How to Travel on a Budget Without Missing Out

Exploring Fremantle in Perth, Australia.

Travelling on a budget is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Not only does it stretch your money further, but it also pushes you to experience a destination more authentically… eating where the locals eat, staying in unique places, and finding creative ways to explore.

But let’s be real: if you’re not prepared, a budget trip can quickly turn stressful. That’s why planning, research and a few insider tricks make all the difference. Here’s how to travel on a budget without sacrificing the magic of the journey.

1. Choose the Right Destination for Your Budget

Your budget goes a lot further depending on where you travel. A few hundred dollars in Bali can buy you a luxe villa stay, while the same money in Barcelona might not even cover a hostel dorm.

Budget-friendly destinations:

• Southeast Asia - Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia

• Eastern Europe - Poland, Hungary, Albania

• South America - Peru, Bolivia, Colombia

More expensive destinations:

• Western Europe (UK, France, Spain)

• North America (USA, Canada)

• Australia & New Zealand

• Luxury islands (Maldives, Bora Bora, Mauritius)

👉 Tip: Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find cheap routes from your home country. For Australians, flights to Asia are often far cheaper than Europe.

Nusa Penida in Indonesia, walking distance from our budget accommodation.

2. Research Costs Before You Go

It’s easy to budget for flights and accommodation, but don’t forget the extras:

• Airport transfers

• Local transport

• Travel insurance

• Tours & activities

• Meals, daily spending money & tipping

👉 Tip: Join Facebook travel groups or check Reddit threads where travellers share real costs from destinations. Ask whether they travelled on a luxury, mid-range, or budget style to get accurate comparisons.

3. Finding Cheap Flights

Flights are often the biggest expense, but here’s how to cut costs:

• Use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare routes and dates

• Be flexible with travel dates… flying mid-week or shoulder season can save hundreds

• Set up price alerts to track deals

• Consider budget airlines for short-haul trips (but always factor in luggage & extras)

👉 Tip: If you’re not fixed on a destination, search “Everywhere” in Skyscanner to see the cheapest places you can fly to from your city.

4. Accommodation Hacks

Accommodation can make or break your budget. To get the best value:

• Filter smartly - Set your budget range, minimum guest rating (7+/10), and location preferences on booking sites.

• Stay central - Cheap rooms on the outskirts may end up costing more in daily transport.

• Look for extras - Free breakfast, kitchen access, or loyalty discounts add huge value.

• Use cashback platforms - In Australia, ShopBack can give you $30-$50 cash back per booking.

👉 Tip: Don’t overlook hostels with private rooms. In Spain, I stayed in “hostels” that were more like boutique hotels… private rooms, no dorms, but at budget prices.

We drank 2 Euro wine most nights in Barcelona, and splurged when it was worth it!

5. Save Before You Go

Set up a separate “Travel Fund” bank account and automate weekly transfers. Even $20 a week adds up. Naming it something fun like “Bucket List Adventures” makes it feel motivating.

6. Money-Saving Tricks While Travelling

• Airport transfers - Skip taxis, take public transport (I recently paid just $4 total for two people instead of $40 for a cab).

• Food - Eat where the locals eat, not tourist streets. Buy groceries for breakfast and snacks. If breakfast is included in your accommodation, fill up.

• Tours - Pay for must-do experiences, but explore independently where possible. Free walking tours are a goldmine.

• Souvenirs - Skip the fridge magnets. Buy something useful or display-worthy that you’ll actually keep.
  
  

7. Resist the Urge to Shop Before Your Trip

You don’t need a new suitcase or entire new wardrobe before travelling. Unless something is genuinely broken or missing, use what you already have. Your budget will thank you.

Budget travel isn’t about missing out… it’s about making your money work harder for you so you can travel more often. Every dollar saved on flights, meals or accommodation is a dollar you can put towards your next adventure.

👉 Ready to start planning? Check out my Travel Planning Like a Pro Guide for step-by-step help.