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We’re all about budgets at Beforepay. Can’t get enough of them; planning them, balancing them, staying within them (hopefully). They are an essential financial tool that are only becoming more important as the cost of living increases.
But just because you run off a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some incredible holidays— you just have to plan for them a little differently. But there’s a difference between just saying it and finding the proof.
So we sought out some of the incredible people behind Beforepay, and asked them about their best cheap vacations and their tips for how to travel on a budget without sacrificing enjoyment.
Jack
Data Scientist
We’re starting off strong with Jack, data scientist extraordinaire, who hit up Thailand, travelling to Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.
Hi Jack! How long did you travel for?
2-3 weeks
Did you travel with anyone or were you rocking solo?
Yeah, I went with a friend. It was definitely cheaper that way!
Tip from Beforepay: As with much in life, a holiday can be more financially feasible if you travel with multiple people all paying a portion of the total. But depending on the person and the destination, solo travelling can be the best way to go. If you’re wondering which option to take, check out our blog on whether it’s cheaper to go solo or travel with a tour.
How did you save money over your 3 week trip?
Researching about the best ways to travel and commute in different situations. Using the right apps for taxis and also using other available travel options, such as Tutus.
Title: The Old City of Chiang Mai.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mith17/6315107710
What was your favourite low-cost experience?
Honestly, I’d say it was the simple things—like strolling through Chiang Mai’s old city. Every corner surprises you with golden temples, hidden courtyards, and lively markets filled with street food and handmade crafts. It feels like the whole city is alive, but in a laidback way that doesn’t overwhelm.
What was your most memorable moment?
One unforgettable experience was visiting an elephant sanctuary. Feeding, playing, and just being around those gentle giants was magical—they’re such intelligent, soulful creatures. It felt both grounding and awe-inspiring at the same time.
What makes Chiang Mai so special?
It has a cosy, unhurried vibe. You can sleep in late, wander into a cafe for a perfectly brewed coffee (they have great coffee), and enjoy an authentic Thai brunch (Michelin-starred). From there, you can spend time exploring vibrant day and night markets, browsing unique goods, or simply people-watching. No matter what you do—it’s never rushed, just effortlessly memorable.
Jack’s Budget Travel Tips TL;DR: Travel can be a big drain on a holiday budget. Make sure to research all your options and plan how you’ll get around day-to-day. Consider using well-reviewed and trustworthy apps to locate savings, as well as exploring local options that might be both affordable and an enriching addition to your holiday.
Melbourne Airport even dives a little deeper into exploring local experiences as part of their 14 Easy Ways to Save Money While Travelling.
Bog
Data Scientist
The data scientists are coming in strong with affordable trips. Next up, we’ve got Bog, the man behind the numbers and the models, who travelled to Italy.
Yo Bog! How long did you travel for?
3 weeks total!
Did you travel with anyone or were you kicking it single?
I usually travel solo.
How did you save money over your 3 week trip?
I planned transport in advance, used local trains and buses where possible, and stayed with family for part of the trip instead of booking accommodation every night.
Tip From Beforepay: Booking in advance can not only help you compare prices and dodge peak travel times but can also provide you with a realistic expectation of your upfront expenses. Once you’ve got those, you can create a budget-based savings plan to either save up the money for your flights, or if feasible, to pay yourself back the money you’ve drawn from other sources.
And whaddya know? Beforepay has a great budget tool and personalised spending insights that you can use as a travel budget calculator.
What was your favourite low-cost experience?
Spending long evenings outside, eating pizza and other homemade food with friends and family—simple and very budget friendly.
Title: Town by the Bay in Italy.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/town-by-the-bay-in-italy-13994917/
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
Travelling back home always feels special, not just because of the places but because of the people. It’s a reminder that the best parts of a holiday don’t necessarily cost anything.
Read that last part back—the best parts of a holiday don’t necessarily cost anything!
However, if you do find yourself in need of some quick cash due to an unexpected expense, Beforepay is here to help with fast cash loans.
