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Have you been wondering how to travel more and spend less? We've got you covered with the easiest ways to "See the World, Save a Dollar!"
Many people believe that travel requires a lot of money, but that is not always the case.
As seasoned travelers who have visited over 40 countries, we are here to share our secrets on how to travel more for less.
Our motto says it all: "See the World, Save a Dollar.”
This powerful mantra is synonymous with the concept of 'travel more, spend less,' essentially our mission to help you explore the world on a budget.
While the idea of traveling on a budget might seem intimidating, don't worry.
Through years of exploration, we've discovered that with a bit of planning and creativity, incredible experiences are within reach without emptying your wallet.
The 5 main steps to travel more and spend less:
- Define Your Travel Flexibility
- Research and Plan Ahead
- Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
- Optimize Transportation Costs
- Immerse Yourself in Local Cuisine
These steps aren't just theoretical; we've put them to the test.
Many times, we spend only about $500 USD per person on each international trip by implementing the money-saving strategies that will be covered in this article.
🎥 This is how we spent 5 days in Honduras for under $500 USD.
From choosing affordable accommodation and transportation options to finding the best deals on flights, activities, and attractions, we’ll guide you through maximizing your travel budget.
Whether you've been all around the world or you're just starting your journey, we're here to assist you in getting the most out of budget travel and uncovering more of the world for less.
Below, your roadmap for creating budget-friendly travels awaits.
If you're ready to dive right into the practical steps, feel free to skip ahead.
However, for those who want to understand the 'why' behind traveling more and explore the essence of budget travel, we've got you covered with insights in the upcoming sections.
The choice is yours - jump straight into action or take a moment to lay the foundations of budget travel.
Traveling is an incredible way to broaden your horizons, learn new things, and create unforgettable memories.
However, the cost of travel to see the world can often be a barrier for many people.
The good news is that it is possible to travel more without compromising your travel style or budget. (We do it often!)
By adopting a “travel more spend less” mentality, you can experience all the joys of travel without spending a fortune.
This approach of traveling cheap is especially useful for travelers who want to explore multiple destinations or take longer trips without worrying about running out of funds.
At its core, the art of traveling more while spending less revolves around smart budgeting and planning.
Having a "See the World, Save a Dollar" mindset enables you to enjoy more by saving money without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience.
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What is Budget Travel?
Do you have a budget, and do you love to travel or dream of exploring new destinations?
Contrary to the misconception that budget travel means cutting corners or settling for less, it's a powerful strategy to make any type of trip more affordable - including luxury getaways.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or missing out on experiences.
One effective method we employ is leveraging travel credit cards to travel more for less.
However, it's important to note that while travel credit cards can be a valuable tool, they aren't the sole gateway to budget travel, and they aren't for everyone.
Responsibly managing credit is crucial, and we strongly advise against going into credit card debt to fund your travels.
Travel credit cards are only suitable for the most financially responsible individuals.
The essence of budget travel lies in being strategic and creative with your spending, allowing you to enjoy incredible experiences on any budget.
With the right mindset and approach, you can have an amazing vacation without overspending.
Being cost-conscious and budget-aware is a key component of budget travel.
Whether you're planning a lavish getaway or seeking a more lowkey adventure, embracing the principles of budget travel opens up a world of possibilities.
Our Youtube video below is packed with tips that will help you explore some of our favorite budget travel destinations.
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How to Travel More and Spend Less: Step-by-Step
Budget travel serves as the ultimate method to "See the World, Save a Dollar!"
Finding ways to travel more for less is one of our top priorities.
There are several secrets to traveling cheap that can make exploring the world more accessible without pushing the budget.
Follow the steps below on how to travel for less!
Step 1: Define Your Travel Flexibility
The key to finding great travel deals often lies in flexibility, both in terms of destination and dates.
The more open you are to adjustments, the more likely you are to stumble upon impressive deals.
Flexibility can be twofold: having an adaptable destination and being open to adjusting your travel dates.
While having flexibility in both areas is ideal, even a degree of flexibility in either can lead to significant savings.
1a.) Consider your destination.
If you have a specific location in mind, you might be less flexible, especially if it's a must-visit bucket-list destination that you are deadset on visiting.
However, true flexibility could mean broadening your horizons.
For instance, if you're craving a beach vacation, you might explore various Caribbean destinations instead of fixating on one, potentially finding similar experiences at lower costs.
1b.) Next, evaluate your travel dates.
If your schedule is rigid due to a wedding or birthday trip, flexibility might be limited.
