9 Guaranteed Tips to Travel Abroad like a Boss on under $100 a day
Traveling like a millionaire doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of savvy planning and some insider tips, you can experience luxury on a budget. Whether you’re dreaming of exotic destinations, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, here are nine strategies to help you travel like a boss on less than $100 a day and still get more out of your experience than ever!
Embrace Off-Season Travel:
One of the best ways to save money while traveling is by visiting destinations during their off-peak seasons. Accommodation prices drop significantly, and attractions are often less crowded. Research the shoulder seasons or offseason for your desired location and take advantage of lower prices on flights, accommodations, and activities.
Use Google Flights as a tool to find cheap flights all over the world! Use your credit card points as well to use towards a flight, that is a huge way to get amazing benefits and flights for practically nothing. Find a good travel credit card that will earn you points and put them towards a dream vacation!
Opt for Budget-Friendly Accommodations
If you’re in your twenties, single or not, then you know that Airbnbs or Hostels are the way to go to stay somewhere for cheap. Websites like Airbnb, Hostelworld, and Booking.com offer a wide range of affordable options that provide comfort and convenience without the hefty price tag. You can also look into house-sitting opportunities, where you can stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for looking after their property! If you’re staying internationally for a few weeks or so then this is a terrific option where you could stay in an entire house for free.
If you’re older and do want to splurge for the fancier hotels, or maybe you have kids, then finding luxury hotels is the route that you’re okay going. Again, using credit card points to book free stays is something that you’re going to want to do. As well as booking stays during the week vs the weekend and booking months and months in advance.
Also look to book off the hotels website directly, over a third-party. This will help in prices as well as customer service if you have a cancellation or something else comes up with your stay. All these little strategies will help you save money when booking for accommodation.
Travel Light and Smart
Packing light not only saves you money on baggage fees but also gives you flexibility during your travels. Invest in versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, and consider doing laundry yourself rather than paying for expensive hotel services. Additionally, opt for a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid unnecessary charges when making purchases abroad.
Eat like a Local
Dining out at fancy restaurants can quickly eat up your travel budget. Instead, immerse yourself in the local culture by sampling street food, visiting markets, and dining at local eateries. Not only are these options more budget-friendly, but they also offer authentic culinary experiences that you won’t find in touristy restaurants. I love getting street food in new places. That’s an authentic experience right there and you will be immersing yourself into the culture of a new place better than a real fancy, touristy restaurant ever could!
Be sure to ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Take a city food tour to see the best spots, all food included, history and culture all explained to you and for not much money at all! If you wish to have a nice dining experience while you’re there then by all means go for it. I enjoy a nice meal when I’m visiting a new place or country too, nothing wrong with splurging for that, just maybe every night don’t opt for the expensive restaurant. Instead buy groceries and snacks for breakfast and lunch. Eat cheap. Eat locally.
Take Advantage of Free Activities:
Many destinations offer a wealth of free or low-cost activities that allow you to experience the culture and natural beauty of the area without spending a fortune. Explore public parks, visit museums on free admission days, join walking tours, or simply wander through charming neighborhoods. Research local festivals and events happening during your visit, as they often showcase the best of the destination’s culture and entertainment for little to no cost.
People love to pack their day full of activities and expensive excursions. Sometimes the best way to immerse yourself in a new city and learn the culture is to simply be present in the moment. Live like the locals. People watch at a cafe, stroll through the park, have a picnic by the water etc. These are all free or very cheap ways to have an amazing time in a new place.
Use Public Transportation
If you’re visiting a new city or country where it’s populated then there is no reason to rent a car. Of course if you’re out in the country side, visiting a national park or something like that then you may have to rent a car, but if you’re visiting a country or populated city with public transportation then you should always take advantage of that.
Skip the expensive taxi or Uber rides and opt for public transportation instead. Most cities have efficient and affordable bus, subway, or tram systems that can take you to major attractions and neighborhoods. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass for unlimited travel, which can save you even more money compared to buying individual tickets. If walking is feasible, lace up your shoes and explore the city on foot to soak in the sights and sounds up close.
A lot of cities have bike rental options as well where you can rent a bike and take it to your destination and just leave it there when you’re done with it. Bikes, scooters etc are great options for being able to see more of the city all while avoiding that car rental cost or taxi cost. You will save money in the long run as well.
If you HAVE to rent a car, sometimes I do when visiting a new National Park, then always opt for the not fancy, small compact car with good gas mileage. You can get some great cars for less than $30 a day that won’t break your bank on gas either !
Stay Open-Minded and Make Sacrifices:
The key to traveling like a millionaire on a budget is to stay flexible and open-minded. Be willing to adjust your plans on the fly, take advantage of last-minute deals, and embrace unexpected opportunities that come your way. By staying adaptable and focusing on experiences rather than material comforts, you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
You will have to make some sacrifices if you want to travel, but it is entirely possible. If you want to save money then you will potentially have to sacrifice your comfort. But hey, you’re exploring a new country, you’re in a new place. Take it all in and try to live like someone on a budget. It makes me upset when I hear people say that can’t travel or don’t want to because they don’t want to spend the money.
I’ve heard tons of stories of people who say “I regret not traveling more.” I’ve never heard people say “I regret taking that trip and spending that money on a once in a lifetime experience. ”
Travel is the only thing that we can spend money on that will make us richer. Read that again.
Volunteer or Work Exchange Programs:
Consider participating in volunteer or work exchange programs that offer free accommodation and meals in exchange for your time and skills. Websites like Workaway, HelpX, and WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connect travelers with hosts around the world who need assistance with various projects, such as farming, teaching, or eco-building. Not only do these programs provide a budget-friendly way to travel, but they also offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in local communities, learn new skills, and make meaningful connections with people from different cultures. Just be sure to research the organization and read reviews from past participants to ensure a positive and rewarding experience.
I have a friend who has worked in several different places over the summer as part of a summer work group. She gets free accommodation for the summer and a job in a new place! She worked at Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a zip line instructor, Catalina Island, California, and Costa Rica! This is obviously for younger kids or students who don’t have a full-time career yet, but can be a fun and inexpensive way to travel the world, meet new people and learn more about what you want to do in life.
Maximize Credit Card Points and Rewards:
The best for last. One of my favorite ones and one of the best things you can do to save money. Utilize credit card points and rewards to stretch your travel budget even further. Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, points for every dollar spent, and redemption options for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. By strategically using your credit card for everyday purchases and paying off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, you can accumulate points quickly and redeem them for free or discounted travel.
Keep an eye out for special promotions and bonus categories that allow you to earn extra points, and consider combining points from multiple cards for maximum value.
The best Travel cards to use are Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture card, Chase Freedom Unlimited to name a few. I have the Sapphire and I love it! You will pay a small annual fee, but that is nothing compared to how much you will be saving with the card.
Traveling doesn’t have to be a distant dream reserved for the wealthy elite. By following these nine tips, you can explore the world in style while sticking to a budget of under $100 a day. From off-season adventures to immersive cultural experiences, the possibilities are endless when you know how to make the most of your travel funds. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to live the high life without spending a fortune. For 10 easy ways to travel through Europe on a budget, check out that article as well.