Table of Contents
Introduction
This is one of the main questions I get asked over and over again. How do I budget travel? I even ask myself sometimes how I did it. I still can’t believe I did 15 countries in less than seven months, but I did. And of course, it is still very doable. In 2013, I never knew I was going to travel; I didn’t. I still pinch myself now, thinking of the countries I have visited. I’ve travelled to 27 countries, and I still can’t believe it!! Soooo, how did I manage to travel so much, you’re wondering? Well, there isn’t any secret method or anything like that. I am here to tell you how I budget travel.
Sorry to burst your bubble; there was never any sugar daddy involved. Couldn’t entertain them just because I can’t stand uncles – SORRY! I paid and continue to pay for my holidays with my own money, and as I’ve always been a big saver. I was and still will go to so many places. So here is how to travel on a budget.
Related Post: 10 Essential Travel Hacks I Wish I Knew Sooner and How to Afford Travel When You Think You Can’t
Here’s how to budget travel for 7‑Month Journey Through 15 Countries
1. Study Exchange
I speak about this sooo much – a bit too much actually, but this is the MAIN reason why I was able to travel so much! I lived in Singapore and was able to get return flights around South-East Asia for less than £100 (sometimes less). Why wouldn’t you move abroad for a semester? You get nice food, and if you have a university/college like mine, you get a discount on your degree! It’s a win-win!
I’ve always been really good at saving money. I already had a bit of money saved up, and I also have a savings account specifically for my travels. Every time I get paid, I try to put a bit of money into this account.
Read: The Perfect Tools on How To Apply for a Study Exchange
2. Savings
I have always been good with my money (except when I am on holiday). I always have savings and would highly recommend getting a travel fund if you can get one. Even when I’m travelling and I always live on a budget when I am back home.
3. Stay and travel in Hostels
I’ve stayed in very good hostels in Thailand, and I’ve stayed in really horrible hostels in Australia. Every hostel is different, don’t knock it until you try it! If you are a solo traveller, and just starting out, you will have to stay in hostels unless you have endless money, of course. Hostels are good if you want to meet new people, so give it a go, especially if you are trying to travel Europe on a budget or anywhere else of that matter.
You can book a Hostel here.
4. Book Flights Early (and Set Fare Alerts)
This one saved me so much money it’s actually mad. I never book a flight the week I want to travel (I may sometimes though I recently did for Miami) I’m talking months in advance, sometimes even further out if I already know where I’m heading. I use fare alert tools so I get pinged the second a price drops, rather than manually checking every day like a crazy person. Flexibility is everything here too, if you can shift your dates by even a day or two, you’ll often find a completely different price.
5. Travel Off-Season (or Shoulder Season)
Everyone wants to go everywhere in peak season, which means you’re paying peak prices for flights, accommodation, everything. I’ve found some of my best trips happened in shoulder season, a few weeks before or after the “main” season when prices drop but the weather’s still decent and it’s nowhere near as busy.
6. Eat Like a Local
Budget travel isn’t just about flights and beds, food adds up fast too. I always try to eat where the locals eat rather than the touristy spot with the English menu out front it’s cheaper and honestly usually better. Street food, markets, local cafes, that’s where the real budget travel savings (and the best meals) are. Read here for best foodie destinations –Best Local Food Travel Tips from My Global Adventures
7. Travel Reward Points / Credit Cards
If you’re someone who travels a lot, it’s worth looking into travel credit cards or reward schemes that let you rack up points on things you’re already spending money on anyway. Over time those points can turn into free flights or hotel nights it’s basically free travel money if you use it right. Read – The BEST Debit Card For Airport Lounge Access
How To Travel on A Budget – Final Views
And there you have it, that’s genuinely how I managed to see 15 countries in under 7 months without a sugar daddy in sight! No secret formula, just saving hard and being smart about how I spent. You can using this to help you on how to travel on a budget with family or just as a budget traveller going around the world solo.
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I hope this budget travel guide helped.
Speak soon,
Debs MBV x
