How to Travel Cheaply: All Tips in One Place

Cheap tickets and travel are the goal of many travelers, but how to achieve it? Over many years I’ve tried various tactics and strategies that help travel cheaper, but not worse. Today I’ll share all my accumulated knowledge on how to travel smartly and not empty your wallet.

When we talk about cheap tickets and travel, the most important thing is to find the right tools and time to buy tickets. Most often, the largest part of the travel budget is “eaten up” by flight tickets, but there are ways to reduce these costs.

Use travel search platforms:

• Kiwi.com – my best friend when planning trips. Can find not only cheap tickets for travel, but also combine different airlines’ flights into one route – this way often manages to find incredibly good prices! In addition, I regularly check Skyscanner and Momondo – each platform sometimes “spits out” different offers. Also, they provide “Kiwi.com Guarantee”, ensuring protection against missed connections on certain routes, which can be very useful when planning more complex trips.

Besides Kiwi.com, I regularly check Skyscanner and Momondo – each of these platforms sometimes offers something unique.

• Skyscanner – great choice when you need to compare prices between airlines and agencies. Like that you can choose “whole month” or even “cheapest month” – this is very useful if you have a flexible travel schedule.
• Momondo – similar to Skyscanner, sometimes surprises with unique offers that other platforms don’t notice. Their algorithms really know their job.
• Google Flights – convenient tool for those who like to visually see price changes by dates. Very useful if you’re looking for flexibility in both dates and routes. True, prices here usually reflect official airline tariffs, which are sometimes higher than alternatives offered by agencies. And also – you won’t be able to buy tickets directly, because Google Flights only redirects to sellers.

Tricks for finding cheap flights:

• When to buy tickets? – best to look for tickets 2–4 months before the flight – then prices are most wallet-friendly. Airlines are already starting to actively offer seats, but haven’t yet inspired great buyer appetite. And if you’re planning a weekend getaway or holiday trip, better not delay and prepare even earlier – in this case, procrastination costs dearly.
• Intercontinental flights – how to be clever here? – when you need to cross the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean expanses, better start looking for tickets 5–8 months in advance. For such long routes, airlines like to throw out sweet offers well before departure. So if you dream of Thai beaches, Bali rice terraces or New York skyscrapers, advance planning is your best friend.
• Magic of cheap days – Tuesdays and Wednesdays – it’s like the flight world’s “happy hour”. On these days tickets are often cheaper because neither businessmen nor tourists crowd into airports then. But Fridays and weekends – real money vampires, so if you can, avoid them like garlic.
• “Incognito” mode – When searching for tickets, turn on your browser’s incognito mode. Clever search engines like to notice your repeated searches and then, as if waving a magic wand, ticket prices jump up. With incognito you’ll look like a new traveler each time – and tickets will miraculously remain cheaper.
• Turn on “price alerts” – you’ll be informed about price drops
• Try the “Explore Anywhere” function – if you have flexibility and are looking for adventures, this function is like a ticket to travel paradise.

Where to travel?

Travel Guide: Around Europe!

Answer the questions, and our travel guide will choose a European destination for you! Find out where you can best relax, experience adventures, or dive into culture.

Accommodation: How to Find the Cheapest and Best Option?

Even after finding cheap tickets for travel, it’s important to remember that hotels are not always the best choice. Here are alternatives:

• Airbnb and Booking.com: these two platforms offer various apartment options that are ideal for longer stays. They provide not only more space compared to traditional hotels, but also a kitchen where you can prepare food. This is especially convenient for families, groups or those who want to save on meals or like to cook themselves. You can also choose between various locations – from city center to remote areas.
• Hostels – an economical choice that often attracts travelers who want to socialize and share impressions with others. Moreover, many hostels organize community events such as excursions, dinners or game nights that encourage social life. In larger cities you can find both simple shared rooms and private rooms for those who want more privacy.
• Couchsurfing – provides an opportunity to stay with locals for free, while establishing connections and experiencing authentic local culture. It’s a great way to avoid tourist stereotypes and get valuable tips about lesser-known places. Moreover, Couchsurfing often becomes cultural exchange, as travelers and hosts share their experiences, stories and even culinary traditions.
• HomeExchange – home exchange platform is a great way to travel almost for free. The principle is simple – homes are exchanged with another person or family, often without additional costs. This not only reduces accommodation costs but also provides an opportunity to stay in a comfortable, cozy environment that is often fully equipped.
• “Slow tourism” – it’s like taking a breath from crazy life pace and enjoying travel like a slow sip of good coffee, not a quick “espresso shot”. Instead of rushing to visit every tourist attraction, this travel style invites you to dive deeper: get to know local culture, customs, people and their daily life. Longer stay in one place allows not only to discover hidden places not stormed by tourist hordes, but also to feel the real rhythm of life. By the way, it’s more environmentally friendly – the less you travel by transport, the smaller your ecological footprint.
• Volunteering – such as “Workaway” or “WWOOF”. With “Workaway” you can get involved in various activities – from teaching languages or painting walls to helping care for animals. In return you get not only free accommodation and food, but also new skills and experiences. “WWOOF” invites you into the world of organic farming: want to learn how organic vegetables are grown, or learn to milk goats?

