For many of us, travelling is the ultimate dream. But all too often it seems like our dreams are put on hold because of money constraints. But with a bit of planning and know-how, you can save money and still have the trip of your dreams. Here are some tips on how to travel on a budget without sacrificing quality or fun!.

Estimated 3 minute reading.

1. Cutout unwanted expenses

Use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to save money on purchases made abroad.

Also, using a credit card is a much more secure form of cashless payment. Credit cards offer more robust fraud protection than debit cards. So if someone fraudulently uses your debit card, they can drain your account while using credit card you won’t be liable for any unauthorized charges.

2. Use price comparer website.

Use websites like Hipmunk or Kayak to compare hotel and airfare prices. Keep an eye on these websites since you may not want to miss the exclusive offer that a certain company is offering. It may result in a few hundred dollars in savings.

3. Sign up for loyalty programs with hotels and airlines to earn rewards and perks.

Signing up for loyalty programs with hotels and airlines can offer a variety of benefits and perks, including:

• Rewards points: Loyalty programs often allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend on travel. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, or other perks.
• Priority treatment: As a member of a loyalty program, you may be eligible for priority check-in, boarding, and other perks that can make your travel experience more convenient and enjoyable.
• Exclusive offers and discounts: Loyalty program members may receive special discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel-related purchases.
• Upgraded amenities: Some loyalty programs offer upgraded amenities or room upgrades for members who reach certain tiers in the program.
• Personalized experiences: Loyalty programs can also offer personalized experiences, such as access to exclusive events or personalized recommendations for activities and restaurants.

4. Use Airbnb or vacation rental sites to find more affordable accommodation options.

In additional to cost saving especially for longer stays it also provides following advantages:

• More space: Vacation rentals often offer more space than hotel rooms, which can be especially useful for families or groups traveling together.
• Home away from home: Renting a vacation home or apartment can provide a more home-like experience, with amenities such as a kitchen and living room that can make your stay more comfortable.
• Unique properties: Airbnb and other vacation rental sites often feature unique properties, such as treehouses, yurts, and converted warehouses, that can provide a more authentic and memorable travel experience.
• Local experiences: Renting from a local host can also provide an opportunity to experience a destination like a local and learn about hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

5. Look for flights with layovers in major cities to save money and have the opportunity to explore a new place.

Consider looking into a long layover flights not only it does save you money, you can explore new places and give yourself a chance to stretch your legs and relax before continuing your journey.

6. Pack light to avoid baggage fees and make travel easier.

• Make a list: Before you start packing, make a list of everything you’ll need for your trip. This will help you avoid packing unnecessary items and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
• Choose multi-purpose items: Look for clothes and other items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a jacket that is water-resistant and windproof can also serve as a raincoat.
• Wear your heaviest items: Wear your heaviest items, such as boots or a coat, on the plane to save space in your suitcase.
• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you organize your belongings and make it easier to find things in your suitcase.
• Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes can help you fit more in your suitcase and reduce wrinkles.
• Limit liquids: Pack travel-sized bottles of liquids and try to use solid versions of products, such as bar soap or deodorant, to save space

7. Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your valuables safe while traveling.

Using a money belt or hidden pouch can be a good way to keep your valuables safe while traveling, especially when you’re in crowded or unfamiliar places. Having a secure place to store your passport, cash, and other important items can give you peace of mind while traveling, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

8. Research local transportation options in advance to save money on taxis and car rentals.

As the technology has improved so much in the last few years, Most of the countries has an cheaper taxi alternative like uber. Here is a list of the local ridesharing app and countries they operate.

• Uber – Widely used( currently available in more than 80 countries around the world).

• Lyft – currently available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• Ola – countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It is also available in several cities in the United States.

• Didi – available in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, and Taiwan. It is also available in some Latin American countries, including Chile and Peru. However, it is not available in all countries.
• Grab – based in Singapore and is available in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It is also available in some cities in the United States and Europe.

• BlaBlaCar – It is a long-distance ridesharing company that is available in several countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and many countries in Europe and Latin America.

The above information is sourced from the Wikipedia and various other sources. However I suggest to research ridesharing options in the country you’ll be visiting in advance, as the availability and popularity of these apps can vary from place to place. You can also consider using a search engine like google or asking locals for recommendations.

9. Look for free walking tours or volunteer opportunities to save money on activities and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Participating in these types of activities can provide an opportunity to learn about and experience local culture firsthand. Free walking tours and volunteer opportunities can also be a great way to meet new people and make connections with locals and other travelers.

Personal fulfillment: Volunteering can also provide a sense of personal fulfillment and allow you to make a positive impact on the local community.

10. Use apps like XE Currency or Oanda to get the best exchange rates and avoid being ripped off by currency exchange kiosks.

Using such currency exchange app provide convenience and real-time exchange rate information over the traditional currency exchange kiosks and banks. As banks and kiosks often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates especially in tourist areas.Some apps, such as Oanda, allow you to compare exchange rates from multiple sources, so you can find the best deal.

Thank you for reading our travel hacks blog! We hope that these tips will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. Remember to do your research, plan ahead, and be prepared for any unexpected challenges that may come your way. And most importantly, don’t forget to relax and have fun! Safe travels!