Traveling doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I’ve spent years figuring out how to make the most of every vacation day and every dollar — and I’ve definitely had my fair share of budget wins (and flops). Whether you’re planning a big international trip or just want a cheap weekend away this summer, here are a few of my go-to ways to save money without sacrificing the experience.
🏕️ Camping: The Original Budget Hack
Let’s start with my favorite low-budget classic: camping. In high school and college, we used to head to nearby state parks like Fox Ridge and Turkey Run for weekends that felt like mini-adventures on a shoestring budget. It was affordable, fun, and let’s be honest — while 90% of our meals were s’mores — I still remember these trips fondly.
Fast forward to now, and I still love camping — especially in national parks like Mammoth Cave. It’s such a great way to unplug, reset, and skip the hotel bill entirely.
Camping has also helped me stretch my budget on bigger trips. During our New Zealand and Israel travels, we camped for some (or all) of the trip. On days when we knew we’d only be at our lodging to sleep, it made zero sense to spend money on a hotel. It does take a little planning and the right gear, but the savings are worth it.
🛏️ Hostels: Budget Lodging Without the Tent
If camping’s not your thing (no judgment — not everyone loves sleeping outside), hostels are another awesome way to save on lodging. They’re not just for gap-year backpackers either — a lot of hostels now have private rooms, great amenities, and a super social vibe that makes it easy to meet other travelers.
I’ve used Hostelworld.com to find clean, affordable spots around the world. It’s my go-to for comparing prices, reading reviews, and booking something quick. Bonus: some even include breakfast, which is one less thing to worry about.
If you’re not planning to spend much time in your room anyway, a hostel can be a fun, community-focused, and cost-effective option that still keeps you comfy. I usually end up walking away from a hostel with a new international friend.
🛳️ Cruises: Not My Usual, But Worth Considering
Full transparency: I’m not really a cruise girl. But I have to give credit where credit is due — cruises are actually a super cost-effective way to travel if your main goal is sunshine, pool time, and bottomless buffets. I have gone a few group trips that were cruises, and it made for easy planning and fun memories.
You get your transportation, lodging, and meals all bundled into one price, which makes it easier to stick to a budget. Just keep in mind that it’s less about deep cultural experiences and more about relaxing in warm weather for a pretty solid deal.
✈️ Bundle Your Vacations
One of my favorite savings tricks is to bundle my flight, hotel, and car rental together. I usually use Expedia or Costco Travel, and I’ve found some amazing deals this way — especially when I can be flexible with my dates or destination. For bundling tours, you can use Go City, which allows you to bundle tours and attractions for a more affordable price.
A few things that help me save even more:
- Book 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips and 3–6 months ahead for international ones — that’s usually the sweet spot before prices spike.
- Start your search on a Tuesday or Wednesday — mid-week deals are real.
- Set up price alerts to track fares and know when to pounce.
- Be open to nearby airports or different cities. Sometimes a small shift makes a big difference.
- Travel in shoulder season (early June or late August for summer). Shoulder season is my favorite time to travel. Still great weather, way better prices.
If you treat it like a puzzle instead of a chore, bundling can actually be kind of fun — and it saves you from booking everything separately (which gives me decision fatigue anyway).
💡 Other Ways I Save While Traveling
- Pack snacks for the airport or road trip — the markup is wild.
- Use public transportation where you can. Some cities make it super easy.
- Free walking tours are one of my favorite ways to learn about a city.
- Use travel rewards or points when possible (every little bit helps).
- Try house sitting or home exchanges if you’re up for something different.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great trip — you just need a little flexibility and some creative planning. Whether I’m pitching a tent, bundling a vacation package, or just timing things right, I’ve learned that traveling on a budget can still feel like a total treat.
Got a money-saving travel hack you swear by? I’d love to hear it — share it in the comments below. Let’s help each other travel smarter (and cheaper).
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