Bog’s Budget Travel Tips TL;DR: Plan your transport in advance, including booking tickets early if possible, to ensure you’ll get the best price. Last minute holidays are a fun idea but they also add a premium for that fun. This goes for flights as well—ideally you want to book flights as far in advance as possible, taking advantage of any travel deals that a given airline offers, maybe even booking during off-peak travel times.
If you happen to have family or friends (that you like spending time with), consider asking them for a place to stay, even for a couple nights. Accommodation can be a sizeable cost for any holiday, so mitigating the expense of a nightly hotel room, while adding social time with loved ones can be a win-win.
Kasey
Chief Commercial Officer
Kasey’s big on low-cost travel, trying to experience as much of the world as possible without spending an arm and a leg. And for the latest leg of his travel journey (see what we did there?) Kasey went to South America to hike Machu Picchu!
What’s up, Kasey! How long did you travel for?
About a week and a half.
Did you travel with anyone or are you a lone wolf?
I went with a friend! Really helped to split the costs of hotels and Airbnbs.
How did you save money on your trip?
Some places you travel to have local markets that allow you to negotiate for what you want to buy, whether it’s food or souvenirs. Not all markets allow it, but we were able to score some deals at the ones that do.
Title: Machu Picchu, Peru
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Machu_Picchu,_Peru_%282018%29.jpg
What was your favourite low-cost experience?
I love being in nature, hiking, backpacking, and experiencing culture. So one of my favourite things was simply walking around, trying to see everything while getting in a bit of fitness as well.
Beforepay Note: That seems like too many hills for a little bit of fitness.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
One of the great things about travelling, this trip included, is that I can meet new people, learn about them, talk with them. They all have different perspectives, experiences, thoughts, and ideas, which makes my holidays more entertaining.
Do you have any advice for travellers trying to save money as they see the world?
Sure do. Booking hotels well in advance can save you money—but sometimes, if you wait until the very last moment, like the actual night you need to stay at a place, you could score some last minute deals. This is not for the faint of heart, so only do this if you have a stomach for risk (or a backup plan), as it could backfire. You can also search for different accommodation options, such as hostels instead of hotels, if it meets your needs.
One more little tip is for treks and tours. Occasionally, they’ll have last minute deals or cheap vacation packages if a group isn’t filled up. For example, when I went to Antarctica, just before the cruise was about to leave, they’d have deals to fill up spots that turned out to be several thousand dollars cheaper.
For some more great advice on how to plan a budget holiday, check out Beforepay’s handy guide.
Kasey’s Budget Travel Tips TL;DR: Many of the greatest parts of holidays don’t cost much. Hiking, immersing yourself in the culture, and enjoying nature, can be phenomenal ways to enjoy a holiday on a budget. But keep an eye out for last minute deals for tours, experiences, and accommodation (play it safe though), that can boost your holiday while keeping costs lower. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate where it’s acceptable to do so.
Is it time for a budget holiday?
Whether you’re travelling internationally or domestically, there are so many ways to enjoy a well-earned holiday without draining your savings. Often it can be a matter of research, planning, and maybe dragging friends along on your next adventure.
The Beforepay team doesn’t just talk about responsibly managing finances, we live it. And hopefully we’ve given you a bit of inspiration for your next budget holiday.
We’ve even got an article exploring some great budget holiday options in Australia. You should check it out when you have a moment. Like now.
Disclaimer: Beforepay Group Ltd, ABN: 63 633 925 505. Beforepay allows eligible customers to access their pay and provides budgeting tools. Beforepay does not provide financial products, financial advice or credit products. The views provided in this article include factual information and the personal opinions of relevant Beforepay staff and do not constitute financial advice. Beforepay and its related bodies corporate make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or reliability of the contents of this blog post and do not accept any liability for any loss whatsoever arising from the use of this information. Please read our Terms of Service carefully before deciding whether to use any of our services.
