Holiday Planning on an Extreme Budget

Family Budget Travel. Top Tips to Cut Travel Costs.

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Bundle with a hotel. Websites like Expedia, Priceline, Hotwire, and Travelocity allow you to book your flights, hotels, and car rentals together for less money. Bundling all of these purchases together can save a lot of money. Search early, often, and widely. The price of flights vary considerably depending upon the provider and how well tickets are selling.

The only way to make sure that you get the best deal is to not only look around at as many places as possible, but also to check often. Use websites that allow you to estimate if the price of tickets will go up or down. The worst time to buy a ticket is within two weeks of the trip. On average, the best time is around 3 and a half months prior to the trip. However, the market is volatile and the price changes of individual trips vary considerably from these averages. This can give you a better sense for when would be a good time to buy. Connections take time, but it usually cuts the cost of a ticket considerable.

Furthermore, airlines generally charge the same for a one hour layover as a two day layover. Turn your layover into a trip of its own and you can get a multi-destination trip a bargain bin price. Try to fly in and out of the same airport. Roundtrip tickets are much cheaper than one-way tickets. If you can fly in and out of the same airport to save money. You should price the expense of returning to the airport to see which option is most affordable. Be flexible with flight times.

Search around for flights around the same time. The cost of flights can vary considerably depending upon the day of the week. Bundle with a flight. Independent hotels are generally cheaper than larger corporate chains, which are often designed to cater to business clients. Independent hotels can also be more quaint and authentic. Sometimes you can negotiate for lower rates with small hotels by offering to stay for a certain period of time or paying in cash. For this you will need to contact the hotel directly instead of going through an online service.

Hostels are not luxurious, but they will allow you to see a new locations for very little money. Hostels are often organized in dorms, wherein you will share a room with several strangers. However, most have a handful of private rooms which will also be cheap. Hostels can be a great place to meet other young people who are traveling and interesting to socializing. There are a variety of internet websites that allow you to search through the properties of locals who are interested in renting out their apartments for a period of time.

Not only are these generally cheaper than a hotel, the proprietors will often make a point to be friendly and recommend local sites. These websites will feature reviews of previous customers, who can tell you a lot about the condition of the property and the friendliness of the proprietor. Do a housing swap. If you live in a prime location, you ought to be able to do a home exchange.

These allow you to swap your house with someone else for free. If you are comfortable letting someone else stay in your home, this option can both be affordable and allow you to stay by yourself in a an upscale property. The leading site for this sort of exchange is homeexchange. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is an organization that connects volunteers with organize farms that are looking for workers.

In return for working on the farm you will get free housing on the farm. This could be onerous on a short-trip, but WWOOFing can be a great way to stay in a new location for an extended period. Ask yourself if you know any friends or family who are due a visit and live some place you are interested in seeing. This is a great way to get free housing, socialize, and get a tour from a person familiar with the location. It is customary to give some sort of gift anyone you stay with.

Couch surfing can also save on daily living expenses, because your host likely has groceries and transportation. Members are reviewed to establish that they are good guests and hosts. If you use this service to stay with someone, it expected that you will reciprocate by allowing others to stay with you. Avoid touristy restaurants hotel breakfasts. By dining in your hotel, you will typically sacrifice quality and price for convenience. Ask locals what their favorite establishments are. Save leftovers from previous meals or do some light shopping so that you have snacks while in town.

Research local food and drink. In Paris, you might find that the wine is cheaper than the Coca Cola. Before travelling figure out what the local and seasonal staples are. Living like the locals and eating food when it is in season, will generally save you money. Eat bigger meals early in the day. When you do dine out, do so for breakfast or lunch. The lunch menu at a standard sit-down restaurant tends to have cheaper prices than the dinner menu. Put down the phone. Most destinations sell international phone cards that will allow you to dial out for cheap. Use cash not cards. Even when they do, you will typically be saddled with some sort of foreign exchange fee.

Use the ATM, not the currency exchange. When procuring local currency, avoid the currency exchanges at airports—they typically have bad exchange rates. Generally the ATM at the local bank will be better. Years ago I read about a guy who traveled for years while only Couchsurfing. There are also local Couchsurfing group meet-ups that can help you make friends in your new city. Moreover, because of the rise of the sharing economy in the last few years, there are now websites that let you not only stay with locals but share rides, meals, train tickets, gear, and much more! These websites not only save you a TON of money but they also get you off the tourist track and into the local life.

Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:. Hitchhiking is a free way to get around that is relatively safe and quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Sure, it has a bad reputation in North America, but with some common sense and a bit of patience, you can hitchhike almost anywhere — saving you tons of money in the process! Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights?

Take a free walking tour. This is a great platform for long-term travel with an important added bonus: Here are the best house-sitting websites to check out:. Does your colleague have a relative in Spain? Or maybe you have a distant cousin who lives in New Zeland. Or maybe a childhood friend of yours is working down in Brazil. These days, we have a vast social network of friends and family that stretches across the globe. Get your mom to ask her co-workers and friends, too! Using out-of-the-box, nontraditional ways to travel can lead to big savings. With a little creativity, patience, and practice, you can travel the world for free or at least very cheap.

They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking. I use them all the time. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:. Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think will help you too! Want to share your tips and advice?

Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips! Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free. Wow, that is one awesomely comprehensive post. Wishing is no good. If you want something to happen — you have to make it happen. Yes, I think that is the problem with most of the people. They all want to travel but they are too busy with their everyday stuff and work that they always postpone it.

Traveling is crucial for such people and I would recommend anyone to start doing it more often. Well… Some people want to set up a business and actually make money to save up for a family. We NEED to spend it on everyday food, on living comfortably and in education. Thank you so much for this post!

Grad is still 1. This is four years too old, haha. Or at least was close to doing it? China in lucrative but you need documents and a degree, Middle east demands a Masters my friend is there. I had bad experience in Italy and also Costa Rica where it is not as wonderful as it sounds. I put up an answer to your query. Teaching is rewarding but only financially rewarding in some countries. Always check with TEFL international. Or does that only work with American dollars?

Do check if your card charges fees for overseas spending, though. Those can really add up! Reminds me of an old quote: To all you kids reading this post and getting ideas: That Wolff guy must be kidding. At age 61 3 years ago my wife and I backpacked around the world which included a 4 month trip around Oz. We stayed with friends and relatives where we could and used Hostelbookers for other accommodation. UK and Europe was expensive as was Oz. Some companies we used: FAB post, Matt, thanks so much. As one of your regular readers, I do hear you talk about traveling on the cheap a lot.

However, this is a fantastic resource for someone even a regular reader like me to have all your basic tips together in one place. I particularly like the real world example in Australia, as that is the launching pad for my RTW next year. And new readers get a plethora of information out of this.

Extreme Budget Traveling (under $10 a Day) with Tomislav

Do you literally just register for a bunch of cards just for the free points and then not use the credit card itself? I just use them for the free points then never use them again. There are 2 I use for everyday purchases but that is it. You mentioned about it taking 70, miles I believe it was for a trip to Australia.

Does that mean that you can use different airline cards and total the air miles to get a ticket? You get one branded card and one general credit card Amex, Chase and transfer the points from the general credit card into your miles account for the airline i. I use frequent flyer points to pay for my overseas flights.

I just use my card for all of my day to day expenses. I can definitely vouch for your pricing of an Australia trip. Food is expensive but fresh produce is reasonable so if you cook yourself you can save a lot. Avalon instead of Melbourne. But I would defiantly recommend renting or buying a car and camping. Seems a fascinating way to know the place you visit. The guides work for tips, its a tip based system. I traveled to Bath England a few years ago and took a really excellent, and completely free to the traveler, walking tour.

It was subsidized by the city. This is a great post. Gotta love reward points! Just a note for those how intrigued by Couchsurfing — yes it is free but consider thanking your host with a gift from your country, taking them out for a meal or drink or cooking them dinner. This is excellent advice, and perfect for students. Just make sure to read the reviews thoroughly before choosing to stay with someone! A very thorough post! I find that just getting out there traveling is also a great first step to traveling cheaper because you meet people and pick up tips along the way.

