Imagine all of the amazing things you’d get to do if you won the lottery. Take a trip to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, go snorkeling in Bali, explore Machu Picchu in Peru, and get close to the wildlife in Tanzania.
Great travel doesn’t have to be expensive or luxurious. You can trek the snowcapped mountains of Switzerland, feast on piping hot Pho at street stalls in Vietnam, or click Insta-worthy pics at the Pyramids of Giza.Â
So what are cheaper ways to travel the world? Or how can you save money and travel at a lower price?
1. Do your research to find the lowest airfare.
The first thing that comes in this list is to do your own research and find the low Airfare that is relatively easy to save money on because the experience of flying is essentially the same regardless of which airline you choose or how much you paid for your ticket.
When I plan a trip, I like to start with Google Flights because it shows you how much you could save on a ticket if you alter your itinerary by a few days. But not every airline is listed, so you still need to look around to find the best deal.
Budget airlines usually fly in and out of smaller airports. So first, check the websites for the airport(s) you plan to use to list all the airlines that stop there. Then you can compare fares on the airlines’ websites and search engines like Expedia and other vacation planning sites.
Try to limit your packing to a carry-on bag to avoid checked luggage fees. You can do laundry in the middle of your trip if you need to—your vacation doesn’t have to be a fashion show.
2. Try Couchsurfing
Do you want to spend your vacation surfing on the Brazilian coastline but can’t afford a hotel room with an ocean view? Take up Couchsurfing. Locals open their doors to tourists looking for a cheap place to stay. They can also tell you about the lesser-known gems across the city. You’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge that isn’t available at a hotel.
3. Get a Part-Time Job While You’re Away
Maybe budget travel isn’t for you, and you’d rather live as they do in the movies; settle in Sydney for the summer and catch some rays or take an extended siesta in Barcelona over Christmas break. Whatever your prerogative, a part-time job is an excellent way to fill the gaps in your finances without sacrificing comfort or must-do activities. If you’re on a visa that lets you work and you’re happy to stay in one spot, talk to a local temping agency about finding a short-term role. You’ll make some money and add some fantastic experience to your resume!
4. Travel with Friends
There’s no one better to share your travel adventures with than all of your BFFs. Your group chats are already consumed with talk of fun and different ways to travel, so why not turn it into a reality? This is one of the best ways to save money while traveling because you can split all the costs. Groceries, accommodation, activities, and car rentals get so much cheaper the more people you have. Grab your friends and get planning!
5. Travel somewhere less expensive
Your money will go further in Kuala Lumpur than in London. You have to pick a budget destination. Think Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, or Eastern Europe. This might be the most important step. The good idea is to use Kiwi’s anywhere or radius tool to “fly to the cheapest place” from your base and see what pops up. Next, you can see which of those places is affordable to travel. Now you’ve got a cheap ticket to a reasonable price.
6. Drive Someone’s Car Cross-Country
During cross-country moves, people sometimes need help moving their cars. That’s where you come in. Some car owners will pay you to move their vehicles from Point A to Point B within a specified time frame. In some cases, they also cover your flight home. There’s no better way to get to know a country, especially your own country, than driving it.
7. Maximize Credit Card Rewards
One of the ultimate cheaper way to travel is getting rewards on Credit card. If you have the right card, you can earn free plane tickets by purchasing your credit card. And many of the best travel rewards credit cards offer some enticing benefits. But that’s far from the only option for maximizing your rewards.
Many travel rewards cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer free or discounted companion vouchers every year. You can score a free flight from your rewards points plus a cheap or free flight for your travel partner from the companion voucher.
Summary
With a bit of planning, some flexibility, and the right attitude, nothing is standing between you and your dreams by finding cheaper ways to travel.
Cheap travel is as good for your soul as your wallet. It prioritizes the joy of discovering a new place over the desire for a “luxury experience.” So stop making excuses and start looking for your next adventure.
Share your cheaper ways to travel? Share your favorite cheap travel tips in the comments.
