Ever dream of tossing a backpack over your shoulder, grabbing a one-way ticket, and traveling the world? If you’re worried about how much it costs, this article is for you. These five practical money-saving hacks are based on real experiences, showing you how to save a significant amount of money while traveling.
1. Stay in Hostels Instead of Hotels
Accommodation is often one of the most expensive aspects of travel, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of booking pricey hotels, try hostels. Not only do hostels save you money, but they also provide a unique opportunity to meet new people, especially if you’re traveling solo.
- Cost: Hostel stays typically range from $20 to $40 per night, making it a highly affordable option.
- Perks: Many hostels offer free breakfast, events, and the chance to book private rooms for cheaper than hotels.
- Tip: Use apps like Hostelworld to find the best-rated and affordable hostels. Booking ahead can also help you avoid price hikes during peak seasons.
Example: A 30-day stay across multiple hostels in Europe cost just over $700—a fraction of what hotels would have charged.
2. Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards
Travel rewards credit cards can save you hundreds on flights, accommodations, and even extra travel perks like TSA pre-check.
- How it works: Many travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, offer massive sign-up bonuses. For example, after spending $3,000 in the first three months, you can earn 60,000 points—equivalent to about $600 in travel credits.
- Strategic spending: Use your credit card to pay for major travel expenses like accommodations, flights, and train tickets. You can hit your minimum spending requirement quickly and earn free travel credits.
- Tip: Be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can negate the savings from your rewards.
Example: Using rewards, you could reduce your round-trip flight expenses by $400 to $500.
3. Book Flights to Cheaper Airports
Instead of flying directly to your destination, look for cheaper flights to nearby airports. Once you arrive in a nearby city, you can take a budget airline or train to your final destination.
- Tools to use: Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to see price maps of nearby airports, helping you find the cheapest option.
- Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates. Avoiding high-demand travel days can significantly lower flight costs.
Example: Instead of flying directly to Dubrovnik, Croatia, consider flying to a larger airport in Italy, like Naples or Rome, and taking a cheaper flight or train into Croatia. This simple switch could save you hundreds of dollars.
4. Travel When Your Expenses Are Lowest
Timing your trip to coincide with the end of your lease, or renting out your home while you’re gone, can dramatically cut your expenses.
- Save on rent: By planning your trip during a period when you don’t have to pay for housing back home, like the end of a lease, you can reduce your overall expenses.
- Tip: If you own your home or are in the middle of a lease, consider renting it out on Airbnb or subletting to cover the costs of your mortgage or rent while you travel.
Example: By traveling for a month at the end of a lease, you could save $500 or more on rent.
5. Spend More Time in Less Expensive Destinations
One of the best ways to save money is to allocate more time in affordable destinations and less time in expensive ones.
- Balance your trip: For example, Eastern European countries like Hungary are generally cheaper than Western European countries like Austria. By spending more days in Hungary and fewer in Austria, you can enjoy both destinations without overspending.
- Tip: Research accommodation and food costs in different locations before planning how long to stay in each place.
Example: Staying five days in Budapest, Hungary, costs about the same as two days in Vienna, Austria. By spending more time in the less expensive city, you maximize your travel experience without draining your budget.
By applying these hacks, you can save a significant amount on your next trip and make traveling the world a reality. Whether it’s strategically booking cheaper flights or leveraging travel credit card rewards, a little planning can go a long way in cutting costs. Happy travels!
The TechWanderer 