Traveling the world doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity, planning, and the right approach, international adventures can be surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re a student, a budget-conscious traveler, or just someone who wants more trips for less money, learning how to stretch your travel budget is the first step to making your globetrotting dreams a reality.
Here’s your ultimate guide to cheap ways to travel abroad, packed with practical tips, strategies, and destination hacks that help you save more so you can travel more.
1. Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations
Your choice of destination has the biggest impact on your travel costs. Some countries are naturally cheaper than others due to the cost of living, currency exchange, and tourism infrastructure.
Affordable Countries to Consider:
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Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia
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Eastern Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Albania
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Latin America: Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Colombia
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South Asia: Nepal, Sri Lanka, India
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Africa: Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia
By picking the right destination, you can enjoy luxury-level experiences at a fraction of the cost.
2. Travel During the Off-Season
Avoiding peak tourist seasons not only means fewer crowds, but also lower prices on flights, hotels, and tours.
When to Travel:
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Europe: March–May or September–November
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Southeast Asia: Shoulder months like April or October
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South America: Travel in spring (September–November)
Airfare, accommodations, and even attraction fees drop significantly during the off-season, making it the best time to stretch your budget.
3. Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to scoring the best travel deals. If your schedule isn’t fixed, use tools like:
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Google Flights (explore feature)
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Skyscanner (whole month search)
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Hopper (flight price tracking)
Sometimes, leaving a day earlier or flying into a nearby airport can save you hundreds.
4. Use Budget Airlines and Flight Deals
Low-cost airlines like AirAsia, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Scoot often offer incredibly cheap international flights. Keep an eye on flash sales, error fares, and travel deal newsletters like:
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Secret Flying
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Scott’s Cheap Flights
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Airfarewatchdog
Just remember to read the fine print: budget airlines often charge for bags, seat selection, and food.
5. Book Accommodation Smartly
Hotels can quickly burn a hole in your budget, but there are plenty of affordable alternatives:
Budget Stays:
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Hostels: Dorms or private rooms (Hostelworld)
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Guesthouses/Homestays: Great for cultural experiences
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Vacation Rentals: Affordable options on Airbnb or Booking.com
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House Sitting: Stay for free by watching someone’s home (TrustedHousesitters)
Bonus tip: Some hostels offer free breakfast or kitchen access, helping you save even more.
6. Travel Light to Avoid Extra Fees
Most budget airlines charge high fees for checked baggage. Traveling with just a carry-on or backpack can save you money and make your trip easier.
Packing Tips:
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Bring versatile, quick-dry clothing
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Use packing cubes
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Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
Light travel = less cost + more convenience.
7. Eat Like a Local
Dining out in tourist areas can be expensive. Instead, eat where the locals eat. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy authentic food.
Where to Eat Cheap:
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Street food stalls
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Local markets
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Small family-run restaurants (ask locals!)
Apps like Google Maps, Tripadvisor, or Zomato can help you find cheap, high-rated local spots.
8. Use Public Transportation
Taxis and private transfers can add up. In many countries, public transport is safe, cheap, and efficient.
Options to Consider:
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Metro/Subway passes
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Local buses or tuk-tuks
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Shared rides or local ridesharing apps
Tip: In some countries, buying a multi-day or city pass for public transit can lead to big savings.
9. Volunteer or Work While You Travel
If you’re open to longer-term travel, consider working in exchange for free accommodation, meals, or even small stipends.
Popular Platforms:
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Workaway
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WWOOF (organic farming)
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Worldpackers
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Au Pair websites (for childcare jobs abroad)
You’ll not only save money but gain deeper insight into the local culture.
10. Travel in Groups or Split Costs
Solo travel has its perks, but traveling with a friend or two means splitting costs for rooms, food, rides, and tours. Plus, it’s more fun!
Group discounts are often available for:
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Accommodations
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Car rentals
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Tour packages
Larski Travel tip: Ask about group travel deals for tours or custom travel packages — you may unlock additional savings.
11. Use Travel Reward Points and Credit Cards
Frequent travelers swear by travel hacking — using points, miles, and travel cards to fly or stay for free.
Beginner Tips:
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Sign up for travel credit cards with big welcome bonuses
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Join airline/hotel loyalty programs
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Use cards for everyday purchases and pay them off monthly
Over time, your everyday spending could cover your next flight abroad.
12. Look for Free Tours and Attractions
Many cities offer free walking tours (tip-based), museums with no entry fees, or discount days. Research city tourism cards that offer bundled deals.
Examples:
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Free city tours in Europe
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Museum-free days (e.g., Louvre’s first Sunday of the month)
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City passes with transit + attractions combined
Final Thoughts: See the World Without Breaking the Bank
Traveling abroad doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. With smart planning, resourcefulness, and a bit of flexibility, you can experience rich cultures, breathtaking views, and unforgettable adventures — all on a budget.
So whether you’re backpacking across Asia, slow-traveling through Europe, or hopping island-to-island in Latin America, remember: it’s not about how much you spend — it’s about how you make every experience count.
