Mastering the Art of Budget Travel: A Complete Guide to Planning an Affordable Vacation
- Alanna Gabbett
- Nov 24, 2024
- 35 min read
Updated: Apr 3
There's a common misconception that travel has to be expensive, especially when it comes to international travel. From flights to accommodation, tours and food, it can really add up. Most people save up all year long for that summer vacation, and sometimes that 1–2-week vacation can cost thousands. Well, I'm here to tell you that you can have the vacation of your dreams and not break the bank.
Traveling doesn’t need to empty your wallet. With some clever planning and resourceful techniques, anyone can create a wonderful getaway without overspending. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, this guide provides you with effective tips to organize an affordable vacation.
In This Guide:
a. What Type of Vacation Are You Looking For?
b. Do You Have a Bucket List?
c. Research Your Options
d. Look at Alternatives
e. Time of Year Matters
f. Consider Alternative Locations
g. Looking for a Beach Trip?
h. Looking for Mountains, Hiking or Skiing?
a. Know Your Limit
b. Break Down Your Expenses
c. Include a Buffer
a. Be Flexible
b. Travel Light
c. Use Travel Search Engines
d. Book With Your Credit Card's Travel Portal
e. Consider Airport Alternatives
f. Consider a Layover
g. Utilize Miles and Points
a. Consider Airbnb over Hotels
b. Check a Variety of Sites
c. Look into Hostels
d. Stay Outside City Centers
e. Take Advantage of Hotel Loyalty Programs
a. Grocery Shop for Meals
b. Pack Snacks and Water
c. Dine Smart
a. Should You Rent a Car?
b. Using Public Transport
c. Consider Walking
d. Ride-Sharing Services
a. Share Accommodation
b. Group Discounts
a. Book in Advance
b. Flexibility is Key
c. Use Price Alerts
Budget Travel Guide: Final Tips
a. Use a Credit Card
b. Exchange Currency correctly
c. Keep Track of Spending
d. Avoid Impulse Purchases
e. Be Your Own Tour Guide
f. Avoid Scammers
g. Consider Using an eSIM
h. Stay Mindful
Bookmark these other travel guides to read later:
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Choosing Your Destination
Undoubtedly the most important part of planning is choosing your destination. We are firm believers that you should choose your destination, usually choosing a few options, before setting your budget. This is because with our budget travel tips, we've been able to travel to famously expensive locations more affordably.
Before deciding your budget, you should do a bit of research and discover the destinations that mean the most to you and your family. Know where you want to go and what kind of vacation you are hoping to achieve. With this information, you can begin to tailor a trip to your budget.
What type of vacation are you looking for?
Perhaps when you hear the word vacation, you envision lounging on a beach, basking in the sun. Or maybe you yearn for adventure, like ziplining, kayaking, or hiking through the wilderness. Are you a city lover who enjoys exploring new cuisines and the latest cafes and restaurants? Or a history buff eager to see ancient ruins and cutting-edge museums?
There's no single way to vacation, and when planning, you need to customize it for yourself and your family to maximize enjoyment. Identify your interests and determine the kind of trip you want. Then plan accordingly.
The easiest way to save money is to avoid spending on a vacation that doesn't fulfill or inspire you. Decide what you hope to gain from it and start budgeting with that in mind.
Do you have a bucket list?
Do you have a list of must-see destinations or experiences to complete in your lifetime? Perhaps it's time to check off an item or two. If you haven't created a bucket list yet, now is the perfect time to begin. Grab a piece of paper or open a Google document and start visualizing your list. This is an excellent way to inspire you to select the perfect destination for your journey.
Research your options
Ensure you research different destinations thoroughly. Identify the famously affordable places that offer everything you desire. Selecting the right vacation spot is just the start, so be sure to research and consider your options carefully. Evaluate several choices, and if you're traveling with someone else, be sure to get their input too.
Seek recommendations from friends and family about places they've visited to gain inspiration for your search. Explore travel blogs or watch YouTube videos of various destinations.
One of our initial steps in choosing our next destination is to select a few options and head to YouTube. We view travel videos from different vloggers and channels to truly understand what these places are like and what activities are available there. This helps us gauge whether the location matches our travel preferences and budget.
Look at alternatives
Certain locations are naturally more affordable than others, however, it is possible to visit more expensive locations on a budget, so decide what locations are important to you.
Some more expensive destinations:
Switzerland
Norway
The United Kingdom
Denmark
Sweden
Finland
Some more affordable destinations:
Kosovo
Bulgaria
Georgia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Montenegro
Serbia
Time of year matters
Avoid traveling during peak season, typically in the summer months of June-August. August is an especially busy time in Europe and having personally traveled to major tourist destinations during this time, we can say that it is not recommended.
Also try to avoid typical school holidays such as winter break, spring break, and the week of Thanksgiving. Traveling during major holidays or holiday breaks can lead to increased prices in popular destinations, so keep this in mind when choosing when to book your trip.
Traveling during the shoulder season, which is the time before and after peak tourist seasons can save you up to 30 percent on flights and hotels.
Our favorite times to travel are March, April, September, and October. We find prices are more affordable and the weather is pleasant for walking around and exploring.
