This is the article you have been looking for! I packed this article with my top tips on how to travel on a budget in your 20s. Now that I am 29 and have traveled pretty extensively on a budget in my 20s, I’m ready to share my best tips on how I was able to do it without racking up debt.
Hi, I’m Becca and I have been traveling since I was 22 years old. As a young girl in college working as a waitress, I was still able to manage funding all of my travel experiences (without any financial assistance or going into credit card debt).
Now, I think it’s important to find a healthy balance of managing your finances responsibly and also experiencing the world at such a primitive part of your life. Below I will list all of my tips, experiences, and choices when traveling the world for the past 7 years of my 20s. Now lets deep dive into how to travel on a budget in your 20s.
Balancing Financial Stability and Fulfilling Travel Dreams
Navigating the exhilarating journey of traveling in your 20s while maintaining financial stability might seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely achievable with the right approach.
Recent statistics show that young adults are embracing the adventure of exploring new horizons – over 72% of individuals in their 20s express a strong desire to travel. I’m here to say you CAN have both, no matter what others tell you. If you want something bad enough, you can find a way to make it work.
In order to travel and maintain financial stability at a time when you are just starting out you have to embrace the power of budgeting – a simple yet potent tool that enables you to allocate funds for both your daily needs and those awe-inspiring journeys you’ve been dreaming of.
Think of your budget as your personal roadmap, guiding you towards financial freedom and unforgettable experiences. While travel costs can certainly add up, employing smart strategies like opting for budget accommodations, traveling during off-peak seasons, and taking advantage of student discounts can make your dream destinations more attainable.
Ask yourself, how badly do I want to travel? Am I willing to sacrifice other things in my life to afford myself the ability to attain my travel goals? The answer to these two questions will determine if you are willing to have the self control and discipline to make your dreams a reality.
By setting clear financial goals, tracking your expenses diligently, and making conscious choices, you’ll find that the world is more accessible than you might have imagined. Your 20s are a unique window of time where both financial growth and exploring the world can harmoniously coexist. So lets get into the details on how to travel on a budget in your 20s.
How to Travel on a Budget in your 20s
3 Ways to Embrace the Budget Travel Mindset
Learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s is not something that happens overnight, there is a mindset shift that has to take place. If you are dedicated to seeing the world without much money to leverage on you have to change your mindset around spending and money.
Over the years, I have developed a discipline and mindset around money that aligns with my financial and travel goals. Here are the top 3 ways to embrace the budget travel mindset to help you explore the world.
1. Evaluate Your Lifestyle
When learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s you need to take a close look at your lifestyle habits. Budget travel requires more than just financial planning; it involves evaluating your lifestyle and making strategic changes to align your priorities with your travel aspirations.
Here are a few things to look at when evaluating your lifestyle habits:
Audit Your Spending Habits
Begin by tracking your monthly expenses. This honest assessment will unveil where your money is truly going. Analyze categories like dining out, entertainment, and impulse purchases. Recognizing spending patterns can highlight areas where you can cut back without compromising your happiness.
For me learning how to travel on a budget in my 20s, I found I valued traveling more than going out to dinner every weekend, getting my nails done, and buying unnecessary things I don’t really need. You don’t realize how much money you spend on certain things until you start monitoring it. This saves me hundreds each month that I can instead direct towards my travel adventures.
Distinguish Between Needs and Wants
Differentiating between essential expenses and discretionary spending is crucial. While daily indulgences might bring short-term gratification, reallocating those funds toward travel can lead to something greater. It’s all about self-control. Not only will this self-awareness benefit you financially, but it will help you strengthen your self-discipline and motivation.
Cultivate Frugal Habits
Embrace frugality by seeking alternatives that save money without sacrificing quality. Opt for homemade meals, explore free or low-cost local activities, and learn to mend or repurpose items. Small adjustments can accumulate significant savings over time.
When learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s, finding ways to enjoy life that don’t hurt your wallet is a life hack that will benefit you for years to come. For example, I love to hike and be outside which costs me nothing and therefore I spend a lot of my time doing that because it is something I truly enjoy that wont break the bank.
I never make comments like “oh its only a few dollars” because every dollar adds up over time, and a lifetime with a mindset like that will cost you thousands.
Streamline Subscriptions and Memberships
Reevaluate your subscriptions and memberships when learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s. Are you fully utilizing gym memberships, streaming services, or magazine subscriptions? Consider trimming those that don’t align with your priorities and redirect those funds toward your travel fund.
