The number one reason people usually refrain from traveling is based on financial reasons. Traveling can be expensive, but there are always ways to get around it (just don’t expect to be staying in any five star hotels). Don’t let money and five star hotels get in the way of you exploring the world. Here are ways to travel (short-term and long- term) while you are on a budget!

via saveup.com

1. The most important thing to do before embarking on a trip is to start saving your money a couple months before. Don’t spend your money on items you don’t actually need and stop eating out! Start cooking your own meals at home. Try to refrain from buying alcoholic drinks or coffee from Starbucks every morning because they can definitely start to rack up the bill.

via free2befrugal.com

2. Travel to less cities (especially if you are going to Europe). Buying train and/or plane tickets to travel to different cities can become very costly. Stick with two or three cities you really want to see.

3. If you are planning to stay abroad for a longer time, consider working overseas as a/an:

Au pair, bartender, hostel worker, waitress/waiter, farm worker, dive instructor (some certification required), tour guide, cruise ship worker, casino worker, seasonal worker at ski resorts

These are some websites to check out for working abroad:

www.ciee.org — Council on International Educational Exchange Work Abroad Progra

www.allianceabroad.com — Alliance Abroad

www.bunac.org/usa — BUNAC

4. Teach Abroad

Teaching abroad makes great money (especially in Asia) and is a great way to support yourself while traveling around the world.

via projects-abroad.org

5.  Find free flights

If you have enough miles, you can use them towards free flights around the world.

via science.howstuffworks.com

6. FLY SMART: Check out www.ryanair.com, www.easyjet.com or www.flymonarch.com.

7. Airbnb

With Airbnb, you can have your cake and eat it too. You can stay in a nice place that is also an affordable price. Airbnb is a website that connects users with property to rent with users looking to rent the space. www.airbnb.com 

via thepointsguy.com

8. Cook your own meals

Instead of going out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, try to cook two out of three of your meals daily. Especially breakfast. Buy some bananas from the local grocery store to use for your breakfast. And yes, experiencing food is a huge part of traveling, but the money can really add up. Cooking a nice meal in a different country is also a great experience. Plan on having a nice dinner out at a restaurant twice a week.

via nytimes.com

9. Use hostels

Hostels are far from five star hotels, but they are very convenient and cheap. Check out www.hostels.com.

10. Student and discount cards

There are so many discounts just for being a student. Use them to your advantage.

11. Find friends or family to stay with.

This option becomes especially useful if you are not comfortable with couch surfing or staying in hostels. If you have friends or family who live in the destination you are traveling to, then use them to your advantage. Ask them if you can crash on their couch for a couple of nights. I’m sure they will be more than happy to assist.

What do you do to save money while traveling? Let me know!