Traveling around the world is a fun and memorable experience, but it can also be terribly costly for the average person.

It’s not uncommon for people to only schedule one or two holidays a year. This isn’t only because of time constraints and obligations at home, but it’s also because of the sheer number of running costs associated with the activity.

That said, it’s not outright impossible to travel indefinitely with a limited budget.

There are plenty of strategies you can adopt to stretch your travel budget—and countless travellers have successfully done so with just a bit of planning and creativity.

In this article, we’ll delve into ways you can enjoy the benefits of traveling without running out of money so quickly. Let’s get right into things.

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1. Get a Remote Job or Side Gig

Securing a constant cash flow is the most sustainable way to fuel your travel hobby, and one of the best ways to get that income is by working remotely.

Over the past few years, there has been a rise of remote work opportunities that allow people to work anywhere, no matter where they’re located in the world. This presents a great opportunity for eager travellers to fund their travels without locking themselves in a single geographical location.

There’s a diverse range of job and freelancing opportunities that travellers can consider, from online English tutoring to business consulting services. Travellers can also upskill online through courses and gain skills that can help them in fields such as marketing, graphic designing, virtual assistance, and programming.

Once a traveller has narrowed their job options, they can create a relevant resume and look for flexible and remote work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Indeed.com. If they’re lucky, they can score a job that allows them to work anywhere they want in the world, allowing them to maintain financial stability while exploring the world.

2. Keep Track of Your Money

When you’re traveling, it’s easy to slip into the habit of making impulsive purchases here and there. Even if they’re just tiny, one-off purchases, these can add up and drain your bank account faster than you could realise the problem.

As such, it’s essential to keep track of your money regularly when you’re out traveling. You can do this by creating a budget tracker through an online spreadsheet or a smartphone app like YNAB. In this tracker, you can log in your daily expenses—such as food, transport, accommodation, and miscellaneous purchases.

Besides having a budget tracker, it’s also essential to have a smartphone banking app to know how much money you have in your primary bank account in real time. Aside from being able to see your current financial status, you can also perform a range of financial activities like transferring funds, making deposits, or withdrawing money.

See: How to Open a Bank Account Online

Tracking your money allows you to set realistic financial goals and establish both daily and overall spending limits that align with your travel budget. In turn, this allows you to manage your finances more effectively and smoothly when you travel, allowing you to plan your travel dates.

3. Choose Low-Cost-of-Living Destinations

An easy way to enjoy the thrill and adventure that comes with budget-style traveling is by being purposeful about where you decide to go.

Some countries naturally have a weaker currency than others. If you’re lucky to live in a country with a relatively strong currency, then not only can you enjoy stretching your budget in a low-cost-of-living country, but you could even potentially save more by being temporarily based in that place.

Some destinations that offer a great balance of affordability and an incredible travel experience include Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, Mexico, South Africa and Portugal. These places have rich culture, great natural and architectural landmarks, and affordable accommodation and meals.

The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice your own personal comfort when staying in these places. You can live a comfortable life in the aforementioned countries (and many more like them) by making some strategic decisions.

That said, be sure to always check the value of what you’re being offered in these countries to ensure that they match local rates.

4. Spend More Time in Free Attractions and Activities

If you want to maintain your wealth while traveling, then the simplest solution is to avoid engaging in activities that cost you money. The good news is that in most cities around the world, there are many experiences that can last a half-day (or entire day) that’s both fun and cost-effective.

Some examples of these free activities include strolling in a local park, browsing free museums, going on free walking tours, hiking free trails, walking around the city, and visiting local landmarks. These activities are safe for your wallet and just as fun as many paid activities. I even managed a weekend in Copenhagen for under £100 thanks to free activities!

Engaging in free experiences instead of taking the typical tourist route also increases your odds of exploring offbeat paths and coming across fascinating finds that can define your adventure. So if you’re keen on having a more authentic and local experience, then consider opting for free or cheap attractions over paid ones.

5. Volunteer Overseas

If you’re interested in doing something unique and fulfilling, then consider searching for volunteer opportunities in your target destination. You can typically find available volunteer opportunities on websites like Worldpackers and Workaway.

Hosts on these websites will require you to work a few hours a day in exchange for food and lodging—giving you virtually all the resources you need to stay overseas for an extended period. These volunteer opportunities will require you to supply a skill of some sort, like teaching English, working in a hostel, or acting as a farmhand.

By volunteering, you can immerse yourself in a local setting and gain new skills along the way. Depending on your job, you could also enrich yourself by interacting with local people, giving you the means to expand your worldview—all while keeping travel costs low as all the necessities are provided to you.

6. Couchsurf or Stay in Hostels

Not everyone is at liberty to volunteer—and that’s a totally valid concern. An alternative way to manage your travel expenses is by staying in affordable accommodation options like hostels and budget hotels. But if you’re brave and social enough, you can also consider couch surfing.

Staying in hostels allows you to live in a new city for cheap while serving as a social hub for you to meet with fellow travellers. This accommodation style has multiple people staying in one room and sharing amenities in the kitchen and restroom.

Alternatively, you can also consider couchsurfing. This lodging option lets you stay in a local’s house for free or at a very minimal cost. This is a great opportunity for you to interact with a local of your target city and get insider advice of the area.

7. Travel Slower to Save More

Fast travel burns money quickly—frequent transport, rushed decisions, and short stays all add up. By slowing down, you reduce transit costs and can often score better deals on longer-term accommodation. Staying a month instead of a few days? You might unlock discounts on rent, gym memberships, even meals from your favourite local vendor. Plus, slow travel often leads to deeper connections with people and places—something no tour can replicate.

8. Cook Your Own Meals (Even on the Road)

Eating out for every meal adds up fast. Many hostels, Airbnb rentals, and volunteer placements offer access to kitchens. Stock up at local markets, try your hand at the local cuisine, and save your dining budget for the occasional splurge. Not only is this cost-effective—it’s also a brilliant way to immerse yourself in the local culture (and avoid traveller’s tummy).

9. Use Travel Reward Programs and Credit Card Points

If you’re eligible for a travel rewards credit card, this can be a game-changer. Accumulate points for flights, accommodation, and even travel insurance. Some cards even waive foreign transaction fees or offer free lounge access—big wins for frequent travellers. Just be sure to pay off your balance monthly to avoid interest eating into your budget.

10. Get Creative with Transport

Flights are the obvious go-to, but they’re not always the cheapest. Look into alternatives like overnight buses, budget trains, rideshares (like BlaBlaCar), or even hitchhiking in places where it’s safe to do so. Apps like Rome2Rio or Omio can help you compare transport options at a glance and save big.

Final Thoughts: Travel Isn’t About Spending—It’s About Living

Traveling on a budget isn’t about missing out. It’s about choosing what matters most.

When you say no to overpriced tours and fancy hotels, you’re saying yes to deeper connections, unexpected encounters, and real adventure. You’re trading luxury for authenticity. You’re not just stretching your money—you’re expanding your experience.

So whether you’re volunteering in a quiet village, sharing stories in a hostel common room, or cooking dinner with ingredients you can’t pronounce, remember this: travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be extraordinary.

The world is out there. Go explore it—wisely, creatively, and on your own terms.

Safe travels and happy wandering!