How to Travel When You’re Broke (and Still Have the Time of Your Life)

It might sound like you only travel when you have a lot of money, but the truth is that you don’t have to be rich to see new places. You need to think outside the box, make smart plans, and be ready to give up some comfort for memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’ve been wishing you could break out of your routine but your budget won’t let you, read on to find out how you can do it and enjoy it.

1. Choose places that are cheap to visit

It doesn’t have to be Paris in the spring or a fancy property in Bali for your dream vacation. Some of the best trip memories are made in places that are budget-friendly. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or overlooked parts of your own country are all good places to look for places where your money will go further.

There are hidden gems in your city or nearby towns that are much cheaper than foreign flights. Getting in a new direction is sometimes more important than getting far.

2. Be open to different dates

Booking during busy times is one of the worst ways to waste money when traveling. During school breaks and busy months, flights, hotels, and even local sites cost a lot more.

During the off-season or the middle of the week, you can often get 30–50% off your trip. The best days to fly can be found with tools like Hopper, Google Flights, and Skyscanner. Set up price alerts so you can take advantage of deals as they come up.

3. Skip the hotels and look for other options

The fastest way to spend all of your money is in a hotel. Try these instead:

• Hostels are great places to meet other tourists. If you don’t like apartments, many of them have private rooms.
• Guesthouses: These are usually run by families, cost less than hotels, and feel more like home.
• Use Airbnb or vacation homes, especially if you’re going on a trip with friends and want to save money.
• You can stay for free by house-sitting or couchsurfing at someone else’s home, or just being a good friend.

This not only saves you money but also lets you have more real adventures.

4. Pack light to avoid paying extra for bags

Not only is it stressful to pack too much, but if airlines charge for checked bags, it can also cost a lot. Bring only one carry-on bag and clothes that you can wear in different ways. Also, remember that laundry is cheaper than extra luggage.

If you’re going from one low-cost flight to another, packing light will save you enough money for a nice meal or even an extra night’s stay.

5. Eat the way the locals do

Eating in places with lots of tourists is a quick way to spend all your money on food. The better choice? Join the people who live there. You can get cheaper food and a real taste of the culture at street stands, small bars, and market stalls.

Bonus: If your place to stay has a kitchen, buy fresh food and cook some meals on your own. It’s better for your body and your pocket.

6. Walk or take the bus or train

Apps that let you call taxis and get rides quickly add up. Taking the bus, train, walking, or biking to get around saves you money and lets you see more of the area than a taxi ride would allow.

A lot of places have day passes that let you use public transportation as much as you want. These can be very helpful for travelers on a budget.

7. Enjoy the free things you can do

Most of the time, the best things in life don’t cost anything. There are free cultural events, walking tours, public beaches, free museum days, and hiking trails all over the place. You just need to look for them.

Before you go on vacation, search for “[city name] free things to do.” You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have for free.

8. Do work while you’re away

Flexible people can make money while they’re on the road. Here are some options:

• Working as a freelancer online (writing, design, virtual help, teaching)
• Getting English Done
• Giving their time in exchange for a place to stay
• Temp jobs like picking fruit or working at summer camps

You can travel for a lot less money if you work a few hours a week.

9. Take a trip with friends and split the cost.

You can cut your costs in half or more by sharing rides, rooms, and even food. Plus, it’s more fun to travel with friends. Just make sure you go with people who like to travel the same way you do, so you don’t fight over plans or funds.

10. Make a plan, but be ready for things to change

Plans do help you save money, but if you are too set in your ways, you might miss out on deals at the last minute. You should book the basics, like flights and the first night’s stay, but give yourself some wiggle room. When you’re already on the road, the best and cheapest deals sometimes appear.

11. Use travel hacks and reward points

Now is the time to use any credit cards that give you extra miles or points for traveling. Some cards even give you free flights or hotel stays when you sign up for them. You could also take an overnight bus or train. This will save you money on both the cost of transportation and a place to stay for the night.

12. Enjoy the little things in life

Here’s the thing: being broke on vacation can make it more memorable. You can’t rush from one paid site to the next, so you have to slow down, pay attention to the little things, and talk to people.

You’ll tell stories about the chance picnic by the river, the free concert you found by accident, and the talk you had with a local vendor. Those times often end up being the best.

Last Thoughts

Rich people aren’t the only ones who can travel. Anyone ready to change, be creative, and put experiences over comfort can go. You can see the world (or at least a new part of it) without spending a lot of money if you have the right attitude and plan.

It’s not about making money, remember that. It’s about making memories. Those are nice because they don’t cost anything.