10 Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel
Brief Overview
We at Northern Explorers are aware of the financial burden that travelling can impose. But we think everyone should be able to see the world without going into debt to do it. As a result, we have compiled these 10 tips for cheap travel in 2024.
Consider booking everything separately
Holiday packages may seem like the best bet from a financial and fun standpoint for many of us, but they may end up costing more. Never be afraid to book anything separately and skip the pre-made packages. Making all of these little decisions on your own can save you money and give you more control over your holiday.
Look at booking flights, accommodation, and tours individually, you will find they work out cheaper in most cases.
Look at traveller reviews
While considering how to organise your future holiday, the input of other travellers might be really helpful. Reviews may be a great resource for learning about popular tourist destinations, such as which ones to visit and which to skip, when to go to avoid crowds, and possibly even how to save money on admission and flights etc.
Travel in the off-season
Buy the essentials in advance
Sunscreen and insect repellent are two examples of items that can be significantly more expensive if bought in a touristy location or at the airport than they would be before your trip. You should get plenty of things before leaving on your travels. It’s also a good idea to weigh your suitcase before heading to the airport to make sure it doesn’t exceed the airline’s weight limit, as this will likely result in a significant fee (£60-£100).
Recommended Pre-Travel Products
Utilise local knowledge
In order to have a truly memorable (and inexpensive) time, it’s best to get suggestions from locals who have been been living there for a while. You should make an effort to learn some simple words in the local language so that you may have meaningful conversations with locals who can give you insider tips on the finest places to visit, and what to avoid.
Go All-inclusive
Full board or all-inclusive packages can be a good option if you’re looking for a stress-free trip. While the initial cost may seem higher, your holiday meals (and typically booze) are paid for ahead of time. When visiting popular tourist spots, it might be cost-effective to purchase admission tickets in advance and save money by purchasing a package deal.
Staycation to save money?
Many of us will be thinking of taking a trip within our own country in an effort to cut costs, but with the rising price of petrol and trains, even a staycation can be prohibitively expensive. Especially if you are visiting a tourist hotspot or one of your country’s stunning coasts.
You should consider camping to save money.
Ways to Save on Flight Baggage Fees
Let’s not overlook that pesky extra charge for checked bags.
It’s bad enough having to pay to check your bag. The baggage policies of various airlines can be a minefield to navigate due to their varying weight and dimension restrictions. Nonetheless, the added complexity and potential increase of expenses posed by excess luggage fees cannot be ignored.
Extra charges can significantly increase the overall price of air travel. You don’t want it to happen after you’ve gone through the trouble of selecting a cheap airfare.
The first and most important tip is to pack as little as possible. If you can get by with only a carry-on, you’ll save money and save time in the airport.
When checking in, make sure your bags don’t exceed the airline’s size and weight restrictions. Sadly, not all airlines are accommodating, and many passengers are hit with unexpected fees for extra baggage when they check in. Domestic airlines with lower fares are notoriously stringent in this regard.
- Wear as many clothes as you can! As of right now, airlines aren’t able to weigh passengers before boarding.
- Pick the lightest bag you can find.
- Before you head to the airport, weigh your things with a portable luggage scale.
- Have excess baggage? Buy it online before you get to the airport to save up to 50%.
- If you’re going somewhere far away for an extended period of time, it might be more cost-effective to buy toiletries like shampoo there than to pay for extra weight.
Buy Travel Insurance (Save you tons in the long run)
Insuring our trips is a must for us as we don’t want to be paying for medical care if anything goes wrong, even something simple like an upset stomach could end up being costly.
You could be right in thinking that this is money you don’t need to spend. Have faith that getting travel insurance will save you hundreds in the end. It also removes a major source of anxiety when things don’t go as planned during your trip.
Opt for out-of-Town Accommodation to Save Money
In the heart of a city, prices tend to rise. This is because many attractions in a city can be reached by foot, making them more accessible.
Yet, if you’re on a budget, it’s smarter to remain on the outskirts of town and take public transportation, walk, or ride a bike into the heart of the city.
With Booking.com‘s map feature, you can see all of the hotel and other accommodation options in the area. Inns in more distant suburbs become a more viable option for budget travellers.
A few extras:
- Work As You Travel to Make it More Affordable
- Get a Travel Card to Save on Transaction Fees
- Try self-catering accommodation
- Find Free Things to do (free walking tours)
- Buy a Local Sim to Limit Travel Costs
- Book Accommodation with Breakfast
- Shop at Cheaper Supermarkets or Local Markets
Final Thoughts
By following these sustainable travel tips, you can make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying your travels. Travelling sustainably may require a bit more planning, but the rewards are well worth it. And don’t forget… When you leave a place, make sure to leave it as you found it. Pick up your trash, and avoid leaving any items behind
Save this post (pin it)
Other Budget Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to Budget travel:
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
