The Ultimate Guide to Traveling On a Budget

Did you know that 68 percent of people skip out on luxuries, like vacations, because of money concerns? At the end of the day, the bills need to be paid, and sometimes that means instead of spending money to experience the adventures life has to offer, you spend money on bills. 

However, what if there were a way you could do both? What if you knew that you did not have to sacrifice experiencing life because you can barely pay for life? It’s not easy, and you may have to skip a few things; however, traveling on a budget is possible. 

Keep reading to learn some great tips and tricks on how to travel on a budget. 

Vacation Is Not a Luxury

To really kick this off, the first thing that you must understand is that vacation is not a luxury. Vacation is self-care. Too many people consider vacation a luxury and work themselves to the point of burning out to have the ability to afford that luxury. 

This mindset needs to get eliminated. Even if you take a vacation to a city two hours away, take it! Take a staycation if you must, but take the time to build back into yourself, so you do not find yourself burned out and sacrificing your mental health. 

The Joys of Traveling on a Budget

I am going to take a minute to introduce myself to those who do not know me. My name is Cin (gamer/writing name), and I love traveling, gaming, and writing. Often when I get done working for the day as a Freelance Writer, I spend time writing for fun. 

It’s a different kind of writing, so it counts, right? However, one of the best parts of being a freelance writer is it affords me the ability to work from anywhere. Because of this, you will often find me in various places across the continental US. 

Do I have a budget that allows me to travel wherever I want whenever I want? No. However, I love to find ways to travel to and explore new places on a budget. 

My life may appear expensive from the outside, but I do everything possible to travel at minimal costs. As I have enjoyed the journey of traveling on a budget, I have learned a few tips and tricks that I can now share with you. 

Getting to Your Destination

Getting to your destination is often one of the most expensive parts of traveling. It might make more sense economically to drive to your destination. However, if time is an issue or the destination is too far to drive, you may need to fly or take another mode of transportation. 

You can find cheap flights, but you must shop around. In addition, take the time to compare different days. Sometimes it costs less to fly during the week versus the weekend. 

One of the keys to traveling on a budget is preparation. A lot of research is needed to make it happen, but it can happen. 

If you are able to drive, this is one of the best ways to travel. Not only do you get to explore your destination, but when it comes to a road trip, it is as much about the journey as the destination. 

Gas prices are the trickiest part when it comes to road trips. However, there are three resources you can utilize that will really help with the cost of gas. 

Gas Buddy

Gas Buddy is an app you are able to download on your phone. With this app, you are able to find the gas prices around you and pick the best price around. 

If you want to take the app a step further, you can order a Gas Buddy card. You can connect this card to your bank account and then use it to pay for your fuel at the pump. When you use your Gas Buddy card to pay, you get five cents off per gallon.

If you sign up for a Gas Buddy membership, you can get 20 cents off a gallon at the pump for the first 40 gallons, and then it switches to five cents per gallon again. Certain gas stations also offer extra deals that can be activated within the Gas Buddy app. 

Costco and Sams Club

Depending on the area you live in, grab a Costco or Sam’s Club membership. Not only will that allow you to shop there, but the gas prices are often lower at their fuel stations. 

Flying J

Flying J is a great pit stop for travelers. However, if you have a Flying J card, you can earn money off at the pump, and anytime you use your Flying J card, you automatically get three cents off per gallon. 

If you download the Flying J app, you can plan your road trip route and stops based on where Flying J locations are and the gas prices. 

Finding a Place to Stay

While the actual act of getting to your destination can be costly, finding a place to stay is even more costly. It is no secret that hotel rooms are expensive. With even a cheap hotel running close to 100 dollars a night, the cost of a hotel can quickly add up. 

If you are road tripping, you may be concerned about paying for places to sleep along the way and then paying for the hotel at your destination. However, if you are willing to be creative, there are solutions to this as well. 

Free Camping

Did you know that there are many locations around the US that you can camp for free or for a very low cost? While KOA’s are nice at the end of the day, their costs are high. If you are willing to pay for the luxury, the cost can be lower than what you would pay at a hotel. 

However, websites such as freecampsites.net allow you to find campgrounds that are free or very inexpensive. Many of these sites are a little off the beaten path, so be prepared for that. 

However, while traveling, many truck stops will also allow you to park and take a nap. This is a great solution if your destination takes a couple of days to get to.

When utilizing free campsites and truck stops, be respectful. Check with the manager to make sure they allow overnight parking. Grab a drink or gas while you’re there to show your appreciation. 

Many free campsites are on BLM land. This land is free, but it is our responsibility to take care of it. These sites often do not have facilities or garbage. It is important that what you bring in, you take back out with you. 

This not only keeps the land clean but helps ensure that people will be able to use the site for years to come. 

When utilizing free camping, make sure you have a gym membership! You can shower at the gym. If your gym is not in the area, you can also pay for a shower at a truck stop. 

Consider Your Destination

Do you have a friend nearby? Someone who may let you crash with them while you visit? This not only gives you the opportunity to visit friends or family you have not seen in a while, but it allows for a place to stay that doesn’t amount to hundreds of dollars. 

Be a respectful guest, and you will ensure you have a friend to visit in the years to come. 

If You Must Have a Hotel

At the end of the day, if you must have a hotel, sign up for a service with a rewards program. Many websites not only help you find discount rates but offer you rewards when you book through them. Hotels.com and Wyndham Rewards are great examples of this. 

Bonus, if you have AAA many hotels will offer discounted rates to members. 

Finding Things to Do

You made it to your destination and you have a place to stay. What should you do? The tips and tricks in this section are all about finding discounts and free things to do. 

Visit the Local Welcome Center

Welcome centers are valuable resources, especially if they are staffed. The staff can often point you to some great attractions you may not have found online and can help point you to budget attractions. 

You can also gather brochures and coupon books at a Welcome Center. This will help with planning what you are going to do throughout the days and costs. 

Check Out Groupon

For your more expensive activities, hop on Groupon. This is a great way to get a discount at various attractions. If you utilize Ibotta, they often have money back through Groupon, which will allow you to double up on rewards. If you’re not on Ibotta, check it out, and use my referral link! 

Research Online

With many places being online, you can easily find things to do on a budget online. Try googling “free things to do near me” or “things to do on a budget near me.” If you want to plan your itinerary before hitting the road, just swap out near me for the location. 

Get a National Park Pass

If you love spending time in Nature, you need a National Park Pass. If you visit a National Park more than twice a year, your pass will more than pay for itself.

Not only will you get to experience beautiful sites and create memories, but there are a lot of new things you can learn at the parks. 

Eating On Vacation

If you are concerned about the cost of eating out while on vacation, then don’t. If you are camping, cook over the fire or add a camping cooking stove to your collection of gear. 

You can visit the store and buy food for lunches and snacks, and water. This will help greatly reduce your costs. Add in money back from Ibotta, and you are golden. 

Plan Your Adventure Today 

Are you ready to hit the road? Start planning your next adventure today with these tips for traveling on a budget. Did you enjoy these tips and tricks?

We will be building up our travel section with different trips I have personally taken; keep checking back for more! In the meantime, hit up my home page for a gallery of some of my favorite pictures that have been taken while traveling.