I have spent the last two years traveling here and there! My first solo trip was 2years ago to Zambia then my second solo trip was last year April to South Korea. When 2016 rolled in I booked at least 1 weekend a month away abroad so you could say I have picked up a couple of tips on how to save money when traveling, specifically those three tips on saving money whilst traveling.
I won’t say with every trip you will make worth while savings but the basics are still the same especially for us budget travelers.
Three tips on saving money whilst traveling
What kind of traveler are you? Budget or luxury? Regardless one of these three would will help you save some money whilst traveling. How much is dependent on the destination & location, season & popularity and ongoing deals.
Hotel, B&B or Hostel
I am yet to stay in a hostel but I have many friends who frequent them when traveling and they swear by them. I am a backpacker kind of traveler so you would assume I would be checking out hostels more than hotels but you would be wrong. I spend hours online searching for good hotel or B&B deals and 90% of my travels so far I have paid less than £25 a night for 3/4* hotels and I have been absolutely impressed with all of them. When I visited Norway (a very expensive country by the way), I decided to stay on the outskirts of Oslo to reduce on costs (since European public transport is so cheap). This was a sound choice because rooms for mere 2 nights were costing everything above €100 a night per room (which is usually better than per person).
Transport: Private or Public
As a solo traveler I always opt for private hire where it is affordable especially if you’re going to a foreign country for the first time and English is not easily spoken. But when it comes to saving money during my spontaneous getaways it makes sense to use public transport where possible and easily accessible. When I traveled with my girls to Amsterdam and then Brussels we used public transport. We took a bus from London to Amsterdam (10+) on Friday night and we arrived early morning Saturday, this saved us having to pay for accommodation as we managed to sleep on the bus with ease. Spent all day exploring ourselves instead tour buses (which we used in Brussels) then took another bus in the evening to Brussels and spent the night in a 4* hotel because we had saved so much we could afford a decent hotel. The total cost of the two buses was a mere £15 each (£10 to Amsterdam from London and £5 from Amsterdam to Brussels). Talk about a bargain.
Food: Hotel or Supermarket
This might seem weird for some but it’s a tip I picked up from MOH. We bought what we could carry on the plane with us and when we arrived in Spain we decided to pick up some essentials that we couldn’t bring with us from a supermarket and that reduced our spending on food. We also ensured we booked hotels that had breakfast inclusive in the price which is a must for me when traveling. I don’t know about you but when I am traveling with other people we spend so much on food, it’s obvious since we are social people and having food is a big part of that. But I have now changed my ways and only eat out when traveling once a day and the rest of the time: break at hotel if they provide otherwise supermarket yogurt and croissant does the trick then eat out for lunch or for dinner dependent on the schedule.
Not every trip are you going to save money but it is always a great incentive to look into ways you can have an enjoyable and stress free holiday without breaking the bank. But if luxury is your style then by all means go all out 🙂 .
There you have it, my three tips on saving money whilst traveling. What are some of your tips. What is the biggest saving you’ve made whilst traveling?
What do you think of my three tips on saving money whilst traveling?
Jessica says
I save more on accommodation so I can spend more on food as I try the specialties in a city I visit. Great and direct tips you have here. 🙂
Miranda says
Thanks Jessica that’s a nice tip too
Kira C says
I’ve never thought about solo travelling because I tend to go with my boyfriend but hearing about the experiences solo travelers have had, I think I might like to try it sometime!
Miranda says
It’s nice to have someone to go with definitely but solo traveling is another exciting ball game
Kara Guppy says
Great tips – we save as much as we can on holiday although have never stayed in a hostel. Public transport can be quite fun though
Miranda says
Public transport can be fun indeed
Rebecca Smith says
I love these tips! I haven’t travelled much but will bear these in mind next time I do
Miranda says
Thanks Rebecca
Little Pickle's Mom says
Wow, I’m so impressed with all your trips – you’re right that research is the key and who doesn’t love an all you can eat breakfast?! I would love to be a bit more adventurous and travel more, so maybe if I follow your tips, I’ll be jetting off on my own weekends away soon!
Miranda says
Thanks so much
Evelina says
Great tips! Having breakfast included in your stay makes such a huge difference. Also you don’t need to start a day with thinking where to go to eat 🙂
Miranda says
Exactly, this is why I love checking if they offer it or not
Garf says
I definitely need these tips. My hubby and I have a few upcoming trips and we try to save money that we possibly can.
Miranda says
I hope these can be of help to you guys
Ali says
Great tips. I’d love to travel more but the cost is prohibitive now we are a family of 5. I’m sure thinking about it though we could do it cheaper than we think.
Miranda says
Thanks, I don’t know about family travel but I know it can be quite expensive most of the time
Melanie Edjourian says
I’m too fussy for my own good, if the hotel isn’t a suitable star rating it’s eating out all the way.
