With our lives being filled with rising prices and static wages, a lot of us feel travel is out of reach. There are just too many other priorities we have to pay for and it doesn’t leave much to play with. But, if you’re here, I’m sure you’re wondering how do people afford to travel, how do they afford summer holidays and is it just down to choosing an affordable travel destination. I’m here to show you that you can make any of your holidays more affordable.
In 2024, I set out to see if I could travel on a budget. I wanted to see if I could do a short break every month (3-5 days) for a total budget of £250. This budget had to include absolutely everything.. flights, accommodation, transportation, food and drink and activities. This was the outcome –Â
3 days in Bucharest, Romania
4 days in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria
4 days in Milan and Como, Italy
3 days in Marrakech, Morocco
3 days in Geneva, Switzerland
5 days in Tirana and Ksamil, Albania
3 days in Copenhagen, Denmark
3 days in Paris, France
4 days in Stockholm, Sweden
4 days in Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania
3 days in Germany
Of all these trips, only two went over the £250 budget and the maximum cost, in Milan and Como, was £270.
Before I started, I already had an idea of how to make holidays more affordable, but I also learned a lot about budget travel along the way. So, I’ve put together these tips to help you on your journey to more affordable travel.
How do people afford to travel?
1. Use budget airlines.
Budget airlines, and some major airlines, offer a pricing model where you pay a base fare and then get to pay for add-ons such as extra luggage, seat selection, priority boarding etc. This allows you to only pay for what you need and can often cut flight prices in half. This is the first step for people to afford to travel.
Budget airlines to look out for in the UK are RyanAir, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, Jet2, and TUI.
2. Be flexible with dates
I know how most people generally operate with organising a holiday. Usually, we will find the dates we want to go and then find the flights etc. that fit into those dates. However, you should not do this as you’re letting the dates dictate the prices you have to pay. Instead, find some flights or a package you want to take advantage of, and then book your time off work. Honestly, the money you can save yourself by making this one small change is unbelievable and this can be the difference between overspending and making your holidays more affordable.
There are a few ways to reduce your flight prices in this post but if you want to guarantee yourself the cheapest flight prices on any trip, try my expert guide to cheaper flights. It’s currently 50% off!
3. Plan your trip during off-peak seasons
Travelling during the off-peak season, or shoulder season, can greatly reduce the overall cost of your trip and make any travel destination affordable. Flights, accommodation, and attractions often offer lower prices when demand is lower. Plus, destinations are usually less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience. It’s worth researching the best off-peak periods for your chosen destination, as these can vary depending on local weather and events.
4. Pack light.
It’s easy to take a full suitcase full of clothes we aren’t going to wear. This often leads us to pay more for luggage we don’t actually need. One easy way people can make travel affordable is to cut this down. Just write a list of clothing items for each day and maybe a couple of spare pieces of underwear, in case of any accidents 👀. Also, really think about what you need, do you need a fresh jumper or jeans every day? Probably not. I usually pack with the view that I can wear jumpers, jeans and shorts for 2-3 days, fresh underwear and t-shirts everyday. Then only essential extras such as toiletries and electronics.
5. Use a small backpack/suitcase.
By purchasing a small, purpose-made backpack or carry on, you will be forced to pack light which will help make your holidays more affordable. I generally just take a ‘personal item’ if I am going away for 3-5 days, a carry on for anything 5-10 days and then I will use a suitcase for longer trips.
An added benefit for smaller pieces of luggage is not having to drag them around whilst you’re waiting for check-in or if you have to check out hours before your flight home.
CabinMax have the best carry on bags on the market and are designed to meet different airline’s size restrictions.
6. Stay in hostels.
Hostels are cheap and you’ll find that this is the way a lot of people can afford to travel. Hostels will also often hold social events and you can meet a lot of people. Hostelworld is by far the number one hostel-accommodation site available. Hostelworld has the largest number of hostel listings, highest availability, and an easy-to-use user interface. I have used it every time I’ve stayed in hostels.
