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Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing life-changing experiences. For any woman looking to explore the world in a meaningful way, smart budgeting can allow for longer trips, deeper cultural connections, and even a little indulgence when needed. Here’s how to save for travel and stretch your budget while on the road, ensuring a truly transformative adventure.
Part 1: How to Save for Travel and Make It a Priority
Create a Dedicated Travel Fund
Why not set up a separate savings account specifically for travel and automate a monthly transfer. Even small amounts—£20, £50, or whatever you can manage—add up quickly. Apps like Monzo or Revolut allow you to create “pots” for different goals, keeping your travel savings separate. I did this with my girlfriends for a trip to Lisbon to celebrate our 50th birthdays. By the time we went (a little late due to COVID delays), our pot of £25 per month, paid for our flights, accommodation and most of our meals!
Prioritize Experiences Over Things
Evaluate your spending habits. Could that daily coffee or subscription service be swapped for travel savings? Consider DIY beauty treatments, selling unused items, or cutting down on impulse purchases to redirect funds toward experiences. Any savings or money you make can be added into your travel fund, making it add up even faster.
Maximize Travel Loyalty Programs
Join airline and hotel loyalty schemes like British Airways Avios, Hilton Honors, or Booking.com Genius. Even if you don’t travel frequently, shopping through airline partner sites can help rack up points for free flights or accommodation.
Choose the Right Credit/Debit Cards
Use travel-friendly credit cards that earn miles or offer no foreign transaction fees. Many have sign-up bonuses that can cover part of a flight or a few hotel nights. Just ensure you pay off balances to avoid interest charges. In addition, choose a debit or credit card with low international withdrawal fees (Monzo, Wise, or Revolut are great options). When paying abroad, also always opt for local currency to avoid unfavourable exchange rates.
I am a member of the British Airways Executive Club and have a dedicated AMEX card. Every £ I spend on the card, earns me Avios points for flights. In addition, when I reach a threshold, I get a Companion Voucher, giving me and a companion free flights. Last year I chose Namibia with my partner and our return journey to Johannesburg was free! They are currently offering 10,000 bonus points if you sign up using THIS LINK and there are no fees.
I also use Monzo all the time while I am travelling as they allow £200/month withdrawals overseas without fees and you are not charged for transactions. If you want to click the link HERE, you can sign up and get £10 to spend. For full transparency, if you use these links, I will also earn points/a small referral fee for which I thank you!
Book in Advance – But Stay Flexible
Planning ahead secures the best deals on flights, accommodation, and activities. However, remain flexible with dates and destinations to take advantage of last-minute deals or off-peak discounts. Peak season will always be considerably more expensive. Just checking the days and weeks before your ideal time, could offer big differences in flight price and availability. In addition, many airlines and comparison sites offer a month’s view, so you can see the cheapest times and make your decisions from there. Travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is often cheaper
Track Sales and Error Fares
Sign up for fare alerts from Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Secret Flying to grab limited-time airfare deals. Airlines often have seasonal sales—so planning around them can save hundreds. If you are in the UK, sign up to Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares. Tour companies also have regular sales, for example G Adventures are currently offering 15% off selected trips if you book in March, or 25% for Antarctica 25/26 departures. I have used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galápagos and would highly recommend them.
Part 2: How to Travel Cheaper (so you can go for Longer… or more Often 😉!)
Be Open to Alternative Destinations
Choosing less expensive countries means your budget goes further. Instead of Paris or London, consider Portugal, Greece, or the Balkans in Europe. Click on any of the links for more of my recommendations, such as the best walk in London, how to spend 24 hours in Paris, my guide for first-time Greek Island hopping or visiting Albania and Bulgaria (pictured above) on a trip around the Balkans. In Asia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines offer stunning experiences at a fraction of Western prices. For my guide to visiting the Caribbean for less, click HERE.
Use Affordable and Free Accommodation Options
Boutique guesthouses and homestays: More affordable and culturally immersive than hotels.
House sitting: Stay in beautiful homes for free by pet-sitting, like I did in the Cayman Islands throughTrusted Housesitters.
Hostels and co-living spaces: Many now cater to solo travellers over 40, offering private rooms with social perks.