I starting out doing volunteer exchanges similar to WWOOFing , but as I traveled I met people who were working abroad, people who were couchsurfing, people who knew the most budget-friendly places to stay and ways to get around etc. The more I travel, the more I learn, and the easier it becomes to save money. This list is amazing. All the advice you gave are true. If a person is really intent on travelling, nothing can stop him from travelling, not even the money. It is a big factor but there are ways to overcome the financial dilemma. I envy you Matt.

I really want to travel but budget is such a great issue!! After my graduation, I want to work abroad so I can travel more.. Now there is no excuse for those unwilling to make the leap into the nomadic life if the desire is really there. You can do anything you put your mind to…I like to think of traveling as problem solving. Cheers for yet another informative post Matt! It was a very inspiring read. I agree Matt if travel is your priority you find a way to cut expenses to reach your goal.

If you have passion and drive there is nothing that can stop you. Thanks Mate, hope everything is well for you and yours on the east coast with Sandy about to hit. When I was planning my trip through Europe I was also looking at Wwoofing, but did some research and found out about Workaway. Definitely helped me stretch my travel stay. Not only is it free but I met some really amazing people and got a local insight into a lot of cities. I lived in Indonesia for 6 years, and loved all of SE Asia. Now working a desk job albeit well paying in the States. Already have , miles toward my next epic trip.

Seems some sites have limitations or hidden fees. What have you found to work best? You still have to pay taxes on the flight so avoid booking with European airlines directly or you get whacked in fees! Its always frustrating when I hear people say that they cannot travel due to lack of money.

Your list proves otherwise. I spend less traveling, than I do when I am at home. You do not have the expense of permanent accomodation, or vehicle costs when traveling. We use around the world airfares and after looking at destinations it was actually CHEAPER to fly on the business class deal rather then the economy coach as by the time we paid for extra legs etc and stop overs it was nearly as expensive as business because we had to also pick flights or ground transport between destination with in Europe and Canada. I agree with everyone, great post and very comprehensive.

Lots of good suggestions. I can get Australia — China return for miles with Singapore Airlines, but only when they have an online special and availability is very limited, and you have to book a long way in advance. Can non-US citizens sign up for either of those cards? Qantas sometimes has good sign up bonuses as does AMEX. I think that it is important to have a little bit of money to get you started, but I have always had my best experiences working on the road. Plus, if you get into a good working gig especially in a travel sector like a hostel etc there could be other perks that could save you money in the long run!

Every country is different. Europe is quiet difficult but you can always find small ways to earn miles through shopping at preferred retail partners and such. Supermarkets throw away heaps of perfectly edible food everyday. Developing countries tend to waste a lot less food. I always post my travels on Facebook and blog. People always assume that I am a spoiled brat who lives off my parents and travel as much as I can until I posted something budget travel related.

I pack my lunch to save money. Only then these bunch of people realised that I made travel a necessity and priority. I just got back from traveling for about a year and a half and am in the States now preparing to go teach in South Korea. I am in my early 40s and had lost most of my personal belongings in Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans… So I took a leap and went for it!

I had virtually NO money when I left and made my entire way doing work exchanges… mostly through the website helpx. I also set up a blog and created a place for folks to make contributions through paypal. So instead of admitting this, they make up excuses. I for one am perfectly honest about it. But at least I am honest about it.

Heading to a market and buying local food lets you taste the local cuisine just as much as heading to some restaurant.

Some might argue that it lets you taste the local cuisine even more. If you really want to learn about local food, you need to understand local ingredients. Travel hacking is definitely the way to go for me. Let the credit card companies pay for your travel, as long as you have a decent credit score and dont owe anybody anything then you can get quite a few trips paid for over the years. Just keep upgrading then downgrading cards every 3 — 4 months, upgrading only when there is a promotion on!

Sometimes just adding a second person onto the card gets you lots of points. Then you just remove them again, so easy! Hi Matt all what you say is nice and dandy but what do you thing is it still doable when you are 50 years old? I never encountered someone on couchsurfing interested in hosting an old couple?

I personally did that, however you realise its not really travelling, its just arriving longest layover full days, come on. I traveled a lot and often as a younger person but I hesitate to do so at my age now, and alone? Interested in hearing your take on this. Hi, enjoyed reading your post but would like to ask about me going the other way. I wonder if the same things apply or if i would need more funds, i would happily take my next pay cheque, leave my job and go!