Automate Savings for Travel
I am big on automatic payments and transfers, it has helped me budget and make sure I am allocating my money to where it should go every month.
If you want to learn how to travel on a budget in your 20s, try setting up an automatic transfer from your paycheck to a dedicated travel fund. Even if its $50 a month, there’s a good chance you wont even notice it’s gone and by the end of the year you’ll have an extra $600 to buy a flight.
Treating travel as a non-negotiable expense encourages consistent saving and puts you on a clear path toward your adventure goals.
Develop a Supportive Network
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for budget travel. Engaging with friends who prioritize experiences over extravagant spending can inspire and motivate your journey toward financial freedom and exploration.
Use a Carry On
Why spend the money to check a bag if you can learn how to fit everything in your carry on? Checking bags can get expensive if you are taking multiple flights in a trip, when learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s, utilizing your space to save a few hundred is a big save. Get a good carry on travel luggage to maximize your space and some compression packing cubes and spend that $100 on a travel experience instead!
2. Prioritize Experiences Over Luxury
Choosing experiences over luxury allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, connect with people, and create authentic memories.
The allure of luxury often lies within familiar confines. Prioritizing experiences encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, opening doors to unexpected adventures. From navigating bustling markets to embarking on spontaneous hikes, these ventures unveil the true essence of a place.
When learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s opting for budget-friendly options fosters resourcefulness and creativity. Finding unique accommodations or seeking out hidden gems forces you to discover unconventional solutions, enhancing your problem-solving skills and enriching your travel narrative.
Traveling on a budget compels you to appreciate the little things – a stunning sunset, a spontaneous street performance, or a heartfelt conversation with a local. These simple yet profound moments carry a richness that opulent experiences might overlook.
3. Set Clear Travel Goals
When learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s, setting clear travel goals becomes an essential tool to help you achieve fulfilling and financially sustainable adventures. Begin by recognizing your aspirations – whether it’s exploring new cultures, embarking on outdoor escapades, or simply taking time for self-discovery.
With limited resources, being specific about your goals allows for focused planning. For instance, if you dream of hiking in the Alps, your goal might involve researching affordable trails, budget accommodations, and local transportation options.
Since budget travel involves strategic financial management, measurable goals can ensure that you save effectively. Set achievable targets, like saving a certain amount each month, to cover your trip expenses. These goals help you prioritize your spending and allocate funds accordingly.
Relevance and feasibility are crucial in your 20s when responsibilities might be numerous. Align your travel goals with your current life stage – consider factors like work commitments, academic schedules, and personal growth opportunities.
Setting time-bound goals creates a sense of urgency and encourages proactive planning. Assign a timeframe to each goal, be it learning basic phrases of the local language before departure or saving up for a specific trip within a certain period.
Incorporating these SMART principles into your travel goal-setting equips you with a structured approach that complements your budget travel aspirations. By defining your purpose, establishing specific objectives, and committing to measurable and time-bound targets, you ensure that your travel experiences in your 20s are not only enriching but also financially well-managed.
How to Travel on a Budget in your 20s
Planning Affordable Trips
Deciding When to Travel
When deciding how to travel on a budget in your 20s, opting for off-peak travel seasons presents a golden opportunity to save substantially. Research and pinpoint destinations where tourism is less bustling, as this often translates to lower airfare, accommodation costs, and attraction fees. Shoulder seasons, just before or after the peak tourist period, offer a harmonious blend of favorable weather and fewer crowds.
Moreover, embracing flexibility in your travel schedule can yield unexpected savings. Airlines and accommodation providers frequently offer deals and discounts for mid-week or non-holiday departures. This flexibility also extends to booking flights well in advance or opting for last-minute getaways when spontaneous opportunities arise.
By tactfully selecting when to travel, you’re not only opening doors to enriching experiences but also unlocking the potential for exploring diverse places and cultures within the confines of your budget.
Deciding Where to Travel
Selecting your travel destinations thoughtfully is important when learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s. Research destinations where your currency holds value, allowing you to make the most of your budget. Opt for countries with a lower cost of living, where you can relish local cuisine, attractions, and activities without straining your finances.
Weigh the appeal of less mainstream destinations. Popular tourist hotspots tend to be pricier due to demand, while less-traveled places often offer equally captivating experiences at a fraction of the cost. By carefully choosing where to travel, you’re not only embarking on an adventure that aligns with your budget but also unraveling the enriching tapestry of the world in an economically savvy manner.