Unless you'll be at the beach all day, exploring cities and doing activities outside can be tough in the hot summer months, especially when traveling with kids.
For example, we spent June to August in Croatia in 2023 and it was 90 °F (32°C) almost every day. This was great for swimming at the beautiful beaches but made it very difficult on days when we wanted to walk around the city, explore ancient ruins, or visit National Parks.
Keep in mind, however, that when traveling outside peak seasons, some tourist attractions may have limited hours or may not be open at all. This is something you should research ahead of time.
Consider alternative locations
Instead of classic tourist cities, think about exploring lesser-known destinations that can offer similar experiences or landscapes. For example, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but Slovenia is a much more affordable option. The countries are very similar in landscape, and both offer a nature and mountain lovers paradise.
Looking for a beach trip?
Instead of a beach trip to the beautiful Greek Islands, instead, head over to the more affordable Turkish Riviera. We spent 3 months exploring Türkiye and we can say that the beaches along its southern coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, featuring striking blue colors and warm waters. Türkiye is also one of the most affordable countries to travel to.
**BONUS TIP: There are cheap and fast ferries from Southern Türkiye to the islands of Kos and Rhodes.
Check out these videos from southern Türkiye:
Croatia also features some beautiful beaches, however since its increasing popularity in the last few years, the country has become a much more expensive travel destination.
Instead, head over to Albania! This is somewhere we recently traveled to, and we can confidently say that you won't be disappointed in a trip here. The beaches are spectacular with clear and warm waters and so many beach towns and resorts to choose from.
A bonus is that after traveling to every Balkan country in Europe, we can say that Albania is the cheapest in terms of accommodation and food costs. This means that you can have your beach vacation at a fraction of the cost.
Check out our Albania video series below:
Looking for mountains, hiking, or skiing?
A skiing trip to the Swiss Alps can be pricey. Switzerland is long known as one of the most expensive countries in Europe. With that said, Slovenia is a great alternative for a more affordable trip to the Alps that offers similar landscapes. Slovenia is home to the southern Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, which is a fantastic and affordable place for a skiing or hiking vacation. Get in touch with nature here on the many hiking trails, beautiful blue lakes, gorges, and waterfalls. Slovenia also offers many other attractions such as Predjama castle, Postojna caves, Vintgar and Tolmin gorges, and much more. Make sure to also check out Lake Bled, where there is a range of exciting activities to try, and don't skip the capital of Ljubljana.
Check out these videos from Slovenia:
Setting a Budget
Establishing a clear budget before booking your trip is essential. A structured budget helps you stay on track and prevents overspending. It's important to set a realistic budget because nothing is worse than coming back from a trip with an empty bank account or mountains of credit card debt.
Know your limit
Knowing your limit when setting a vacation budget helps prevent overspending and financial stress. It ensures you can enjoy your trip without worrying about debt or unexpected costs. A well-planned budget allows you to prioritize experiences, balance expenses, and have peace of mind while traveling. It's important to understand your finances before planning a trip so that you don't overextend yourself.
Break down your expenses
After you've decided your limit, it's time to break down estimated costs into categories.
Include all potential costs: accommodation, food, transportation, attractions, and extras.
Conduct research on your chosen location in each category to set realistic expectations for prices and understand how much you are likely to spend.
We recommend reading recent blog posts and watching YouTube videos from travelers who have recently visited the area. This will help you gain insight into average costs and what people are spending. Before finalizing your budget, create a rough itinerary so you can research each area where you will be staying. This will allow you to estimate costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities effectively.
Accommodation
Research typical accommodation costs in your destination by checking multiple sites. Filter by your preferences and use this to find an average cost in that location. This will help set a realistic budget for this category.
We always compare prices on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia to ensure we not only find the right stay for our needs but also get the best price.
Transportation
Will you rent a car or use public transport? How will you get from the airport to the city center? Will you take taxis or ride-share? These are important factors to consider when budgeting for a trip and something that requires a bit of research.
Food
Food can easily be your biggest expense on a trip. This is because often when you travel you want to experience local cuisine and restaurants. Dining out for 3 meals a day plus stopping for coffee, snacks, and ice cream, can add up quickly. Consider average food costs in your location by researching specific restaurants and menus and exploring first-hand accounts from other travelers and locals.
Attractions/Activities
Create a list of attractions, tours, and activities you would likely do on this trip. Then research the fees associated with each one, including entry costs for museums and sites. This will give you an estimate of what to budget for this category.
Although you may not complete all tours and activities, always include every option you list in your budget for this category.
Extra Costs
Always create a budget for potential extras, such as souvenirs, tips, currency exchange fees, tourist taxes, and other unexpected costs (such as medical bills, or lost or stolen items).
Travel Health Insurance: Keep in mind that, typically, you must pay medical expenses up-front and then apply for reimbursement afterward. Reimbursement can take a few weeks and in rare cases, up to a few months. It's important to have enough money set aside in your budget for these unexpected costs. Include a buffer
You should always set aside about 10 percent of your budget for unexpected expenses or treats, allowing you to enjoy your trip without financial anxiety. To ensure you don't miss out on unique experiences or spontaneous fun, keep a reserve of extra funds for such occasions, allowing you to enjoy yourself without stress.
