How to have a magical trip without breaking the bank

If you’re like me, you love to travel. Whether you are going somewhere to relax and sip cocktails, or whether you're going trekking in the mountains and going off the grid for a month – there's something for everyone. In this article we look at how to get the most out of your trip while spending the least amount of money. Sometimes, the less money you spend on your trip, the longer it can be. Of course, factors like how much time you can take off work or study is a factor, too – but whatever the length of your trip, I hope you find these budget travel tips useful.

Before your trip

As they say, proper preparation prevents poor performance. Planning your trip plays a huge role in saving you money, whether it’s food, accommodation or activities. Booking your trip in advance is generally cheaper, too. Of course, with longer holidays, that isn’t always possible – and some travellers prefer to ‘go with the flow’ anyway. Here are some things you can consider when booking your trip:

• Spend time researching if you're not going through a travel agent. Choose your destination/s carefully. Refer to guides like the Lonely Planet ‘on a shoestring’ series. Travel in the off-season and not in school holidays if you can – it’s almost always cheaper. Read up on why the destination is ‘off-season’ and see if it’s still generally a good time to go.
• Use sites like Skyscanner to compare flights. You could also do an internet search in your local area, e.g. ‘cheap flights in Brisbane’ because sometimes budget local sites exist, too. Tip: always check reviews when going with a third party and not the airline directly. Check how you can contact them quickly in case of emergency (a phone number or 24-hour chat is ideal!). If you are travelling around Australia, domestic flights are usually cheaper during the week. 
• For accommodation, join a local house sitting platform for rent-free stays or if you have a house to exchange then a house swap holiday could be an option. Use sites that compare hotels and / or hostels such as Hotels Combined, Trivago or Expedia. AirBnB can have some great offers, too. For backpackers, check out HostelBookers and Hostelworld. Campsites are another option, whether you have a tent, caravan or hire a cabin there. This can be a really cheap way to travel. Often, the more budget-style accommodation such as hostels are cheerful places where you can meet people, explore new places, and swap books. If you’re travelling alone, it’s a great way to get social. And whether you are staying in a hotel or hostel, booking a place that includes breakfast can save you money, too – as well as time. 
• Sometimes, sites like Scoopon or Groupon have good value package deals, with lots of accommodation around Australia on offer as well as places like Thailand and Bali. Within Australia, think country escapes, resorts with luxurious pools and entertainment, outback retreats and beach houses. Have a look if you need some inspiration!
• I’m not an advocate for credit cards, but if you are in the market for one, why not get one that gets you frequent flyer points while you shop? Some other cards offer points too, like FlyBuys and Everyday Rewards. 
• Take a backpack, not a suitcase. It’s easier to get around, meaning you can walk shorter distances between hotels, train stations etc instead of having to call a taxi. Backpacks versus suitcases is a personal preference, and also depends on your trip. If you’re going to just one destination, a suitcase might be easier. I personally love backpacks because they are easier to carry, force you to pack less, and are a godsend on stairs! It encourages walking which is not only free but is also great exercise (and helps make up for all the local desserts you’re probably going to try!)

During your trip

• If you’re adventurous, travelling overnight can save you a heap of money on accommodation. Weigh up whether you can sleep on a train or bus and whether it’s safe to do so. Then, enjoy the destination during the day. 
•  If you’re in a city, check out their free walking tours. They are literally everywhere. You can also Google ‘free things to do’ in your area and ask your host for tips. If you have time, self-guided tours are a lot cheaper than paid ones and give you more flexibility.
• Buy a local sim. Don't use international roaming! Many travellers rely on wifi only, which is great as it’s free, but doesn’t help you when you’re out and about exploring and need to find out if something is open, or if you need to access online maps. 
• Keep restaurants as a treat, especially if you’re on a longer trip. Eat at local markets (some are better than others!) or shop at a supermarket and cook your own food. Although, a huge part of travelling for me personally is experiencing local food, so the supermarket option is not an exciting one!

Other notes:

• Haggling is a common practice for travellers in some shops and markets, and even for some services. While it’s almost expected in some places, particularly in developing countries, be mindful of how you do it. The concept of ‘being ripped off’ does exist sometimes – but think carefully about who is really losing out when you haggle too much, and how you are affecting the locals. I once saw a couple in Mexico argue over $2. It was in a small village, where the women spent months weaving the most incredible place mats. They didn’t make the sale because the couple couldn’t let the $2 go. It was stressful for the women, and really frustrating to observe. So always think carefully about what that money's worth to you, and what it might be worth to the person you’re haggling with. People boasting about their ‘good deals’ while ripping off the locals is my travelling pet hate.
• Make sure to get travel insurance – it’s an absolute must-have for travel, particularly for medical cover and especially if you are travelling internationally.
• Take ear plugs. They’re great in hostel dorm rooms if you’re a light sleeper, and on overnight transport.
• Always have a ‘margin of safety’ in your budget. Things can, and will, go wrong!
• Remember why you’re travelling. Usually it’s to get away, to explore somewhere new, to take a break from the daily grind. Sometimes being really strict with budgeting can put extra strain on the trip. You want to enjoy it – so the more ‘leeway’ you have financially, the less you’ll need to think about it with each decision you make on your trip. If you’re travelling for a short period only, see what you can prepay – also a good way not to think about money while on the trip.

Safe and happy travels!