Traveling on a Budget

How to Travel While Being Financially Conscious

Travel and financial responsibility don’t have to live on opposite ends of your life. The truth is, you can explore new places, create unforgettable memories, and still work toward your long-term money goals. After all, money is supposed to fuel the life you want to live, not just sit untouched in your account.

I was raised in a family that valued sports and athletic development, so we didn’t travel much during my childhood. As I got older, I developed a desire to travel and see as much as I can while I’m young and healthy. Today, travel is one of my top priorities, and I have ambitious plans for the future.

To make this possible, I’ve made intentional choices to plan ahead for my ventures. I’ve built a sizable travel fund and have earned credit card rewards since I was 19. I eat most of my meals at home, don’t buy high-ticket material items, and drive a 12-year-old car that was passed down to me. The reality is, we all prioritize different things. Right now, I prioritize travel. What do you prioritize?

The goal is to travel in a way that supports your life, not one that sacrifices financial well-being. Like anything involving money, it all starts with a plan. Ask yourself: Where do I want to go, and when?

Your timeline and destination are the biggest factors in determining how affordable your trip will be. Planning ahead allows you to enjoy the experience without returning home to financial stress.

Where To?

When deciding where to go, ask yourself:

• Do I have a bucket-list destination in mind?

• Am I flexible on location to find a more affordable destination?

• Can I drive instead of fly?

Flexibility is one of the biggest money-savers in travel. Being open to multiple destinations can easily save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The Plan

Now that you’ve chosen a destination, it’s time to determine how much you need to save. If there are certain activities and excursions that you really want to do, start by budgeting them first. Then build the rest of your trip around those priorities.

Once you have the $ amount, add the total cost into your budget so you can start saving the necessary amount by the time the trip comes.

IMPORTANT: We want to avoid paying for everything on a credit card with money we don’t have! We are going to budget, save up, and pay for the trip with money we’ve already set aside.

Build a Trip Cost Breakdown

Determine the total costs by estimating the following:

• Flights

• Accommodation

• Food

• Transportation

• Activities

• Emergency Buffer (10-15%)

• Travel Insurance

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

• Don’t use credit cards: Plan ahead, add the trip into your budget to put the money aside early.

• Travel in the off-season: Avoid peak travel months and visiting in the off-season can provide substantial savings on flights, accommodations, and activities.

• Travel with others: Traveling with just 1-2 people can save you on lodging and transportation. If this isn’t an option, look into hostels.

• Create a daily spending limit: Divide your trip budget by the number of days to create a daily spending guideline. This prevents overspending early in the trip.

• Plan the trip yourself: Avoid paying a travel agency to plan it for you. Try to plan it yourself first; everything you need to know is available online.

• Track prices before booking: Flight and hotel prices fluctuate constantly. Monitoring prices for a few weeks can help you find the best time to book.

• Know exchange rates & fees: If traveling internationally, check foreign transaction fees, currency exchange rates, and whether cash is commonly accepted.

• Negotiate: Try to negotiate costs. Whether it’s an Airbnb or a local market, many times you can try to negotiate. I’ve saved a lot of money by just asking politely.

FLIGHTS

• Browse flight sites: Google flights is a popular flight comparison tool, but not always the cheapest. There are many sites that will notify you when flights are cheapest and even have less expensive flights to the same destination. I’ve used Hopper and Skyscanner a few times and have found great deals.

• Pack light, avoid baggage fees: Traveling with a personal item and carry-on only can save you $70-$100+ on a round-trip flight.

• Bring your own snacks: Airport and in-flight food is expensive; pack snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or protein bars.

• Take a road trip: Save on your travels by avoiding flying. If your destination is drivable, consider doing this first.

• Avoid airport parking fees: Arrange a ride to and from the airport with a family member or friend to avoid paying daily parking fees.

TRANSPORTATION

• Use public transportation: Use public transportation when traveling; it is much cheaper than using rideshares like Uber.

• Walk: It’s free and one of the best ways to experience a new city.

• Renting a car: If you decide to rent a car, compare rental companies, and go with a smaller car if it fits your group’s needs. A compact sedan will be much cheaper than a mid-size car that fits the same number of people.

ACCOMMODATION

• Stay with family or friends: Plan a trip to visit a friend in their city and save hundreds on accommodation!

• Airbnb: Airbnb is one of the best ways to book your stay, and my personal favorite. Many times I find there are cheaper options than hotels, and you get access to a kitchen. This means you can cook more, eat healthier, and save $ by not eating out every meal.

