Your bank account balance doesn’t have to stop you from checking off all the destinations on your bucket list. Here are more than 20 ways you can satisfy your travel bug without breaking the bank. Keep your wallet happy while exploring the world!

 

Travel during the off-season.

One country’s off-season could be the busiest time of year for another. By doing your research, you can save a ton of money by avoiding inflated prices and overwhelming crowds.

You can often find flights and accommodations for 20 to 30% cheaper during the off-season. This is a great deal if you don’t mind trading warm weather for more money in your pocket.

 

Check currency conversion rates.

Before you decide where it is you’re headed, check the conversion rate of the U.S. dollar to the currencies of other countries.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, try not to travel somewhere where you’ll lose money right off the bat.

 

Clear your cookies.

When searching for the best deal on flights, make sure to clear your website cookies or use a private browsing window. Websites have the ability to track the previous offers and rates you’ve been quoted, which could influence the prices they display for you.

 

Save up frequent flyer points.

Earning more money the more you travel sounds too good to be true, but, thankfully, it isn’t. By joining a frequent flyer program, you can rack up points to earn discounts, upgrades, or even a free flight!

You can also open a credit card with the airline of your choice. It’ll get you similar travel deals, all by doing what you love most.

 

Avoid expensive visas.

Some countries don’t require a visa if you’re there for a quick trip, while others require one just to enter the country. Make sure to do your research beforehand if you don’t want to deal with extra costs and lengthy visa processes.

 

Fly on Tuesdays.

Flight prices vary based on the day of the week. Tuesdays are known for being the cheapest day to fly, while Friday through Sunday is the most expensive.

Steer clear of weekends and try to book flights on weekdays.

 

Mix and match flight options.

Plane tickets can take a huge chunk out of your budget. That’s why it’s important to keep your options open.

Is it considerably cheaper to fly home to an airport that’s slightly farther away? What about if you made a stop along the way?

Layovers can be tedious, but if you score one that’s long enough, you have a whole new city to explore. For example, Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is known for its 24-hour layovers and is a popular layover destination for European flights.

 

Pack light.

Avoid unnecessary checked baggage fees by packing with a minimalist mindset. Choose the largest carry-on sized bag allowed and only bring that. Your luggage will be lighter and your wallet heavier.

Hybrid travel bags are a great investment, as they serve as a spacious carry-on duffel for your flight and are able to transform into a handy backpack for exploring.

If packing seems like a chore, PackPoint is a free app that helps you organize your suitcase based on length of stay, weather, and your planned activities.

 

Buy groceries.

Eating at a restaurant with authentic cuisine is unbeatable. However, you can try making some of your own meals with equally delicious, local ingredients for a fraction of the cost.

Find a nearby grocery store or, even better, a street market. You can barter for better deals and end up with a slew of ingredients for the price of one meal at a fancy restaurant.

Many hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels have kitchen appliances you can use to cook your own spread. If you don’t have access to a stove, picking up meat and bread for sandwiches is an easy and tasty alternative.

 

Get a new SIM card.

Instead of paying for a pricey international phone plan, look into getting a SIM card for your phone with a carrier in that country.

Check traveler forums and Facebook pages for the best country-by-country phone tips. Some plans will cost you as little as $20 a month for unlimited data.

 

Check out free entertainment.

A fun and free way to become immersed in the local culture is to watch musicians, street performers, and the like. Not only that, this is also the perfect opportunity to chat with the locals and maybe make some new friends!

 

Combine work with play.

If you plan on staying in a country for a few months, earning money while you’re there will leave you with your pockets full and wanderlust satisfied. You can work at a hostel, teach English classes, become a waiter or waitress, or whatever else fits your interests.

Keep your options open, as even an entry-level job could be enough to fund your travels.

 

Use public transportation.

Skip paying for taxis and Ubers, and use the city’s public transportation system. The local metro or bus system won’t cost you nearly as much, plus it will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the area.

 

Walk as much as possible.

The only thing cheaper than public transportation is traveling on foot!

Mapping out walking routes of a city will not only save you money, but gives you a better chance to take in your surroundings and find local treasures like murals, cafes, or trails you wouldn’t notice otherwise.

 

Visit free museums and galleries.

Some museums have free admission year-round, while others offer special discounts and free days during the week. Check their calendars to see how you can save money and still have an incredible experience.

 

Take a walking tour.

Many major cities offer informative walking tours free of charge. Tour guides show you the most popular features and attractions of the area while answering any questions you might have.

Also, though the tour might be free, it’s customary to tip your guide at the end.

 

Use your ID.

Take advantage of the student ID that’s been collecting dust in your wallet! It can snag you awesome deals, such as discounts on things like transportation, museum admission, meals, and more.

Teachers, military personnel, and AAA members may also be able to benefit.

 

Take the road less traveled.

Once you’ve chosen your destination, find a nearby town to visit. Towns offer similarly amazing experiences but for way less money than if you were in a city!

For example, Fiesole is a quaint town only a few miles outside Florence, Italy. It has the same appeal but without the hefty price tag.

 

Go on a road trip.

Road trips can be just as fun as visiting a new country but with a smaller price tag. You won’t have to dish out the cost of airfare or worry about international phone plans. You’ll just need gas money and a ton of snacks!

The U.S. Department of Energy has an online tool where you can select your car’s model and your destination points, and it calculates how much money you’ll need to spend on fuel.

Roadie is another resource you can use. This service gives you the opportunity to earn money as you drive by delivering items to your choice of cities or states. Explore surrounding states or even go cross-country!

 

Purchase a city tourist card.

If you plan on seeing practically everything a city has to offer, look into purchasing a city tourist card. These passes offer either discounted or free access to popular attractions in the area, as well as free public transportation.

You can also take advantage of “hop-on, hop-off” buses where you can buy a pass and go to as many locations as you want. Check out the city’s tourism office to see what works best with your itinerary.

 

Take pictures instead of buying souvenirs.

As cheesy as it sounds, collecting meaningful experiences instead of material things will benefit you in the long run. Overpriced souvenirs will crowd your suitcase and drain your wallet, whereas memories last a lifetime.

So make sure to take lots of pictures! And once you’re home, print and frame the best ones to make meaningful mementos.