I’ve reached my mid 20’s and am still balling on a budget especially when I travel. Don’t get me wrong I love to splurge every once in a while especially on an overpriced latte. However, the travel bug is so real and I visited over 15 countries last year so saving money where you can allows for more opportunities to travel. These are my tips on how I save money while I’m exploring a new country.

Work for an Airline or a Job that Pays to Travel

Sounds silly, but having the free flights has saved me thousands of dollars and has allowed me to go on trips last minute. Becoming a flight attendant has allowed my world travel dreams to come true. If you’re not up for this career no worries, a remote job that you enjoy would also allow you to work from anywhere!

A workaway is a great idea to see a country while getting paid! I’ve never tried it, but have had friends who have worked as au pairs and loved it!

Credit Card Points

If you don’t work for an airline or have no desire to, I totally understand. Racking up credit card points can help with cutting down the flight costs. This is how I pay for some of my accommodations while I travel so look into travel credit cards to earn points for daily purchases. I want to get more into credit card hacking this year!

Credit Cards to look into:

Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Platinum Card - American Express
Capitol One Venture

Hostels

new friends from my hostel in Switzerland

Saving on accommodation also cuts out a major expense I always book on the plane so I know I’m for sure going. The last minute booking doesn’t always work in my favor, but so far I’ve had good luck finding sweet hostels at the last minute. Hostelworld is truly a godsend. This is also the best way to meet like minded people while you travel. If you’re worried about safety I always choose an all female room just to ensure my safety a little bit more.

Limit Paid Activities

sunrise at moraine lake and the views were free

It’s so tempting to splurge on all of the touristy things so pick and choose a couple of paid activities that don’t completely break the bank. If you like museums that’s a great option or if you’re an adrenaline junky like me parasailing in the swiss alps would be my one splurge.

Getting lost on your own walking tour in a new city is such a great way to experience a new place and get your steps in. I enjoy hiking which is typically free as well!

Eat at Grocery Stores

I love experiencing what other countries' grocery stores are like and they are typically the cheapest option for food. This is how we saved so much money in Switzerland and got to try some fun things we normally wouldn’t. Even a quick pastry and pre-made coffee in the morning can save you from an expensive cafe. I am a big foodie so I choose to splurge on a few meals from restaurants I was looking forward to rather than eating out every meal.

Use Public Transportation

In places like Asia and Europe their public transportation is so well run so save money from using uber or a taxi.

Create Content From Your Travels

I love documenting my travels so take social media seriously when you do. My dream is to eventually work with brands while I travel so I can make some income from what I already love to do! It’s even so fun just to look back on and reminisce on your travels

Sim Cards and Getting Currency

If you have tmobile you’re so set their international plan is super solid. Verizon is 10 per day which can add up if you’re gone for a while. A sim card is a cheaper option to be able to use your phone. I would recommend having some currency when you travel to a new country. Most places accept Visa, however I was glad to have some cash for the few places that wouldn’t accept it. Make sure the exchange rate is solid before taking currency out.

I also always recommend downloading offline maps from google maps in case there is no service in some spots. It’s so easy to download on wifi before you’re trip and is such a great backup.

Use International Connections

I’ve reached out to the most random friends of friends of friends for recommendations which usually leads to either a place to stay, new friend and a local perspective. Trust me just reach out because it means a lot to be able to meet up with someone even if they are a stranger at first. I had a friend from middle school let me stay in Zurich, my family friends sister meet up to show me around the island in New Zealand and pay for my breakfast, and a guy I met on a road trip hosted me in Amsterdam for a couple of nights! It pays off I promise!

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Happy traveling <3

How to Travel on a Budget in Your 20s