5 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips: How to Travel Cheap and Save Money

The biggest obstacle holding most people back from travelling is the belief that they don’t have enough money. “How the heck am I going to afford that?” Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: Travelling is a privilege, but you don’t have to be rich to travel. There are plenty of ways to explore the world on a tight budget.

Sure, travelling on a shoestring isn’t always glamorous—but it’s absolutely doable.

Of course, there are some things you shouldn’t (and can’t) skimp on—like flights, Visas or travel insurance. I always recommend travellers get at least a basic essentials policy when going abroad.

With the right mindset and a little creative thinking, that dream trip can happen. Below are 5 ways you can travel on the cheeeeap! Just to get the ideas rolling.

1. Sleep in Hostels and Homestays

Aside from flight tickets, accommodation is likely to be one of the biggest expenses of your trip. To keep costs down, consider staying in backpacker hostels—most offer dorm rooms that range from 4 to 18 beds. As a general rule, the bigger the dorm, the cheaper the nightly rate. While it might not be the most luxurious option, it’s a great way to meet fellow travellers and stretch your budget further.

If you’re a light sleeper like me, I’d highly recommend investing in a good pair of earplugs. In a shared room, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter at least one snorer, or be woken by people coming and going at all hours. Another must-have is a quality eye mask—the last thing you want is someone’s phone torch or the hallway light flashing in your face just as you're about to drift off. A hoodie or a sarong can also double as an extra layer or curtain if you need a bit more privacy.

A few good platforms to find great hostels to book are: HostelWorld.com , Booking.com and Agoda.com

While hostel life isn’t always peaceful, a few small adjustments can make your stay much more comfortable—and save you a ton of money in the process.

2. Prepare your own Meals

As I write this, the first thing that springs to mind is my thrifty mother. Before we went anywhere, she’d pack us all a Vegemite and cheese or peanut butter sandwich, along with a piece of fruit. Not only did this keep our hunger at bay while we were out and about, but it also meant we didn’t have to buy emergency rations in overpriced places—like airports (seriously, what is the deal with airports?).

I know, I know—a big part of travelling is trying new cuisines. And you absolutely should! I’m just saying you don’t need to eat out all the time. And when you do, you don’t have to go for the 90-day dry-aged ribeye.

Staying somewhere with a shared kitchen can really help you cut costs. Some hostels, homestays, or even an Airbnb (if it fits the budget) will do the trick.

No kitchen? No problem. Pack a container with a sandwich, some fruit, a simple salad, or even throw together a “nut bag” (trail mix).

3. Teach English as a Foreign Language

A great way to make money and top up your travel funds is by teaching English abroad. If you’re thrifty with your budget, you can definitely save enough for your next destination. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to gain a deeper appreciation for the local people and place you’re currently living in.

To teach English, all you need is a TEFL or TESOL certificate. Some countries also require a university degree—as long as it was completed in English, it usually qualifies. If you have a teaching degree, even better! That can open the door to higher-paying jobs at private or international schools.

There are also plenty of online platforms and websites that allow you to teach remotely. All you need is a solid Wi-Fi connection and you’re good to go.

Here are a few of the most popular online English teaching platforms:

Preply

Cambly

VIPkid

Verbling

4. Work Abroad

Looking for a change of scenery and thinking about booking a one-way ticket? There are plenty of ways to make money while you travel. Here are some popular options:

Hospitality (Bartending / Waitering): If you know how to mix a drink or have experience waiting tables, this could be right up your alley—an easy way to transition into a longer stay overseas. Even without experience, you can still find roles like bar-backing or hosting.

Work in Hostels: Hostel staff turnover is high, so there’s often a steady demand. Depending on the arrangement and role (e.g., management, reception, cleaning), you might work in exchange for free accommodation—or even earn some spending money on top.

Seasonal Work: Depending on the time of year and location, seasonal jobs may be available. These can include roles like ski, surf, scuba, rock climbing, horseriding or Yoga instructors, tour guides, hotel staff, bartenders, chefs, kitchen hands, or agricultural pickers and packers—the list goes on. 

A quick search in your target area can reveal what's available.

Au Pair: This is an increasingly popular way to live and work abroad. Accommodation and payment are usually provided, and duties typically include caregiving—helping a host family with their household (cleaning cooking, running errands) and looking after children and pets. Many people continue doing this kind of work even after returning home.

5. Look for free things to do

Not every experience or place you visit has to cost money. In many locations, there are plenty of activities you can do for free. One that springs to mind is walking tours—they're often free, informative, give you a better appreciation of the city you’re in, and can be a sociable experience. Just keep in mind: it’s good practice to tip the guide if you had a good time. You can also visit sights of interest like: monuments, local markets, waterfalls, botanical gardens and some museums. 

Next time you’re in a new city, do a quick Google search for free things to do in the area—you might be surprised by what you find! Alternatively, tripadvisor.com and Facebook groups are also useful for finding places of interest and free things to do.

That concludes my short list of some ideas to consider if you wish to stay abroad for longer and on the cheap. For more useful travel information please check out my Blog. 

Thanks for reading! - Humble Traveller