Budget travel: 15 concrete money-saving tips for your holiday

A great holiday doesn't have to drain your savings account. With a bit of savvy and the right timing you can save considerably without your trip being any less fun. In this guide we share concrete budget travel tips you can apply right away, from smart booking to eating smarter on the road. No vague promises, just practical choices that really make a difference to your wallet.

Budget travel starts with timing

The biggest difference in price is often made before you even leave. Those who are flexible with dates and destination almost always pay less. Travelling outside the school holidays and popular public holidays saves both on flight prices and on the cost of your stay.

• Travel in the low season or just in the shoulder period, right before or after the crowds.
• Depart on a weekday instead of at the weekend.
• Be flexible: compare several destinations at once instead of fixating on one place.

Book smart without hidden costs

The lowest sticker price is not always the cheapest option. Watch out for baggage fees, seat selection and insurance added during booking. A flight that looks cheap can still turn out expensive with a checked suitcase.

• Work out the total price, including baggage and transfer to the centre.
• Book directly with the provider if it costs the same or less, then you're in a better position if there are problems.
• Travel light and use only hand luggage where you can.

Save on your accommodation

Overnight stays can take a big bite out of your budget, but there are plenty of alternatives to the standard hotel. Think of apartments with a kitchenette, hostels with private rooms or stays just outside the tourist centre.

• Choose accommodation with cooking facilities, that saves a lot on food.
• Stay a few stops outside the centre and take public transport.
• Stay longer in one place instead of many short hotel nights, that lowers the average price.

Eat and drink like a local

Food is one of the nicest parts of travelling and, fortunately, also a place where you can easily save. The most expensive restaurants are almost always on the most touristy squares. Walk a few streets on and you'll find better quality for less money.

• Do your shopping at the local market for breakfast and lunch.
• Bring a reusable water bottle where the tap water is safe.
• Choose the daily menu or the lunch menu, which is often much better value than the same dish in the evening.

Getting around locally

At your destination, transport costs add up faster than you'd think. Taxis from the airport are notoriously expensive. With a bit of research you travel for a fraction of the price.

• Use public transport and buy a day or multi-day ticket.
• Explore the city on foot or with a shared bike, healthy and free or cheap.
• Arrange the airport transfer in advance, so you're not overcharged on the spot.

Plan smart and keep an overview

Saving works best when you keep an overview of your bookings, times and budget. If everything is scattered across emails, screenshots and notes, you can easily miss a cheap train or a free cancellation date. Keep your whole trip clearly in a timeline with a travel planner like Zuvy, and you see at a glance what's planned when and where there's still room to shift.

• Put departure times and check-in moments in one place.
• Keep a simple daily budget, that way you avoid surprises at the end.
• Note free activities in advance, such as free museum days or walking routes.

Budget travel ultimately isn't about scrimping on everything, but about making conscious choices. Save on the things you won't miss anyway, like expensive transfers and tourist restaurants, and spend your money on the experiences that stay with you. That way you get more out of your trip for less money.