I understand that hostels aren’t for everyone. However, my experience has been positive most of the time. Of course, some are not great but that is the same with any form of holiday accommodation. You can also book private rooms at great rates and if you’re travelling as a group, you can often book an entire room so it’s just you and your friends.
7. Take earplugs.
If you have ever stayed in a hostel, you’ll know that earplugs are an absolute must. Snorers seem to be everywhere, and a decent night’s sleep is essential. Even if you’re not in a hostel, earplugs can be a lifesaver if your accommodation is on a noisy street or when you’re trying to rest on buses, overnight trains, or other forms of transport. A good night’s sleep is priceless—so make sure you’re prepared!
I always use these mouldable, silicone earplugs as you can’t feel them pushing against your ear and they block more sound than any others I have found.
How do people afford to travel?
8. Use travel reward programs
Travel reward programmes run by airlines, hotels, and credit cards can help you save money or even travel for free. By collecting points or miles through your everyday spending, you can redeem them for flights, hotel stays, upgrades, or other benefits. Signing up early and using these programmes strategically can help you maximise your savings over time.
This isn’t an instant fix but overtime it can make your future holidays more affordable as you build discounts and special offers.
9. Use couchsurfing or home exchanges
Couchsurfing and home exchanges offer unique and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional accommodation and help make any travel destination more affordable. Couchsurfing connects travellers with locals who offer free stays, giving you the chance to experience a destination from a local’s point of view. Home exchanges involve swapping homes with another traveller, providing comfortable accommodation without hotel costs. Both options encourage cultural exchange and help you stretch your travel budget.
10. Use no-fee bank and credit cards.
Avoid cards that charge foreign transaction or ATM fees, as these small costs can quickly add up over the course of a trip. Instead, use a debit or credit card designed for overseas use with no hidden charges. Over time, this simple switch can save you a surprising amount. In this article, we’ll show you how to choose the right card and avoid unnecessary fees abroad.
A lot of what helps people afford to travel is reducing small expenses that we may not otherwise consider.
11. Book one-way flights
When you search for your flights, it can sometimes be cheaper to fly from one airport and return to another. For example, I live around an hour from Bristol aiport. But I also live around 1 hour 15 minutes from Birmingham airport. So I will always check flight prices from and to both airports. It may be cheaper to catch a train to Birmingham and then return to Bristol and catch a train home from there. This has helped make many of my holidays more affordable.
12. Use alternative airports
Similar to the point above, it may not always be best to fly into the city that your visiting. For example, it is often very expensive to fly to Malmö in Sweden. However, it is often very cheap to fly Copenhagen in Denmark and then you can get a train direct from the airport to Malmö for around €20. As I said before, it isn’t always about finding an affordable travel destination, it’s about being savvy with how you manage the whole process.
An easy way to find alternative airports is by using the map view function on Google flights. This shows every airport in the world so you can easily see airports that are near to your destination.
13. Use local tourism information centres.
One of the most underused resources to help make holidays affordable, is the local tourist information centre. These places are incredibly helpful. They are full of up-to-date details on what’s happening in the area, from free activities and seasonal events to hidden spots you might otherwise miss. The staff are usually locals who know the place very well and can recommend where to eat, drink, and explore whilst keeping costs down.
They also often offer discounts on attractions and public transport, and many sell city passes that give you access to multiple sights for one fixed price. If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, popping into one of these centres can save you a fair bit of money.
14. Try free tours.
As well as being completely free, these tours, often walking tours, are a brilliant way to get your bearings and learn a bit of background about the city you’re exploring. I always look for free tours in every destination. They’re a great way to spend a couple of hours and soaking up some local history and culture. In recent years, they’ve become hugely popular—and now you’ll find free walking tours in most cities around the world. You can also sometimes find free food tours where you can experience some bite-sized tasters of local cuisine.
Although they are called free tours, this refers to there being no base fee. However, they usually work on tips, although there is no obligation to leave a tip.
I use freetour.com as my first port of call and search Google for ‘free food tours in (destination)’.
You can also browse Get Your Guide for a wide range of unique tours for a fee.
How do people afford to travel?
