Wondering how to travel cheap and if it’s really possible? After years of traveling around the world, I have put in place tons of techniques to save money while traveling but also to leave for less. Through this article, I share with you 12 tips that will allow you to go on a cheap vacation while making the most of your stay. Of course, I will also give you all my advice on how to travel cheaper by plane as well as ideas for not blowing your accommodation and food budget ! Let’s go !
How to travel cheap
1. How to travel cheap? Be flexible on the destination!
So there is only one thing to do: be flexible! Indeed, if you have a specific destination in mind and the prices of plane tickets are very high to reach this place, this will necessarily weigh in your travel budget. And in addition, there is little chance that they will drop much… We know that some destinations are more expensive than others, and the price of the ticket tends to put weight in the balance. This is why we advise you to be flexible on your destination . Do not promise yourself that you will go to Italy or Miami at any cost, only that you are going on a trip!
2. Compare flights
Wondering how to travel cheaper? So one of the best things to do will be to compare airfare prices before booking your trip. Indeed, some sites will offer you, for example, a flight at 50€ to a destination while on other sites the same flight will be at 100€. To compare your plane tickets, we recommend the sites of Momondo and Skyscanner . These compare flights on more than 100 sites and will always offer you the cheapest plane ticket . Moreover, if you are flexible on your destination you can only add your departure airportas well as your dates by leaving the “destination” box empty. So these two comparators will offer you the cheapest destinations for your dates departing from your home!
3. How to travel cheaper? Be flexible on your dates
In addition, if you are wondering how to travel cheap , you will have to try to be as flexible as possible on the dates of your stay. By leaving for example, the day before or the next day, the price of a flight can sometimes be reduced by half or even more. This is why we advise you to compare your plane tickets according to several dates . Of course, it is not always obvious if you have to go back to work or if your children go back to school on a certain date. Nevertheless, it is sometimes better to reduce the duration of your stay in order to return a day earlier… The price difference is sometimes impressive!
4. Traveling without checked baggage
Indeed, with some low-cost airlines , the price of checked baggage can vary from €15 to €50 per bag. Thus, we advise you to leave light and bring only your essentials. This will allow you to put everything in a cabin bag which is free with many airlines.
Personally, by dint of travelling, my luggage has considerably diminished. And today I manage to leave for several weeks with a small backpack . To reduce your belongings, do not hesitate to pack your suitcase as usual then to sacrifice 5 items inside , and another 5 if it is not too difficult… Indeed, we often tend to take lots of things “just in case”, but they ultimately do not come out of our suitcase. Finally, to help you, why not opt for accommodation with a washing machine?This will allow you to
5. How to travel cheap? By renting an apartment!
Over the past ten years, the world of travel has completely evolved . Before, it was easier for most travelers to leave for a destination and stay in a hotel for the duration of their vacation. However, today, it has become easy to rent an apartment abroad whether for a few days or a month. Indeed, several sites like AirBnB or Interhome put you in touch with locals who rent their apartments or only a room at home. So, if you are wondering how to travel cheap , this type of accommodation could be the ideal solution. Indeed, the prices of these accommodations are often cheaperthan hotels. In addition, they are mostly equipped with a kitchen . This way, you can prepare your meals and save money, by not eating out every time.