Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive: How I Did It on a Budget

Written By Becca Rooney

When most people think of travel, they immediately picture high costs: expensive hotels, pricey flights, and daily restaurant meals that can quickly drain a savings account. Years ago I used to think the same. I assumed traveling the world was something you had to save for years to afford, or that it was only accessible to the super-rich or lucky few with remote jobs and unlimited time.

But once I started exploring alternative ways to travel, I realized how wrong that mindset was. The truth is, travel doesn’t have to be expensive and I will continue to say that for the rest of my life! With a bit of creativity, planning, and flexibility, it’s possible to see the world on a very affordable budget.

Over the past six years, I’ve done just that. I’ve managed to explore incredible places, from Morocco to Vietnam to Nicaragua to Oman all while sticking to an affordable budget that is less than what I was paying for rent in the United States. I’m living proof that it’s possible, and I’m here to show you exactly how I’ve made it work (and how you can too)!

Accommodation: My Biggest Savings Hack

One of the easiest ways to cut travel costs? Rethink where you stay. Instead of booking hotels or even hostels, I rely on platforms like Worldpackers, TrustedHousesitters, and Couchsurfing to find free places to stay, often in exchange for a bit of help or simply looking after someone’s home.

With Worldpackers, I usually volunteer a few hours a day in exchange for a place to sleep — and sometimes meals too. I’ve worked on a farm in Hawaii for six months, managed social media at a boutique hotel in Nicaragua, and volunteered at an eco-lodge in Italy, all while immersing myself in local culture and saving thousands on accommodation.

TrustedHousesitters has been another incredible resource. I’ve gotten to stay in comfortable homes, often in amazing neighborhoods, just by taking care of pets while the owners are away. It’s a win-win: they get peace of mind, and I get free accommodation in a real home.

Couchsurfing has also connected me with generous hosts who offer a place to crash and often, a local’s insight into the best spots in town. I’ve had the most eye-opening experiences while couchsurfing, meeting strangers who quickly turn into friends. One of my favorite couchsurfing stays was when I was in Vietnam and my host’s son took me on a tour all over the city on the back of his motorbike. I saw so many hidden gems that only locals know and it was a great way to explore the town that I would not have been able to experience by staying in a hotel or airbnb.

Finding Affordable Flights

Flights are often the most expensive part of any trip. But what if I told you that I’ve flown across the world for almost nothing? Seriously. Over the past few years, I’ve saved thousands of dollars on airfare by diving into the world of travel hacking, mostly through rewards credit cards and smart booking strategies.

Here’s how it works: by using travel credit cards for my everyday spending like groceries, gas, subscriptions, you name it, I earn points and miles that I can later redeem for flights. Many of these cards offer huge sign-up bonuses (like 60,000+ points) just for hitting a spending minimum in the first few months. That’s often enough to book a round-trip international ticket.

I’ve used points to book flights to Southeast Asia almost entirely on rewards, and even upgraded to business class without paying the price tag. It’s all about being strategic: paying off your card in full, tracking your points, and learning how different airline alliances work. It might sound complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it feels like unlocking a cheat code for travel.

Of course, flexibility is key. I rarely lock myself into rigid dates. Instead, I keep my calendar open and let the flight deals guide me. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Going are lifesavers, they help you track prices, set alerts, and spot the best deals as they pop up. Also, don’t overlook alternative airports or slightly inconvenient routes, a little extra travel time can sometimes save you hundreds.

Eating Local on a Budget

Food is one of the best parts of travel but eating out at sit-down restaurants every day can quietly crush your budget before you even realize it. One of the best ways I’ve saved money while still enjoying incredible meals is by eating like a local. That means skipping overpriced tourist spots and instead diving into the world of street food, local markets, food halls, and tiny family-run eateries.

Not only is it cheaper, sometimes just $1 or $2 for a full meal, but it’s also way more authentic and adventurous. I’ve had some of my favorite meals sitting on plastic stools in Bangkok, grabbing tagines from roadside vendors in Morocco, or eating bánh mì from a street cart in Vietnam. These meals aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re deeply tied to the local culture and usually taste better than anything on a “top 10 restaurants” list.

