How to Travel for Cheap Without Missing Out
I’ve already shared how to travel sustainably on a budget, but that doesn’t always mean spending less. Sometimes, it means making choices that are better for the planet – even if they cost more upfront.
But what if you just want to know how to travel for cheap – without giving up all the joy and spontaneity that make travel so worthwhile?
To help you find the balance between budget and experience, here are my favourite practical tips for how to travel cheaply – without feeling like you're missing out.
Whether you’re planning a shoestring backpacking trip, a frugal road trip, or experimenting with different ways to travel, I hope something here helps you stretch your money further.
How to Travel for Cheap Without Feeling Like You're Missing Out
Flights & transport
1. Follow flight deals instead of fixed plans
If you want to travel cheaply, being flexible is your biggest advantage. Midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend ones. Flying just one day earlier or later can save you hundreds.
Instead of setting your heart on one destination, check where budget airlines are flying cheaply that month. Let the deals guide your adventure.
Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to find the cheapest destinations from your location.
2. Use smart routes and nearby airports
If you’re trying to figure out how to travel cheap without compromising too much, be open to flying into or out of secondary airports.
Major hubs often come with a premium, while smaller ones nearby might offer better deals – even with a short train or bus ride added in.
A bit of flexibility with routes can shave off a good chunk of your transport budget.
3. Use long layovers to your advantage
Long layovers don’t have to mean lost time. Some cities offer free transit tours or 24-hour visas that let you explore between flights.
If you're looking for cheap ways to travel and see more places along the way, turning a layover into a mini adventure is a surprisingly satisfying way to do it.
4. Travel overnight
Night buses and trains double as transport and accommodation – two birds, one cheap stone. If you’re doing a long haul between cities or countries, consider travelling overnight.
Just make sure it’s safe, and that you’ll actually be able to sleep. Snacks help.
5. Use public transport or ride-hailing
Public transport is one of the most budget-friendly travel options out there. Buses, trams, and metros are often a fraction of the price of taxis.
If you're somewhere without a reliable system, ride-hailing apps (especially local ones) can be cheaper than flagged taxis – and sometimes safer too.
6. Walk everywhere
This might sound obvious, but walking is not just free. It’s also the best way to get to know a place. You’ll stumble across things no guidebook would’ve told you about.
If you're wondering how to travel cheaply and still feel like you're in a place rather than just passing through, this is it.
7. Use overnight airports or stations for emergency stays
It’s not glamorous, but it works. If you’re in a pinch or just trying to stretch your budget, overnighting at airports or train stations can buy you a night’s rest without spending on accommodation.
(Just make sure it’s safe and allowed.)
Great for backpackers or when you're between places.
Accommodation
8. Stay in hostels or guesthouses
Even if you’re not into bunk beds or shared bathrooms, hostels can still be a budget-friendly option – many now have private rooms that cost far less than hotels.
Plus, you often get a kitchen, free coffee, impromptu dinner parties, and travel tips from fellow budget-minded travellers.
Guesthouses, especially in parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, offer similar vibes – simple, local-run places that feel more like someone’s home than a chain hotel.
9. Stay for free in exchange for help
A couple of acquaintances I’ve known have done this – staying for free in exchange for a few hours of work each day.
Sites like Workaway, and Worldpackers connect travellers with hosts who need help with things like gardening, hostel reception, or language practice.
It’s a slower, more grounded way to travel cheaply and get a real feel for the place you’re in. Not for everyone, but definitely worth exploring if you're one of those types of travellers who enjoys connecting through local living.
10. Book early for cheaper rates
This applies to flights, trains, and even some accommodations. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get budget-friendly prices.
Last-minute deals exist, but for predictable routes or high seasons, early birds do better.
Packing
11. Pack light
The less you pack, the cheaper it can be. You avoid extra baggage fees, can take public transport more easily, and you're more flexible with budget airlines. It’s something I’ve gotten used to from years of living out of a suitcase.
But it’s not just about bringing fewer things. It’s about being strategic with what you bring. Think lightweight, multipurpose, and versatile.
You don’t need seven outfits for a three-day trip. But a single outfit that layers well and works for different weather? That’s gold.
More: International Travel Essentials – the Basics You Need
12. Reuse and repurpose what you already have
Instead of buying travel-specific items, look at what you already own. A cotton tote bag becomes a laundry bag. A sarong doubles as a towel, blanket, or even makeshift curtain.
This mindset keeps your luggage light and your spending lighter.
Food & daily expenses
13. Cook simple meals instead of eating out
You don’t have to skip every restaurant, but if you're wondering how to travel cheaply, a few home-cooked meals will stretch your budget further.
Stay in hostels or Airbnbs with kitchen access and make your own breakfasts, pack sandwiches for the day, or eat dinner in after a big lunch out.
Local supermarkets also offer a peek into daily life. Plus, grocery store picnics are strangely satisfying.
14. Eat where the locals eat
Skip the tourist spots with English menus and glowing TripAdvisor stickers. Instead, look for places with handwritten signs, busy counters, or long lines of locals.
This is one of the most budget-friendly travel tips for food – and usually results in much better meals anyway.
Whether it’s a tucked-away noodle stall or a bustling family-run coffee shop, local eateries offer authentic flavours at a fraction of the cost.
15. Avoid currency exchange fees
Currency exchange charges are one of those small travel costs that quietly drain your budget.
Some travellers swear by using multi-currency e-wallets like Wise or BigPay, which usually offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
Personally, I’ve stuck to exchanging money at home in larger amounts when needed. It’s not always the best rate, but it cuts out ATM fees and helps me avoid poor exchange kiosks at the airport.
Paying in the local currency – whether in cash or card – is usually better than letting the foreign merchant convert for you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all method here, but the goal is the same: minimise losses from fees, so more of your travel budget stays with you.
Attractions & extras
16. Prioritise free and low-cost experiences
One of the most underrated budget travel tips is this: some of the best travel memories come from free things. Walking tours, hiking trails, wild swimming spots, city parks, local markets, free museum days–all excellent ways to experience a place without spending much.
Build your itinerary around what’s available for free or almost-free. You might be surprised how little you actually need to spend to feel immersed.
17. Score discounts and free transport with city passes
Many cities offer passes that bundle together attractions and public transport. If you’re planning to visit a few museums or use local transit often, it’s worth checking.
These passes are often overlooked, but they’re a great way to make budget-friendly travel a little more streamlined.
18. Stay connected without overpaying for internet
Data roaming is a sneaky budget-killer, especially if you’re crossing borders often. One of the most budget-friendly ways to travel and stay online is with a travel eSIM – and it doesn’t have to mean burning through gigabytes daily.
I use Airalo. It might cost more per GB than a local SIM, but it works across multiple countries. I’d rather stretch 1GB over a week or two with mindful use than stockpile 10GB in just one country and rush to finish it.
Free wifi at hostels or cafés is useful (when it works), but if you work online or rely on maps often, it’s worth sorting out a reliable plan early on. Travel eSIMs can be a simple way to stay connected across borders – and avoid the stress of hunting down a SIM card every time you land.
Travelling for cheap isn’t about denying yourself. It’s about making conscious choices, staying flexible, and knowing what matters to you on the road.
These habits not only stretch your budget but also help make travel easier, more meaningful, and more enjoyable. You’ll still have beautiful memories, meet interesting people, and eat well. You’ll just have more money left at the end of it.
And sometimes, that makes the experience even richer.
Hey, I’m Joanne
I’m a Malaysia-born seafarer drawn to travel and the idea of freedom. Since 2016, ships have been my second home.