cheers, global warming), but the prices and crowds have significantly dropped.