How to Travel Cheap: 20 Amazing Tips That Work

Discover how to travel cheap without sacrificing incredible experiences. Traveling without a purse strings is easier than ever as there are lots of tools and tips that can help you spend less without sacrificing quality time. Whether you are going to the USA, Europe, or around the globe, cheap vacations can be yours with the right planning. 

It is an easy to read guide filled with useful tips and suggestions to travel cheaply but still have as much fun as possible wherever you are traveling. If you’re wondering how to travel cheap, these strategies will make your journey affordable and unforgettable.

1. Choose travel dates and times that are a bit flexible.

2. Get there during the off season to get cheap tickets.

3. Book cheap airlines and find fares on apps such as Skyscanner.

4. Take less so baggage charges won’t apply.

5. Take flights early to get the cheapest tickets.

6. Stay in cheap hotels or Airbnbs.

7. Shop for groceries at the store.

8. Take advantage of street food and farmers markets to eat for less.

9. Use free walking tours in big cities.

10. Try to visit places that are free or have a donation element.

11. Don’t rent a car or drive, take public transportation or walk.

12. Layover or multi-city flights saved.

13. Seek free days at museums and attractions.

14. Get unlimited train or bus rides with travel cards.

15. Meet locals on Couchsurfing or some such.

16. Get points for loyalty and credit cards.

17. Take road trips for nearby places and save on the flight.

18. Taxi: Travel on apps such as GasBuddy or Roadtrippers to reduce transportation expenses.

19. Stay overnight to avoid paying for a hotel.

20. Beware tourist traps and research cheap alternatives.

     

Master the art of how to travel cheap with these tried-and-tested tips.

How to Travel Cheap in USA

The United States has endless places to visit at a low price, from the country road trip to camping to the cities. Learning how to travel cheap is the key to exploring more destinations on a tight budget.

• Affordable Transportation Options

How to travel cheap is a question many ask, and the answer lies in smart planning and resourceful decisions. Taking cheap travel around the USA begins with the right transport method. Budget airlines such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines have cheap flights, if you make reservations ahead of time and go during off-peak hours. If you’re looking for something closer, try long-distance buses like Greyhound or Megabus, which only cost $1 when you book early.

When you know how to travel cheap, the world becomes your playground.

You can also take road trips which are another cheap option especially for a group. If you split the gas with friends or go carpooling on BlaBlaCar, you’ll be saving a lot of money. For those who would prefer the train, Amtrak sometimes has deals on multi-city rides, and it is a cheap way to travel in the countryside.

• Budget-Friendly Accommodation

From flights to accommodations, this guide will show you how to travel cheap step by step. Cheap hotels aren’t all about poor experiences when you’re trying to get away. There are cheap motels, budget hotels and scenic campgrounds. Hostels have become popular in the US too, and there are often rooms with private bathrooms as well as standard dorm rooms. On websites such as Hostelworld and Airbnb, you have a lot of options depending on your budget.

How to travel cheap doesn’t mean cutting corners — it’s about making every dollar count. Another option is to use loyalty programs at affordable hotel chains such as Motel 6 or Super 8 which typically reward re-use. If you’re willing to try something different, then camping in national parks is a fantastic way to get out and about for as little as $20 a night.

• Low-Cost Destinations

Cheap travel in the USA is made simple when you opt for places that are known for being economical. National parks (from Great Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone) are free or cheap to visit, so there is nothing cheaper for the budget-minded traveller. Smaller towns such as Nashville, New Orleans and Austin also offer culture without the price tag of big cities. 

Explore how to travel cheap in style while keeping your budget intact.

Additionally, consider off-season travel. And beaches such as Myrtle Beach or Cape Cod are a lot less expensive in the fall and winter, quieter and with cheaper rates. There are free attractions such as the Smithsonian museums and national monuments in big cities, like Washington, D.C., which are great places for cheap city breaks.

