Jet-set On A Budget: The Ultimate Cheap Travel Hacks Revealed

Do you want to travel but find yourself overwhelmed by the costs involved? Here are 7 cheap travel hacks that you can use to get you to your next destination on a budget.

Travel is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the world around you. But sometimes it can feel intimidating due to all the costs involved. While I completely understand that feeling, do not let that stop you!

Consider these options that can allow you to enjoy the travel experience without breaking the bank. 


1. SET PRICE ALERTS

Setting price alerts is a great way to snag the best deals in the world of cheap travel. These tools enable you to monitor fluctuating prices of flights, accommodations, and even vacation packages. All you need to do is put in your desired travel details and the system will keep an eye on changing fares, alerting you via email or notifications on your smartphone when prices drop or rise within your specified budget.

With price alerts in your travel arsenal, you’ll no longer have to constantly refresh your browser, stress about missing out on flash sales, or second-guess your timing. This hands-off approach to deal hunting not only saves you time but also ensures that you never miss out on a wallet-friendly opportunity, allowing you to book your dream getaway at the perfect price point.

I’m a believer that this totally works! Very recently, a friend of mine was planning a trip to the Caribbean during the Christmas holiday. Of course, the prices were sky-high from as early as April. She set a price alert for her desired travel period and in October she got a notification that the price fell from US$1200 to US$800 for a round trip ticket. That’s a US$400 savings! If you have time on your side, try this out and come back and let me know how much you save.

You can find a price alert feature on most third-party booking websites (more on them later).

2. COMPARE ONE-WAY TICKETS TO ROUND-TRIP TICKETS

If you will need to take connecting flights to get to your destination, compare the prices of booking a ticket for the entire journey on one ticket versus searching for tickets for each leg of the journey.

The benefit of combining one-way tickets is that you can choose the cheapest option for each leg of the journey. Of course, this also comes with its own risks. If there is a delay on any leg of the journey, that may cause you to miss connecting flights and some airlines won’t take responsibility for this.

However, depending on the length of the trip, you could consider selecting different airlines for your departure and return tickets. For shorter trips, there is a greater risk that this may backfire. I’ve been on a flight which had to be canceled due to bad weather. They wanted to rebook me on a flight 2 days later! Of course, if this happens on a shorter trip, you could lose several days (or the entire time) at your destination.

A great way to manage these risks is to book flexible tickets. It may be slightly pricier upfront, but it would certainly be better than losing the full value of a ticket if things don’t go as planned. Make sure to view the terms and conditions of the ticket to ensure it is the right option for you.

On the flip side, sometimes round-trip tickets may be the more affordable (and hassle-free option). The point here is not to take either option for granted and to do the research before committing to a purchase.

3. USE THIRD-PARTY BOOKING SITES TO DO RESEARCH

A significant advantage of using third-party booking sites is their ability to unlock hidden discounts and exclusive offers. These platforms often negotiate deals with providers, allowing you to access discounted rates that might not be available elsewhere. From last-minute deals to package bundles that combine flights and accommodations, these sites are a treasure trove of cost-effective options.

You can also use third-party sites to scan the fares for several airlines in one search. They aggregate information from airlines, hotels, and other service providers, allowing you to compare prices, amenities, and reviews in one convenient place. This can help you to find the best price for the route you are considering (as well as accommodation, transport and more!). Some sites even design routes for connecting flights using different airlines. This can help you to easily look at the different options if considering the hack above.

There are various options for third-party booking sites. My go-to’s are Google Flights. I’ve found that both allow you to compare the costs of various airlines as well as give the option to combine flights from various airlines. I use both because I notice that sometimes one offers route options that are not available on the other.

4. TRAVEL DURING THE OFF-PEAK SEASON

The time you choose to travel can significantly affect the cost associated with the experience. Peak travel seasons often correspond to the most favorable weather conditions, popular holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and school breaks like spring break and summer. This time can come with higher prices for accommodations, flights, and popular attractions. If you have a dream destination that you want to visit on a budget, your best bet is to travel during the shoulder or off-peak seasons.

During these times, you’re more likely to find discounts on lodging, and airlines may offer more affordable fares. Additionally, many destinations have specific times of the year when they run promotions or offer package deals, so keep an eye out for those money-saving opportunities.

It’s essential to weigh the balance between cost and the overall experience you’re seeking. While traveling in the off-peak season can be budget-friendly, some attractions or activities may have limited availability as some businesses temporarily close for the season or slow their operations. Therefore, it’s best to research any specific activities or events you’d like to participate in and check their availability during different times of the year.

