Do you have wanderlust and are itching to get away, but only have a limited budget? No problem! Traveling on a tight budget is not only a real challenge, but also a fantastic adventure! Whether you’re planning a tour of Europe, a beach vacation, or a long-distance backpacking trip: Here are our best tips and destinations for low-budget travel!

Just because money is tight right now doesn’t mean you should let that stop you from exploring the world. Quite the opposite: these kinds of trips are precisely the ones that allow us to leave our comfort zone behind. At the end of the journey, it’s the new and exciting experiences we’ll talk about and fondly remember – not the top-notch hotel service or the five-star buffet. To help you plan your perfect trip on a budget, we’ve compiled the best tips and affordable alternatives here.

1.Discover great accommodations on a   budget and embark on adventures

Whether it’s campsites, couchsurfing, or affordable Airbnbs: you can save money, especially on accommodation. There are few places closer to nature than a campsite. But particularly in Europe, there are also many campsites near cities, making it possible to combine camping with a city break. You can find a good overview at PiNCAMP , for example . If you want to save even more money, bring your own tent.

Campsites: Campsite Central SwedenWant to stay with locals for free and connect with them? Couchsurfing makes it possible . But if you’re considering this experience, don’t just do it for the cost. It’s best to be open, spontaneous, and flexible, and to genuinely want to get to know your host. Bringing a gift from home, cooking together, and doing things together are all part of the Couchsurfing experience. Very important: When choosing your host, look for plenty of good reviews.

2. Book smart – these tips will help you   save on accommodation

Want to save money when booking accommodation? There are a few tricks: With Booking.com, it’s worth using the mobile version, as prices are often cheaper there. Registered customers, known as Genius members, receive an extra 10-15% discount at some accommodations. And did you know that as an Amazon Prime member, you get 10% of the room rate back added to your savings when you book through Booking.com ? It’s always worth comparing prices. So be sure to check the accommodation’s website as well! In many cases, it’s worth contacting the provider directly, as they can often offer better deals. Other comparison portals include Hotels.com, dhr.com, Expedia, and Opodo.

For those looking to travel on a budget, Expedia’s Click&Mix booking option is worth checking out. Here, you book your flight and hotel together, which is often cheaper overall. You can save even more after booking with pruvo.net: If you’ve booked accommodation with free cancellation, the platform regularly checks prices for the same property after you’ve booked. If it finds a better deal, you’ll be notified.

3. Use local supermarkets instead of touristy ones.

In tourist areas, near large hotel complexes or holiday home developments, you’ll often find tourist supermarkets and kiosks. We’ve all been there: you forgot your sunscreen at home, and now it costs three times as much at the supermarket. Local shops are often a bit further away from tourist centers, but they’re frequently not only cheaper but also much more authentic. Here, in addition to the experience of shopping abroad, you can buy local food and meet locals.

Local supermarkets instead of tourist stores: fruit and vegetables

4. Eat cheap and authentic food while   traveling

Hotels often have the disadvantage that self-catering is rarely possible, forcing you to rely on the hotel buffet or eating out. Accommodations with a small kitchenette or shared kitchen, such as a holiday apartment, cabin, or hostel, are a good way to save money on food. To avoid spending a lot of money while traveling, you can pack small snacks and meals that are leak-proof and easy to transport: granola bars, apples, crispbread, nuts, or dried fruit.

But eating out doesn’t have to be expensive: In many countries, you can eat well for very little money. For example, on long-distance trips to Asian countries. At the famous night markets, you can find great dishes for as little as 2 euros. In Bangkok, for instance, you can find inexpensive street food on almost every corner. At street food stalls and in local restaurants, you also get a taste of the culture and the chance to interact with the locals – and they, too, depend on tourism revenue, so your money stays in the local community and supports the country’s economy.

5. Avoid tourist traps and focus on free   attractions.

What you should do before every trip : Research online and browse travel blogs. There’s no better way to find out which places are worth visiting – and which aren’t. Tourist attractions are crowd-pullers that are often overcrowded and overpriced. Perhaps the beautiful sight of the Eiffel Tower is enough, and for a great view over Paris , you can visit a cheaper and less crowded viewpoint like the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge. It’s not far from the Eiffel Tower, and you’ll have a beautiful panorama from there.

On so-called free walking tours , which are now offered in almost every city, you also get a good first impression and only pay a tip.

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