Flexibility breads Affordability
When it comes to travel dates, being open to shifting plans by a few days can make a world of difference. Airlines and accommodations often offer better deals for mid-week departures and off-peak seasons. This means I get to experience the same enchanting destinations at a fraction of the cost, all because I’ve chosen to bend my schedule to the rhythm of budget-friendly opportunities.
The same goes for accommodations. By considering alternative options like guesthouses, hostels, or even house-sitting platforms, I’ve not only cut costs but also gained immersive experiences that money can’t buy. My willingness to explore less touristy neighborhoods has led to unexpected discoveries and interactions with locals – the true essence of travel.
Flexibility also extends to transportation. I’ve found that being open to taking longer routes or utilizing overnight transportation can lead to significant savings. These seemingly small adjustments have allowed me to allocate more of my budget to experiences, activities, and indulging in local cuisine.
Moreover, having a fluid itinerary encourages spontaneity. While I do enjoy having a rough plan, leaving room for unplanned adventures has resulted in some of my most cherished travel memories. From stumbling upon vibrant local festivals to joining impromptu excursions, flexibility has enriched my journeys in ways I could never have predicted.
So, as I continue to explore the world on a budget, I carry the mantra of flexibility with me. It’s a mindset that has not only opened doors to affordability but has also transformed the way I perceive and embrace the essence of travel. By bending with the wind, I’ve discovered that my budget-friendly adventures have become not just about destinations, but about the beautiful journey itself.
How to Travel on a Budget in your 20s
Mastering Accommodations on a Budget
The Best Tools to Use for Accommodations
Find websites that cater to last-minute deals or other promotions. Booking.com does a lot of promotional deals, trivago.com can compare hotel prices for you as well as telling you the cheapest time to go, VRBO is similar to Airbnb but does not charge the fee that Airbnb does.
Hostels and Guesthouses
When learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s, reasonable accommodations are a must. A big fraction of traveling is paying for a place to stay, so if you can stay for a fraction of the price at a hostel of guesthouse to explore your dream destination, isn’t that worth it?
Often family-run, guesthouses provide a personalized touch that makes you feel like you’re part of the local community. With shared kitchens, communal spaces, and affordable room rates, guesthouses are a haven for travelers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
Hostels, on the other hand, are the heartbeat of learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s. Beyond their wallet-friendly nature, hostels are bustling hubs of camaraderie, where like-minded adventurers gather to share stories, tips, and laughs. Dormitory-style rooms keep costs low, while private rooms cater to those seeking more solitude. The communal atmosphere fosters connections that can lead to lifelong friendships and spontaneous travel companions.
Both guesthouses and hostels often come with added perks like local recommendations from the staff, helping you discover hidden gems that might not be found in guidebooks.
Trusted Housesitters
TrustedHousesitters connects travelers with homeowners seeking reliable house and pet sitters while they’re away. It’s a win-win scenario: you get to explore new destinations without the hefty accommodation costs, and homeowners enjoy peace of mind knowing their homes and beloved pets are in capable hands.
What is better when learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s than having a FREE place to stay and you get to have the company of animals? You can apply for trusted housesitters here, it is only about $130 a year but even if you just do one stay it is worth it.
How to Travel on a Budget in your 20s
Navigating Transportation on a Budget
Travel Credit Card
Travel credit cards are worth all the hype when exploring how to travel on a budget in your 20s. I have saved thousands over the years by using one of these. There are a ton of great options, but I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and I have been using it for travel rewards for the past 7 years.
The first perk that caught my attention was the impressive sign-up bonus. I mean, who doesn’t love getting rewarded for simply using a credit card for everyday expenses? Plus, when I use this card for travel and dining, I earn a generous number of points that I can later redeem for flights, hotels, and more. That’s basically turning my regular spending into my future adventure fund – talk about a win-win situation!
But the Chase Sapphire Preferred card doesn’t stop there. One of the true game-changers is the ability to transfer my points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. This flexibility means I can hunt for the best deals and options across different travel partners, giving me the freedom to customize my trips according to my preferences.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the travel perks that sweeten the deal. With this card, I enjoy benefits like primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. It’s like having an extra layer of security and savings while I’m out there exploring the world.
Whether I’m planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or mapping out a long-awaited international adventure, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has truly transformed my travel game. It’s more than a credit card; it’s a strategic tool that helps me stretch my budget further and experience the places I’ve always dreamt of.
