My 5 Tips for Traveling on a Budget

[iuoala]

1. Book in a youth hostel instead of a hotel.

Youth hostels are amazing, you share a dorm with a bunch of other young travelers, you save a lot of money as they are much cheaper than hotels, and they offer the same services (wifi, food, some have swimming pools etc...)

2. Eat local food

If you are a food lover and you want to eat on a budget, this will give you a taste of the local culture, and will be so much cheaper than international dishes you will get in restaurants.

3. Compare all the available transportation options.

There are several apps and websites for this. When Travelling in a country, see all the ways you can get to your destination, train, bus, plane, and compare the prices and durations. Consider even renting a car where it is cheap.

4. Buy a daily/weekly/monthly public pass

Many places have them. A little card can give you illimited access to public transportation, and big discounts on museums and public attractions etc.. if you are a student, a pass is likely to cost much less.

5. Consider meeting a local

no one can give you better advice while traveling to a specific country than a local who probably knows the best tips and hacks of staying in that country.

[Wonderer89]

For #4 I'd double check the standard fare compared to a timed pass.
I was recently in Hawaii for a week and a 4 day pass was $35 but an individual fare was only $2.50
It can save money in some cases, but travellers should check each places options.

Best ways I've found to save are to make sure it's not school holidays where you're going, clear your cookies when searching for flights, if you're staying at a resort see if they'll include breakfast in your room rate, load up on that and then eat somewhere local for dinner.
Air BnB is also an amazing saver too - but be sure to check out the specific location prior to booking to make sure it's decent neighbourhood

[Tommy222]

iuoala, I appreciate these tips - what good advice!

I especially concur with tip #5 - "Meet a Local"

Before I travel somewhere, I try to get to know someone that lives there through the internet. I have made some good friends that way, and even stayed with people in their homes during my vacation. And, of course, I have returned the favor and hosted others when they visit my area. The internet is one's greatest resource when it comes to doing travel research.

[NearlyNapping]

#2 and 5 can be at the same place. It doesn't work as well in big cities, but I don't travel to cities anyway. When I travel through small towns, I look for where the locals are eating. You can usually spot it by the vehicles in the parking lot (In the US, that probably means a lot of pick ups).

Once inside, talk to the server, and maybe other customers. Ask around if there are any local places to see. In small towns, most tourists pass right through, on the way to someplace else. So most locals will be glad to tell you about their local places that most tourists completely miss.

[martyfellow]

Even though you're on a budget, consider hiring a guide for just a short time. They'll give you information on local events and lodging on a budget that won't be in any guide book, and you'll get MUCH more out of visiting the site with the guide... worth a little money.

[madhatters4]

i'll add to #1 in case people don't want to live in dorm style living

people should consider renting a condo or house from sites like airbnb, homeaway and VRBO.

I've used this option on trips to Portugal, Italy and numerous trips within the US. you can almost always find great accommodations while saving hundreds of dollars... for example i traveled to portugal and stayed in an amazing 2 bedroom condo with a full kitchen, A/C, etc for about $80 a night

[JohnDoe3000]

#5 can be a bit tricky though, and possibly quite dangerous, especially if it's a poor country and/or you're a woman.

#1 is the biggest saver of all, a must-have for anyone traveling on a budget, but you have to bring ear plugs and hide/lock up your stuff.

[archiz]

Great advice
That s what I was planning on doing when I wanted to go to England.
Took in a hostel for students. One of the youth ones. And was looking into the oyster card for public transport

[Thrifty]

YES. I already do this and you receive the '"Thrifty" Seal of Approval'

[Jackblue]

1. What if you are old like me?
2. Don't want to do that in India.
3. Really don't want to do that in India.
4. perhaps
5. Where do you find one?

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

1 and 5 can be basically the same... couch surfing. you're welcome. it's fun as hell

[player0696]

Nice take, seriously. Thanks for sharing your experience

[Anonymous]

No, but I have been to old England.
That's weird because I'm American.

[almadafie]

That sounds like good advice

[Anonymous]

Love this my take!