Let’s talk about how to save money while traveling long-term. It’s many people’s dream but the costs can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Hannah and I have been traversing the globe full-time for 3 years now and saving money where possible is a big part of keeping us on the road and enjoying life.
With the right strategies, you can stretch your budget without compromising anything. You can even enhance your travel experience by introducing cost-saving measures to your travel itinerary.
Here are 10 practical tips to save money and make your long-term travel sustainable.
1. Embrace House Sitting for Free Accommodation
One of the best ways to cut travel costs is house sitting. By caring for someone’s home and pets, you get free accommodation in exchange. Top platforms like Trusted Housesitters connect travelers with homeowners worldwide. There are thousands of listings globally and membership starts at $129/year.
Key tip: Build a strong, verified profile and gather reviews by doing a few house sits close to home before trying to secure opportunities further afield. Plus save 25% with code BEACHES25 at checkout, click here to sign up.
2. Travel Slow
Slow travel not only helps you save money but also allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures. Staying longer in one place often reduces accommodation and transport costs. Many rentals offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays, especially on platforms like Airbnb.
Key tip: Many listings on Airbnb have big reductions for exactly 28-day stays (27 days usually doesn’t trigger the same discount). If there isn’t much discount consider extending your stay to 28 days or longer and negotiate with the host directly for a better discount.
3. Cook Your Own Meals
Dining out for every meal can drain your budget quickly. Renting accommodations and house sitting placements come with kitchen facilities that let you cook your meals and save significantly. Visit local markets for fresh and affordable ingredients.
Key tip: Save money while traveling long-term by mixing it up between cooking at home and exploring local street food for authentic yet budget-friendly meals. Always research the range of supermarkets in the region/country you are visiting as prices can vary greatly.
4. Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations
Some countries are naturally more affordable for long-term travelers. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of South America offer low costs of living without sacrificing experiences.
Key tip: Research destinations with favorable exchange rates to stretch your budget further. Numbeo is a great website for getting an overall picture and comparison of how much day-to-day things cost in cities around the world.
5. Take Advantage of Public Transport
Skip taxis and rideshares and opt for buses, trains, or cycling instead. In many cities, public transport is not only cheaper but also a great way to experience local life.
Key tip: Take extra care when booking your accommodation, ensure it is situated somewhere that either requires minimal transport or has good public transport links. Don’t get stuck somewhere that requires you to hire a car or pay a fortune in taxis just to go shopping.
6. Leverage Travel Rewards and Points
Frequent flyer miles and travel reward programs can drastically reduce flight and accommodation costs and save lots of money when traveling long-term. Use travel credit cards to earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for flights or hotel stays.
Key tip: If you have a good amount of money banked for your long-term travel make this work for you by putting it in accounts that pay interest or points that can be used to further your travel experience.
7. Work While You Travel
If you can work remotely, you can maintain an income while traveling. Digital nomads often take on roles like freelance writing, graphic design, or virtual assistance. Alternatively, consider work placements where you work a few hours daily in exchange for accommodation.
Key tip: Websites like Workaway and HelpX are excellent for finding work exchange opportunities. There are thousands of placements around the world that include accommodation and meals. Read about our 5 Amazing Volunteering Experiences Whilst Traveling.
8. Avoid Tourist Traps
Popular attractions are often overpriced and easy to spot. Instead, explore free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting local parks, or attending free cultural events. Simply head to Google Maps, find the area you are visiting, and hit ‘things to do’ for a full breakdown of everything to do in that area.
Key tip: If there is a big event happening in an area you are visiting inquire whether they need volunteers. Hannah and I have managed to get free access to several big events this way, check out my previous Short Tails – Volunteering at TST the $1 Million Soccer Tournament.
9. Monitor Your Spending Closely
Budgeting is key to saving money. Use banks with apps that update your balance in real-time so you can stay on top of what you are spending. Have a plan, do your best to stick to it, and revisit it often to ensure things are going as expected or whether things need to be updated or changed.
Key tip: Book hotels that don’t require an upfront payment – Booking.com is a great option for delaying the expenditure until nearer the time. You’ll save money traveling long-term by booking rooms with free cancelation and checking hotel prices as the booking date arrives. If there is a cheaper option change it up!
10. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Traveling during the off-season can save you money on flights, accommodation, and attractions. Destinations are also less crowded, making your experience more enjoyable. Countries around the world have different seasons, school holidays, and religious festivals and events that incur different travel costs.
Key tip: Save money traveling long-term by fully researching the best times to visit your chosen destinations without hitting peak tourist seasons. There are often huge discounts on flights and accommodation if you can be flexible with your dates.
Conclusion
Long-term travel doesn’t have to break the bank. By incorporating strategies like house sitting, slow travel, and budgeting, you can make your dream of exploring the world a reality. With careful planning, you’ll save money while enjoying unforgettable experiences.
We did it and so can you! For a more in-depth look at how to save money while traveling long-term read – How to Travel the World on an Accommodation Budget.
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