Miranda says
Hahahaha, you have certain expectations that’s all
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
I guess because we don’t go on holiday very often I tend to splurge and make no effort to save – we save in the run up 🙂
Miranda says
Awww bless, it’s nice to splurge now and again
bohemian babushka says
♥ those tips! They work in the US too. Babushka always has her giant popa snack bag purse and cooler. Really popular with Sweetie and The Grands are premade tupperware filled w/pb&j and pretzel rods as well as those individual packets of flavors for bottled water. Continued good traveling to you!!
Miranda says
Thanks so much
Terri Beavers says
What a great post and tips. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to travel more and in order for me to do that, I’m going to have to use your 3 tips on saving money while traveling.
Miranda says
Thanks and I hope they are useful
aly mashrah says
These are all really great tips! We usually stay at a hotel or a friend’s place, but we end up spending so much on food you’re right. We’ll have to re-think our strategies next time!
Miranda says
Thanks Aly, it’s shocking sometimes how much we spend on food
Michellette "Mimicutelips" Green says
Great tips, I’ve not done the AirBnB but I hear so much about them. I love to travel but I also love a deal.
Miranda says
You and me both
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
We recently spent 3 weeks travelling round the US, and we used AirBnB the whole time. It was fantastic! Much cheaper than a hotel, and we got to experience each city like it is for real Americans, not just staying in a hotel with no personality. They also shared their insider knowledge about each city. Such a brilliant invention! 🙂
Miranda says
A brilliant invention indeed, I have looked into AirBnB before but never taken the plunge.
Kristen Dann says
These tips are great. I definitely agree going to a supermarket versus eating out can save a ton. I try to do it every time I travel.
Miranda says
Thanks Kristen
Hannah says
I am going to be travelling soon so these will definitely come in handy! Thanks for the tips x
Miranda says
You’re welcome Hannah
LaShawn says
Great tips! I always try to get a hotel where breakfast is included. It saves so much money!
Miranda says
Me too
lisa prince says
see i always feel holidays are for splashing out so i dont worry so much about costs im sure ide save more if i was more carefull
Miranda says
Hahaha, I feel holidays are for me to relax, explore and sometimes indulge but to get there and the accommodation I need to save
Laura H says
I’m doing a lot of travelling in summer so will bear these tips in mind! I agree that breakfast as part of the hotel is an absolute must!
Miranda says
Glad to hear that.
Candace says
I am a big fan of using public transport and also staying just out of the city centre too. We’ve always had great staff at the hotels who have advised what bus/team to catch where to get tickets etc. We also love filling up on breakfast at the hotel and grabbing some fruit or lunch. Possibly a treat of an ice cream too
I’ve also noticed having travelled with kids if you eat early, say before 6 you can get some great deals
Miranda says
That’s a good tips about eating early, I am warming to public transport in foreign lands
Nayna Kanabar says
Great advise, it pays to research good deals and make the most of them.
Miranda says
It sure does
Jenni says
When I travelled India I stayed in very budget places and used local shops and cafes to buy my food so I wasn’t spending more than any of the locals would have been. I did spend a little more on the trains though x
Miranda says
I think that a sound and affordable way to enjoy a holiday.
dawn says
this is right on time. i haven’t traveled a lot this year but I see some travel opps coming in the future. thanks for sharing.
Miranda says
You’re most welcome and good luck with the future travels
Angela Bethea says
Great tips! Perfect timing for summer as my hubby and I are planning to do a couple of get-aways. xx Thank you for sharing.
Miranda says
Thanks Angela and I hope you manage to do as many as financially possible.
Bella says
I love to travel as often as I can so saving money where I can is a must! These are great tips- hotels can be SO expensive but if you look around there are always cheaper alternatives.
Miranda says
Absolutely, looking around helps. There is always a deal somewhere
Brandi says
Those are some good tips! I am the same way. Whether abroad or here in the US, planning ahead and searching for the deals is always the fun part for me.
Miranda says
Same hear, I am currently searching for some more awesome deals for next month
Liz Mays says
This is really helpful. I’d like to do some traveling with my sister and cutting food costs would probably help us a lot.
Miranda says
I am glad to hear that Liz thanks
coolchillmom says
I love these tips because that means I can find something to splurge on while traveling! I need to get to Zambia!
Miranda says
Hahahaha, I hope you manage to visit Zambia
Jeanine says
Great tips! We rarely travel but when we have we tend to over spend and a lot. These will be helpful for not doing that!
Miranda says
Thanks Jeanine and I hope they will come in handy one day
Vera Sweeney says
I would love to travel that part of the world!! These are great tips for saving money, we always shop around for at least hotels when we travel.
Miranda says
Thanks, I try and do the same too
Sarah says
I am loving all of your tips, these are great ideas. Thanks for sharing them!
Miranda says
Thanks Sarah
Kacie says
They are great tips! My tips would be to book tours and day trips in advance wherever possible, and stick to a budget.