Ultimately, your ideal travel season will depend on a combination of climate, personal preferences, and the experiences you seek at your chosen destination. But if cheap travel is what you’re aiming for, planning for slow seasons and getting creative with your activities may be your best bet.

5. BE OPEN TO NEW ADVENTURES

You may have some specific places on your bucket list but don’t have the funds to make it there anytime soon. Don’t let that stop you! Consider other destinations that may be affordable from your home country, perhaps places that are close by that you have never been to.

Google Flights is a great tool to explore options you probably never even considered. With a few clicks, you can enter your departure city and dates, and then the magic begins. Google Flights opens up a world of possibilities, presenting a map dotted with affordable airfare options to cities near and far. It’s like having a virtual travel companion, whispering in your ear, “Have you thought about this place? Or what about that one?” This unique feature provides a fresh perspective on travel while showing you affordable options that may be more attainable for your budget. If your dates are flexible, just enter your departure city for even more options to find amazing deals.

The point here is to keep an open mind. Even if the destination isn’t trending, you may find yourself falling in love!

6. CHOOSE YOUR BAGS WISELY

I know this may feel a little random but hear me out. Baggage fees are big business for these airlines with airlines raking in over US$6.7 billion in 2022 for baggage fees alone according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This shouldn’t come as a surprise because, depending on the airline and your route, baggage fees can range from $30 to $100 per bag, sometimes even more!

Many airlines are requiring passengers to pay for checked bags. Some of the budget airlines are even charging big bucks just for a carry-on. Particularly for US domestic flights, you could find that baggage fees exceed the cost of the tickets.

If cheap travel is your goal, consider investing in luggage which helps you to maximize your space no matter what airline, particularly personal items that fly free for most airlines.

This duffel is small enough to be used as a personal item but can hold several days of clothing if you pack wisely. You can use the trolly sleeve to secure it on your suitcase as you travel through the airport if you are traveling with one.

Or, if you choose to travel with a personal item only, this under-the-seat suitcase can fit a lot while saving the weight of carrying a duffel on your shoulders.
The Take Off luggage is also a popular option given that it is the size of a full-sized carry-on but, once the wheels are removed, it converts into a personal item. If you don’t mind the additional work of removing the wheels, this might be a great option.

Make sure to check the size guide for whichever airline you take and ensure the luggage you choose fits the criteria to avoid fees at the airport. Their website has helpful information which you can also use as a guide.

7. CONSIDER AIRBNB INSTEAD OF A HOTEL

When it comes to affordable and flexible accommodations during your travels, Airbnb emerges as a game-changer, often outshining traditional hotels. One of the primary benefits of Airbnb is the cost savings it offers. You might be surprised by the amount you can save by selecting to stay at an Airbnb instead of a hotel. You can find a wide range of lodging options to suit your budget, from spare rooms in someone’s home to entire apartments or houses. This variety often translates to lower nightly rates compared to hotels, allowing you to allocate your travel budget more efficiently. Plus, with Airbnb, you can cook your meals in a fully equipped kitchen, further trimming your expenses by avoiding pricey restaurant bills. This unique blend of affordability and comfort opens doors to more extended stays or the ability to explore additional destinations without breaking the bank.

While Airbnb offers significant benefits for anyone considering cheap travel, it is essential to be aware of potential safety risks associated with this type of accommodation. One significant concern is the lack of consistent safety standards compared to established hotels. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate these risks. First, carefully read reviews and ratings from previous guests to gain insights into the property and the host’s reliability. Additionally, opt for properties with the “Superhost” badge, as these hosts have a proven track record of providing exceptional service.

If you’re doing solo travel, share the AirBnB details with a family member or trusted friend. Or if possible, travel with a group of friends or family. When you do this, not only do you share the cost of the accommodation but also increase safety through numbers. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, you have immediate assistance and support from your travel companions.

TAKE ACTION!

As a bonus, I’m going to give you another simple tip. JUST TAKE ACTION. A lot of times we have dreams about where we want to go and what we want to do. But, that’s exactly where it stops, we dream without taking the steps we should to realize those dreams. The good news is that you’ve taken the first step by researching your options. But don’t stop there. Try these options for your next trip and let me know how much you’re able to save.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, these cheap travel hacks are exactly what you need to jumpstart your plans.