Explore More for Less: 10 Budget Travel Tips

Everyone dreams of traveling, but having the financial means to do it is key. Travel can be as luxurious or as budget-friendly as you make it. It’s important to figure out what kind of experience you’re after and assess your budget accordingly.

After years of taking multiple trips and now embarking on a nine-month backpacking adventure, I’ve come to understand the importance of saving, budgeting, and planning ahead. A solid budget is essential, and having the discipline to save money and plan wisely is invaluable.

In this guide, I’ll share how I saved up in my early years and explain how I continue to budget while traveling full-time for the year. Keep in mind that everyone’s financial situation, budget, and priorities are unique, but the core principles apply to most.

Saving Before You Travel

First, it’s essential to acknowledge that we all come from different backgrounds. Some may have more access to resources, while others face financial challenges. In my case, I was fortunate to have the support of my parents during my university years, which relieved some of the typical financial strain. This allowed me to focus on saving rather than stressing over loans or tuition.

From a young age, I worked different jobs and was cautious with my spending. During my studies, I worked almost every day, saving tips, extra cash from birthdays and holidays, and carefully tracking where my money was going. By setting aside funds in savings accounts and being mindful of my spending, I was able to make the most of my earnings. Let me walk you through the things I stopped spending money on, which helped me save significantly.

Prioritizing Over Materialism

As a young woman, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to buy the latest clothes, makeup, and beauty products. But I realized early on that I couldn’t have it all—either I’d prioritize traveling or indulge in material things. So, I chose to focus on what mattered most to me: travel.

I rarely buy new clothes. When I did, I made sure they were practical and versatile, like quality workout gear, a good pair of pants, or a simple shirt that could be worn anywhere. I kept my wardrobe minimal, sticking to neutral colors and classic pieces that were easy to mix and match.

The same goes for makeup and skincare. Instead of splurging on every new product, I stuck to basics—just the essentials. These small lifestyle changes helped me cut back on unnecessary expenses. Clothes, makeup, shoes, and accessories may seem like small purchases at the time, but they add up quickly.

Cutting Back on Eating Out

Another big savings area for me was food and drinks. Eating out can be incredibly expensive, especially in places like Hawaii, where I was living. I made it a point to cook at home most days and reserved eating out as an occasional treat. The same goes for coffee. I brewed my own instead of splurging on pricey café drinks every day, which would have easily drained my budget.

Lastly, alcohol. A lot of people my age spend a fortune on nights out, buying drinks and paying for Ubers to bars. Instead, I opted for cheaper alternatives, like a bottle of wine to share at home or mixing cocktails myself. It’s all about making these little choices that allow you to stretch your income further for the things that matter—like traveling.

Now, I’m not saying you should cut out everything you enjoy. Going out for a meal, buying a new pair of shoes, or treating yourself is great! But if traveling is your priority, then these choices can help make it happen. It all comes down to balancing your priorities.

Budgeting While Traveling

Traveling on a budget isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of aspects of budget backpacking that are uncomfortable for some. But for me, it adds to the experience. It’s affordable, and it’s the way I can travel for longer stretches at a time.