I Will Teach You How To Travel Cheap
7 minute read · By Warren Wong
I’m going to give you 5 travel hacks that will allow you to finally book that flight and make travel a lifestyle. But, the one thing I can’t control is your mindset.
You either do or you don’t, there’s no in between.
You either make traveling a part of who you are or you don’t.
You either live a life where you are in control or life dictated to you.
Raise your hand if you’ve got travel as a part of your bucket list. Don’t do this if you’re in a public place or you’ll risk weird stares. Do it, if you just don’t care.
Whether you’re single, married, with kids in tow these travel hacks will go a long way in making sure that your bucket list items aren’t just for when you’re retired. You can begin NOW. Let me show you.
Travel Hack # 1: CHEAP FLIGHTS
Your cost of flight will be your biggest expense of your trip. In order to get the best deal possible make sure you are booking your flight in private mode (Google Chrome calls it Incognito mode and Internet Explorer calls it InPrivate mode).
What this does is it removes the airline or search engine’s ability to look at your browsing history, which they use in turn to hike up prices of those destinations you’ve been eyeing the past few months.
ALWAYS use incognito mode!
This leads me to search engines. Google Flights and Momondo are my favorite options out there.
I have been using them the past few years and have not have any complaints with them. They will find the best times, prices and options that are cheapest within the time frame you choose. It’s a money maker.
When you book matters. Many research studies have been done and Tuesday mornings usually around 5 to 7 AM EST is the best time to book flights. This is because many airlines launch sales Monday night.
BOOK in advance!
I booked my upcoming trip to Ukraine and Hungary back in May, 4 months in advance.
You get the best deals 4-6 months for international trips. And did I mention, I paid $0. Yes, you read that correctly.
Flight to Ukraine – $0; travel can be cheap…or free.
Related Post: 50 Countries by 32
Credit card points. Currently, I use the American Express Platinum card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card. By leveraging my frequent travel and use of my credit card for EVERYTHING and paying it off on time, I have amassed a good chunk of points that will allow me to essentially fly for free for my next few travel destinations.
Travel Hack # 2: COST OF LODGING
It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling solo, with a partner or with kids. A big reason I’ve been traveling and saving so much is because of hostels.
I know, I know, you’re probably thinking a bunch of boozed up college kids living in squalor and partying it up in the streets of Europe.
You’re not half wrong, BUT there are plenty of hostel options that are incredibly affordable and maintained just as well as hotels.
I use Booking.com for 80% of my lodging needs. They have a huge selection with filters and a much needed review system that is value added.
A close second, is Airbnb. If I don’t find anything I like on Booking.com (which is rare) I use Airbnb, which is a website that allows homeowners to rent out their apartments, homes and even shacks… to travelers.
A little known hack for both these sites is their referral system. Booking.com currently offers $25 to both you and your friend when they book and stay.
Airbnb does something similar as well when you refer a friend who signs up and when they book a stay. (Use my referral links so we both get the reward)
Travel Hack # 3: CHEAP OR FREE TRANSPORTATION
Cut down expenses by walking, and using public transport. When I was in Malta (Island country 58 miles south of Sicily) I was given a couple of free Tallinja cards by complete strangers at the airport who had just finished their travels. They were still good for 3 days.
A Tallinja card was 21 euros for 7 Days of unlimited rides. Compare that to the price of a moderate 4 “Ubers” a day, ferrying you to and from your place and the destinations you want to see, you’re saving a ton on that alone.
Additionally, you get to experience the local culture and how normal everyday people get to and from work. It’s a win-win situation.
Certain countries have local options such as the Tuk Tuk which is a motorized rickshaw found in most of Southeast Asia.
Make sure you negotiate the price! (Very common in Asia)
Travel Hack # 4: COOK YOUR MEALS
Eating out expenses can be one of the biggest drains to your budget. If you eat out 3 times a day you can spend upwards of $30 to $70 a day depending on the country.
In one week you’re spending $210 to $490. In two weeks, $420 to $980. If you’re traveling with a significant other, double that. If you have 3 kids, triple that.
At a local grocery market you can find tons of affordable and healthy options to cook back at your hostel, hotel or Airbnb.
Just like cutting back on eating out back at home, cutting back while traveling will sustain your travel.
It doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a lavish meal once in a while. Go out and enjoy the Tapas in Barcelona, have some Larb in Bangkok or a 3 course Maltese meal. Splurge once in a while.
Travel Hack # 5: ATTRACTIONS
Another big expense will be all the attractions, landmarks, and museums. I am not telling you to not visit the Louvre Museum in Paris or the Grand Palace in Thailand.
All I’m saying is there are tons of options that are free and to keep them in mind.
All across Europe are free walking tours hosted by knowledgeable tour guides who give you a quick orientation of the city you’re in and the history behind it. A small tip is definitely appreciated.
There are also national parks, museums, and monuments that are completely free.
While I was in Lisbon there were dozens of monuments littered throughout the city. When I was in Malta I got a 7 day discounted pass for all the museums and parks. You can find these attraction passes usually in every big city you visit. It pays to plan ahead.
Another good tool I like to use is Google Trips, an app that has pre-planned 1, 2 or 3 day trips for the city you’re in and can be downloaded beforehand just in case you don’t have a SIM card in that particular city or no access to WiFi.
BONUS Travel Hack #6
One of the best secrets to budget travel are cheap countries. Countries where your country’s currency, we will use the U.S. Dollar in our scenario, is strong in the country you are planning to go to.
Examples of such countries are: Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Hungary.
The U.S. Dollar will go a lot further than if you travel to Switzerland where the currency rate is 1 to 1.
While I was in Bangkok, I got a hotel off of Booking.com for less than $15 a night.
Through the U.S. Dollar you can maximize your purchasing power. It means food, lodging, attractions, and transportation will be cheaper. This has exponential effects.
Conclusion
In summary the 5 travel hacks are:
- Find cheap flights through using incognito mode on web browsers and find flights on sites like Momondo. Also book in advance.
- Find affordable lodging, it is your biggest expense. (Hostels, Airbnbs, locals)
- Find cheap or free transportation
- Buy local produce and cook your meals
- Find free activities such as Free Walking Tours all throughout Europe
- Bonus tip: find cheap countries where the U.S. Dollar is strong.
Once you master these travel hacks you are well on your way to a lifetime of travel.
So what’s stopping you? Whether it’s a 3 day trip or a 3 week trip, stop putting it off until you have more time, less commitments and more money. Stop making excuses and start living.
Don’t wait until retirement to travel the world. Do it now.
I’ve given you the tools, now you just have to use them.
Question for you
What are some of your own travel hacks?