However, if you can plan during a destination's low season, you'll likely save money.
Off-peak seasons typically offer lower prices on flights and accommodations.
Avoiding peak travel times not only helps you save but also provides a more relaxed, authentic experience by steering clear of crowds.
However, keep in mind that low seasons may present drawbacks, such as limited availability for certain excursions.
To make an informed decision, weigh the pros and cons of the time of year based on your preferences, ensuring you have the travel experience you desire.
Being flexible with your dates and destinations is undoubtedly the best way to travel the world more and spend less.
However, even with set travel dates or a specific destination in mind, there are still strategies to save on your travel expenses that we'll dive into next.
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Strategy A: Use Travel Rewards Programs
One strategy to save money is through travel rewards programs.
Sign up for airline, hotel, and credit card rewards programs to earn points or miles that can be used for future travel.
This is an incredible way to travel more spend less! Anything credit card-related must be done responsibly, though.
Credit cards should be used like a debit card. If you can pay your balance every month, excellent. If not, do not go into debt to travel.
I'm sure I've said that before, but I will say it a million times because at the heart of our philosophy is the belief that travel should be a liberating and enriching experience, not a financial burden.
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Strategy B: Pack Light
Avoid checking bags and save money on luggage fees by packing light.
Bring versatile clothing items and only pack the essentials.
One of the most helpful ways to pack light is by bringing a Cosy Collection Neck and Bag Pillow.
It’s a neck pillow that you can stuff with anything that may not fit inside your carry-on bag.
There are no extra fees associated with bringing a neck pillow, so this is an incredibly good investment!
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Strategy C: Explore Free Activities
Saving money on vacation activities and attractions is possible without sacrificing your travel style.
There are plenty of free activities to do in most destinations.
Look for free activities such as walking tours or visiting public parks.
Check out museums and cultural events that are free to the public.
And even if you don’t choose a free activity, there are more ways to save.
Consider purchasing a city pass for discounted admission to multiple attractions.
Decide if you'll be able to visit without a tour guide which can significantly lower your expenses in some cases.
Strategy D: Negotiate Prices
When you don’t speak the local language and do not look like a local, many times they will hike prices up significantly.
In many countries, bargaining is expected when shopping or taking a taxi.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices to get the best deal.
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Strategy E: Get Off-the-Beaten-Path
Popular tourist destinations can be expensive.
Consider exploring lesser-known destinations to save money and have a unique experience.
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Step 2: Research and Plan Ahead
Planning ahead and researching is a crucial step when you want to travel more and spend less.
By doing your research, you can find the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities.
This can help you to save money and get the most out of your trip.
Researching also allows you to find discounts and promotions that you may not have known about otherwise.
This step gives you the opportunity to make a detailed itinerary so that you can maximize your time and budget.
You can plan to cut out any unnecessary extra costs ahead of time.
We include our expert budget travel tips inside every Explore Travel Guide.
We show you how to travel the world on a budget and have the best experience doing so.
You can also get a sneak peek of a destination before you even arrive by watching the budget travel vlogs on our Youtube channel.
Discover hidden gems, and witness every dollar we spend during our travels.
Subscribe to our budget travel YouTube Channel for weekly vlogs that will help you plan your next adventure! Join us for budget-friendly travel tips, hidden gems, and exciting experiences around the world.
Don’t miss out – hit subscribe and explore the world with us!
By knowing what you want to see and do ahead of time, you can avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary activities.
So, take the time to research your destination, find the best deals, and plan your trip accordingly to make the most out of your travel budget.
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Step 3: Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Choosing budget-friendly accommodations is a key factor in your goal to travel more and spend less.
Accommodations can often be one of the most significant expenses of any trip, but by opting for budget-friendly options, you can save a lot of money.
Hostels, homestays, and Airbnb rentals are all great alternatives to an expensive hotel room.
We have an entire article on Airbnb pros and cons for you to get more info!
They offer comfortable, clean, and safe accommodations at a fraction of the cost.
You can save significantly by staying outside of popular tourist areas off-the-beaten-path.
Also, look for places that offer free breakfast or have kitchenettes so that you can save on your food budget.
Plus, staying in budget-friendly accommodations allows you to meet other travelers and locals, giving you a more authentic and immersive travel experience.
So, consider exploring unconventional accommodations or staying slightly away from the main tourist areas, and watch your travel budget stretch further.
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Step 4: Optimize Transportation Costs
Saving on transportation is essential to traveling more and spending less.
