Explore the World on a Shoestring Budget – Top 15 Secrets Revealed
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategies, you can explore the world on a shoestring budget and still have amazing experiences. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or dreaming of a budget-friendly tropical getaway, these 15 secrets will show you how to travel without breaking the bank.
I personally haven’t traveled overseas since I was in high school. I have recently traveled to Canada and went to Mexico in college. My perspective may be focused more on travel in the United States as a result.
Why Budget Travel is Possible for Everyone
Did you know you can travel the world for less than the cost of your monthly rent? The truth is, with a little creativity, some planning, and a willingness to explore outside the box, budget-friendly travel is within your reach.
I know that traveling is expensive, but even when I was only making $12 an hour living in California I managed to travel. You have to be flexible and find alternative lodging, but it is still doable. There is a great big world out there to see so let’s get to it!
Top 15 Budget Travel Secrets
1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
I will be honest: I work in the school system so traveling off season isn’t a frequent option for me. Recently I had to fly back a day earlier than the rest of my family on Christmas vacation so that I could be back for professional development. They all flew back on a Monday, which saved quite a bit of money over me because I flew back on a Sunday.
2. Use Cheap Flight Tools Like Skyscanner or Google Flights
I always use Google flights to check out the best deals. With the recent release of AI, I have also used AI to find airports near my destination to research cheaper options. This summer we are planning a trip to South Dakota. It is expensive to fly into South Dakota. Chat GPT suggested that I fly into Denver and drive six hours to my destination. Now, I know no one wants to drive six hours after flying but the flights from Houston to Denver are $287 round trip and the flights into South Dakota are $374 with a minimum 4 hour layover.
3. Travel on Budget Airlines
I almost always fly Southwest Airlines. They are convenient for me and fly out of the smaller airport in Houston. There are budget airlines such as Frontier and Spirit that you could consider. I have no experience flying these airlines and have seen the jokes flying around the internet about them. You may find it worth your time and money to pay for a more traditional airline.
4. Use Public Transportation Instead of Taxis
Recently when we traveled to Boston we saved money by taking public transportation. I had a very positive experience with their subway system. It was typically on time and my family had no trouble navigating the system. It was an extremely cost effective way to travel the city. The cost was only $2.40 a ride per person and they offered a daily pass to save money. This was a significant savings considering an Uber ride cost around $60.
We did rent a car at one point to drive up to New Hampshire. We had a horrible experience. The car rental company claimed that we drove the car 9,000 miles despite only having the vehicle for one day. They charged our credit card $1900 for the extra mileage. I called the company and they assured me they would issue a refund. They never did. I ended up disputing the transaction with my credit card company. Needless to say, the public transportation was significantly cheaper all around.
5. Stay in Affordable Accommodations
You don’t need a fancy hotel to enjoy your trip. Consider:
- Camping – Not just tents! State and national parks often offer affordable cabins and glamping options.
- Airbnb with Friends/Family – Splitting the cost makes a big difference.
- Hostels – Some offer private rooms for safety-conscious travelers.
- Home Exchanges – My husband’s uncle has traveled extensively by swapping homes with people abroad.
There are many ways to save on accommodations. One of my favorites is to camp. Remember that camping doesn’t necessarily mean a tent. Many state and national parks have other affordable lodging options such as basic cabins or glamping tents. Another option we have done before is renting an AirBnB and splitting it with friends or family. I have never stayed in a hostel, but I know there are many with rave reviews. Some even rent very tiny rooms with just a bed if safety is a concern. You could also do a home exchange. My husband’s uncle does this with people in foreign countries and has been able to stay for months at a time.
6. Cook Your Own Meals
Looking for ways to save on food? I was recently shocked by the price of eating out while we were traveling. We switched to cooking at the rental home really quickly after spending $100 on a lobster roll and two cups of clam chowder. I know when you are traveling you want a break from cooking so now may be the time to splurge and get things like precooked chicken or meals you can pop into the oven like Costco’s ready made pot pie.
7. Eat Where the Locals Eat
Venture off the beaten path for some cheaper food while eating out. Try asking some of the locals where they like to eat. Street food can also be a cheaper option if you’re in a big city.
8. Take Advantage of Free Activities
Let’s be real, kids love playgrounds no matter where they are. My daughter’s favorite part of trips is playing with the cousins back at our lodging. During our recent trip, instead of participating in the Boston Tea Party (tickets were going for $40 a person) we went to the Boston Library. It was gorgeous and in their newer side they had a small play area for kids. We also walked the Freedom Trail, which was completely free.
9. Use Travel Rewards and Credit Card Points
When traveling, it’s always a good idea to use a credit card for security. If you are going to travel often, using a credit card that gives travel rewards would be an option for you. We personally use the Fidelity credit card because it gives us rewards back into our retirement accounts. I would rather pinch pennies now than not have enough saved for retirement.
10. Be Smart with Currency Exchange
- Exchange currency at your bank before traveling to get better rates.
- Avoid airport exchange kiosks, which charge high fees.
- Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for the best rates.
In order to save on currency exchanges consider asking your bank at home to order the currency for you. Avoid exchanging money at the airport as they tend to charge higher fees. Also make sure to call your credit card company ahead of time and double check that there are no fees for using your credit card abroad.
11. Earn Money While Traveling
If you are planning on going for a while, consider earning money while you are abroad. I’ve considered teaching abroad in the past. You could also do remote work for a US company if they permit it.
12. Don’t Buy Any Special Travel Items
My first time traveling with our daughter I brought so much stuff. I was a new mom and panicked about her becoming unruly on the airplane. The most recent time we flew, I only packed a few stickers, some books, and her iPad (I know. We only allow her to use it on the airplane).
Have you seen the videos of influencers trying to sell the special tiny folding stroller or the fancy Slumber Pod? Make do with what you have. We travel with a hand-me-down umbrella stroller and I make my daughter a little bed on the floor out of extra comforters. She’s three so we don’t have to worry about a crib or pack-n-play and most of the places we stay also offer a crib or pack-n-play anyway. I’m sure the fancy Slumber Pod with an inflatable toddler mattress would help her sleep better, but I’m not paying that price for our occasional travel.
Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible
While planning saves money, staying flexible can help you take advantage of unexpected opportunities, like last-minute deals or free events you discover while traveling. You never know what you’ll find. While traveling in Alaska we discovered that one of our ports was very walkable. We were excited to find that we didn’t need to book any expensive excursions and instead were able to visit the places on our list by walking, even better that some of them were free to get into! At another port, we found that we could book a mini bus to take us around. Not only was the driver interesting to speak with she was a wealth of information. This would not have happened on a large cruise ship excursion. Always look for alternatives whenever traveling and if you can’t find any try asking your family or friends who travel frequently what they do.
FAQs About Traveling on a Budget
- What is the cheapest country to travel to?
Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Guatemala offer amazing experiences at incredibly low costs. - How much should I budget for a trip?
It depends on your destination, but with the right tips, you can travel for as little as $30–$50 per day in many countries.
Conclusion
Exploring the world on a shoestring budget isn’t just possible—it’s life-changing. By following these 15 secrets, you’ll discover how to stretch your money, travel smarter, and experience the joy of seeing the world without financial stress.
Are you ready to embark on your budget-friendly adventure? Share your favorite frugal travel tips in the comments, and let’s inspire each other to explore more for less!
