I might be biased but in my view, one of the best things in the world is travel. Seeing the world, exploring different countries and cultures is a lifelong passion for me. However, travel can cost a lot of money. Before the children, we have spent all my saved money on travelling, but of course we can’t do that anymore. We still travel a lot, you can often see my travel posts on the blog because we think it’s also important for the children to see the world – so we do travel a lot as a family, ever since the children were born.

These days though, we are more careful what we spend our money on and we try to save money wherever we can when booking a holiday. For example, using a budget eSIM, which helps to bring roaming costs down whilst traveling. So I’m bringing a few trips on how to travel on a lower budget and travel cheap. With more than a decade working in the hotel industry, I spent a good deal of it in sales and revenue management. (The latter is responsible for the hotel’s yearly contracts and prices with travel agencies, tour operators and third party websites.) So, take my advice.

Furthermore, travelling on a budget often equals (although, not always) a more sustainable way of travel.

1. Book in advance or book last minute

Booking well in advance means you not only secure a cheaper holiday but you also will have something to look forward all year! This is true if you book a hotel, airline tickets, packaged deals with travel agents – every aspect of the holiday. Last minute, however can be risky. If you don’t mind and you’re quite flexible you can gamble – you will almost always find good deals, but not necessarily the the one you wanted. So be prepared to compromise.

2. Travel off season or shoulder season

This is also a sustainable tip.

Naturally, out of season everywhere is cheaper. This doesn’t work of course if you wanted a ski holiday in the Alps in July – but for example city trips in Europe in November or January can be quite fun! Travel is cheaper and you don’t put more strain on an already stretched destination in full season. It also helps to employ local people out of season and balance the stress factor of many tourists descending at the same time on certain tourist destinations.

3. Monitor price changes

If you are uncertain about a hotel you picked, or you want a particular one but it’s too pricey for you, keep watching the rates and book when the price is right!

4. Use budget travel companies

There are a few reliable companies are specialising in cheap, budget holidays at popular destinations.

5. Breakfast only or all inclusive

I always book my hotel stay with breakfast because it’s part of the experience being on holiday – but it’s different for everyone. Check how much you can save by not booking meals or the opposite: going for all-inclusive. Going for all-inclusive can actually save a lot of money and hassle, so you can consider that, especially when traveling with young children.

6. Self-catering holidays

Food can be very expensive and mealtimes unpredictable when you’re on a holiday. Booking a self-catering apartment can also save you some money on food. But it means you have the total freedom of eat whenever you want and whatever you want. Local markets and restaurants with seasonal and local food – supports a sustainable local economy.

7. Use public transport

Another sustainable tip.

It’s not only cheaper, it’s a good adventure too. We never use the local tour companies selling overpriced hop on-hop off type of tours, we just use public transport and a map. Saves a lot of money!

8. Avoid overpacking

You will need the same amount of “stuff” for a week and for three weeks. Look up options for laundry nearby if you need and avoid forking out extra cash for the extra kilograms at the airport. Having said this, it’s still worth buying a few staple holiday outfits on Vinted. It’s cheap, second hand (so it’s sustainable too) and these days you can find anything on Vinted!

9. Stay as close as possible

And the last sustainable tip is:

If you’re going for a beach holiday for example, my advice is to stay as close as possible to the beach. Same applies for ski holidays, city breaks, etc. Why? Because if you try to save money on accommodation rates will result on petrol, public transport payments and most importantly you pay with your very own, holiday time. Don’t waste your holiday by driving an hour each way to the beach if you want to go to the beach every day. Stay close, rent a bike.