7 Smart Tips on How to Travel Cheap and Save Big on Your Next Trip

 

Traveling doesn't have to be expensive—by using smart tools and strategies, you can explore the world on a budget. Book cheap flights with search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights, stay in affordable accommodation like hostels or Airbnbs, skip baggage fees, use public transportation, and avoid foreign transaction fees. Save in advance with small lifestyle changes, take advantage of tax-free shopping, and stay organized with a digital travel planner like the Ultimate Travel Planner Template to make budget travel stress-free and achievable.

Key Takeaways

• You can travel cheap by planning smart and budgeting well.
• Use flight search tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights for the best deals.
• Travel to budget-friendly destinations or during off-peak seasons.
• Avoid baggage fees by packing light or shipping luggage.
• Use public transport and no-foreign-fee cards to save money abroad.
• Save gradually by cutting daily expenses like coffee and eating out.
• Claim VAT refunds with Tax-Free shopping where available.
• Stay organized with a travel planner to manage costs and itinerary efficiently.

Introduction

These days, it feels like everyone is off exploring new places. Scroll through Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, and you’ll quickly see a stream of stunning landscapes, exotic foods, and dreamy destinations. It’s easy to catch a case of travel envy.

But while it might seem like everyone is constantly on the move, social media rarely shows the full story.

It’s surprising how often people spend double—or even triple—what others pay for similar trips, simply because they’re not sure where to save. Over time, it becomes clear that many travelers just don’t know how to travel cheap.

That’s why this quick guide is here—to show you smart, practical ways to explore the world on a budget. Whether you're looking for cheap ways to travel, effective budget-friendly travel tips, or smarter strategies for affordable travel planning, you'll find helpful insights to make travel more accessible.

And for those who want to stay extra organized while saving money, using a travel planner or road trip planner can be a huge help. With a bit of planning and the right tools, anyone can travel more for less.

Book Cheap Flights

One of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is by scoring a great deal on your flight.

It’s often where you can save hundreds without sacrificing comfort or convenience—after all, you're still getting the same seat, just at a better price. Learning how to travel cheap starts with smart flight booking strategies.

Use Flight Search Engines Like Skyscanner

A top tool for affordable travel planning is Skyscanner. This powerful flight search engine has been a go-to for savvy travelers for years, especially those who want cheap ways to travel without wasting time comparing dozens of websites.

There are two standout features that make Skyscanner incredibly useful:

• It includes budget airlines. While some major search engines overlook smaller, low-cost carriers, Skyscanner brings them all into one place—ideal if you're heading to a less familiar region and aren’t sure which airlines to look for.
• The “Everywhere” destination option. Perfect for spontaneous travelers or anyone hunting for the best bargain, this feature lets you enter your departure airport and select “Everywhere” as your destination. You can even choose “whole month” to compare prices across a wider range of dates. The results are automatically sorted by the lowest price—helping you find unbeatable deals fast.

If you’re looking to travel more often without breaking the bank, mastering tools like Skyscanner is a must. Pair it with a simple travel planner to organize your itinerary and expenses, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident, budget-savvy explorer.

To streamline your planning process, consider using a travel planner spreadsheet to efficiently organize your itinerary, track expenses, and ensure every detail of your trip is covered.

Use Google Flights to Compare and Track Deals

While Skyscanner is a favorite for many budget travelers, Google Flights has quickly become a strong contender in the world of cheap travel tools. Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to see why so many seasoned travelers rely on it for budget-friendly travel planning.

One of its standout features is the ability to search multiple departure and destination cities at once—not just “nearby airports,” but a fully customized list. This flexibility can make a huge difference if you’re open to flying out of or into different cities to save money.

The filtering options are also incredibly helpful. You can fine-tune your search by excluding specific connection airports, choosing preferred airlines, flight durations, or even the number of stops—making it easier to find the perfect balance between convenience and cost.

Another powerful tool is the Date Grid, which gives a visual layout of how prices vary depending on your travel dates.

And perhaps the most underrated feature? The Price Tracking tool. Once you’ve set your filters, simply click “Track Prices,” and you’ll receive email updates any time the price for that route changes. It’s a simple, effective way to monitor flights and book at the best possible time.

Using tools like Google Flights alongside a road trip planner or travel planner can help you not only find the best deals but stay organized from start to finish. These strategies are essential for anyone serious about learning how to travel cheap without compromising on quality.

For a structured approach to planning, explore the best apps for trip planning to find tools that complement Google Flights and keep your travel details in one place.

Sign Up for Scott’s Cheap Flights Alerts (Now Going by Going)

Want to catch amazing airfare deals without constantly searching? Scott’s Cheap Flights (now known as Going) is a great way to stay in the loop. This email service notifies you when major airlines drop their prices or release mistake fares—often saving you hundreds on round-trip tickets.