Transportation costs can add up quickly and eat into your travel budget.
Road trips are great ways to cut down on travel expenses. Sometimes driving is less expensive than flying.
This works best when you have a group of travelers. You can even split the cost of gas and tolls.
One of the best ways to save on transportation is to use public transportation whenever possible, such as buses, trains, and subways.
They are often much cheaper than taxis or rental cars and can also provide a more authentic experience of the local culture.
If having private drivers is a must for your travel style, we have you covered!
In our Explore Travel Guides, we include details for our trusted and fair-priced drivers in the area.
Explore a new place and save money by walking or cycling, especially in a small radius.
A crucial aspect of budget travel is securing affordable flights.
Your plane ticket often constitutes one of the most significant travel expenses.
To ensure you get the best rates, having flexibility, as discussed in step 1, is key.
Optimize your flight transportation costs by exploring options such as discount airlines (like Spirit Airlines, French Bee, Avianca, and JetBlue) or booking flights well in advance.
The best deals on any airline often appear when you aren’t tied to a specific date or destination.
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Step 5: Immerse Yourself in Local Cuisine
When you eat like a local, you are not only learning about the culture of the place you're visiting but also saving money while traveling.
By exploring local food markets and local restaurants, you can experience authentic cuisine at a fraction of the cost of tourist traps.
You can sample a variety of traditional dishes and flavors that you might not have known about otherwise.
I remember my first time trying pupusas in El Salvador.
The first thing that struck me was the flavor. The melted cheese, the creamy beans, and the tangy salsa all mixed together perfectly.
If I hadn’t been open to eating local, I would be missing out on what has become one of my favorite dishes!
It also costs way less money to eat like a local than any touristy restaurant.
You can save money by avoiding expensive restaurants and opting for street food or local eateries that are more affordable.
By choosing to eat like a local, you can have a more immersive cultural experience while also sticking to your travel budget.
If you’re unsure of where to eat, consider booking a local food tour!
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FAQs On Travel More Spend Less
Yes, traveling is worth spending money on as it offers enriching experiences, broadens horizons, and creates lasting memories.
Traveling cheap allows you to save money, extend your trips, visit more destinations, and experience local cultures authentically.
Traveling more exposes us to diverse cultures, fosters personal growth, relieves stress, and creates a sense of adventure and wonder in life.
By planning ahead, being flexible with your travel dates, and choosing budget-friendly accommodations and transportation options.
Use search engines like WayAway or Skyscanner, set up flight alerts and be flexible with your travel dates. Find out our top 9 apps to find cheap flights HERE.
Yes, there are many ways to enjoy your trip while on a budget, such as finding free or low-cost activities, eating like a local, and choosing budget-friendly accommodations.
Use public transportation, walk or bike when possible, and consider carpooling or ridesharing services.
Yes, budget accommodations can be safe and comfortable. Do your research and read reviews before booking to ensure a good experience.
Eat like a local, look for street food or local markets, cook your own meals if possible, and avoid eating in touristy areas.
Yes, you can still visit popular tourist destinations on a budget by planning ahead, researching free or low-cost activities, and being flexible with your itinerary.
Yes, it is possible to travel more and spend less as a solo traveler by choosing budget-friendly accommodations, transportation, and activities, and by traveling during off-peak seasons.
Prioritize your spending on activities and experiences that are important to you, be open to trying new things, and avoid overspending on unnecessary items or activities.
We have several budget travel guides and itineraries on our ChewsToExplore site, and budget travel vlogs showing our entire experience and money spent on trips on our ChewsToExplore Youtube channel.
Final Thoughts: Secrets to Traveling Cheap
As experts in travel and budgeting, we understand the importance of exploring new places without straining your finances.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of your experience, but rather finding creative ways to make the most of your resources.
The ultimate goal is to empower you to travel more for less.
This article answered your question “How can I travel more and spend less?” with multiple solutions.
With this step-by-step guide, you can start planning your next adventure without overspending.
Remember to be as flexible as you can, plan ahead and do your research, choose budget-friendly stays, save on transportation, and eat locally.
These simple steps can make all the difference in helping you stretch your travel budget and explore more of the world.
But don’t stop here! Join our email list to be the first to know when we release our “See the World & Save a Dollar” budget travel courses.
With these courses, you will gain access to even more insider tips and hacks to help you travel more and spend less.
Don’t let finances hold you back from experiencing the world - with our help, you can make your travel dreams a reality!
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