How to Travel the World on a Budget

If you know how to watch your pennies, you would not need to win the lottery to travel the world or spend a fortune exploring exotic places. 

We have put together some tried and true advice to help you budget for your vacation.

1. Create a strategy

If you have the luxury of time and money to spare, it is great to travel on the spur of the moment. Making a plan is the first step, though, if you are traveling on a tight budget. 

Although a detailed itinerary is not necessary, you should at least know the route your epic adventure will take and how long you plan to spend in each city or nation. 

2. Take a trip during the off-season

Steer clear of vacations during the school breaks, as the travel industry raises rates to exploit families who can only take vacations during these weeks. 

Find out when is the best time to visit your destination, then plan your trip for just before or after these times. 

You will still have a fantastic trip during this “shoulder season,” but it is possible that the sun will not be as bright (and, on the plus side, it will not be as hot). In order to draw clients during this period, hotels and airlines reduce their rates.

3. Make sure to pack appropriately

Aside from a few souvenirs, make sure you pack everything you will need so you will not need to shop while you are away. 

Bring at least one pair of long jeans, a warm hoodie, and a waterproof jacket for unforeseen weather conditions, regardless of where you are going. See our “Travel like a pro” guide to packing for any type of trip for more detailed tips.

4. Reserve flights well in advance

It is never ideal to run out of money overseas without a guaranteed ticket home, especially for return flights.

 Up to a year in advance, airlines “release” their flight seats, and the closer your departure date approaches, the higher the price, particularly in the final month.

5. Think carefully about how you fly

Choose a Tuesday for your trip. Because weekend flights are more expensive, midweek travel is less expensive, and you will experience shorter lines at security and check-in desks at the airport. 

Travel in economy as well; regardless of how nice Business Class appears, there is no need to upgrade. 

You can use the money you save on inexpensive seats to pay for lodging or meals when you get there.

6. Do not waste your money

Instead of eating at an expensive cafe or restaurant, you can get inexpensive lunches at the grocery store or even at the local fresh food market. 

Before deciding on a restaurant for dinner, try to explore the area; if you choose the first one you see, you will not be able to tell if you are going over budget. 

Drinking beer with every meal soon adds up; occasionally choosing water will benefit your waist and your pocketbook.

Conclusion

We genuinely think that most people can travel the world. Each person has a different preference for when and how to travel, but you can plan and prioritize your travel to make an international trip possible.