Searching For Flights
Flights can be the most expensive part of your trip, depending on where you're flying and the time of year. Again, traveling in off-peak season will be cheaper for accommodation costs, but also flights.
Be flexible
Prices for flights can differ from day to day, sometimes varying wildly. Be flexible with your travel dates to allow yourself more options. Sometimes flying out a day or two later can save you $50 - $100 per ticket. Or staying at your destination an extra night and flying out the following day could be cheaper. Check flight calendars that break down the cost of a particular flight route day by day.
Travel light
Consider traveling without checked luggage. Utilizing a carry-on and personal item can save you considerable money on your flight.
Traveling light allows you to take advantage of budget airlines that may offer cheap prices on the condition that you don't have checked baggage. These airlines offer no-frills flights, usually without in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, outlets, or free meals. If you have checked luggage, this will be an extra charge. Some budget airlines also charge you for carry-on baggage.
However, even when we have checked baggage, a budget airline still saves us money. This is because as a family of 4, we do not travel with checked luggage for each traveler. We usually only have 1 or 2 bags of checked luggage, and when evaluating the cost involved, choosing the budget airline over another that includes checked baggage still saves us money.
Do your research and don't count out budget airlines. Compare the flight cost of the budget airline against the next best alternative. Research their fees for checked baggage and decide which is the most affordable option for you and your family.
Use travel search engines
Use a travel search engine to compare flight prices. Usually, flights are cheaper the farther out you book but it might be worth it to watch them for a while to ensure you get a good deal. Typically, the closer you wait until the day of departure, the more expensive they get.
Websites such as Hopper, feature flight watches, and will even alert you when a flight is a good deal. You can also search for flight deals on Expedia!
SECRET TIP:
Check out the Capital One Venture X Card, which is a travel credit card that uses Hopper to search flights and therefore offers the same flight watches. Their travel portal makes it easy to search and book flights, set flight alerts, and even freeze the cost of a flight if you aren't quite ready to book. Additionally, if the travel portal says that a flight is a good deal and prices drop after you book the flight, you'll get up to $50 back per traveler - We recently got $200 back for a flight we booked when the price dropped a few days later.
This money gets added to your account as a travel credit for a future flight, rental car, or hotel booking. When used in addition to your annual $300 travel credit, it's a great reason to have the card and book through their travel portal. The annual fee is only $395 and more than pays for itself after a yearly $300 credit, 10,000-anniversary miles each year, as well as other benefits such as airport lounge access (hello free food and drinks!), and even offering coverage for flight delays and lost baggage.
The Capital One Venture X is our favorite travel credit card, and we can bring it on every trip because it has zero foreign transaction fees, meaning we can use it no matter the currency. The card also has a very generous sign-on bonus that fluctuates frequently, from 75,000 up to 150,000 miles! These miles can be used directly for flights, hotels or rental cars, can be transferred to a host of partner programs to book travel, or can be used as a statement credit.
Book with your credit card's travel portal
We recommend booking with your credit card travel portal (such as the Capital One Venture X) as long as it offers a price match on your flight. This is because you still get the cheapest price (after the price match), and you also get bonus points for booking travel through their portal (i.e. 5X on flights!).
Consider airport alternatives
Consider alternate departure and arrival airports -If you can easily reach more than one airport, check departing flights from all of them. Some airports offer nonstop flights to a destination, while others do not. Prices from larger airports also tend to be lower and will also have fewer layovers.
For example, flying out of Boston's Logan Airport is cheaper and has more options than flying out of T.F. Green in Rhode Island.
Additionally, some destinations may have more than one international airport - for example, Dubai has two international airports in the city. Check flights arriving in both airports to determine the most cost-effective choice.
Consider a layover
Nonstop flights are usually more expensive. While this is not always the case, it's worth checking flights with layovers. A flight with a short layover may not be the worst thing as it gives you the chance to get out and stretch your legs, which has proven useful for traveling with small children.
The downside is if your first flight is delayed, you risk missing your second leg. With that said, it's recommended to choose a layover of at least 2-3 hours in case of delay. Try not to choose layovers where you are required to recheck your baggage, especially if your layover is short.
While a short layover may seem appealing, if it's less than 2 hours, you risk missing the second flight. While this may be a covered event allowing the airline to book you on the next flight, it can be a hassle and you run the risk of the next flight to your destination being full, hours away, or even worse, the next day.
A long layover (10 + hours) doesn't sound like much fun, but it may be a great opportunity to add another city to your trip. If the layover is long enough, you can usually leave the airport and explore that city before your next flight. Some airports offer fast and convenient ways to reach a city center right outside the terminals.
For example, Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal has a metro line at the airport that will connect you to downtown Lisbon in around 25 minutes.
In addition, if you need to store your luggage, most airports have convenient and affordable luggage storage located in the airport.
Some airlines even offer a stop-over program, giving you time to explore another city. In many cases they will pay for your hotel stay for up to 3 nights or even offer discounts on tours and activities.