Oh and also just returned from a trip to Amsterdam which is a VERY expensive place to visit im going again next month and wonder if you have any tips for there? If you want it, do something about it. Once or twice a year is enough to treat yourself a travel. I just got through a nasty divorce and a terrible 20 year relationship.

I am ready to focus on me. My boys graduate high school in 5 years. I figure I can do camp hosting over the summers with my boys and work in their hometown during the school year, stuffing away as much money as I can until our next Adventure. After they head to college, I am travelong solo for a few years.

And, seriously, job hopping is not near as scary as one might think. Theres a real liberation about it!! You just have to be willing to put your pride away and work anywhere. Some of these ideas might not work so well when you have kids, particularly young ones. For example, how can I maximize the travel hacking benefits when I have four airline tickets I need rather than just one? What housing would you recommend? Some children also need specialized supplies, etc.

I see things written for couples and women on here, but what about families? And when you factor in student debt and the difference in cost of education, it becomes ridiculously improbable.

The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Travel

I live in Chicago and just being able to take a Megabus up to Milwaukee to visit a friend is something I have to budget for. And, you could always go teach English in Asia they will pay for your flight over , and make enough money to pay off all your debt in a couple of years. Matt — what a legendary post. This way I saved thousands of dollars and met many great people. I wish it was this easy for me… I save every single doller I earn but flights cost soooooo much. You say Australia is expensive and yes, it is. I agree that if travel is your priority then you should focus on that and reduce spending on all else.

Thanks for the info, will incorporate as much as I can while I plan my trip. I am currently a student in Grade school. I know there is no advice you could give me to start travelling now, and I want to get an education and go to university overseas, may I add. After I am hoping to start up a business in the travel industry. I want to be able to become a nomad or semi-nomad for at least a few years like you, but how would you do that while still running a business, and while still making money to set up for a future and a family?

What advice do you have? Hi Matt — really enjoy your blog. Is that the way it is in the US?

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We save a lot of money by cooking most of our meals and setting up each day with a hearty bowl of porridge. When we do eat out we always get take out which saves us money too mostly in Western countries. Nice post, well put and thank you for the effort of writing it!

I am also a world traveller and have tried to explain multiple times that I am not independently wealthy nor does one need to be in order to travel. All credite due, of course! I went to the UK just earlier this week after saving for a year and was rather promptly deported for having insufficient finances, so money can be an issue. I saved for a whole year to afford a trip to London but that seemed to be dissatisfactory for the local Border Patrol, even though I had a scheduled return flight on my itinerary and was staying with a local who confirmed it.

Upon arriving in Heathrow, everything was fine until Border Patrol did not care for the answers I gave when asked what I intended to do in the country, which was to visit my boyfriend, a man I met on YouTube in June of and have now spoken to each day for just over a year, on the phone. Then he inquires about the amount of money I have with me.

I was detained at the airport for some time without access to my luggage or tablet, which meant I could not inform my family of what had happened. A phone was only available if I could pay for it but it would not have done me any good because it was about three in the morning in San Diego. I was interviewed by a woman who also proceeded to speak to me condescendingly and who continued to insult my family, relationship and intelligence. I was later informed, after waiting at the airport all day with slight hope that I may get through, that I would be going back to San Diego the next day.

2. Visit during the off-season

There they once again refused to let me have my access to my luggage because I had a camera and they did not want me filming the conditions I was kept in, which felt suspiciously like a prison. There was no phone available in that location at all. My luggage was searched by hand and the security took out my lotions and tried them on, like they were deciding what to keep.

This was also done with the luggage of others. They took out my underwear and passed them around to each other like I was not around. They laughed at my misery and said there was something wrong with me because I did not eat or speak.

The room I was kept in had three beds, a TV and barred windows. I could not even see the sky from the window, only another wall. I was not allowed to leave the floor I was locked in on and if I came out of my room, the security guard just stared at me. I cried all night and was unable to fall asleep until maybe four in the morning. The following morning at around nine, I was taken to about five different places where I was repeatedly searched and passed off to different people The entire time I was not allowed my luggage.

I was later deported for the crime of being poor.

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