Travel More, Spend Less: My Top 5 Budget Travel Hacks

Are you dreaming of traveling the world, but think it’s impossible on a shoestring budget? Well, I’m here to tell you it’s not. Traveling the world doesn’t necessarily mean staying in five-star hotels and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants (unless that’s your thing, of course). Some of my most memorable travel experiences have come from immersing myself in the local culture and living like a local. And guess what? That doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With a little creativity, flexibility, and willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, the world can be yours even if you don’t have a trust fund. I have compiled my top 5 tips for traveling on a budget, so you can explore new destinations without breaking the bank.

Tip number one: pack light!

Trust me, you don’t need that extra pair of shoes or that bulky jacket. Stick to a backpack that counts as a personal item and can fit under the seat in front of you. I have a backpack that holds my laptop, iPad, Kindle, and enough clothes and toiletries for a week. The key is packing mix-and-match separates that can layer, and using multipurpose toiletries. My number one go-to is Vaseline, and please please please get the original. I can’t stress enough how much packing light will change your life as a traveler.

Tip number two: stay in hostels!

Hostels are the backpacker’s haven, the budget traveler’s best friend, and the social butterfly’s paradise. If you’re looking to meet fellow travelers from all over the world, swap stories, and share tips and tricks, there’s no better place to do it than at a hostel.

But wait, it gets better – did you know that many hostels have single rooms that are as nice as any hotel? Yes, you heard that right. You can have your cake and eat it too – enjoy the social atmosphere of a hostel during the day and retreat to your own private sanctuary at night.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – where do I even start with booking a hostel? Fear not, my friend. The Hostelworld app makes it easy-peasy to find and book the perfect hostel for your needs.

Hostelworld also has a cool chat feature. Who needs a travel buddy when you have a digital pal to keep you company? With Hostelworld‘s chat feature, you can skip the awkward small talk and get straight to the fun stuff – organizing meetups and other events.

Gone are the days of wandering aimlessly around a new city, hoping to stumble upon a cool spot or a friendly face. With Hostelworld‘s chat, you can connect with like-minded travelers who are just as eager to explore as you are. Whether you’re in the mood for a night out on the town or a leisurely stroll through the local park, there’s sure to be someone on the chat who’s down to join you.

And let’s not forget about the convenience factor. You don’t have to worry about exchanging numbers or awkwardly trying to find each other in a crowded hostel lobby. Just log onto the chat and voila – instant travel buddy!

I must tell you guys that my favorite Hostel brand is Selina Hostels. It’s always a thrill to discover a hostel that truly caters to your needs, and Selina Hostels does just that. This hostel chain has quickly become my favorite, and for good reason. Not only do they offer comfortable and affordable accommodations, but they also have a wellness theme that sets them apart from other hostels.

One of the biggest draws for me is their free yoga classes. It’s the perfect way to start the day and get energized for whatever adventures lie ahead. The classes are suitable for all levels, so whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, you’ll feel right at home.

You really can’t go wrong with staying in a hostel. I’ve been staying in hostels for over 20 years and they have given me some of my most memorable travel experiences. Need more convincing, check out my article Forget Hotels, Hostels Give You the Real Travel Experience.

Tip number three: use Google Flights to get great flight deals.

Ah, Google Flights, the magical tool that makes planning your next vacation feel like a breeze. Where do I even begin with the benefits? First and foremost, it’s like having a personal travel agent at your fingertips, but without the awkward small talk. You can search for flights with ease, filter by airline, departure time, price, and even the number of stops. It’s like playing a game of travel Tetris, but instead of blocks, you’re fitting in flights that work for you.

But wait! There’s more! Google Flights also has a nifty feature that shows you the cheapest dates to travel. So, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can save some serious cash and put it towards more important things, like souvenirs and snacks.

And let’s not forget about the handy-dandy map feature that shows you the price of flights to different destinations. Feeling spontaneous? Just click around and see where the wind (and your wallet) takes you.

I recently used Google Flights to get a one-way ticket on Ryanair from Athens to Malta for just 15 euros. The only catch was that the flight required that I have no more than a personal item bag. Luckily, my backpack was perfect.

Tip number four: use Guruwalks and Get Your Guide to plan your itinerary.

Guruwalks is the ultimate budget-friendly way to explore a new city and avoid getting lost in the process. With professional tour guides leading the way, you can rest assured that you won’t accidentally wander into a sketchy alleyway or miss out on the best local eats. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a freebie?

But don’t let the lack of a price tag fool you – these guides are the real deal. They know their stuff and are passionate about showing you their city from a local’s perspective. Plus, the tipping system means that you can give back to your guide based on how much you valued their service. So if you’re feeling generous and want to show your appreciation with a 10 or 20 euro tip, go for it! Your guide will be thrilled.

But let’s be honest, the best part about Guruwalks is that you get to feel like a savvy traveler, soaking up the sights and sounds of a new place without breaking the bank.

Get Your Guide is the perfect solution for the indecisive traveler who wants to squeeze the most out of their trip! This online platform is your go-to for booking tours and activities all over the world, with a plethora of options to choose from. And let’s not forget the discounts and deals that are available – you’ll be saving money while having the time of your life.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a history buff wanting to delve deep into the past, Get Your Guide has got you covered. From hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia to exploring the Colosseum in Rome, there’s something for everyone.

The best part? You don’t have to waste your precious vacation time standing in line to book your activities. With Get Your Guide, you can book everything in advance and be sure that you won’t miss out on anything. So what are you waiting for? Get your guide and get going!

Tip number five: cook your own meals.

First things first, let’s start with the basics – coffee and tea. Sure, you could shell out a few euros every morning for a cup of joe, but why do that when you can be your own barista? All you need is a pack of coffee or tea bags, some hot water, and voila! You’ve just saved yourself 1-5 euros a cup. Who says being thrifty can’t also be delicious?

Now onto the real cooking. Head to the local grocery store or market and stock up on some kitchen staples like oats, fruits, nuts, and eggs. These will form the foundation of your breakfast and snack game. Whip up a hearty bowl of oatmeal with some fresh fruit and nuts, and voila! You’ve got a filling and nutritious breakfast to power you through an active day of exploring.

The best part! Making your own meals also means you can splurge on a fancy dinner out without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you’re staying healthy while on the road. Trust me, your body will thank you for the nutritious fuel.

I hope these tips help you realize that even with very little money you can go out and see the world. Following the tips above I traveled to Munich, Salzburg, Prague, Vienna, Nuremberg, and Athens over the course of a month for $1500. Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or experiences. By packing light, staying in hostels, using Google Flights to find deals, using Guruwalks and Get Your Guide to plan your itinerary, and cooking your own meals, you can have an amazing trip without breaking the bank. Happy travels!