Miranda says
Thanks and those are great tips too
Silly Mummy says
What an interesting life you have! These are great tips – supermarket shopping in other countries, instead of relying on hotels for supplies is so true. I can’t believe it costs £10 to get a bus from London to Amsterdam! That’s amazing. Very impressed by your hotel deals too – great prices.
Miranda says
Thanks I am always looking for the best deals lol
jenna farmer says
great post! i used to travel around asia and found it so much cheaper to stick to south asia as everything is so cheap.
Miranda says
I have been to a few Asia countries
Rachel says
I am shocked by how cheap the bus journeys are, the last time I got a bus in Europe, it was more expensive than London x
Miranda says
There is so much competition now so no choice but play the cheaper price option for most companies
Life as Mum says
Those tips are great. I always struggle to find a good deal with hotels and I get so stressed about it!
Miranda says
Awww bless, use booking.com I always find something appealing
Elodie says
LOVE THIS! I just started planning a month of travelling around Europe and I can’t tell you how much this post has helped, thank you.
– Elodie x
http://www.elle-yeah.com
Miranda says
I am so glad to hear that Elodie, good luck with your planning and your travels
Laura @ dearbearandbeany says
Wow those bus journeys were super cheap! I admire you for travelling solo, it’s not something I would be brave enough to do. Once a month traveling, you need these fab tips X
Miranda says
Thanks Laura, I am taking all the bravery I can find lol
laura dove says
Great tips! I wish that we had more opportunity to travel but as a family of six it isn’t yet possible outside of the UK! I really admire you in your solo travels, you are far braver than I have ever been although I am sure that you’re having the time of your life! Enjoy!
Miranda says
Awww thanks Laura, never thought I would do it but here I am doing it.
The London Mum says
I completely agree with those tips! Although I have to say when I’m in travel mode I do love a good hostel. They are so cheap and I often choose the private rooms. I like spending my money seeing a place and not on all the frills.
Miranda says
Exactly not the firlls, I need to check out private hostels
Ana De- Jesus says
Wow I love how much money you have been able to save it is a pretty incredible feat and although the night bus was probably long the fact that you manage to stay in 3*/ 4* hotels for so cheap is a great save.
Miranda says
Thanks Ana, the bus ride was worth it
Rhian Westbury says
I can not believe how cheap the coach from London to Amsterdam is, I might need to have a nosy at this! I tend to stay in private room hostels a lot and I have yet to stay in one which wasn’t nice x
Miranda says
It is so cheap and I love the idea of a private room hostel
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
These are some great tips to save money while traveling. Going on a vacation can be expensive but it’s important to save some money when possible. We love to use sites like Groupon to find deals on hotel, airfare, etc.
Miranda says
Thanks Jenn, I have not used Groupon for a while now!! Need to check out their latest deals on travel
Jeanette says
I love these tips! Our family does travel quite a bit, and we use a lot of the same tips you have here. I also look on discount websites and see if I can find discount tickets to fly where I want to go so that I can spend more money on vacation then on the flight.
Miranda says
I am with you there, the cheap the flights the better.
MsPrettyLThings says
You are a serious bargain hunter – you’re trip to Amsterdam was an absolute steal.I need to look out for a deal like that.
Miranda says
That I am lol and thanks
Jenn says
These are great tips. I love to travel, but our budget just is too tight most of them time.
Miranda says
Thanks and hope you travel sometime soon
Michelle Murray says
wow, great tips. Will bookmark this for our summer adventures. Always happy to save some pennies.
Miranda says
I am glad to hear that
Lindsay At Newcastle Family Life says
Great tips, I can not believe how cheap the bus was to Amsterdam what a bargain xx
Miranda says
It was a bargain indeed
joanna says
Great tips we don’t travel that often but these tips will come I handy when we do.
Miranda says
Thanks
Helena Feofanov says
Hey, I’m a solo traveller too and I love it. Although I’m a sucker for saving money whilst I travel, I do agree with the post though and also there’s no many cheaper alternatives everywhere, for eating out and transport etc., just need to research. I’m from Estonia, you should visit Tallinn, it’s the most magical city, and so cheap and wonderful, I’m sure you’d love it. Much love X
Miranda says
I would love to visit Estonia one day and thanks for the recommendation.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I love this so much. We travel quite a bit and I love finding ways to save money whenever I can!
Miranda says
Thanks Robin, I am the same
Tara | C&CO. says
I love this post – I’d love to travel on my own one day!
Tara | http://www.cattitudeandco.uk
Miranda says
And I hope you do
Fashion and Style Police says
You are brave travelling solo. I always think I will be too bored.
Miranda says
I plan things ahead so that I am not bored lol
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
When I visited Helsinki I ate breakfast from a supermarket every day because the hotel was just so expensive! Great tips!
Miranda says
I am yet to visit Finland but I can imagine it being as expensive as Norway