Airlines with a stopover program:
Turkish Airlines - stopover in Istanbul, Türkiye
Icelandair - stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland
TapAir - stopover in Lisbon, Portugal
Emirates - stopover in Dubai, U.A.E
Etihad - stopover in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Qatar Airways - Doha, Qatar
Finnair - stopover in Helsinki, Finland
Swiss International Airlines - stopover in Zurich, Lucerne, Montreux, or Interlaken, Switzerland
Oman Air - stopover in Muscat, Oman
Aer Lingus - stopover in Dublin, Ireland
Copa Airlines - stopover in Panama City, Panama
Iberia - stopover in Madrid, Spain
Ethiopian Airlines - stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Avianca - stopover in Bogota, Colombia
Japan Airlines - stopover in Tokyo or Osaka
China Southern and Air China - stopover in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chongqing, Wenzhou, and Wuhan.
Air France and KLM - stopover in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Paris, France, and numerous other destinations.
Singapore Airlines - stopover in Singapore, Indonesia
Air Canada - stopover in Toronto, Canada
Saudia or Flynas - stopover in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
*BONUS TIP - if you have the Capital One Venture X Card, you get free membership to Priority Pass, which gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. You can use these lounges during your layover to provide some extra comfort. While amenities can vary, they typically include complimentary food and drinks (alcohol included), comfortable seating, televisions, computers, printers, showers, and some even provide children's play areas and free massages.
Utilize miles and points
Speaking of travel credit cards, if you have accumulated miles or points through credit cards or loyalty programs, utilize them wisely.
Book flights with points
Using air miles to book your flight can save you hundreds of dollars. For instance, many airlines offer international flights for as little as 20,000 points round-trip when booked correctly. Make sure to look at transfer partners and be on the lookout for transfer bonuses.
For example, some airline reward programs frequently offer transfer bonuses of 15-20%, meaning that rather than transferring the points from your credit card at a 1:1 ratio, you will get more value from your points.
Note that before transferring points to an airline partner or reward program, always find the flight you want to book. This is because most programs don't allow you to move the points back and may require you to use the points before a certain date.
Choosing Accommodation
Wisely
Your choice of lodging can greatly impact your travel budget. Consider budget-friendly accommodation rather than luxury hotels and resorts.
Consider Airbnb over hotels
Airbnb is our first choice for unique, budget-friendly options. There are thousands of listings available on the site, that range from a private room in someone's home to entire apartments, villas, and even treehouses.
In our experience, an Airbnb tends to be a cheaper option than a hotel. While hotel rooms can be upwards of $100-$200 a night, depending on the country, we have booked entire apartments for $20 - $50 per night. In more touristy areas or peak season, these rates can be more, but still less than hotels.
Another benefit is that in most cases you will have a kitchen with full amenities and cooking utensils. This helps you save money on dining as you can visit a local market or grocery store and cook some of your own meals.
Unrelated to budgeting, our favorite part of Airbnb is that it also allows you a more authentic feel for local culture and norms. Airbnb gives you the opportunity to meet and converse with locals directly, gaining important insight into the area you are staying. We have frequently been met with an outstanding level of authentic hospitality in a way that you would never get in a hotel. We have been invited into local homes, offered coffee and meals, given toys for our kids, been offered rides, given local recommendations on food and attractions, and had the amazing opportunity to meet some of the world's kindest people.
Check a variety of sites
While we prefer Airbnb, we always check multiple sites and search engines when looking for accommodation to ensure we get the best deals and find the perfect stay. Some other sites we use include Expedia and Booking.com. This is because we have occasionally found that booking.com will have an apartment booking cheaper than what is offered on Airbnb. Booking.com is not just for hotels as they also offer a wide range of apartments, shared rooms, and hostels. Therefore, we always consult both sites to find the right accommodation for us.
Look into hostels
We don't have too much personal experience with hostels, but we did take a month-long backpacking trip in our younger years, where we stayed primarily in hostels around Europe. Hostels are a budget-friendly option if you are a solo traveler or couple, allowing you to connect with other travelers and they typically cost just $20 to $50 per night. Some hostels even offer shared kitchens, work and lounge spaces, and special events. We have booked hostels on booking.com in the past, however, there are specific apps for hostel booking such as hostelworld.
Stay outside city centers
Another of our best budgeting tips is to stay a bit further from the city center. Accommodations in city centers come at a premium. Staying a short distance away can save you 20 to 40 percent, especially in cities with good public transport options.
For example, when we visited Vienna, Austria, we chose an apartment far in the outskirts of the city and were able to easily take a tram of about 20 - 30 minutes into the center. The apartment was 50 % cheaper than comparable options inside the city center. Public transportation was easy to use, affordable, and widely available.
If you have a rental car, we always recommend staying as far outside the center as you need to in order to save on accommodations. This is because to get to the center you have plenty of options. You can take public transport, and when you don't want to, most cities have plenty of parking options in the center, from metered parking to garages and large lots.
Take advantage of hotel loyalty programs
Some hotel loyalty programs provide significant discounts or even free nights. This can help stretch your budget even further, particularly in expensive cities. Check your loyalty programs and hotel credit cards for any unused benefits or points that could convert to free stays in your chosen location.