15. Walk
A big chunk of travel costs that make holidays less affordable is often the transportation. Unless you have a particular activity in mind which you can’t walk to, try to walk as much as possible. As well as saving money, you will see more of the place you’re in and may stumble across some things that you wouldn’t have find otherwise.
16. Use public transport
If you don’t enjoy walking as much as me, use public transport. Taxis can quickly drain your budget. Only use them when absolutely necessary and stick with public transport instead. Most countries have pretty reliable systems and they are a fraction of the price. A lot of places also have travel cards that span a certain period of time, for example 24 or 72 hours, which makes it even cheaper.
17. Avoid airport taxis
If you do decide to use a taxi, please just avoid airport taxis. Whether you’re heading to an affordable travel destination or not, this can have a huge impact on whether people can afford to travel because you’re just throwing money down the drain. I got stung by this in Sri Lanka. It was my first solo trip and landed with no idea how to get anywhere. Feeling a bit overwhelmed I just took a taxi from the airport. When I arrived to my accommodation I checked Uber and the prices were quoted at a third of what I paid. Face palm.
18. Ask hostel and hotel staff
Staff at these establishments are often local people who are able to tell you good spots to go to. Even if you’re not staying there, just pop in and ask some questions, most people are friendly and helpful, they kind of have to be in these places. Hostel staff especially are around budget travellers day in, day out, so they’re a brilliant source of budget tips.
19. Sign up for flight deals.
Flights often end up being the most expensive part of any trip. But f the best ways to help people to be able to afford to travel is to subscribe to websites that specialise in tracking flight deals. They’ll send you hand-picked offers so you don’t have to spend hours searching yourself. It’s also smart to get on airline mailing lists, as that’s usually where they drop their biggest sales first.
I advise signing up to budget airline email’s or the airlines that you use most often. One of the best services is Jack’s Flight Club. These guys will send you regular emails with all the cheapest flights available from whichever airports you choose. Alternatively, if you have specific flight paths and dates that you are looking for, try airhint.com. They will tell you whether a flight is likely to decrease in cost and will email you when it does.
20. Only take money you need
Try to avoid carrying too much cash or too many bank cards when you’re out and about. That way, you’re less likely to spend additional money on things that you don’t really need or impulse purchases. I always use cash when I travel and each day I will only take what I need for the day.
Humans are not very good at being disciplined, we’re impulsive. Taking unnecessary funds is a sure fire way to turn an affordable travel destination into not so affordable holidays.
21. Avoid eating in tourist areas or near attractions
This is another one that can soon creep up on you and how more experienced people help with being able to afford their travel. I have a personal rule when it comes to eating out while travelling: I never stop for food near a major tourist hotspot. Instead, I head off in any direction until I’ve walked for ten minutes, where the crowds start to thin out. It’s usually right around that point where you’ll find quieter, more authentic places—often better quality and far better value. Once the selfie sticks disappear, that’s your cue to start scanning for a meal.
Yes, you might stumble upon a decent meal in a touristy area—but chances are, you’ll find something tastier (and far more affordable) if you venture a bit further out. Look for spots where the menu isn’t translated into five different languages, or those tucked-away little places that locals actually eat at—the ones that don’t scream for your attention. It might not be the best meal of your life every time, but it’ll feel more authentic, and you’ll remember it long after.
I also use google and search for ‘authentic restaurants’ and check the prices.
How do people afford to travel?
22. Use supermarkets
You probably don’t eat every evening when you’re at home, let alone three times a day. Go grocery shopping, it will save you a lot of money. I often try to book accommodation that has cooking facilities, even if they are basic. This way I can cook some meals or make some sandwiches for the day. This could cost £5, or less, for the day rather than spending that just on breakfast.
This is one of the main reasons people have less affordable holidays, we splash out completely unreasonably. If you continue to spend this way, it won’t matter of you travel to an affordable destination or not, it’s just not efficient. And the more we spend each trip, the less we’ll have for another one.
