Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. Over the years, we’ve learned how to stretch our dollars and still have an incredible time everywhere we go. It’s not about being cheap, it’s about being smart and intentional. Here are the 9 ways we actually travel on a budget and how we personally make it work every trip.
1. Budget Like Your Life Depends On It
Because it literally does.
We all have to live after the trip, and the last thing we want is to come home stressed about money. Before we book anything, we set a total budget that includes flights, stays, food, activities, and extras. That number becomes our guide, and we stick to it as much as possible so we can enjoy the trip guilt-free.
2. Research the Cheapest Times to Travel to Your Destination
Flights and hotels can double (or triple) in price depending on when you go. Before we book, we always research the best times to travel to our destination. Shoulder season or off-season trips usually mean better prices, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed vibe.
3. Use Public Transportation
We used to Uber everywhere—until we realized how much those rides added up. Now, we rely on local buses, trains, and metros in larger cities. The Citymapper app makes it so easy: it shows us routes, costs, and even the best subway exits. It saves us money and gives us a more authentic feel for the city.
4. Make Happy Hour Your Big Meal
Why pay full price when you don’t have to? We plan our biggest meal of the day during happy hour or lunchtime, when prices are lower. The portions are still filling, the food is just as good, and we end up spending a lot less. Later, we grab something light or cook if we have a kitchen.
5. Sign Up for Rewards Programs
It’s free money. We sign up for hotel, airline, and even restaurant rewards programs whenever we can. Points add up quickly, and we’ve gotten free upgrades, discounts, and birthday perks just for being on a list.
6. Watch Out for Extra Fees
Baggage fees, resort fees, “convenience” charges, these little costs can wreck a budget fast. We’ve learned to always read the fine print before booking and double-check policies to avoid surprises.
Pro-tip: We like to book on the actual websites like aa.com or marriot.com so that we can really read to see what those “fees” are really for.
7. Pack the Essentials From Home
We bring the things that cost way more on the road: medicines, tampons/pads, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and a reusable water bottle. It might seem small, but these save us money and a lot of hassle once we’re traveling.
8. Look for Free Activities
Some of our best memories didn’t cost us anything. We always look for free walking tours, museum days, concerts, markets, and nature trails. Free doesn’t mean boring, honestly its the opposite because it usually means we’re experiencing a place the way locals do and feeling good that they didn’t spend a dime for the experience.
9. Find Cheap Activities That Still Feel Special
Not everything has to be free, but not everything needs to be expensive either. We look for budget-friendly activities like wine tastings, car or bike rentals, or local classes.
Pro-tip: Ask your hotel about cheap things to do in the area because locals always know the best spots.
Here are the 9 ways we actually travel on a budget and how we personally make it work every trip. Traveling on a budget is about making intentional choices, not cutting out fun.
Looking for some more lessons we’ve learned from traveling? Check out our blog on things we will never do again while traveling.
