Traveling the world can be very expensive, but you don’t have to win the lottery to enjoy the experience. Did you know you can enjoy a great vacation and still save big? We have come up with ten vacation tips to help you explore the world’s best travel destinations without breaking the bank. Now, let’s jump right in!

1. Plan and book ahead

The first thing to do if you’re traveling on a budget is to have a plan. You should have an idea of your departure and arrival dates to ensure you have less unexpected expenses since last-minute accommodation and flights are more expensive.

2. Use flight compare websites

You might save a lot of money on flights when you use flight comparison websites. Booking directly from an airline’s official website might not be the best option when traveling on a budget since this will reduce your chances of getting the best price available.

3. Stay in hostels

Why spend a lot of money on hotels when you can save big by staying in hostels? Also, staying in hostels gives you better chances of meeting people with similar interest, which would make your trip more enjoyable. Use booking sites to sort for low prices. If you’re traveling to Boston, for example, hostels like Hi Boston costs only around $34/night. Plus, breakfast and Free WiFi is included.

4. Travel out of season

Avoid traveling during holidays because during this period, prices in the travel industry skyrocket. Find out about the best time to travel to your intended destination, then travel right before or after those dates. During these periods, airlines and Hotels offer lower prices to attract more customers.

5. Be flexible with your dates

Did you know that traveling during weekends is usually more expensive? Keep track of the days within the week you intend to travel and book your return ticket for the dates when the prices are at the lowest. Also, airlines habitually ‘release’ their flight seats about a year in advance, and as the departure date gets closer, the prices go higher.

6. Pack properly

Make sure you pack everything you need to avoid unnecessary shopping while you’re away. Regardless of your destination, pack at least a warm hoodie, waterproof jacket and a pair of long jeans for those unpredictable weather conditions. Before leaving for your trip, confirm the weather condition so you can have an idea of what to expect.

7. Buy food and drinks from supermarkets

Consider getting cheap lunches from supermarkets or the local fresh food market. Also, make sure you wander around the internet before picking a place for dinner. Hostels and spare rooms often provide access to a kitchen in case you choose to save some money by preparing your meals.

8. Take free tours

In the end, what’s the point of traveling if you wouldn’t get to explore the city? You can save while exploring the city by visiting free museums, parks, historic sites and other points of interest. Though most museums around the world may charge an admission fee, others such as the American History Museum, the Smithsonian Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum will grant you free access throughout the year.

9. Public transportation

A great way to save money while exploring a city at the same time is by walking and taking the bus or the train. In some cases, pooling with Uber or Lyft at certain times of the day might be the best option as it would save you a lot of time and energy.

10. Explore the city map

We’ll advise you to familiarize yourself with the city map to ensure you don’t lose your way back to the hostel. The map would also help you in making the right decision on what method of transportation to use at a point in time.

Bottom Line

Even though traveling can be a costly affair, it doesn’t mean that it’s unattainable. Being a savvy traveler will have you always scouting for some good deals to save some money. Following some of the above simple tips might get you started. Also, be flexible with your time, since a tighter time frame will lessen your chances of getting cheaper fares.