For hotel bookings and free nights, we use the IHG Premier Credit Card and its related rewards program. IHG is one of the world's largest hotel corporations, with its most famous brand being Holiday Inn. When searching for hotels, many times we notice the cheapest options are IHG hotels. The brand offers budget stays as well as luxury and with over 6,000 hotels in around 100 countries, you're bound to find at least one at your destination.
With their free rewards program, IHG One Rewards, you can earn points on eligible stays that can eventually turn into free upgrades, extra amenities, and even free nights.
With their IHG Premier credit card, you gain access to a generous sign-up bonus that equates to up to 4 free nights! Annually, you also get an anniversary free night stay, automatic platinum elite status, $50 United Airlines Travel Bank Cash, $100 statement credit, 10,000 bonus miles, along with tons of other benefits.
Additionally, you get 26X points when booking a stay at one of their hotels or resorts, meaning more points for free stays in the future. And when you use those points to redeem 3 consecutive nights, your fourth night is free!
Other hotel rewards programs include:
Saving Money on Food
Food can easily eat up a large part of your travel budget, especially when traveling as a family with children. Our top tip for saving money on food while traveling is a simple one - dine out less!
Grocery shop for meals
Buying groceries to prepare your meals can significantly cut costs. In Europe, for instance, preparing dinner from local markets can cost around $10 per meal compared to $20 to $40 at a restaurant.
It's extremely easy to shop at local markets in most places in Europe, being that there's a market or shop on almost every corner. In fact, in most parts of Europe, locals shop quite frequently, going a few times weekly and even up to once daily.
For this, don't forget to bring your reusable grocery bags!
This is also where booking an Airbnb over a hotel helps out. If you book an apartment on Airbnb, most of the time they come with a full kitchen, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and dishware. Just make sure when searching for an apartment you filter your search to include a kitchen.
We also love grocery shopping in other countries because it almost feels like visiting a cultural museum. Walking unfamiliar aisles and seeking out local delicacies, snacks, and produce is all part of the fun. It's always a fun excursion to take our kids on because they love choosing new and exciting snacks.
In addition to grocery shopping for meals, you can gain access to cheap local cuisine through the Too Good to Go app. The company is currently available in 17 countries and aims to help eliminate food waste by offering end-of-day discounts on food that would otherwise be thrown away.
The Too Good to Go app helps travelers reduce food waste while enjoying affordable, high-quality meals. The app connects users with local restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores offering surplus food at discounted prices.
Travelers can easily pick up "surprise bags" of leftover food, allowing them to experience local flavors at a fraction of the cost while contributing to sustainability. It offers a more environmentally friendly way to enjoy local foods and is especially helpful for budget travelers.
Pack snacks and water
Speaking of snacks, make sure to pack them on your daily outings. Bringing snacks for your outings can help you avoid the high prices of tourist traps. A simple sandwich or a piece of fruit can keep you fueled without breaking the bank. And making sure you aren't walking around the city starving will help you from overspending on food and treats.
When packing snacks for the day, consider using the Packit Freezable Lunch Bag. We bring this on every trip as it comes in handy for packing food and snacks that need to be kept cold. We can even use it to bring a picnic lunch to a local park or snacks to watch the sunset.
Additionally, you need to make sure you bring along a reusable water bottle, preferably an insulated one. Constantly buying plastic water bottles can be draining for your budget and dreadful for the environment. We always bring along refillable water bottles for us and our kids, fill them up in the morning and take them along on our adventures.
It comes in especially handy since most European cities have free water fountains around the city to refill them.
Our favorite is the Coldest Sports Water Bottle because it keeps our water ice-cold for up to 36 hours! For our kids, we always pack them each a Thermos Funtainer. We love them because they are insulated, don't leak, and have an easy-to-clean straw.
Dine smart
When we dine out, we always make sure to check prices online and find affordable options. We usually research restaurant options and check prices ahead of time to make sure it's not too pricey.
Many restaurants in touristy areas of cities have higher prices. So, make sure to journey out of the tourist center if you want to try some local food at local prices.
Additionally, consider sharing meals to save money. While this may not work for adults, it works great for kids, especially young ones. We have a 2- and 4-year-old and rather than ordering them each their own meal (which 100% of the time they never finish), we order one meal for them to share. Keep in mind that to-go boxes are not the norm so unfinished food gets tossed rather than taken with you.
Another thing that is not the norm, is kids' menus. So, keep this in mind when traveling with little ones. If your kids don't eat much, consider just asking for an extra plate and sharing your food with them. Additionally, we have asked for a smaller portion of an adult menu item. Sometimes they say it can't be done, but sometimes they have done this and knocked a few dollars off the price. It's always worth an ask.
*SECRET TIP - When we visit a new place, we're eager to taste the local food, eat at popular spots, enjoy fresh pastries from local bakeries, and try coffee in cafes. However, traveling on a budget often means we can't afford to do this frequently. Therefore, as part of our budgeting plan, we allow ourselves one meal out in the city per day. This approach works well when exploring a new city with kids. We have breakfast at our accommodation, pack snacks from a local grocery store, and then explore the city. We eat lunch at our chosen spot and later have dinner from grocery store purchases back at our accommodation. We also set aside a budget for coffee, pastries, and other treats we wish to try. This strategy provides a good balance, allowing us to enjoy local food and experiences without overspending.
