22 great ways to save money when travelling

Saving money when travelling is always a good idea, as you're more likely to be able to take more holidays with the same budget. Start by reading my 22 tips in order to keep the costs per day low, whether you visit Asia, South-America or any other country. Most importantly, even though you’re travelling on a budget, make sure to enjoy the experience to the fullest!

Ask yourself this important question; How are you going to travel, whilst being smart and careful about spending your money, without sacrificing the quality of your journey? Here are 22 great ways to save money when travelling.

1. Talk to the locals

Local people are familiar with the area and know the best places to visit. Apart from the fact that meeting locals is an interesting experience, they might be able to supply you with insider tips which could save you a lot of money.

2. Do not travel too fast

Spend more time in fewer destinations. It’s not all about crossing off items on your bucket list, but also about enjoying the experience without stress. Usually travelling from one place to another is a heavy burden on your wallet.

3. Stay at one accommodation for a longer period of time

Accommodations often offer discount rates when you stay longer. A good example is Airbnb, where you'll often find a 7-night stay is cheaper than 6-nights. Don’t think negotiating the price is rude, just try!

4. Follow social media outlets

Social media is a great resource for discounts, coupons and deals. Follow different platforms and use their discounts. Following Travelscoop on Facebook here and Twitter here would be a good start.

5. Eat street food

Street food is super tasty and very cheap. Just keep an eye on local food places where a lot of local people are eating, these are usually really good. See a recent article ‘Around the world in 20 street foods‘ 

6. Cook your own food if possible

Whenever your accommodation provides a kitchen, use it. This is less common in Asia, but in Australia this will save you a lot.

7. Eat outside the touristic areas

In the well-known old towns or busy city centres, prices are generally relatively high. Usually, cheaper options are within a distance of two or three streets.  

8. Do your own laundry

Pay a visit to the local supermarket to buy cleaning necessities and do your own laundry. A number of accommodations offer laundry included in the room rates, keep an eye out for these!

9. Join free activities

There are plenty of activities for free - local markets, waterfalls, hiking, running on the beach. How does a sunset in a hammock sounds? And all that for free…

10. Go shopping in the right areas

Visit markets where local people are doing their grocery shopping.

11. Use cash instead of your bank or credit cards

Cash means: spent=spent. When you’re eating out, it’s easy to spend more with a card or run to the nearest ATM to get a little more.

12. Bring a Cash Passport

In other words: “prepaid credit card”. You transfer money to this card for later use. You can only spend a limited amount.

13. Be aware of the exchange rates

Are the rates stable or fluctuate? I remember in 2013, one euro was equal to 4 ringgit. In 2015, the value of the euro increased by 25% and was equal to 5 ringgit, but a day later this dropped to 4.7 ringgit!

14. Create your own adventures, do not book using an agency

Organized tours are usually pretty expensive. I recommend to take care of your own transport or use a motorbike to visit hotspots. Always buy tickets at the source, all travel agencies receive commission on sales! This will always save you a fair amount.

15. Make sure you know the basics of the language

You’ll earn more respect from the locals and it might result in more loyalty. It’s also a good opportunity to negotiate prices.

16. Bring your student card

This is only applicable to students. A lot of museums, activities, travel agencies and hostels offer special discount rates for students. In Australia you’ll receive a discount of approximately 10% when you book with YHA hostels.

17. Using internet in an internet cafe is usually cheaper compared to hotel internet rates

The better option would obviously be free Wi-Fi spots in Starbucks or McDonald’s in case you’re near.

18. Travel like a local person

It generally takes longer and is less comfortable but way cheaper. Don’t pay for a tourist bus but rather join the busses with local people. For example the Jeepneys in the Philippines.

19. Get the right travel insurance

Make sure to get rid of your domestic insurances if you are planning to travel for a long time. It will cost you a small sum of money but having a proper International Health Insurance might save you thousands if things go wrong!

20. Choose Couchsurfing, AirBnB or House Sitting

These are all very cheap options and also good opportunities to meet new people! Another option would be to go camping.

21. Be flexible whenever you plan to book a flight

Use Skyscanner, Ati Matrix or Google Flights. Always check the fare of the airline on its website too! Simply Holiday Deals has search tools to find the cheapest flights.

22. In case you’re a blogger, use the advantages

It’s more common than you might imagine to stay at a hotel for free. In return you write a blogpost about them. Are you not a blogger yet? Become one during your travels!

There you go! 22 tips from my own experience to save money while travelling. It is not that hard, just be willing to put in a little effort sometimes.

About Marcel de Jong - Marcel de Jong is specialist in travelling for more than 15 years. He has seen over 47 countries and continues to travel 10 months out of the year. Since 2012 he’s been blogging for Now Health International helping thousands of people with the best tips for travelling, insurance and healthcare on the road. Now Health International is a global business that offers International Health Insurance and International Medical Insurance services.