Staying and traveling abroad can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. With these budget travel tips, we'll help you explore on a budget.
Whether you're heading abroad or looking to explore more of the UK, the cost of a holiday can quickly add up. From transport and accommodation to food, activities and tours, you can easily spend a small fortune.
In our last National Student Money Survey, Students spent an average of £36 per month (that's over £430 per year!) on holidays and events. However, there are many little-known ways to save money and travel on a budget. You just need to know how to do it.
Volunteering abroad
Go on a trip sabbatical year or do you want to spend a summer abroad? Then volunteering in another country is an enriching way to travel. By doing so, you get free food and a place to sleep.
Many young travelers try WWOOFing (Global Opportunities in Organic Farms). In exchange for your hard work on the farm, you get free food and housing.
Other companies like The Worldpackers We specialize in volunteer opportunities around the world. Typically, volunteer periods last between one week and 30+ days, making them a great option if you have less time.
This can be an amazing experience that will see you acquire new skillslike-minded friends and unique memories. Plus, it's a beautiful CV Improvement!
Before you embark on this adventure, make sure you know what voluntourism is all about. Learn about the opportunities available to you and ask yourself if you would be helping the community. If not, consider supporting them in another way, such as donating money or organizing a fundraiser.
Travel outside peak season
When you choose to travel during peak season, you tend to pay a premium. Not only will it be more crowded, but you'll also spend more. To avoid the crowds and save money on your getaway, plan your trips during the off-season (usually spring or fall depending on the destination).
Summer is usually a popular time to visit European countries like Italy. Go against the norms and visit in the fall. This way, you are sure to save money on hotels and there will be fewer tourists when you go to the Trevi Fountain. It's a win-win.
Make the most of free attractions
When it comes to free things to doThe possibilities are endless. From parks and beaches to museums and markets, the possibilities are endless.
If you're going somewhere you've never been before, trying free things to do can be just as exciting as seeing world-famous landmarks.
Free guided tours will help you get your bearings (and get expert advice) from your guide on your first day. And watching the sunset from beautiful vantage points is a perfect way to end a day on the road.
Buy a city pass
Not all attractions are free and paid activities Traveling can open your mind as a traveler. It allows you to delve deeper into the local culture and expand your knowledge of the place. But things can be expensive.
Instead of paying entrance fees to many museums, consider buying a city card. This is not always the case, but you might end up spend much less.
If you are the type of person who throws himself into your city breakThis is one of our best budget travel tips. Prefer to take things slowly and live like a local? This might not be for you. Only you can decide if it’s worth it.
When planning your trip, do a quick search online to see if city passes are available. GoCity cover many popular places and tourist offices also sell them.
I have used city maps before:
I visit Amsterdam several times a year and as a big fan of museums I tend to use the Iamsterdam city card.
It comes with many perks: a free canal cruise, 24-hour bike rental, use of public transportation and entry to over 70 attractions. It also offers discounts and gifts at some bars and restaurants in the city.
On a recent trip I calculated I saved over £50.
Save money on food
Photo credit: makasana – Shutterstock
Just like at home, food will be one of your biggest expenses when traveling. But there are ways to eat well without sacrificing your bank account or your enjoyment.
For example, Thailand and India are known for their street food and this is the perfect way to sample cuisines on a budget.
Plus, staying somewhere with a kitchen means you'll have the opportunity to cook your favorite meals and save on restaurant meals.
Take advantage of cheap flights
Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air make it easy to stick to your travel budget. Who can resist a £30 return flight to Poland?
Using only one small backpackyou can avoid the extra costs and discover a new city for less than the price of a night out. We know what we'd prefer…
Proceed with caution, however, because cheap flights Hotel prices don't necessarily mean affordable vacations. You may think you've found a bargain, but hotel prices can be exorbitant.
Additionally, visiting some destinations can be quite expensive in general – Paris, Oslo and Copenhagen to name a few. There’s no point booking cheap flights if you’re likely to blow your budget once you get there.
Another way to get a good deal on flights is to fly to (or from) a nearby airport. If you save hundreds of pounds by flying from Manchester instead of Liverpool, the train journey is well worth it.
Ultimately, do some research before finalizing any booking to ensure you're really getting value for your money.
Stay with family or friends
This won't be an option for everyone, but try contacting friends or family living abroad. save money on your vacationyou will be able to find a loved one.
Since you will have access to a kitchen, you might want to cook them a nice meal to thank them for their generosity. easy pasta recipes always a treat.
If you don't know anyone living abroad, try house sittingThis is one of the easiest ways to get a place to live for free. Sometimes it even involves taking care of cute animals.
We share more practical tips in our guide hotel deals.
I have already saved money by staying with family in Canada:
If this option had not been possible, we would have spent hundreds of dollars on hotels or hostels.
Use public transport to get around
No matter where you go, taxis are an expensive means of transportation. While they can't always be avoided, try to use public transportation as often as possible.
Companies like FlixBus and Megabus offer cheap coach tripsbut traveling by train or bus is also a great option (depending on the length of your journey).
If you spend a lot of time travelling around the UK, Train cards And National Express Travel Cards can save you a ton.
Buy an eSim
Nowadays, many mobile phone networks allows you to use your monthly plan abroad for free or for a small fee. However, this usually only applies to certain countries.
If you travel outside of these locations, you could be faced with a hefty bill when you return home. In some places, you'll even have to pay more than £8 per day. To avoid this (or if you only have a prepaid phone), buy an eSim.
No matter where you are in the world, you can then send messages, make calls and keep your friends informed on social networks at a fraction of the cost.
Use your student discount
You may not realize it, but sometimes you can use your student discount internationally. No matter where you go on your next trip, take it with you just in case. While it's not guaranteed, it's definitely worth a try.
With a paid membership to TOTUMyou can get a 12-month international student ID card that is accepted worldwide.
Avoid fees when spending abroad
Spending money abroad can be a recipe for disaster. You could be racking up high foreign transaction fees without knowing it. It’s essential to be aware of these fees and know how to pay them.
App-based banks like Chase, Starling and Monzo let you spend in other countries without fees.
I personally use Monzo every time I travel:
Paying by card and withdrawing up to £200 per month in any country is completely free. This was very useful when I needed cash to pay for my purchases in the souks of Morocco.
Travel at a slower pace
Credit: Poprotskiy Alexey – Shutterstock
We understand that the temptation to see as much as possible can be strong when you're in a new country. However, there are many benefits to slowing down.
First of all, it's a great way to relax and fully appreciate your new surroundings. If you're jumping from point A to point B without even taking a breath, you're likely to feel rushed.
Second, you'll spend a lot less money if you travel at a slower pace. This gives you the opportunity to book long-term accommodation, which can be more cost-effective. And, if you're not rushing to visit five attractions in a day, you'll also have time to cook cheap meals.
This also means save on trains and buses because you won't be moving around much. Ideal.
Looking for budget destinations? Then check out our guide affordable city breaks.