• Expedia or Booking.com: Sometimes staying in a hotel makes more sense, especially if you get a good deal. I’ve had success using both Expedia and Booking.com to get the best hotel rates. These sites allow you to easily compare options.

• Hostels: Hostels are typically the most affordable option for accommodations, as you share a room and common spaces with other travelers. Many people avoid hostels, but I wouldn’t overlook them completely. Hostels are a great way to meet new people and add to your experience. I’d recommend checking out Hostelworld

FOOD

Food is one of the easiest areas to overspend, yet also one of the most enjoyable parts of travel.

• Plan meals intentionally: Traveling to try new foods and experience the culture through meals is one of my favorite parts of going somewhere. If you know there are certain meals you want to try, estimate the cost by finding restaurants in advance. Budget more for special dining experiences and balance the rest with lower-cost meals. When I went to Japan, I planned on spending more on sushi, uni, and wagyu. I balanced that by eating at inexpensive spots the rest of my trip.

• Eat where locals eat: Getting a food recommendation from a local can be an awesome experience. Ask the front desk at your accommodation or a local on the street for their favorite affordable places to eat. Many times, walking a block or two away from the main tourist area can save you a lot on food and drinks.

• Cook for yourself: Cooking some of your meals on your own instead of eating out can make a HUGE difference in the cost of the trip. Loading up on groceries when you arrive is the best way to save money, and you’ll most likely be eating healthier. Eating out three times a day for an entire trip adds up quickly. I choose to cook at least one meal per day while traveling if possible. This makes traveling often more realistic.

ENTERTAINMENT

• Prioritize experiences: Planning activities makes a trip that much better. You won’t regret doing the 1-2 activities that made you want to visit in the first place. I believe you should do something if you really want to, even if it makes the budget tighter.

• Explore for free: Some of my favorite travel experiences have come from running, walking, or biking around a city. Renting a bike for a couple of hours is typically inexpensive and allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time.

• Research deals online: Watch travel videos and search forums for tips from people who’ve already visited your destination. Also, search for deals on Airbnb experiences and try to negotiate a discounted price.

Budgeting & Saving for Travel

Now that we’ve covered all areas of your next trip, it’s time to take practical steps to budget. I recommend using a high-yield savings account to create your travel fund. Set an automatic contribution to your account that will get you to your goal.

I periodically allocate a portion of my income to future travel. Being proactive with your planning will serve you greatly. Saving even when you don’t have a specific trip planned allows you to be flexible and say yes to spontaneous opportunities, which often become the most memorable adventures.

Avoid the “All or Nothing” Mindset

Feeling like you need to go all out in order to have a fun vacation can stop you from traveling at all. I’ve had this mindset plenty of times in the past and it has stopped me from going altogether.

You don’t need the most expensive options to have a meaningful experience. Choose accommodations that align with your budget and splurge selectively on the things that truly matter to you.

Flights are often the biggest expense, but even with a free flight, someone can still spend more than someone who paid for the flight in cash.

Spend on The Things You Value

There is no “correct” way to travel. Some people value food, others prioritize accommodations, and others care most about activities.

Understanding what matters most to you makes budgeting easier and allows you to spend confidently without guilt.

Travel Hacking with Credit Card Points

Travel hacking involves using credit card rewards such as sign-up bonuses and points to reduce travel costs.

I’ve used Chase points to cover flights for multiple trips, often paying next to nothing out of pocket. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Freedom Flex, and Freedom Unlimited allow you to pool points together for flights and hotels. I’ve saved thousands by using points to travel.

Here are trips I’ve partially or fully covered with points:

• Round-trip flight to Costa Rica

• Round-trip flight to Tulum, Mexico

• 3-night hotel stay in Zion National Park

• Round-trip flight to Japan

• Round-trip flight to Singapore and Bali

• Several domestic one-way and round-trip flights

That said, points don’t always make sense. If a flight is significantly cheaper in cash, it may be better to just pay cash and save your points for a future trip.

Can You Travel While Paying Off Debt?

In my opinion, you can still travel while having debt. Your life doesn’t need to be on pause while paying off debt, but trips should be meaningful and well-planned. A solid budget ensures you can continue progressing toward your debt-free goal while still enjoying life experiences along the way.

Final Thoughts

Traveling on a budget isn’t about restricting yourself, it’s about being intentional. With proper planning, smart spending, and clear priorities, you can see the world while still building a strong financial future.

If you have tips for saving money while traveling, respond to this article on Substack and share them!