Start with the “why” of your trip
First question: are you going to lie on a beach, chase culture, or eat your body weight in street food? Knowing your main goal stops you booking the wrong destination and wasting money on stuff you don’t actually care about.
Work out a realistic budget and add a buffer
Add up flights, accommodation, food, activities and transport. Then tack on 15-20 % extra for the random stuff that always pops up (a last-minute tour, an extra night because of a cancelled flight, or just too many cocktails).
Quick hack: Check real budgets from other travellers on Reddit, TikTok or sites like BudgetYourTrip.com.
Pick the right place and the right time
Shoulder or low season is usually your best mate. Europe in spring or autumn, Bali in the wet season, Japan in winter (outside ski areas), prices can drop 30-50 %, crowds disappear, and you often get a more authentic experience. Check school holidays and big festivals; avoiding them can save you hundreds.
Build a loose-but-smart daily itinerary
List the must-dos, then group attractions that are close together so you’re not spending half the day (and half your budget) on taxis or trains. Check opening hours in advance and leave some free time – over-planning kills both fun and your wallet when things inevitably change.
Book early for the big-ticket items
Flights and decent accommodation are almost always cheapest 2–6 months out (or last-minute for some domestic routes). Grab flexible or free-cancellation options when you can.
Pack light and pack smart
One carry-on bag = no checked baggage fees + freedom to jump on cheaper buses or trains. Stick to a capsule wardrobe that mixes and matches, and remember most things (sunscreen, chargers, even clothes) are cheaper to buy when you arrive than to pay excess luggage for.
Never skip travel insurance
It’s the one thing you really should spend money on. A good policy covers cancelled flights, medical emergencies (which can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands overseas) and lost luggage. At roughly $40* for a week’s cover, about as much as you’d drop on a coffee each day for a week, it’s hardly a dent in your travel budget.
*Premium for a 33-year-old travelling to New Zealand for seven days.
Keep your cash and cards safe
Don’t carry all your money at once. Use the hotel safe, a money belt, or hidden pockets. Load a no-foreign-fee card (like Wise or Revolut) and keep a backup card separate. Withdraw larger amounts less often to dodge ATM fees.
Follow these steps and you’ll come home with epic memories instead of an empty bank account. Happy savings and happy travels.