Transportation Choices
Transportation is an essential part of travel, and it's important to evaluate all available options in your destination to select the most sensible and economical choice. If not planned properly, transportation can include a large chunk of your budget.
Should you rent a car?
This is an important decision to make, and it all depends on your chosen destination and the activities you want to do.
When traveling to big cities or popular tourist locations, it's not necessary to rent a car as public transportation will likely be widely accessible and easy to navigate. Many large international airports also offer buses, trains, or airport shuttles to take you from the terminal to the city center. This can save you a considerable amount of cash as car rental can be upwards of $500 per week, not including insurance and gas.
If you plan on taking multiple day trips outside the city that aren't accessible by public transit, are taking a longer trip through multiple cities and/or countries, or have young children and a lot of luggage (like we do!), it may make more sense to rent a car.
When searching for a car rental overseas, make sure you first check official government websites to make sure it is advisable, safe, and legal for foreigners to rent a car. Most European countries will allow American Citizens to rent a car without any additional steps, however, it's advisable to bring along an international driver's permit just in case. These are cheap and can easily be obtained from the DMV or any AAA office.
If renting a car, factor in costs such as insurance and gas. Additionally, if you need to take the car across borders, this will likely be an extra charge.
Check multiple sites when looking for car rentals - our favorite site is Discover Cars but we occasionally use other sites like carjjet.com and economybookings.com. They typically have the best rates and options.
Make sure you also check if the car is manual or automatic to avoid surprises when you pick it up (this happened to us in Dubrovnik!).
Additionally, when searching for accommodation, make sure you filter for options that have private parking to avoid the hassle of trying to find public spaces to park.
Using public transport
Instead of renting a car, utilize local public transport. Most European cities offer efficient transit systems that can save you significant costs on travel. With a variety of buses, trains, and trams, you'll never be too far from transportation.
Additionally, driving a car around busy cities is usually not a fun experience, from traffic, to narrow roads and limited parking, it can quickly turn into a nightmare.
When using public transit make sure to research the costs associated and make sure to check for tourist passes, daily or weekly passes, and other special discounts meant for students, the elderly, and other groups. Children under 5 usually ride for free when with a paying adult.
Some countries even offer free public transportation to all, such as Luxembourg and Malta.
It's also important to research how public transport is paid. Some locations may operate on a ticket system where you must buy at a kiosk or bus station ahead of time. Sometimes you can pay by cash or card directly from the driver. And other times it's done completely on your phone.
For example, in Vienna, Austria, you buy a ticket or pass on your phone and simply get on the bus, train, or tram. The city operates on an honor system; however, they do have public transit officers that go around and will fine you if you don't have a valid ticket.
For easily navigating public transport, we always use the Moovit app. Moovit has been a lifesaver for navigating public transportation no matter where we are. It simplifies the use of public transportation in unfamiliar cities by providing real-time routes, schedules, and step-by-step directions for buses, trains, subways, and trams. This makes navigating a new city a breeze.
The app offers features like service alerts, route planning, and offline maps, that can help you avoid delays and plan your route more efficiently.
You simply set your city and type in where you want to go. The app gives you a list of options that use various modes of public transport. These options include total traveling time, cost of the public transport, and the bus, train, or train line numbers used. The app also navigates you in real-time to the stop or station to begin your journey and gives you updates on when your bus or train will arrive. Another cool feature is that the app will also notify you when you are coming up on your stop so that you never miss it.
The Moovit app is completely free to use, offers coverage in over 3,000 cities around the world, and has proven to be a reliable tool for us in navigating a new city.
Consider walking
Most cities in Europe are considered very walkable, allowing you to explore without paying any transportation costs. When staying in most cities and towns, we don't use public transport as walking is easy and safe. We truly enjoy exploring back streets and less touristy neighborhoods on our way to major attractions. It also allows us the opportunity to stop in at local cafes and check out more local eateries.
In most cities, the sidewalks and streets are stroller-friendly, so even with kids, they are walkable and easy to navigate.
Ride-sharing services
If public transport is inconvenient, try ridesharing. This can often be cheaper than car rentals, especially in cities where parking fees are high. We recommend sites such as Uber or Bolt, rather than hailing a taxi. This is because taxis in many cities charge tourists high rates and may even try to scam you.
Taxis in certain areas have been known to either not use the meter, claim the meter is broken, or go back on an agreed-upon rate, demanding more money for your ride.
We always recommend to user Uber if available.
Rather than dealing with haggling with taxi drivers in foreign countries, getting overcharged, or having to deal with the hassle of calling or flagging down a taxi, we just open the Uber app. We can see the price ahead of time and that doesn't change, even when stuck in traffic or when your driver makes a wrong turn.
The Uber app is essential for traveling abroad because it offers a convenient, reliable, and cashless way to get around in unfamiliar cities. With Uber, travelers can quickly book rides from their location to any destination, avoiding the language barrier and uncertainty of local taxi services. The app provides transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and a range of ride options, from budget-friendly to premium. It’s also available in many countries, making it a go-to solution for airport transfers, sightseeing, and getting around safely, especially in places where public transportation may be less accessible or comfortable for tourists.
