Are you leaving for your first backpacking trip? Do you wonder how to save money while traveling? You are on the right page. Here, I will give you all my best tips and share some links to help you save money.

My best TIPS to save money:

I traveled the world for a year while being on a tight budget. The hacks I am giving you helped me travel longer by prioritizing where my money went.

Tips you can use everywhere:

Public transport : I know it can be scary to use the bus or the metro, but give it a try. You will get the hang of it pretty fast and, trust me, you will save a lot of money. For example, a public bus in Costa Rica from San Jose to La Fortuna (5 hours ride) is 8$ CAD. A private shuffle for the same ride is around 90$ CAD.

Walk when you can : This is one of the reasons I love traveling this much. If the activity you want to do is only a 30 minute’s walk, do it. Taking the bus or the metro will cost you 3-$5 CAD. It’s a small amount, but if you pay 3-$5 twice a day it goes up pretty fast.

Hostels : The best way to save money is by sleeping in a hostel. A night in a hostel costs 1/5 of a night in a hotel room. To know more, check out: Staying In A Hostel: Everything You Need To Know & 10 Tips On How To Choose A Good Hostel.

Use Hostelworld : This is an app for hostels only. You will find the best ones with an amazing rating system to help you make your choice. There are also group chats on the app with the people who will be staying at the same place as you.

Use Google flight : My best friend to book flights when I travel. It compares every company and gives you the best option depending on your needs. Always book flights on private navigation. This way, the company cannot increase the prices every time you do new research.

In Europe:

Use the kitchen in your hostel : Restaurant’s food is expensive in Europe. That’s why I always use the kitchen in my hostel. I cook most of my meals. This way, I can invest in more activities because I save a lot of money on food. 

Use Omio (transportation app) : Gives you the best & cheapest way to travel in Europe comparing the bus, car (shared rides), train, and plane. You can book everything directly on the app. I find the prices are always the same or sometimes cheaper than on the websites of the companies.

Use Too Good To Go (food app) : You can buy food from restaurants and stores for cheaper prices that would otherwise have been thrown away at the end of the day. 

In Asia:

Markets and restaurants over cooking : Honestly, I always eat at markets and restaurants because they are way cheaper than grocery shopping to cook your meals. You can have a Pad Thai for 5$ CAD, but then, see a 20$ CAD fruit basket in a grocery store.  

Use Grab and Gojek (car & scooter ride app) : You can always just download one of the two, but sometimes Grab is cheaper or faster and vice versa. It works the same as Uber. You order your car or bike knowing already the price it will cost. You know when your driver will be there, and you have the option of paying cash or directly with your card on the app. I would always prefer paying cash. This way I could always round up the amount and leave a tip. They deserve it! You can even order food on Grab. Just like Uber Eat! 

My favorite LINKS to save money:

Here are the links I use very often when I travel:

Qatar Airways

– Using this link (with the promo code) makes you save money while booking a flight to the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and more. *This promo code FVQR23 makes you save an additional 10% while using our links * : https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101030198-15493707

– Using this link (with the promo code) makes you save money while booking a flight to the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and more. *This promo code ENQR23 makes you save an additional 10% while using our links* : https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101030198-15488951

Sandals & Beaches Resorts

 – Save up on resorts in Central America by using this link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101030198-11978232

– Get Up to $355 Instant Booking Credit : https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101030198-10987206

–  Special offers. It’s Summer Year-Round at Beaches Resorts. Up to 65% OFF and much MORE. Book your all-inclusive Caribbean vacation now! : https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101030198-10383708

Thrifty Traveler

– Save money on flights now : https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101030198-15015467