Skip the peak travel times to get a great deal with a low cost airline. By choosing an off-season destination not only you save on accommodation and air fares, but you will also avoid the crowds which will give you a chance to get to know the destination better, and live like a local. Moreover you will be doing the right thing, by helping the locals survive during the off-peak season.
Watch out for deals. Sign up for all the airline mailing lists to be the first to know their new deals and grab a bargain. There are websites like skyscanner.com, farecompare.com, farecast.com, yapta.com, and travelocity.com that will do the job for you, for free. They will compare prices and e-mail you when the fares go down. Also try mix & matching flights and airlines and consider flying indirect to find the cheapest option.
Home swapping will change your life. I’ve been doing it for years and it has allowed me to travel to places I would never have imagined, for longer periods of time. I do travel to the UK quite often, and this concept has simplified the way I travel. It’s fairly simple. You list your house on a home-swapping website and browse what’s available where you want to go. You will also get offers from unexpected places, which is a great way to expand your horizons.
There are websites where you can list your property for free, but I recommend going for homeexchange.com which will charge you a small annual fee but it will ensure that you will only get offers from serious families. You won’t believe how luxe most of the places are.You get to chat and know the family/individuals prior to your trip, so that you will feel very relaxed and comfortable to allow them into your home.
Travel light.
Go with a capsule wardrobe mindset. It’s a game changer. I travel for weeks and weeks with just a carry on and save on check-in costs. All you need is a week’s worth of clothing. Pack smart, wrinkle free, versatile and comfy garments that can take you from day to night. Investing in a luggage scale is not a bad idea either. If you already happen to be on a capsule wardrobe, problem solved. If you feel that this is too restricting, remember-it’s only temporary.
Look for online deals and coupons before you leave.You’ll be surprised at the amazing bargains you will find. There are plenty of online marketplaces like groupon.com where you can discover and save on amazing things to do, see, eat and buy. You will never, ever pay full price again! Just make sure you won’t get lured into buy things you don’t really need just because they are heavily discounted. It’s not sustainable and it won’t make you more happy.
Eat at home. Whether you go for home-exchange or airbnb, make sure to make the most of your new kitchen and cook at home. Trying out new exciting cuisines is one of the best parts of travelling but you don’t necessarily have to splurge on fancy restaurants every day especially if you are away for longer periods of time. Visit local farmer’s markets and grocery stores, look up what’s seasonal and local and make sure to hit the ”reduced” section. Gather up a few ingredients and head to the kitchen to recreate a local recipe. Street food is another affordable option and also keep in mind that most grocery stores and super markets offer pretty decent meal deals for when you’re on the go or can’t be bothered to whip something up from scratch.
Take advantage of tour apps and free museum/events/galleries. Most sites are free to enter and they usually offer free tours as well. Visit their official websites to plan your visit accordingly. Download free self-guided tour apps ( trip advisor city guides are amazing ) and hit the town. Also make sure to check out the botanic gardens wherever you are. They are usually free and never fail to disappoint!
Save money on transportation. Use subway and/or bus cards. Every major transit system has a website with fare information that offers multiple day and monthly passes with a variety of options. Keep in mind that if you are flexible with your schedule, going for the off-peak hours is even cheaper.
I like to travel related blogs. You have a unique style and the photographs look genuine.
Thank you so much for saying that! The pictures are from my latest trip ( on a budget ) to scotland
Thank you for these tips chelf <3 I may not admit but I love traveling. I just don't have the money. But these tips will make that possible. Thank you!
karla cruzado
http://thewiselark.karlacruzado.com
It only takes a bit of saving up and you’ll be able to travel on a budget! Very happy to help Karla!
I love all of your amazing tips just as much as I love traveling. This year I’m headed to Kenya and Honduras. Traveling is my jam.
Oh that’s so exciting! Please tag me with your pics when you get there, I would love to take a look!
I’m a wanderer so this post is super helpful✨
Very glad you liked it
Very well written
much appreciated
Thank you! I’ll keep this in mind because I do want to travel more often. I’d love to go to Paris!
Self guided tours, Air BNB accommodations, home cooked meals are what I greatly prefer along with online discounts! Good list
Nice piece of work you have done!!! What a style what organize you have done and most of all how you manage all that things together for someone to have complete guide!!!! Well done!!!
Excelente!!! Bravissimo!!!
thank you darling <3
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are wonderful tips. I almost forgot about the transportation cards which really come in handy.
They can save you some serious pounds indeed! Thanks for stopping by!
Well right now I would love to go to Walt Disney World with my daughter. The problem is that they don’t have much in the way of discounts so it’s more about off peak times and traveling. I will figure it out though. I am working on it.
Good luck!
Great tips!!! I’ve traveled all over and I’m all about the off season. You pay half the price and half the time there is no difference in your experience!
That is so true!
Great tips that I certainly can use. It is so expensive for a family of 4 to travel.
Amazing tips. I never know about the home exchange thing. Such good to know that this exists!
I would like to try house swapping! I might be ended up leaving for few days in a castle, well who knows right?!
You never know! 🙂
Great tips! I’m saving this <3
Happy to help!
These are some great tips!
Loved these tips!
A capsule wardrobe not only saves you money but also a lot of time and space! And the transportation cards are just the best, along with low cost tickets! uhu!
Thank you for sharing!
True! Thank you for stopping by!
These are some awesome tips, Chelf! I will definitely keep them in mind!
Great tips…we love to look up what free events are going on. If I could travel anywhere in the world right now it would be Hawaii or Iceland- two total opposites- ha!
Awesome tips thankyou Chelf, and you have a beautiful and stylish page 🙂
thank you so much Lauren
Great, comprehensive list. Your advice on packing light could not be more true. I packed two suitcases for a four month trip and I can honestly say I haven’t used half of what I brought.