Your guide to planning a holiday on a budget

The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes and do not constitute financial advice. They were not sponsored in any way.

Holidays should be all about enjoying new experiences, not stressing over expenses. When a big chunk of your budget goes to accommodation, transportation, or food, it can leave little room for the fun stuff, like shopping or exploring. That’s why finding the best travel deals on these essentials is key to making the most of your trip. 

Here’s your go-to guide for cutting down on travel costs so you can balance out the experiences and expenses.

Accommodation

Finding a comfortable place to stay doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of smart planning and flexibility, you can reserve great travel deals without blowing your budget.

Here are some things you can try!

• Book Early

Timing is everything when it comes to booking your stay. Booking your accommodation 3-6 months before your trip or even earlier can sometimes help you secure lower rates, especially during peak seasons or in popular destinations. 

• Explore Alternative Living Options

Think outside the traditional hotel room. Other accommodation options through places like Airbnb might offer more cost-effective stays, often with unique amenities like swimming pools and gardens. 

Pro Tip: Before you book, make sure to compare prices online across multiple platforms. There are several applications that allow you to compare accommodation prices quickly. Websites like booking.com, Kayak and Agoda are some examples of websites that make it easy to spot the best travel deals.

Transportation

Getting around, whether you’re flying to your destination or exploring a new city, doesn’t have to burn through your budget. With a few savvy moves, you can keep transportation costs low and still enjoy the journey.

Let’s take a look at some ways you can save on transport while on holiday. 

Flights:

• Book Early
  Booking your flights way in advance is a smart way to dodge high prices, especially if your dates are flexible. Similar to booking your accommodation, checking dates 3-6 months ahead can result in better deals. Tools like Google Flights can help you spot the cheapest days to fly and lock in a great deal.
• Try Budget Airlines
  Budget airlines are a great way to save on airfare, especially for shorter trips. Keep in mind, those low prices often come with a few trade-offs—like extra fees for things like baggage or seat selection, and fewer in-flight perks. 
• Set Flight Alerts
  Let the deals come to you! Use flight alert apps like Skyscanner and Hopper to get notified when prices drop and take advantage of exclusive travel deals promoted.

In-City Transportation:

• Public Transport
  Most cities offer local buses, trains, or ferries that are not only budget-friendly but also give you a real taste of local life. It's a smart way to save money while experiencing the city like a local.
• Walking
  Sometimes, it’s as simple as walking to your destination. It's completely free and the best way to stumble upon those hidden gems you’d miss otherwise.
• Ride-Sharing
  When public transport isn’t an option, ride-sharing services like UberPool lets you split the fare with others, keeping your costs low while still getting you where you need to go.

Pro Tip: Renting a car can be a great option, especially if you’re covering long distances or travelling frequently, it might even work out cheaper than paying for public transport each time, especially for groups. Planning to travel in Australia and worried about fuel costs? Check out our blog for apps that help you find cheaper petrol.

Food and Dining

Some places are famous for their food, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to enjoy it. With a little planning, you can indulge in amazing local cuisine without overspending.

Here are a few things you could try. 

• Eat at Local Markets
  Knowing where the locals go and which markets they recommend often have the most authentic and budget-friendly meals, giving you a real taste of the region without the hefty bill.
• Use Discount Apps and Coupons
  Before heading out for a meal, check out apps and websites like Groupon offering discounts on dining. It’s an easy way to keep your food costs low while still enjoying the best bites in town.

Pro Tip: Some restaurants only accept cash, so double-check if they take cards, or make sure you’ve got enough cash on hand to cover the bill. That way, you can avoid any extra fees or interest from last-minute ATM withdrawals!

Bonus Tips

Aside from the essentials, there are plenty of other ways to save money while travelling, sometimes in places you might not expect.

Here are a few more recommendations.

• Try to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees 

Some credit cards and banks charge fees for transactions in foreign currencies, which can add up over time across multiple purchases. To try and avoid this, you could consider products like a no foreign transaction fee credit card, multi-currency accounts or prepaid travel cards to help you save on these fees. Remember to check the terms and conditions.

Another option you could consider is to cash out a Pay Advance with Beforepay for a fixed 5% fee if you need extra funds in hand for your trip.

• Avoid international Roaming Fees 

International roaming charges can be expensive. Consider buying a local SIM card or using apps like WhatsApp over Wi-Fi to stay in touch instead of buying roaming packages. You can purchase the roaming packages anytime so there is no need to rush and have a look at the local SIM plans.

• Enjoy Free or Low-Cost Entertainment

Many cities offer free or low-cost options like pay-what-you-wish walking tours, free museum days, and access to beautiful national parks, public beaches, and scenic hiking trails. Apps like Lonely planet, Freetoursbyfoot and GuruWalk are great places to start your research.

Pro Tip: Always ask locals for recommendations on affordable places to eat, hidden gems, and free activities. Locals often know the best spots that aren’t on tourist maps or websites, helping you enjoy authentic experiences while saving money.

Whether you're booking your flights early, finding budget-friendly accommodation, or eating like a local, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down and still enjoy every moment of your trip. Saving money on travel doesn’t have to be complicated, it just takes a little planning and flexibility. Have a look at what it takes to save for the holiday.

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