In modern society, urban life and work are incredibly stressful, leading many to seek relief through travel. However, whenever I see travel posts on Facebook or TikTok, I see numerous comments like:
"So rich, able to travel everywhere!"
"Envious of people with both money and time!"
"I want to travel too, but I don't have enough money!"
...
Indeed, in reality, a trip can easily wipe out a month's living expenses if you're not careful. Actually, you don't need money to travel. For travel enthusiasts, they'll go regardless. You can choose travel destinations, food, and shopping options based on your financial capabilities.
So, what are some money-saving tips for traveling? Whether you're a student or a working professional, the ideal is to see as many places as possible and enjoy as much scenery as possible while spending the least amount of money. But while saving money, remember to do what you can afford. After all, for a long-awaited trip, saving money is a means, not the end.

Trip Planning

Once you've decided on your travel destination and budget, you can start planning your itinerary and timing. Here are some money-saving tips for trip planning:
First, always choose to travel during the off-season. The reasons are obvious: transportation, accommodation, and food will all be much cheaper, and there will be fewer tourists. If you only have time during peak season, you can ignore this point.
Second, to save money, try not to travel abroad or to places too far from home within the country. This will save on transportation costs. Choose destinations that are relatively close and reachable by regular train. Traveling by train at a leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery along the way, is quite pleasant.
Third, choose countries or regions with beautiful scenery and low costs. In Medellín, Colombia, an overnight stay costs only $6; in Uganda, food costs about $3 per day; and in countries like Panama and Fiji, daily expenses can be kept under $30. Of course, the travel costs to these destinations may be slightly higher, but once you arrive, the basic expenses are minimal. Enjoying the beach doesn't have to be in Italy; Croatia is a good option, offering clear waters and white sand beaches. The key is that it only costs about two-thirds of what you'd spend in Italy on average; skiing doesn't necessarily have to be in the Alps—Bansco, a town in southern Bulgaria, might be a better choice, and the price is only a third of what it is in the Alps; and for extreme sports, you don't necessarily have to go to Switzerland—Bovec in Slovenia in Eastern Europe is also a great option.
You might not know that Prague's beer is actually just as good as Munich's, and cheaper than water. In fact, many of the so-called "unique features" of European countries aren't truly unique; you can usually find similar alternatives that are less crowded and cheaper. Countries like Romania, Poland, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Hungary are all excellent choices.
Fourth, I recommend traveling in a group with your friends. This can help share the cost of food and accommodation, and you'll have someone to look after you on the road. Of course, travel companions are very important; choose reliable people.
Fifth, when traveling internationally, remember to activate mobile roaming. Get an internationally accepted bank card to avoid cross-border transaction fees, and carry enough cash. Cash is the most convenient payment method, and more importantly, there are no card transaction fees.
Sixth, you can search online in advance for ticket discounts. To encourage art appreciation, many European museums offer ticket discounts to students or young people under 25.
Seventh, keep a record of all expenses along the way, making every purchase clear at a glance. This will help you plan your next trip.

Transportation

Transportation or accommodation is usually the largest expense during a trip. Regarding train or plane tickets, first and foremost: book in advance! I personally recommend buying plane tickets six months in advance to have a chance to snag great deals during promotional periods. Secondly, when buying plane/train tickets, always compare prices across various travel apps. When buying plane tickets, also compare them with the airline's official website.
Becoming an official member of an airline is a good way to find low-priced tickets. Accumulated flight miles can be redeemed for discounts or even free tickets. Buying tickets from international airline websites also has the advantage of potentially benefiting from exchange rate differences, as their websites accept different currencies. Note that if you're flying with a budget airline, be aware of baggage allowance restrictions. Some airlines don't offer free baggage allowance, requiring additional purchases, which can be expensive. Don't end up overpaying!
Finally, a few tips:
  • Try to choose off-season flights, departing on Mondays or Tuesdays, or around peak travel periods like Golden Week.
  • Buy round-trip tickets in one go to avoid the possibility of not being able to buy return tickets.
  • Connecting flights are cheaper than direct flights.
As for city transportation, if you're not in a rush, taking buses and subways is obviously more cost-effective. Many cities offer day passes for public transport. Public buses are not only cheap but also the easiest way to connect with locals and experience the local culture. If all else fails, you can always cycle or walk. Taxis are indeed very expensive in many countries. If you can't accept public transportation, you can rent a car in advance when traveling abroad, and it's best to book it before departure.
If you absolutely must take a taxi, don't be overly cautious. Many of us have encountered cunning drivers who prey on out-of-towners while traveling. In situations like this, when you're in an unfamiliar place, you have no choice but to pay money to settle the matter. Actually, there are ways to deal with cunning drivers!
  • Use your phone's navigation app and inform the driver that you have it on. This forces them to follow the navigation.
  • Ask the price before getting in the taxi. Some cities, like Thailand, don't use meters.
  • Pay the fare after you've collected your luggage. Even if you've agreed on a price, some drivers will still try to renege on the payment when you get out of the car, saying things like, "You misheard me, I didn't say $10, it's $20!" and then putting on a menacing "I'll beat you to death if you don't pay" look. Therefore, always pay after you get out of the car, and once you've paid, turn around and leave immediately without lingering.

Accommodation

Saving money on hotels and flights shares similar strategies: book in advance and travel during the off-season.
Popular booking platforms include Booking and Agoda. Booking.com offers various price ranges globally, while Agoda is primarily for booking hotels and guesthouses in Asia. Biyi and TripAdvisor are better for comparing prices and reading reviews. Biyi shows the same hotel's price on different platforms; TripAdvisor, with its large traveler community, provides genuine hotel reviews.
Of course, even with hotel discounts, the savings aren't significant. For those who don't mind, hostels are a great option and definitely save money. YHA is the most reputable hostel booking platform, offering reliable room quality, though prices aren't particularly competitive.

Dining

Every tourist city has designated food streets for tourists. While they may be famous, the value for money isn't high, and locals rarely eat there. When checking into a hotel, ask the staff where locals frequent; these places are often authentic and offer good value.
Try to avoid eating inside tourist attractions, and try to stay as far away from them as possible. It's a good idea to bring some snacks; self-heating rice is a good option. Bring a water bottle when you go out, as most public places like airports, hotels, and restaurants offer free water.

Shopping

Avoid buying local specialties inside the scenic area, because there are different prices inside, at the entrance, and further away from the scenic area. Another important point is to consume rationally. When traveling, you may enjoy shopping and feel that local specialties are good and affordable. If you're not buying it as a gift, try not to buy too much. Otherwise, you'll end up throwing it away because you won't be able to finish it every time you bring it home.
Many people think that traveling is tiring and expensive, and if they really want to save money, they might as well stay home comfortably. But everyone's values are different; some people prefer tranquility, while others prefer activity. Don't worry about what others think, prepare your money and our money-saving tips, and let's go!