Travel has become a lifestyle for this generation. They set aside a part of their paycheck for travel. In a study by McKinsey & Company, it was found that Millennials and Gen Z take five trips per year, dedicating 29% of their income to travel.
But spending a third of your paycheck on travel can make you broke. So, here are some hacks to help you travel in a fun way without spending a fortune. We have scoured the most practical advice from seasoned travelers on Reddit. Here are some hacks you can use to travel better while spending less.
1. Check flights first, pick the destination later
Most people pick a destination and then look for a flight. The problem with this is that you have already premeditated your travel decision. So, you need to book whatever flights are available to your destination (affordable or not). But you can save more if you check flights first and pick destinations later. You can use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner and check flights from your destination to “Everywhere.” This way, you get the best flight prices to practical destinations.
Rather than booking an $800 flight to your long-haul dream destination, you can find a flight deal to a closer destination (that you didn’t even think about!). So, be flexible and choose your destination after checking flight prices. In case you want to save on your flights/hotels or travel in general, you can look for travel deals on popular savings platforms.
2. The “Supermarket First” Rule
The biggest “hidden” drain on your budget is the €15 sandwich or the $10 hotel breakfast. You don’t need to eat at fancy places on your trip. These expensive meals can add up. So, on your first day in a new city, make a stop at the supermarket. Get essentials like fruit, non-perishable snacks, bread, water, etc. Eat these items when you feel like getting a snack. Don’t worry, you don’t need to go hungry; you can find affordable eateries. Or you can book a stay that has kitchen essentials, so you can cook your meals. The thing is, you don’t need to spend $10-$30 on every meal.
| TIP: Try out the “meal of the day” or “today’s special” at local eateries. They are often huge three-course meals and can save you money. Get a big lunch without paying big bucks. For dinner, you can go with street food or a supermarket spread. |
3. Stop giving away money to your bank
Most people ignore “Foreign Transaction Fees,” but they add up to a massive amount over a two-week trip. If your credit card charges 3% on every tap, and you spend $3,000, you just handed the bank $90 for nothing.
Switch to a card with no foreign transaction fees (like many travel-specific cards or digital banks like Revolut and Wise). Furthermore, when a card machine asks if you want to pay in “USD” or the “Local Currency,” always choose the local currency. Choosing USD lets the local merchant’s bank set the exchange rate, and they will almost always rip you off. Let your own bank handle the conversion.
4. Use the “Free Walking Tour” strategy
Most of the big cities have free walking tours. These tours are usually led by locals who know the place well. You can book these walking tours and ask the guides for travel tips. Where to go for good beer? What’s a must-try dish? Where to find the best souvenirs? They live there, so they know how to have fun in the city on a budget. At the end of the conversation, you can tip them or pay for their coffee as a way to thank them.
| TIP: Visit museums, galleries, and shows that are free to attend. You can search Google Maps for nearby galleries and museums. Check if they have free entry. Search on GetYourGuide or other similar platforms for booking more travel experiences. |
5. The “Second City” hack
Yes, the big cities are attractive. London, Paris, and New York sound dreamy. But they are also expensive. If you want a similar experience on a budget, you can visit the “second city”. These are the cities that have the same cultural depth, history, and vibes but have lower prices. So try Lyon, instead of Paris. Try Osaka instead of Tokyo. Visit Manchester instead of London. Get similar experiences, with fewer crowds, lower prices, and more authenticity.
6. Use public transport (The Nol Card/Oyster Card)
Using taxis, rentals, and cabs for commute during travelling is too expensive. So, you need to find an affordable way to get around. In big cities like Dubai, London, or New York, the public transport system is faster and cheaper. Before visiting your destination, try to find a way to commute. Read comments on Reddit threads, talk to friends in nearby cities, and read travel blogs. You can find a way to use public transport. For example, if you are visiting London, you can get an Oyster Card for commuting. Some cards also give you special discounts on attractions, shops, and restaurants.
7. Pack light to save more and move faster
If you can fit everything into a carry-on, why take a suitcase? In case you are travelling on budget airlines like Ryan Air, you save $30-$60 per flight if you just get a carry-on/personal item. Traveling light also gives you mobility. Let’s take an example, if you are staying in a hostel and want to hop into another one, you don’t have to pack your suitcase again. You can just put all your stuff in the backpack and easily move. Having lighter luggage lets you move around better while traveling. Plus, you don’t have to pay extra for a taxi or transport.
Wrapping up
Everyone wants to travel on a budget. Hardly does anyone stick to it. Once you are in a destination, you start spending like a king, even if you don’t earn like one. But you can always save while traveling if you spend mindfully. You don’t need to go overboard and starve yourself. But you can take small, impactful, financial decisions that let you stay in budget and still travel well. Happy traveling and happy savings!
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