Budget Travel

How to Travel on a Budget Without Missing Out

8th January 2025Erin Buckingham

Travelling on a budget is no joke. It’s a constant balancing act between living your best life and not crying over your bank balance at the end of the trip. One minute you’re eyeing up that overpriced zip-lining excursion, and the next, you’re convincing yourself that street food is the ultimate cultural experience (spoiler: it actually is).

I’ve been there. But over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep my travels affordable without feeling like I’m missing out on the fun. Here’s my ultimate guide to budget backpacking with your sanity (and savings) intact.

1. Cost Out Big-Ticket Activities Before You Go

a girl sitting on a boat in front of rocky outcrop islands in Khao Sok National Park

There’s nothing worse than getting to a destination and realising you’re priced out of all the amazing experiences. The secret? Research ahead of time. When I backpacked through Thailand, I knew I had to do the Khao Sok floating bungalows. (Seriously, who doesn’t want to sleep on a lake in the jungle?) I looked up how much it would cost, read reviews to find the best value option, and made sure I factored it into my overall trip budget.

This doesn’t mean you need to plan every second of your trip—flexibility is key—but having an idea of the costs for your must-do activities will help you avoid disappointment.

Pro Tip: Check local tour providers and travel forums to see if there are cheaper ways to book activities. Sometimes booking directly with local operators can save you a ton of money compared to online agencies.

2. Set a Daily Budget

This one is a game-changer. Before you pack your bag, figure out how much you can realistically spend each day. When my partner Reilly and I backpacked through Thailand, we lived pretty comfortably on £70 a day between the two of us. Some days we splurged, but other days we saved by sticking to street food and free attractions.

To set your budget, break it down into categories: accommodation, food, transport, and activities. This makes it easier to stick to and gives you a clearer picture of where your money’s going. And remember: it’s okay to go over budget occasionally—just balance it out by spending less another day.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling to multiple countries, research daily costs for each place. Sites like Numbeo or budget travel blogs can give you a rough idea of what to expect.

3. Track. Track. Track.

black calculator near ballpoint pen on white printed paper with financial figures on

I cannot stress this enough: if you don’t track your spending, your budget will fall apart faster than your flip-flops in a monsoon. Whether you use a good old-fashioned notebook or a fancy app, keeping an eye on your expenses is essential.

Tracking not only helps you stick to your budget but also makes it easier to spot where you’re overspending. For example, are you blowing your daily budget on overpriced coffee? (Guilty.) Or maybe you’ve been scammed into paying “tourist prices” one too many times.

Recommended Apps:

Trail Wallet: Perfect for travellers. You can input your expenses in multiple currencies and track them against your daily budget.
Splitwise: Great for splitting costs with travel buddies. No more awkward money chats.

4. Have an Emergency Fund

Here’s the thing: travel is unpredictable. You can plan every last penny, but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Flights get cancelled, you lose your phone, or you just really need a burger after weeks of noodles. That’s why having an emergency fund is non-negotiable.

Personally, I keep an emergency fund separate from my main travel money. This is my safety net for unexpected expenses or, worst-case scenario, a flight home. It’s not glamorous, but it’ll save you a ton of stress.

How Much Should You Save? Aim for enough to cover a flight home and a week’s worth of living expenses. If that feels overwhelming, start small and add to it over time.

5. Other Money-Saving Tips

Need a few more hacks to stretch your budget even further? Here are some of my go-tos:

Fly Smart: Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the cheapest travel dates. Set up price alerts for your destination and be flexible with layovers.
Accommodation on a Dime: Hostels are an obvious choice, but don’t forget about platforms like Couchsurfing (free stays!) or work exchange programs like Workaway.
Eat Local: Street food isn’t just cheap; it’s also the best way to experience authentic cuisine. Plus, you’ll avoid overpriced “Western” restaurants aimed at tourists.
Public Transport: Skip the taxis and opt for buses, trains, or even scooters. It’s cheaper and way more fun.
Free Attractions: Research free walking tours, markets, and natural wonders. You’d be amazed at how much you can experience for nothing.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. With a bit of planning, some solid tracking, and a willingness to get creative, you can have an incredible adventure without breaking the bank. Remember: it’s all about balance. Splurge on the things that really matter to you, and save on the rest.

For more budget travel tips and tricks, follow me on Instagram and TikTok, or sign up for my newsletter for exclusive content! Let’s make your next adventure one to remember—without the stress of overspending.