7 Budget Travel Hacks to Explore the World on a Shoestring

Many people would love to travel the world, but realistically speaking you have to deal with a lot of costs. Fortunately, nowadays there are legitimate budget travel hacks that can help you realize that trip you’ve been dreaming of.

With right planning, you can explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and create amazing memories. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best budget hacks that expert travelers use to make the most of their adventures while keeping expenses in check.

1. Genius flight discounts

Buying a plane ticket is arguably one of the most expensive parts of traveling. So, this is a great area where you can save a ton of money if you get savvy about where to look.

Use a source for finding cheap airline tickets and you will never look back. These websites will inform you of price drops on destinations across the world, so you can save up to 90% of airfare instead of paying full price

Similarly, you should make use of fare comparison sites to get the best flight deals.

2. Go off-peak

While jetting around in the warm summer months has its perks, there is a lot to be said for traveling during off-peak season. If you look ahead and plan for the season in your country of choice, then the time of year shouldn’t matter all too much.

There are tons of more affordable options out there when you move in this direction, so rethink your schedule and be open to a more flexible itinerary.

3. Hostels over hotels

Another key area where it is possible to economize is where you stay when you get there. Hotels have their place, but if you want to really see the world on a shoestring budget then hostels are the better way forward.

Hostels offer affordable rooms and dormitories that will save you significant money and also allow you to meet amazing friends during your stay. You may also want to look into guesthouses, homestays, and even couchsurfing as alternative options. Depending on where you’re going, Airbnb features reasonably priced rooms especially for long-term stays.

4. Look for free/low-cost activities

There are always free (or low-cost) activities up for grabs everywhere you look – including parks, museums, and markets. The key is to do a little bit of research prior to arriving, and then you’ll be able to book amazing experiences for little to no cost at all. Make sure to sign up before you go because the free stuff tends to get fully subscribed fast.

Another way to enjoy experiences in a budget is to look for city passes that comes with a bundle of multiple attractions at a discount.

If you love the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and swimming are often budget-friendly yet fulfilling activities that will let you witness the natural attractions of an area.

5. Be the anti-tourist

There will always be a few popular tourist spots that make your bucket list. However, going away from the crowd is advantageous in a lot of ways, especially when it comes to your wallet.

Go off-the-beaten path for authentic experiences. Also consider traveling slower and staying in a specific location rather than bouncing from attraction to attraction. This is a great way to see a country through a more authentic lens and will help you find the hidden gems that everyone yearns to see.

6. Work

Do you wonder how people afford to travel for months? The trick is to work while you travel.

If you are planning on traveling for a longer period, why not pick up a part-time position while you’re out there? There are amazing seasonal positions that look specifically for traveling employees — you just have to find them. Just make sure, if you are going down this route, that you sort out any visa requirements before you turn up for the role.

You can also try to find digital nomad jobs, which will let you work anywhere.

7. Do as the locals do

When you find a place you want to stay, think about where the local residents shop, eat, and hang out. These will be the optimum spots for saving money and having a cheap, but amazing, experience. With numerous blogs, social media posts, and online groups, this is easy to find out — it just takes a little research and planning in advance.

Remember that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the quality of your trip or your comfort. Choose the best budget travel hacks that fit your preferences.

Nowadays, there are thousands of budget-friendly accommodations, experiences, and adventures waiting to happen. Don’t let a price tag hold you back from seeing the world!