Approximate Travel Plan inside the U.S. (Dallas-Denver)

This section breaks down how to travel cheap and still enjoy every moment of your trip. To create an affordable travel plan for family of 2 adults + 2 kids for July 2025, you should focus on the following adjustments:

The total budget is $1,440 only!

How to Travel Europe Cheap  

Europe is a traveler’s dream, but it needn’t cost the earth. Europe’s great transportation system, cheap hotels and culture make it a place to visit for under $30. Discover practical ways on how to travel cheap without compromising on comfort.  

• Low-Cost Airlines  

Want to know how to travel cheap? Start by rethinking how you plan your trips. From any European nation you can reach at no cost with budget carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air. You can buy tickets on these airlines for around $20 if you book early. Pack light and save money on checked baggage fees and flying during non-peak hours or days. 

To take trips in between, check for multi-city travel with low-cost airlines. You can check out Google Flights and Skyscanner to help you compare costs and find the cheapest flights. 

• Affordable Accommodations  

The wide range of lodgings in Europe means budget accommodation is not hard to find. You can always stay in hostels (there are websites such as Hostelworld that sell rooms and dorms for a decent fee). In search of an enclave you should Couchsurf where people will stay free for cultural exchange and fellowship. 

How to travel cheap in today’s economy is easier than you think with these creative hacks.

Airbnb is also a good choice if you’re going as a group. Budget hotels (Ibis Budget, B&B Hotels, etc) are those which are cheap and come with basic facilities. Lastly, for those brave ones out there, camp in the countryside or at campgrounds to save on money and be outdoors. 

• Tips For Travelling Cheaply To Top European Cities

Paris, London, Rome: Big cities are expensive but travellers on a tight budget can make do with some forethought. You can get free walking tours in most cities, which are full of local history and culture. Learn how to travel cheap while enjoying the most value-packed adventures. 

There are plenty of places that have city passes which give you discounts or free access to multiple sights as well as transportation. Eat street food or the local markets for a decent price and not from tourist-style restaurants. 

5 Low-Cost European Places 

• Budapest, Hungary  

Known for cheap hotels, cheap public transport and free sites such as the Fisherman’s Bastion. 

And don’t skip the thermal baths which are calming and economical. 

• Lisbon, Portugal  

Provides good food, cheap accommodation and public transport. Tram Ride: No tourist should miss the beautiful tram rides. 

• Krakow, Poland  

Known for its cheap food, cheap hotel rooms and its free old town walking tours. 

• Prague, Czech Republic  

A hostel for the backpacker with cheap beer, unlimited entry to most monuments, and cheap transport. 

• Athens, Greece  

Combines the old world and cheap tourism. Get cheap lunches at the local tavernas and free tours of some historical attractions during certain days. 

Focusing on these places will allow you to get a dose of Europe without breaking the bank. The secret to how to travel cheap lies in these simple, actionable tips. 

Approximate Travel Plan To Visit Europe  

This is a frugal travel plan for a family of 4 traveling from Dallas, TX, to Europe (Lisbon, Portugal, as a budget-friendly destination). The estimated total budget is $4,198.  

How to Travel the World Cheap

Travelling the world on a budget sounds sceptical but with the right method you can make it work. With rising travel costs, knowing how to travel cheap has never been more essential. You can experience new cultures and new countries using money saving strategies, selecting budget-friendly destinations and using world travel apps. This section will show you how to travel cheap and maximize your experiences. 

Finding Deals on Flights  

Flights tend to be the biggest expense of most trips, but you can minimize them with a few smart tricks. Compare prices on fare comparators such as Google Flights, Skyscanner and Hopper to find the best deals. Avoid a flight with an error fares or flash sale from an airline, buy as soon as you find one. 

How to travel cheap is about finding the balance between savings and memorable moments. 

Flexible on travel dates and places for best prices. Flying in the middle of the week, off peak season or secondary airport tends to make it cheaper. Try having layovers for a long time in tourist cities to check them out for free and then keep going. 