The deals come fast and don’t last long, so it’s perfect for flexible travelers who are ready to book quickly. The free version sends out regular alerts, and while there’s a paid option with more perks, the free tier still offers excellent value.

It’s an easy, low-effort strategy for anyone trying to master how to travel cheap—especially when paired with a travel planner to stay organized when those deals hit your inbox.

Avoid Paying for Baggage Fees

One of the easiest ways to travel cheap is by skipping unnecessary baggage. Pack only what you truly need—traveling light not only saves you money, but also makes your journey smoother.

Budget airlines often charge high fees for checked bags, sometimes even for carry-ons. To keep things affordable, stick to a free carry-on whenever possible. If you do need more space, pack strategically or consider using a luggage shipping service—it’s often cheaper than airline baggage fees and far more convenient.

Less luggage = less stress, more savings. It’s one of the smartest cheap ways to travel with ease.

To pack efficiently and avoid excess baggage fees, follow a guide on how to create a travel packing list to ensure you bring only what you need for a stress-free journey.

Secure Affordable Accommodation

Once you've nailed down a reasonably priced flight, lodging often becomes the biggest cost on your trip. It can be frustrating to spend more on a place to stay than on getting there, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring.

For many travelers, the essentials are simple: a safe, clean, and well-located spot to rest. These priorities shouldn’t be compromised just to save a few bucks.

Fortunately, there are plenty of smart ways to find budget-friendly accommodation without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

To maximize savings and plan effectively, learn how to create a flexible travel itinerary that balances affordable lodging with your travel goals.

Book Through Airbnb

If you haven’t explored Airbnb yet, it’s time to discover a fantastic way to save on lodging. Airbnb offers a wide range of rentals—from cozy apartments and houses to unique stays like treehouses and villas.

Beyond accommodation, they now also offer local experiences to enhance your trip. Airbnb is especially budget-friendly for groups since you’re renting directly from hosts rather than pricey hotels.

Consider Staying in Hostels

Don’t let Hollywood horror stories put you off—modern hostels are often clean, safe, and a favorite among budget travelers.

Hostels are a solid option for saving money, with nightly rates much lower than hotels, especially in regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Websites like Booking.com and HostelWorld are great for finding and booking these affordable stays.

Hostels are also social hubs, perfect for meeting fellow travelers and joining group activities like tours or game nights.

Many hostels also include kitchens, letting you prepare your own meals and cut down on food costs. For added comfort, dorms are usually separated by gender.

Try Couchsurfing or House Sitting

While not for everyone, Couchsurfing and house sitting offer unique ways to stay for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who open their homes to travelers at no cost, often for the chance to meet new people.

House sitting involves caring for someone’s home—and sometimes pets—while they’re away, in exchange for free accommodation.

If you’re considering house sitting with pets or traveling with your own, check out tips on how to travel with a cat to ensure a comfortable experience for both you and your furry companion.

Book Accommodation Early

Unlike flights, last-minute hotel deals are rare. To get the best prices and widest selection, it’s smart to book your lodging well in advance. 

Popular and budget-friendly options tend to sell out quickly, so plan ahead to lock in affordable rates and quality stays. Early booking is a key habit for anyone mastering how to travel cheap.

To avoid common pitfalls that can disrupt your plans, review these 9 travel mistakes to avoid to ensure a smoother and more cost-effective booking process.

Skip Foreign Transaction Fees

A surprisingly overlooked way to travel cheap is avoiding unnecessary bank fees. Many travelers still use cards that charge foreign transaction fees—typically around 3% on every purchase—and some debit cards tack on extra ATM withdrawal charges abroad, often $5 or more per use. These small fees add up quickly and can quietly eat into your travel budget.

Before your trip, consider applying for a travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees. It’s a smart move, especially for longer trips, and can save you a significant amount over time.

Taking a few minutes to set up the right accounts before you go can lead to easy, stress-free savings—and it’s a must-know tip for anyone serious about learning how to travel cheap with confidence.

To ensure you’re fully prepared for international travel, explore tips on how to prepare for a trip to a new country to navigate local customs, currency, and other essentials effectively.

Build Your Travel Fund Over Time

Even the most budget-friendly travel comes with a price tag, but saving doesn’t have to be painful. A few small lifestyle changes can go a long way if you start early and stay consistent.

Cut Back on Daily Extras

Daily coffee runs add up more than you might think. Skipping just three $5 coffees a week can save you around $60 a month.

That’s enough for a round-trip flight with a budget airline like Ryanair, or several nights in a hostel in Southeast Asia or South America. Brewing your coffee at home is a simple swap that can directly fund your next adventure.

Trim Down on Dining Out

Grabbing brunch or takeout might be fun in the moment, but those $15–$20 meals add up fast. By cooking more at home and planning meals in advance, you can easily set aside a few hundred dollars a month.