23. Eat out at lunch time
If you are going to eat out sometimes, do it at lunch time. Many restaurants offer lunchtime deals where you can enjoy the same dishes served in the evening, but at a much lower price. It’s definitely the smartest time to dine out while travelling. I remember eating lunch in Sweden, the restaurant had 40% from 12pm – 3pm so i save a lot of money and still had a good meal. Sweden is far from an affordable travel destination but little changes like this quickly bring the cost down.
24. Don’t believe outdated travel myths.
Don’t stress yourself out chasing the absolute cheapest flight fare thinking it’s the way to affordable holidays. There are plenty of myths floating around online about when and how to book, but truthfully, there’s no single magic trick. It doesn’t necessarily save money to book on a specific day of the week or to search in a private browsing window. I put together some of the biggest travel myths in another post.
25. Be friendly and open to meeting new people.
Not everyone will respond, but don’t be afraid to say hello to strangers on your travels. Many of them are just like you—looking for happiness and chasing their own dreams. You never know, a simple greeting to a local can help you learn more about the more affordable side of the city/ country.
26. But stay alert and cautious.
Unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions. Keep a sensible level of suspicion to avoid falling victim to scams or awkward situations. It’s important to be welcoming, but also stay safe. You don’t want a scam to turn an affordable travel destination into an expensive trip.
27. Take a reusable water bottle
This helps you to avoid buying bottled of water or other drinks from shops. Whenever possible, drink tap water—it’s kinder to your wallet and the planet. If you’re travelling somewhere where tap water isn’t safe to drink, consider investing in a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter.
28. Get necessary vaccines.
Getting sick while travelling abroad is no fun and can be expesnive in medical bills. Also, plenty of countries actually require certain vaccinations before you can enter. So, whether you’re keen on them or not, there’s a good chance you’ll need to get vaccinated to visit some destinations.
How do people afford to travel?
29. Use travel insurance.
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use—but it’s absolutely essential. I used to go everywhere without it, until my friend broke his collar bone snowboarding. If anything goes wrong, you don’t want to be left with a huge bill. Whether you get robbed, your flight is cancelled, you fall ill or get injured, or need to be sent home early, travel insurance has you covered. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few pounds a day, one of the smartest investments you can make before setting off on your trip.
This isn’t going to make your holidays more affordable in the short term but if something does happen, it’s going to save you a lot of money. One of the best travel insurance providers is Visitors Coverage.
30. Haggle.
Haggling can be a fun and lighthearted way to avoid paying the ‘tourist price’. It’s an art of negotiation that’s useful not just at markets but in many areas of life. Just remember—don’t haggle over tiny amounts; it’s rarely worth the hassle! you should also look into the country’s culture as some places may find it rude.
Tourist tax is a real thing and being aware of it can make a huge impact on whether people can afford to travel or not.
31. Use credit card points and miles
You can explore much more of the world when you don’t have to foot the bill. By learning how to earn points and miles through your everyday spending, you can score free flights, accommodation, train journeys, and more. It’s a favourite trick among seasoned travellers to keep costs down—and it’s definitely worth picking up yourself! If you want to learn more about this, check out my beginners guide to credit card points and miles, and the best UK rewards travel credit cards.
Similar to the rewards programmes I mentioned earlier, this isn’t an immediate fix but will lead to more affordable holidays overtime, at no extra cost to your current lifestyle.
32. Eat street food!
Eating street food is one of the best ways to experience a destination’s true flavours whilst keeping costs down. Not only is it usually much cheaper than dining in restaurants, but it also gives you the chance to try authentic, local dishes made fresh by vendors who’ve often been perfecting their recipes for years. Street food markets and stalls are buzzing hubs of culture and community, where you can sample a variety of tasty bites and get a real taste of everyday life. Plus, grabbing a quick, affordable meal on the go means more money left over for sightseeing, activities, or simply enjoying your trip longer. If you want to eat well and save money at the same time, street food is the way to go.
33. Use an eSIM
Using an eSIM while travelling can play a huge part in making your holidays more affordable. Instead of paying expensive fees for your home network’s data abroad, you can simply purchase a local or regional data plan directly on your phone. eSIMs make it easy to switch between providers without swapping physical SIM cards, helping you find the best deals and stay connected at a fraction of the cost. This smart approach not only keeps your bills down but also means you can use your phone freely for maps, bookings, and staying in touch without worrying about surprise charges.