For example, in Dubrovnik, had we used a taxi, they were quoting around $45 for a 15-minute ride, however, Uber only charged about $9 for that same ride. And for those nervous about riding an Uber, we never had any bad experiences on any of the many Ubers we took overseas. You get the driver's info, a picture of them, the car make and model, and license plate number before they even arrive to you. They also have great customer service where you can report drivers if need be. We were once stopped in traffic for an extended period of time and the Uber app kept asking me if I was ok. So, save yourself some money and just take an Uber.
Although our first choice is Uber, sometimes Uber is not available. Uber is available in around 70 countries worldwide, but we have encountered times when we don't have access to the app, such as when traveling in the country of Türkiye. In this case, Bolt was a great alternative.
Bolt operates in a total of 45 countries and is a great alternative to Uber, offering the same reliable services such as transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and a range of ride options, from budget-friendly to premium.
And in countries where both Uber and Bolt are available, we love to compare prices to make sure we get the best deal!
Traveling in Groups
Traveling in groups can lead to noteworthy savings. Consider traveling with family and friends, rather than solo, which can lead to shared costs and increased savings.
Share accommodation
Booking a bigger Airbnb or sharing a hotel room can cut accommodation costs significantly. For instance, a 4-bedroom Airbnb rented by four people can drop costs to about $25 per person. This may also allow you to book luxury accommodation at more affordable costs.
Group discounts
Many attractions and tours offer group rates. Research ahead of time to see where you can save by traveling together. Additionally, many attractions may offer family tickets for entry, which can be more affordable when traveling as a family of 4-5.
For example, when visiting Bulgaria, we noticed that most tourist attractions offered a family ticket (for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children) that was the same price as 2 adult tickets. This can save you money when planning visits to multiple sites with your family.
When traveling in significantly larger groups, some tour operators even offer private group tours that, when the cost is split between each traveler, can save a significant amount of money.
Booking the Trip
When you're ready, it's time to book your trip. Make sure you get the best deals by following these tips:
Book in advance. Secure your flights and accommodations well ahead of your departure for better deals, potentially saving up to 20 percent on costs.
Prices for flights and accommodation tend to be cheaper the farther out you book them. As dates get closer, supply dwindles, and you'll have less affordable options to choose from.
Flexibility is key. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may often uncover lower fares. Remember to remain flexible in your travel dates, checking flight calendars for the cheapest dates to fly your particular route. Subscribe to price alerts to be notified when prices drop for your flight.
Some studies show that the cheapest day of the week to fly is on Tuesday, with Monday and Wednesday also being a good option. So, if you can fly out in the middle of the week, it might save you some cash.
Additionally, be flexible by checking alternate departure and arrival airports.
Use price alerts. Set up alerts for flights and accommodations so you can be informed when rates drop, enabling you to seize great deals. Additionally, use the price match feature if your credit card travel portal offers it.
Budget Travel Guide: Final Tips
Here are some essential tips to ensure you stay within your budget during your trip:
Use a credit card
Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. This can save you a lot of money considering many card issuers charge up to 3% for purchases abroad. Make sure to sign up for a travel credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees so you can use it freely without extra cost.
Additionally, you should always choose to pay with local currency when prompted by a card reader. This usually applies when using a debit card. You should always decline the exchange, which will allow the exchange to be completed on the bank's end, usually saving you money.
Exchange currency correctly
Exchange currency at your local bank before the trip. This tip has saved us so much money and hassle. Most banks will allow you to order currency a few weeks before your trip with very minimal fees. We use Bank of America and were able to order over a dozen currencies for our latest trip, with the fees ranging from a few cents to a few dollars.
Avoid exchanging currency at the airport. There is a very high likelihood you will get ripped off and end up paying way too much in exchange fees. Trust us, we made the mistake once and we lost quite a bit of money in the exchange.
If you have to get some cash in the city, find a local currency exchange office and make sure to check their online reviews ahead of time. We have exchanged currency in a few cities and have always been able to find trustworthy options.
Another way to get cash would be to withdraw from an ATM. We don't recommend this as there are usually large fees associated. Some banks may be partnered with select overseas banks and in these cases, you may be able to withdraw with that bank's ATM at lower fees.
For example, Bank of America is partnered with Barclays, United Kingdom, BNP Paribas, BNL D'Ialia, Deutsche Bank, China Construction Bank, UkrSibbank, TEB, Scotiabank, and Westpac. At these overseas banks, withdrawal fees will be waived.
Keep track of spending
Use budgeting apps to monitor your expenses as you go. This will help you stay aware of your financial situation throughout your trip. Additionally, you can keep receipts or use the notes app on your phone to keep a daily record of expenses. When not tracking expenses, it's easy to overspend.
Avoid impulse purchases.
Stick to a carefully considered shopping list to prevent unnecessary spending on souvenirs or activities. While the occasional impulse buy is ok, try not to let this happen often as purchases can add up and may easily throw you out of your budget.