Plan Ahead and Stay Consistent

The key to affordable travel planning is to save gradually. By making small changes early on—cutting $60 here, $150 there—you could set aside over $1,200 in just six months.

That’s enough to fund weeks of travel if you're following cheap ways to travel smartly. Start now, and your future self will thank you when you're exploring the world on a budget.

To stretch your travel budget further, incorporate 5 travel hacks to save time and money that can help you maximize savings on flights, accommodations, and more.

Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping

If you're planning to shop while abroad, don’t miss out on Tax-Free savings. In many countries, visitors can get a refund on the VAT (Value Added Tax) they paid on purchases.

To benefit, keep your receipts, complete the necessary tax-free forms, and submit them at the airport before heading home. The refund can be a nice percentage back on what you’ve spent—money that could go straight into your next trip fund.

Before you travel, research whether your destination participates in a Tax-Free shopping scheme and what the minimum spend requirements are.

It's a simple but effective budget-friendly travel tip that savvy travelers use to stretch their money further.

Use Public Transportation Whenever Possible

One of the smartest and most budget-friendly travel tips is to rely on public transportation. Buses, trams, subways, and trains are usually much cheaper than taxis or rideshares—and they give you a more authentic feel for the local culture.

Avoid buying single-use tickets where possible, as they tend to cost more. Instead, opt for daily or multi-day passes, which often offer unlimited rides and better value for your money.

In many cities, you can also rent bikes or use shared scooters, both affordable and eco-friendly ways to explore. And don’t forget—walking is always free and a great way to discover hidden gems!

If you’re serious about learning how to travel cheap, mastering local transport is a must.

When unexpected challenges arise, knowing how to handle travel problems can keep your trip on track and your budget intact while using public transportation.

Stay Organized and Save More with a Travel Planner

Want to make affordable travel planning even easier? The Ultimate Travel Planner Template from our website is designed to help you stay on budget, organized, and stress-free every step of the way.

With built-in tools for tracking expenses, comparing flight and accommodation options, and planning daily itineraries, this digital planner is the perfect companion for any budget-conscious traveler.

It’s not just about planning—it’s about planning smart. Grab yours today and start turning your travel dreams into wallet-friendly reality.

Conclusion - How to Travel Cheap

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be incredible. With the right mindset, tools, and a bit of preparation, you can explore the world without draining your bank account.

From booking smarter flights and choosing budget-friendly stays, to cutting back on daily expenses and using resources like public transport and fee-free cards, the tips shared in this guide are proof that cheap travel is not only possible—it’s empowering.

Remember, the key isn’t just spending less, but spending wisely. And with tools like the Ultimate Travel Planner Template, you can stay on track, avoid hidden costs, and truly make the most of every adventure.

So start planning, start saving, and start exploring—because affordable travel is well within your reach.

Thanks for reading,

The DigyKeys Team

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cheapest way of travel?

The cheapest way of travel is often by using budget airlines, staying in hostels or with locals, and relying on public transportation. Planning in advance and using a travel planner to track your spending helps you travel on a budget without surprises. Traveling light and skipping baggage fees can also significantly reduce your total travel costs.

Which is the least expensive way to travel?

The least expensive way to travel is by combining low-cost flights with affordable accommodation options like Couchsurfing, hostels, or budget rentals. Choosing off-peak travel times and using public transportation can help you save even more. Tracking everything with a budget travel planner ensures you stay organized and within your budget.

How to travel really cheaply?

To travel really cheaply, look for error fares or flight deals through apps like Skyscanner or Going, and stay flexible with dates and destinations. Eat local street food, walk or bike, and stay in shared or budget accommodation. Use a digital travel planner to manage your daily expenses and avoid overspending.

How to travel on a very low budget?

Traveling on a very low budget is possible by skipping tourist traps, preparing meals, and prioritizing free or low-cost attractions. Use reward cards with no foreign transaction fees and book flights during sales or shoulder seasons. Keeping track of all plans and costs with a travel planner template makes budget travel easier and more effective.

Which country is the cheapest to travel now?

Right now, some of the cheapest countries to travel include Vietnam, Bolivia, and Albania due to their low cost of living and budget-friendly travel infrastructure. These destinations offer affordable food, transport, and lodging, perfect for low-cost travel. Use a travel planner to map out your itinerary and keep expenses in check while exploring.

Can I get paid to travel?

Yes, you can get paid to travel by becoming a travel blogger, working remotely, teaching English abroad, or joining volunteer programs with stipends. Many digital nomads fund their travels through freelance work while exploring new destinations. With a good travel planner, you can organize your work schedule alongside travel plans to maximize earnings and savings.

Written by DigyKeys Editorial Team
The DigyKeys Editorial Team is a dedicated group of writers, researchers, and digital experts who provide insightful content and resources to help you navigate the digital world. From personal development tips to creative strategies, we deliver practical advice and tools to enhance your productivity and achieve your goals.

Updated June 2025