Be flexible about your trip

If you don’t have a set destination in mind, or specific dates when you need to take your trip, you’re much more likely to find a great deal.  

“Try not to care too much about where you’re going, then it’s usually easier to find some place that’s both affordable and interesting, like the Baltics. Skyscanner’s ‘Explore everywhere’ search feature is your friend here, but also check out Omio, Kiwi, and local transport companies.” —Jules Goslinga, Operations Specialist

Although the best rates are usually during low season or shoulder seasons, it’s worth digging out deals on fares and accommodation in peak season, too.

“Even in peak season, you can usually save money by booking flights that leave at awkward hours. For my Teleporter to Hawaii, I found a flight leaving at 7am with connections to cheap onward flights in London and the US mainland. I had to get up in the middle of the night and walk with my backpack for 20 minutes to catch the night bus to the airport, but it saved me around 50% on the whole round trip.” —Jules Goslinga, Operations Specialist

Research big purchases incognito

“Clear your cookies before you search for flights and hotels, or browse options in incognito mode. I’d also recommend switching on a VPN when you’re researching.” —Nina Banducci, US Go-To-Market Lead

Consider open-jaw flights

Open-jaw tickets are flights that arrive at one airport and leave from a different one. They’re great when you’re planning to overland as part of your trip, and because all flights fall under the same fare code and booking fee, you often save money.

“Depending on your itinerary, it's worth comparing return flights from nearby cities as sometimes they can be cheaper than a return ticket to and from the same airport. It also means you don't have to pay to travel back to your starting point.” —Will Windridge, Social Media Manager

“The Polarsteps AI Trip Planner is built to inspire you with suggested routes from A to B, which can be really useful when you’ve found a great-value open-jaw ticket and want to know how you can make the trip work.” —Dion Hagenaar, Product Manager

Squeeze the most out of each day

“If you book flights to arrive in your destination early on the first morning, instead of at the end of the day, and fly home late in the afternoon on your last day, you’ve already saved one or two nights’ accommodation.” —Nicky Evans, Travel Editor

Pack light to avoid check-in luggage

Embrace ‘onebag’ travel to avoid paying high fees to check your luggage. Strategies include packing solid shampoos and soaps, including only versatile clothing in your wardrobe, using compression cubes, and wearing your heaviest and bulkiest items on the flight.

“If travelling in a warm location, one 40-litre backpack and one daypack are more than enough. Small backpacks make it much easier to move around, take buses, and avoid extra luggage costs in airplanes.”
—Coline Dubaux, Product Manager 

Explore cities on foot

“Save on public transport fares by walking between sights when you arrive in a new city to get a good feel for it. In many European cities you can join ‘free’ walking tours (you tip the guide at the end). Look up options online or check hostel noticeboards.” —Nicky Evans, Travel Editor

Join forces with other budget travelers

“Traveling in a group can have its advantages when it comes to budgeting, especially for more expensive purchases. For cheap day trips, my top budget travel tip is to rent a car with people you meet (and trust) in hostels.” —Jules Goslinga, Operations Specialist

Try your hand at hitchhiking

Many Polarsteps travelers have traveled great distances as the passenger in a stranger’s vehicle. It’s not something everyone feels comfortable doing, but if you do decide to hitchhike, it’s always a nice gesture to offer to contribute to fuel costs, or to buy your driver a meal at a rest stop. Even when you factor these into your budget, you’re still saving money. 

“Hitchhiking is, to me, the best way to gain faith in humanity, to open yourself to the world, and to learn to let go (with just a hint of control). With the right mindset, it’s a deeply fun, original, and meaningful way to travel.” —Robin Batard, Polarsteps Explorer hitchhiking from France to Mongolia

“Hitchhiking allowed me to truly connect with people — something I couldn’t do by just following a map or ticking off tourist sites.” —Tessa Doucet, Polarsteps Explorer who hitchhiked from France to Australia

Find cheap (or free!) places to crash

“Couchsurfing is a nice budget travel tip for the adventurous: it allows you to stay at a local’s place on the cheap and it’s really good for getting you out of the traveler bubble. Women can choose to stay only at other women’s homes, or can choose male hosts with positive ratings from women travelers.” —Coline Dubaux, Product Manager 

“Look into the wild-camping rules of the country you’re visiting, as some countries allow you to park up or pitch your tent for free.” —Massimo D’Antonio, QA Analyst

Barter your services for a bed

If you’re on a long-term trip, consider volunteering via working-holiday platforms like Workaway as a means of meeting people and making your budget stretch further. Many hostels will give travelers free bed and board in exchange for responsibilities like housekeeping or manning reception, leaving you plenty of time to explore. It makes sense if you’re staying in one place for an extended period of time.

“Volunteering makes travel affordable and allows me to contribute to the community. I find it more rewarding to live and work with locals than rush through tourist spots. This slower approach lets me explore an area, learn the culture, and make time for myself.” —Ilse Iona, Polarsteps Explorer

Stay outside the city center

“We save money by staying in the outer neighborhoods of a city. Even when factoring in public transport costs, this generally works out cheaper overall, and you have the added bonus of experiencing a more local vibe.” —Claire Bissell, Travel Editor

Bring your own food into airports

“It's only liquids you can't take through security, so don't pay for an expensive sandwich at the gate — bring your departure snacks with you instead for a simple way to spend less.” —Will Windridge, Social Media Manager

Sniff out bargains wherever you are

“If you’re trying to find ways to make your travel budget go further, think outside the box. Use the TooGoodToGo app (if it’s available in your destination) to pick up heavily discounted restaurant food that would otherwise go to waste, or look for bargains at local produce markets at the end of the trading day.”
—Massimo D’Antonio, QA Analyst

Pick up meals from the supermarket

“Buy groceries instead of eating out. It’s a no-brainer for anyone traveling on a tight budget. Either enjoy picnic lunches or use hostel kitchens to cook up something simple and budget-friendly.” —Jules Goslinga, Operations Specialist

Eat out at lunchtime

“Instead of eating out in the evening, we take advantage of lunchtime deals. In Spain, the menu del día (menu of the day) usually includes a three-course lunch and a drink for a fraction of evening prices.”
—Claire Bissell, Travel Editor

Check out free events

“You can find free activities via city listings, or try local music schools or community spaces for free concerts.” —Massimo D’Antonio, QA Analyst

Hack the system to join tours for less

“Tours and activities are often advertised by third parties, but nothing is stopping you from contacting the provider directly to negotiate a better rate. It isn't always cheaper but it's always worth a try — especially if you’re joining a tour at the last minute!” —Matt Bainbridge, Travel Editor

Use technology to track your spending 

“For tracking your budget, use an app like TravelSpend. It’s extremely well done, and an easy way to keep an oversight of your spending.” —Coline Dubaux, Product Manager 

“Splitwise is another great tool for keeping track of expenses and settling up when travelling as a large group.” —Roxanne Bentrup, Community & Support Specialist