YeSim is the eSIM i rely on the most.
34. Pre-book activities.
Booking activities or excursions in advance can often save you a tidy sum compared to turning up and paying on the spot. Many tour operators offer early-bird discounts or special online rates that aren’t available once you’re on location. Pre-booking also helps you secure your spot on popular tours, avoiding disappointment and last-minute price hikes. Planning ahead means you can budget more effectively and spend less time hunting for deals while you’re supposed to be relaxing. It’s a smart way to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
I always use Get Your Guide to book my activities and excursions.
35. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals
If your plans are flexible, last-minute deals can provide excellent savings on flights, hotels, and tours. Many companies discount unsold places shortly before the travel date to fill vacancies. Use apps and websites that specialise in last-minute offers, and be ready to book quickly when you find a good deal. This approach is ideal for spontaneous travellers and people wondering how they can afford to travel.
How do people afford to travel?
36. Use cashback and discount websites
Before making any travel bookings or purchases, check cashback and discount websites for available deals. These platforms offer rebates or voucher codes for popular travel services, helping you save money on flights, accommodation, car hire, and activities. Combining cashback offers with other discounts can result in substantial savings on your trip.
TopCashBack.com is my favourite cashback site, with hundreds of travel related offers.
37. Leverage student or senior discounts
Many travel companies and attractions offer reduced rates for students and seniors. Always carry your valid ID or membership card to take advantage of these offers. Discounts often apply to transport, museums, tours, and accommodation, making travel more affordable for eligible travellers. Don’t hesitate to ask about special rates wherever you go.
Using these discounts can make a huge difference to whether people can afford to travel. I know they aren’t available to everyone but as you can see from this list, there are plenty of other options to make your holidays more affordable.
38. Track your travel expenses
Monitoring your travel expenses helps you stick to your budget and avoid overspending. Use apps or spreadsheets to record all costs during your trip, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Regularly tracking your spending can highlight areas where you could cut back and ensure you make the most of your travel funds.
39. Choose affordable travel destinations
Choosing affordable travel destinations, where the cost of living is generally lower can significantly reduce your travel expenses. This is a common reason why people can afford to travel. They leave western Europe alone and look for places like eastern Europe, southeast Asia and south America. Countries or cities with affordable food, lodging, and transport allow your money to go further. Research the average daily costs for different destinations to identify affordable places that still offer rich experiences.
40. Avoid currency exchange fees by using local ATMs smartly
Rather than exchanging cash at airport kiosks or currency exchange offices that often charge high fees, use local ATMs to withdraw money in the local currency. Many banks offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees for ATM withdrawals abroad. Before you travel, check with your bank about international ATM fees and notify them of your travel dates to avoid your card being blocked.
41. Consider overnight travel to save on accommodation
Taking overnight trains, coaches, or flights can help you save on accommodation by combining travel and lodging into one. This not only cuts costs but also maximises your time by moving you from one place to another while you sleep. Just make sure to research comfort and safety ratings for overnight travel options to ensure a restful journey.
42. Don’t penny pinch
I don’t want you to think that the only way people afford to travel is to penny pinch. Being frugal isn’t about cutting corners or sacrificing quality—it’s about making thoughtful choices to get the best value for your money. It means spending wisely, knowing when to save and when it’s worth investing a little extra for a better experience. Being cheap, on the other hand, often means cutting costs at the expense of comfort, enjoyment, or even safety. When you’re frugal, you prioritise smart spending that stretches your budget without feeling like you’re missing out. It’s a mindset that helps you travel longer, enjoy more, and still keep your finances in check.
How do people afford to travel?
So, how do people afford to travel? Well, some people just have money but many of us don’t. However, there are many different things you can do, most of them just small changes, that can make any place an affordable travel destination, bringing down the cost so you can start having affordable holidays. Leave a comment if there are other things you do to bring costs down that I haven’t included.
I have many other articles on the site, whether you need inspiration, travel tips or itineraries.