Couchsurfing: Free stays with locals willing to share their culture.
Host A Sister: A Facebook page which encourages women across the world to share their homes with visitors for free.
Find Free and Low-Cost Activities
Many museums are completely free or offer free-entry days. Hiking, beach days, and exploring nature are rejuvenating and low-cost activities. Or keep an eye out for local festivals and events. One of my favourite travel activities is hunting down free walking tours (many operate on tips!) which can provide invaluable historic and cultural context on the destination e.g. Reykjavik, Sofia, Tirana and La Paz to name a few I have had the pleasure of experiencing.
Also consider…
Travel Slowly – Rushing through destinations can be costly. Slow travel (staying in one place longer) reduces transport expenses and allows for deeper cultural immersion.
Embrace Local and Public Transport – Instead of taxis, walk, take buses, metros, or trains to experience daily life firsthand. Apps like Rome2Rio and Moovit help navigate public transit systems worldwide.
Hunt for Discounts and Travel Passes – Consider city tourism cards for multiple attractions, student, senior, or teacher discounts (even midlife travellers can qualify!) or rail passes for extensive train travel.
Be Savvy with Booking Platforms – Compare prices across multiple sites but also contact accommodation directly to negotiate better rates or perks (e.g., free breakfast or an upgraded room).
Eat Like a Local – Shop at local markets and cook some of your own meals. Street food is safe, delicious, and a fraction of restaurant prices. Refill a reusable water bottle to save on bottled water and reduce plastic waste.
Cut Costs on Breakfast and Snacks – Buffet breakfasts in hotels can be expensive. Instead, grab pastries from a local bakery or fruit from a market for a cheaper, more authentic experience.
Consider Work-Exchange and Volunteering – Platforms like Workaway, Worldpackers, and WWOOF allow travellers to work a few hours a day in exchange for accommodation and meals, stretching a budget for months.
Be Smart About Travel Insurance – Never skip insurance to save money! A medical emergency abroad can wipe out your budget in minutes. Look for plans that cover cancellations, delays, and adventure activities.
Keep an Emergency Fund – Always set aside extra funds for unexpected expenses, whether it’s a missed flight, a spontaneous opportunity, or a last-minute accommodation change.
Finally, invest in Transformational Experiences – even on a budget!
Not all savings should go towards cutting costs. Some splurges – like a unique cooking class like THIS ONE in Hoi An (Vietnam), a guided trek like Tet Paul in St Lucia, or a wellness retreat—can enhance your journey and create memories that last a lifetime.
Budget travel isn’t just about spending less – it’s about spending smartly so you can travel longer, deeper, and more meaningfully. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy transformative experiences without breaking the bank.
If you have found all this information useful, there is loads more where this came from in my new programme – Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey, the essential course for women ready to turn their travel dreams into reality! If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start, overwhelmed by planning, or hesitant about travelling solo, this step-by-step programme is your roadmap to adventure. Check out all the details HERE or reply to this email to learn more.
So, what’s your top budget travel tip? Let me know if there is anything I’ve missed. Hit reply to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
Dreaming of a tropical escape? Discover the best things to do in St. Lucia—a breathtaking island in the heart of the Caribbean! From lush rainforests to stunning beaches, this video highlights the must-see spots that make St. Lucia a paradise for adventurers and beach lovers alike. Over a month spent on the island, I explore the iconic Pitons, relax in the rejuvenating Sulphur Springs, and discover the best spots for snorkelling. I try my hand at making chocolate at Hotel Chocolat, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Marigot Bay, and unwind on Sugar Beach. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, check out my must-do highlights for yourself HERE.
Missed any of my previous emails or maybe just joined the community? I have recently added all the newsletters from 2024 to the blog to read or download HERE. Why not explore my top tips for hiking the Camino de Santiago, join me experiencing a roof tent on our car in Namibia, or my essential guide to travel vaccinations HERE.
Fear of Flying? Check out THIS article with expert tips – Afar Magazine
Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – The Best Greek Islands to Visit in the Cyclades
Blog – What to do in Tirana, Albania – Top 20 Activities for Your Perfect Visit
Video – Ultimate St Lucia Travel Guide – Best Things to Do!
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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