Cheap Tickets and Travel Don’t Stop at Just Flights – How to Save in the City:

• Buy daily or weekly public transport tickets – if you plan to actively use public transport, buy a daily or weekly ticket. Single tickets quickly eat up the budget, and with such passes you can run around the city as much as you want for a fixed price.
• Bicycle or scooter rental – many cities offer bicycle or scooter rental services.
• Walk more – it’s not only free but also allows you to get to know the city better
• Download city transport apps – sometimes there are special offers or discounts on tickets. Moreover, you’ll be able to see in real time when your bus will arrive, so you won’t have to wait at the stop for eternity.

Food: How to Eat Deliciously and Cheaply?

• Look for locals – local people are like walking guides: they know where to eat best, what to see and where to find the best deals. Noticed a line of locals at a café? That’s a sign that it’s not only delicious there, but the price won’t hurt either. Or just ask.
• Avoid tourist restaurant areas – restaurants near popular attractions often offer a nice view and… inadequate prices. A couple of streets away you’ll find places where real locals eat, not a crowd of tourists. Food there will be tastier, cheaper and definitely more authentic.
• Markets – not only a place to shop, but also a fun attraction. You can find fresh products, local delicacies and even taste things you’ve never seen. And if your accommodation has a kitchen, cook yourself too – delicious, cheap and completely to your taste.

Entertainment and Places to Visit

• Find out about free museum days – many museums offer free admission days, usually once a month. These days are popular, so be prepared for lines, but it’s a great opportunity to visit famous places without any budget shock.
• Participate in “Free Walking Tours” – wonderful way to get to know the city. Tours are often led by local guides who share not only facts but also interesting stories. Officially they’re free, but tips for the guide (according to your means and satisfaction) are always welcome.
• Get a “City Card” – Many cities offer “City Card” cards that include entrance to museums, attractions, sometimes even public transport. If you’re planning an active day, such a card can save a lot of money – sometimes up to 50%.
• Look for free local events – and of course, find out what’s happening in the city during your visit. Free concerts, art exhibitions, street festivals or even night markets – everything can become a great adventure. Look for information online or ask locals – they’ll gladly share recommendations.

Additional Tips:

Travel Insurance:

Although we try to save, travel insurance is essential! It will protect against unexpected costs due to lost luggage, health problems or canceled flights.

Practical Tips:

• Water is essential when traveling, so having your own bottle will not only save money but also reduce plastic use. In many countries, especially Europe and North America, tap water is completely safe to drink. Moreover, many airports have special water refill stations where you can conveniently refill your bottle after security check.
• Even if you have mobile internet, sometimes when traveling the signal can be weak or expensive due to roaming charges. Apps such as “Maps.me” or “Google Maps” allow you to download maps and use them without internet. This is especially useful when traveling to less developed regions or places where connection may be unstable.
• Review your luggage. Before packing your suitcase, think about whether you really need to carry large luggage. Often for trips up to a week, only carry-on luggage is enough, especially if you choose versatile clothes and reduce unnecessary items. This will help save money because most budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage, and with carry-on luggage you can move faster and more conveniently.
• Hotel chains, airlines and even travel booking platforms often offer loyalty programs. Accumulated points or special member offers can help save money in the long run. For example, some airlines offer free flights for accumulated miles, and hotels – free accommodation benefits, e.g., room upgrade or free breakfast.
• Use free Wi-Fi – Hotels, cafes, airports and even public places often offer free “Wi-Fi”. Before connecting, make sure the network is secure, and even better – use VPN to protect your personal data. However, sometimes free Wi-Fi is not enough, for example, when traveling to less developed areas or you need more reliable connection. In such case, eSIM technology becomes a great solution. Many modern phones support eSIM, allowing you to purchase and activate local or international mobile plans without a physical SIM card. It’s convenient, fast, and often cheaper than roaming charges.
• Consider “Revolut” and other credit cards for travel. Travel cards provide many benefits, and “Revolut” is one of the most popular choices among travelers. This card allows you to pay in more than 150 currencies with competitive exchange rates and no additional fees. Moreover, higher tier plans offer additional services such as travel insurance, airport lounge access and free cash withdrawals abroad (up to a certain limit).

Traveling with Children or Groups:

• Look for group tickets – when traveling with friends or family, always ask about group tickets. Many places – from museums to public transport – offer discounts for larger numbers of people. So, more people means not only more laughter but also less expense.
• Take advantage of children’s discounts in museums and transport – if traveling with little ones, exploit their “advantage”. Many museums, amusement parks and even transport systems offer children large discounts or completely free entrance. Let children not only travel but also help save.

When to Travel?

• Autumn and spring – true traveler’s friends! Weather is still (or already) good, and prices and crowds – much smaller. For example, in October in Rome you won’t have to jostle for a spot at the Trevi Fountain, and in April in Paris you can peacefully enjoy coffee without huge lines.
• Christmas, New Year or school holidays – real ticket price Olympics where everyone aims for “gold”. If you don’t want to overpay, avoid these periods like the plague.

Nevertheless, cheap tickets and travel are not some mythical unicorn, but a completely achievable reality.

And most importantly, take care of necessary documents.