Be your own tour guide
Instead of paying for tours, be your own tour guide. Purchasing guided tours for every attraction can seem like a great way to gain insight and learn about each place you visit, but it can easily add up in cost throughout your trip. We suggest skipping the guided tour and exploring on your own. A single-entry ticket is monumentally more affordable than a guided tour and some attractions may also offer audio guides or informational signs throughout the site so that you still get the information you're looking for.
With that said, some places you visit are best enjoyed by organized tour and in these cases, you need to budget to allow yourself this freedom. Decide what sites are of particular importance to you and splurge for a guided tour on these. Just try not to purchase guided tours for everything you do.
By being your own tour guide and self-touring each attraction, it allows you to go at your own pace and spend as little or as long at each point along the way. This is particularly useful when traveling with young children who may not sit through a lengthy guided tour.
Additionally, many cities across Europe offer free city tours daily, where a local guide takes you around the city teaching you about the culture and history of the location. These tours truly are free, but it is advised to tip the tour guide whatever you see fair.
Avoid scammers
Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings to avoid becoming a victim of local scams and hustles. Many popular cities are filled with anyone trying to make a quick buck. Although this is not true everywhere, some locals will charge you "foreigner prices" that are much higher than local prices as soon as they hear you are a tourist, this is particularly true of Americans and other English-speakers.
Make sure to always agree to a price ahead of time, especially when it comes to services or businesses where there may not be a visible price list. It's important to confirm pricing before services are rendered so you aren't caught by surprise at the end. It's also a good idea to do some research ahead of time on what typical prices should be for local goods and services.
Beware of gypsies. We have encountered them in various countries and cities across Europe. They are often found in popular tourist attractions, and their most common scam is known as "the rose scam." This appears innocent, as women selling flowers to tourists; however, they can become aggressive and may attempt to forcefully place the roses in your pockets, give them to your children, or set them on your shoulder, all in an effort to compel payment. They may become aggressive and attempt to follow you and demand you take the rose. Additionally, they engage in the "palm-reading scam," where they seize your hand without consent, read your palm and fortune, and subsequently demand payment for the service. We nearly fell victim to this in Spain when one grabbed my hand and pulled me aside. They make it very chaotic, and you almost don't know what's happening until it's over.
Moreover, you may encounter numerous people dressed as various characters offering to take photographs with you. We have observed mimes, gladiators, men in Santa suits, women dressed as princesses, and an array of individuals in traditional festive costumes. These people attempt to lure you into a photo op with them for a price. Occasionally, these performers will also demand payment if you simply take their photo without prior permission. While it is entirely acceptable to engage in any of these services, it is important to know that nothing is truly free. Even if they claim it is free, there will ultimately be a cost involved.
Consider using an eSIM
Staying connected while overseas is important and that's why we always recommend an eSIM. Using your cell phone provider while overseas can cost as much as $10 per line per day, which can quickly add up, especially on longer trips.
When we first started traveling abroad, we started with a 7-month trip around Europe. Our biggest struggle was trying to figure out what to do for phone service. We looked into eSIMs and luckily stumbled upon a great company, Holafly.
Holafly provides a variety of eSIM data plans for international travelers, traveling to hundreds of locations abroad. It allows users to stay connected while overseas without the need for physical SIM cards, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for mobile data usage in multiple countries.
With the Holafly app, travelers can easily purchase and activate eSIM data plans directly from their phones, ensuring seamless connectivity for browsing, social media, and navigation. Holafly is a great choice for hassle-free communication and internet access during international trips. They even offer regional eSIMs that cover a range of countries if you're like us and frequently country-hop.
Keep in mind that to use an eSIM, your cell phone typically needs to be unlocked, which in our case required that we pay off our cell phones with our carrier and then request they be unlocked. After this initial hassle, we've managed to use eSIMs from Holafly in over 20 countries.
Additionally, Holafly offers a rewards program where you earn points towards discounts on every eSIM purchase.
It is worth noting that we have tried multiple eSIM carriers and Holafly offers the best prices for unlimited data plans and has had the best overall coverage and service, while service with other carriers has been slow and insufficient in certain areas.
Prices with Holafly are affordable, especially considering their plans all offer unlimited data, so you never have to worry about running out while exploring an unfamiliar city.
A great eSIM that offers per GB plans at cheaper prices, is Airalo. If you don't want to pay for unlimited data and only need a few GB to get through, Airalo offers great rates, top-up options, and a wide variety of country-specific and regional plans.
To save money, we typically use a combination of both apps, using Holafly's unlimited plan on one of our cell phones, and a per GB plan from Airalo on the other cell phone, in case of emergencies.
It's also worth noting that both of these apps are easy to install, have excellent customer service, and offer high-speed and reliable data with no roaming fees.
Stay mindful
Always remember that experiences often outweigh the money spent. Focus on making memories, not accumulating expenses. A picnic lunch in a local park with family is more affordable than an expensive meal at a popular restaurant and can be more meaningful, creating lasting memories for your family.
Planning an affordable vacation is entirely doable with thoughtful preparation and savvy decisions. From choosing cost-effective destinations to making strategic choices about lodging, transportation, and food, every decision can enhance your travel experience while keeping costs manageable.
By following these tips, you can master budget travel and enjoy fulfilling adventures without financial stress. Start planning your next escape today and get ready to explore the world without overspending!
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