Public Transportation & Passes
When learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s, we know taxis and rideshares can add up quickly, and that’s where public transportation comes in.
Trains, buses, trams – these not only offer a more authentic experience but also help me dive into local life headfirst. Plus, they’re way friendlier to my wallet than constant cab rides.
But here’s the real kicker: travel passes. These little gems are like golden tickets to unlimited adventures. Whether it’s a metro pass, a bus card, or even a multi-attraction pass, they often offer substantial discounts compared to purchasing individual tickets. Not only do they grant access to various modes of transportation, but some also include entry to popular tourist spots – talk about bang for your buck!
And let’s not forget the sheer convenience. No more fumbling for change or calculating fares; a travel pass simplifies the logistics, allowing me to focus on soaking up the sights and sounds of my destination.
How to Travel on a Budget in your 20s
Money-Saving Tips While Traveling
Be Smart When Choosing a Destination
When it comes to selecting my next travel destination, I’ve learned that being smart can go a long way in ensuring a budget-friendly adventure. It’s not just about where I want to go; it’s about where my money can take me the farthest.
I chose to travel to Thailand for my honeymoon as a luxurious honeymoon experience for those looking to honeymoon on a budget. Sure, the flight to Thailand might have a bit of a price tag, but here’s the secret: everything else is incredibly affordable. From the moment I touched down, I realized that my budget was stretching further than I could have imagined. And that’s not just luck – it’s a carefully calculated decision.
Opt for places where your currency stretches further, offering affordable accommodations, dining, and activities. Research regions known for a lower cost of living, like Southeast Asia or parts of Eastern Europe.
These locations often boast rich cultural experiences without the hefty price tag. Prioritize destinations where public transportation is reliable and budget accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, are abundant. By choosing wisely, you unlock the doors to an enriching adventure that doesn’t strain your finances, proving that a little research can lead to immense rewards.
Get an Accommodation with a Kitchen
When it comes to mastering the art of budget travel, I’ve discovered a hidden gem that’s become an essential part of my journey: accommodations with a kitchen. It might seem like a small detail, but having access to a kitchen can make a world of difference when discovering how to travel on a budget in your 20s.
Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to whip up a hearty breakfast in the comfort of your own temporary home. No need to rush out to expensive cafes; just a relaxing start to the day, exactly the way you want it.
Want to go to Switzerland? Well, don’t waste thousands of dollars eating out 3x a day. I got an Airbnb with a kitchen, picked up groceries in Italy so they were half the price, and prepared most meals at home everyday. I wanted to visit the most expensive country in the world, but I needed to do it mindfully.
Also, don’t sleep on the local grocery stores and markets. They usually have prepared foods that you can get the experience of tasting for a fraction of the price.
Embrace Free and Low-Cost Activities
From hiking breathtaking trails to exploring local markets brimming with culture, low-cost activities often offer the most authentic glimpses into a place. Whether it’s wandering through charming neighborhoods, cycling along scenic routes, or engaging in community workshops, when learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s you’ll realize how much you can do for free.
Free activities like strolling through picturesque parks, attending street performances, or soaking in the local architecture give me a window into the daily lives of the people who call the place home. The Thailand Lantern Festival was one of my favorite experiences, and it was totally free…
How to Travel on a Budget in your 20s
Reflecting on your journey on how to travel on a budget in your 20s, you’re reminded that embarking on transformative adventures doesn’t require bottomless pockets – it’s all about ingenuity, resourcefulness, and embracing the beauty of limitations.
From setting clear travel objectives and choosing destinations wisely to immersing myself in local cultures and seeking out affordable accommodations, I’ve discovered that every decision has the potential to shape a remarkable journey. Flexibility has been my companion, guiding me through unexpected opportunities and spontaneous detours that have often led to the most treasured memories.
So, to all fellow adventurers learning how to travel on a budget in your 20s yearning to see the world without breaking the bank – remember that your journey is uniquely yours.
Here’s to the exhilarating chapters yet to be written, the landscapes yet to be explored, and the wisdom yet to be gained. May your travels be as rich in memories as they are light on your wallet, as you embrace the extraordinary journey of how to travel on a budget in your 20s.
Hi I’m Becca
It is my passion to see as much of the world as I can. I created this blog to give my tips and tricks to traveling that I learn along my journey in hopes that it helps and inspires you to go out and see the world. Life is like a scrapbook that you fill with memories and life experiences, so what’s next in your travel scrapbook?
Say hi to me on social media!