Do you dream of traveling the world but think it’s too expensive? Good news: it doesn’t have to be. I’ve spent over a decade exploring Europe, Asia, and Australia on a nurse’s salary—and along the way I’ve learned that smart travel isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about knowing the right tools, hacks, and strategies.
This budget travel guide will show you how to plan your own trips—even as a beginner—while saving money on flights, trains, vans, cars, and accommodation.

Step 1: The Travel Triangle – Where, When, and Budget

Every trip starts with three questions:

• Where do you want to go?
• When do you want to go?
• How much do you want to spend?

Your answers will shape everything else—from flights and trains to accommodation and food.

This “Travel Triangle” decides everything else

👉 Example: If you know you want to visit Australia but your vacation dates are flexible, you can track the cheapest flight months.
->If instead your leave is fixed (say September), you can look up which countries are affordable in that timeframe. Flexibility = savings.

If you decided where and when to go, there is the Question: How am I going to get there?

🚍 Step 2: Choosing Your Transport
Transport costs can eat up a huge part of your budget—so choosing wisely is key.
✈️ Flights
Best for: Long distances & tight schedules.
Cheapest with: Apps like Trip.com or WayAway.io where you can search by timeframe instead of destination.
Downside: Least eco-friendly option.
💡 Pro tip: Always search in “incognito mode” to avoid price hikes based on repeat searches.
🚍 Buses
Best for: Budget Europe trips & cross-country routes.
Cheapest option almost always.
Must-try: Flixbus (cheap tickets, easy booking).
Downside: Slower, less comfortable, but amazing for seeing landscapes.
🚆 Trains
Best for: Scenic routes & sustainable travel.
Strong networks in Europe & South Asia.
Pro hacks: Interrail passes, Flixtrain in Germany.
Downside: Can be pricier without pre-booking, but flexibility makes it worth it.
🚐 Vanlife
Best for: Freedom + transport + accommodation in one.
Works for solo travelers or couples (but beware: close quarters = intense!).
While it looks expensive at first, you save on hotels & daily transport.
🚗 Rental Cars, Scooters & Bikes
Best for: Exploring beyond city limits.
Always book cars in advance (often sold out).
Scooters/bikes: Cheaper to rent on the spot, especially in Asia.
🚕 Ride-Hailing (Uber, Bolt, Tuk-tuks)
Best for: When you’re short on time.
Downside: Pricier, less immersive—you don’t see much of the surroundings.
Tip: In countries like Thailand, use it only when absolutely needed.

🏨 Step 3: Finding Affordable Accommodation
Accommodation doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how I do it:
First night secured: Always book your first night before arrival, then stay flexible.
High season hack: Even during busy months, you can find last-minute stays if you’re open to different neighborhoods.
Go with the flow: If you like a place—stay longer. If not—move on.
Vanlife = double savings: No need for hotels if your transport is also your home.
💡 Insider tip: Booking sites raise prices if you search repeatedly. Use incognito or apps like Hopper to track price drops.

🎁 Freebie: Grab My Notion Budget Travel Planner
Want to put this into action? I’ve created a Notion Travel Planner that helps you:
✅ Compare transport options side by side
✅ Track your budget & expenses
✅ Plan your trip by “Travel Triangle”
✅ Save notes, bookings, and ideas in one place
👉 Download it free here