If you’re unsure where to go, ask locals. Chat with your host, barista, taxi driver, or the person running the corner shop. Most of the time, they’ll be excited to tell you about their favorite neighborhood spots that don’t show up on Google Maps. You can also look for long lines of locals, especially at lunchtime, it’s usually a sign that the food is good and affordable.

If you have access to a kitchen, I also recommend shopping at markets or small grocery stores and cooking occasionally. Even just making your own breakfast or packing snacks for the day can save you more money than you think. Plus, shopping in foreign grocery stores is a cultural experience of its own.

Free or Low Cost Activities

One of the biggest myths about travel is that you have to spend a lot to have a meaningful experience. But honestly, some of the most memorable moments I’ve had while traveling were completely free. Focusing on low-cost or no-cost activities lets you still connect with the place, its people, and its culture while also not spending hundreds.

Start with the natural beauty around you. Hike local trails, relax on public beaches, walk through parks, or catch the sunset from a scenic viewpoint. These experiences are not only free they often end up being the highlight of your trip. In places like Lisbon, I spent hours just wandering through alleyways and viewpoints, taking in city views without spending a cent. In Hawaii, hiking to waterfalls in the jungle cost me nothing and the memories are priceless.

Most major cities also offer free walking tours, which are usually run by passionate locals who want to share their city’s stories and hidden gems. (Tip: these tours are technically free, but tipping your guide is encouraged and well worth it.) It’s a great way to meet other travelers and get your bearings when you arrive somewhere new.

Don’t skip the cultural stuff, either. Many museums have free-admission days each month, and local festivals or parades are not only free but full of energy, music, and tradition. Public events like this are where the magic happens, and they don’t cost a thing.

Also look for historic landmarks, religious sites, open-air markets, and street performances, these are often free to visit and packed with insight into local life. The more you embrace wandering and discovering rather than scheduling and spending, the more the destination opens up to you.

Utilize Public Transport

Using public transportation is not only one of the smartest ways to save money while traveling it’s also one of the best ways to see a city through the eyes of the people who actually live there. Buses, trains, subways, trams these systems are often dramatically cheaper than taxis or car rentals, and they give you a more immersive, local experience. I’ve spent just a few dollars a day to get around cities using public transport all while observing daily life, striking up conversations, and discovering neighborhoods I never would’ve found otherwise.

Many cities also offer multi-day or unlimited ride passes, which can cut your transportation budget even more. Plus, you avoid the stress of finding parking, sitting in traffic, or navigating unfamiliar roads (especially when signs aren’t in your language!).

To make it even easier, I always download local transit apps like Moovit or Transit before I arrive. These apps give you real-time schedules, route suggestions, and even offline maps, which are absolute lifesavers when you don’t have data or Wi-Fi.

And then there’s my favorite form of transportation: walking. Exploring on foot is not just free it’s also one of the most meaningful ways to connect with a new place. You notice the architecture, the sounds, the street art, the smell of bakeries, or the vibe of a neighborhood in a way that no train or taxi can offer. My general rule? If it’s a 20–30 minute walk or less, I’ll always walk it. But if it’s a gorgeous day and I’m in a beautiful city, I’ll happily walk an hour or more.

Final Thoughts

Travel doesn’t have to be reserved for only the rich or the lucky few. With some planning, creativity, and a willingness to try something new, you can explore the world on your own terms and your own budget, without draining your bank account in the process. Budget travel isn’t just about spending less; it’s about experiencing more.

If you’re serious about saving money and budgeting well while traveling, I put together an ebook that breaks down how I have became an expert on: How to Get Free Accommodation. It’s filled with step-by-step guides, platform comparisons, message templates, and insider tips from my own years of travel experience. Whether you’re new to alternative stays or just want to maximize your budget, this guide can help you start traveling for less and for free. Over 6 years of experience being a world traveler has allowed me to test out and determine which methods are truly the best at allowing you to stay on budget while traveling. You can check it out here!

Here are some of my favorite travel resources:

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Becca Rooney
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