31 Budget Travel Tips

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Thinking of going on a trip soon, but don’t want to wreck your budget?

Travelling can be super expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Travelling on a budget may take a little more work and planning. But it will be so worth it when you enjoy a fun vacation AND stay in budget.

These are my best budget travel tips!

Set up a vacation savings account.
Make a budget for your trip. Set a clear budget on how much you want to spend on this vacation.
Declutter your home and sell items you no longer need. Put the money in your vacation savings account.
Consider picking up a side job. Make sure the money made is put aside for travel.
Plan ahead and spend time looking for deals.
Pack lightly to avoid extra baggage fees.
Don’t eat every meal out. Pack food for breakfast and lunches.
Be flexible on travel dates. Choose the cheapest rates, then plan your travel dates.
Visit your destination in the off season. Peak season rates will be much higher.
Check for discounts you may have through your work, college, bank, insurance, military, or other associations.
Book in advance if there is a discount.
Check the free Ibotta app to get cash back on airfare, hotels, restaurants, snacks, and more!
Be open on your destination. Compare rates at similar destinations.
Check social media accounts for discounts. Follow airlines, resorts, and attractions you are interested in to get discount notifications.
Do a Google search for a promo code before you check out.
Consider booking through airbnb or vrbo instead of a hotel or resort.
Search for coupons for attractions either online or in the welcome center. You may find a free day or a free kids day!
Be open to using public transportation, renting a bike, or walking instead of renting a car.
Ask your hotel front desk if they have items you may have forgotten, like a toothbrush or toothpaste.
Embrace a free continental breakfast!
Check and see if there is a weekly stay discount.
Drive instead of flying. Have fun taking a road trip to your destination. Pack snacks and magazines!
Check Groupon for deals on getaways, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more!
Compare costs to an all inclusive vacation. There are many great all inclusive packages that might be cheaper than booking everything separate.
Pack your own snacks. Snack food can get expensive fast and traveling seems to make you extra hungry.
Find free things to do for fun on your stay. Instead of shopping, head to the beach. Or instead of a pricey attraction, head to a park for a nature hike. I love to search on TripAdvisor for “free things to do in (destination)” to get some fun and free ideas.
Sign up for newsletters for places you plan to visit. They may email a coupon or special deal.
Check multiple websites for the best deal before you book. If you are on a hotel deal site, go to the hotel’s direct website also to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Make an itinerary for your trip. Plan what you will do each day, so you know how much you are going to spend each day.
Ask friends and family for advice. If someone you know has been to the destination, they can let you know what attractions are worth the money and what you should skip.
When you arrive, ask the locals for advice on the best frugal restaurants and attractions.