Staying for Free or Cheap  

It doesn’t have to be an expensive hotel while traveling overseas. Sites such as Workaway and WWOOF match travellers with hosts who provide free accommodation in return for labour or work. The same goes for TrustedHousesitters, which lets you free-lance in someone’s house and take care of their pets or home. 

Try Couchsurfing to stay with people who live locally and share their space. Hostels are still a cheap fix: dorm-style rooms or private apartments (some with kitchens to make meals cheaper). 

Saving Money on Food and Fun 

Cook like a local and save a bunch of money on food. You can go to markets, stalls, restaurants, not fancy tourist restaurants. Get the most out of happy hour when most restaurants and bars have deals on drinks and small plates. 

When it comes to activities, go with free or cheap ones. Many cities across the globe have museum days, walking tours and festivals for free. Check local apps or city websites for tours and attractions deals. 

10 Must-Have Travel Apps to Save Money Everywhere You Go

Learn how to travel cheap by choosing budget-friendly destinations and smarter options. 

1. Skyscanner
   • Find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
   • Download for iOS
2. Airbnb
   • Book affordable stays, from private rooms to entire homes.
   • Download for iOS
3. Hopper
   • Predicts flight and hotel prices, helping you know when to book.
   • Download for iOS
4. Rome2rio
   • Discover transportation options between any two points worldwide.
   • Download for iOS
5. Too Good To Go
   • Save money by buying surplus meals from local restaurants.
   • Download for iOS
6. GetYourGuide
   • Book activities and tours at discounted prices.
   • Download for iOS
7. Klook
   • Find and book travel experiences and attraction tickets.
   • Download for iOS
8. XE Currency Converter
   • Stay on top of currency exchanges to avoid overpaying abroad.
   • Download for iOS
9. Trail Wallet
   • Track your travel expenses to stick to your budget.
   • Download for iOS
10. PackPoint

• Helps you pack efficiently based on your destination and activities.
• Download for iOS

Knowing how to travel cheap can help you stretch your budget and see more of the world. By incorporating these tools into your travel plans, you can ensure you’re saving money at every step of your journey.

Your 5 Questions About How To Travel Cheap, Answered 

1. When is the cheapest time to travel? 

Off-season (depending on where you travel to): Travelling is at its lowest point during the off-season. In the USA, for instance, travel in late winter (January to early March) is cheaper. The shoulder season like spring and autumn around the world can be good enough to bypass tourist crowds with good weather. 

2. Where to find a deal on airfare for a trip overseas? 

Saving Money: Avoid paying too much for travel and lodging abroad (book your flight and hotels well in advance), fly on discount airlines, stay in a hostel or locals through Couchsurfing, eat at the market instead of restaurants. Take public transport or walk to cities as well. 

3. Hostels for solo travelers safe? 

And sure, hostels are fine for a solo tourist, especially if it is well-trodden areas such as Europe or southeast Asia. Choose high-rated hostels on sites such as Hostelworld and female-only dorms if you like the extra safety. Put everything in a locker. 

4. Where can I find last minute flights for cheap? 

Check for flight deals on apps such as Hopper or Skyscanner and try miles or rewards points if you have them. Airlines sometimes do last minute deals to sell seats so visit their websites or sign up for deal alerts on sites such as Scott’s Cheap Flights. 

5. Where are the best places to visit for the tiniest budget? 

Top places to visit in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), Central America (Guatemala, Costa Rica), Eastern Europe (Hungary, Poland) and part of South America (Peru, Colombia) are some of the best places to visit if you are on a budget. They are regions with cheap hotels, transport and food. 

Final Insights  

How to travel cheap is the ultimate skill for frequent travelers looking to save money. Cheap travel doesn’t mean spending a lot of money — but taking the right decisions so you get the most out of it without compromising. If you are flexible, make use of the tools and platforms, and go for affordable options, then you can see the US, Europe, and the world without breaking the bank. 

Discover actionable tips on how to travel cheap and make the most out of every trip. Be it driving the United States or catching a plane to Europe on a budget airline, the tips in this guide will allow you to make lifelong memories without losing money. Book your next cheap holiday now!