By Dave Cook
Saving money for a holiday can sometimes feel impossible when times are tough, but what if we told you that booking cheap flights is possible on the tightest budget, all without giving up the fun and adventure that makes travel such a joy. Yup, it’s true, so start counting your pennies and check out how travel the world when you’re broke.
1. Try flash sales for cheap flights
Some folk might break out in a cold sweat over the idea of spontaneously buying flights to some faraway place, but flash sales really are a great way of scooping cheap holiday deals. You could try saving up what you can before the sales hit, so it’s less of a shock expense all at once. But if saving still feels as unlikely as a Friends reunion special, just remember: if you work out how much you spend on store-bought coffees, Netflix and booze in a month, cutting down for while could help you save even more. We’ve also got you covered on this one, as Skyscanner Price Alerts ping you an email when your desired flight drops in price. That way you’ll never miss a bargain again.
2. Hostels are cheaper (and cooler) than hotels
Let’s be brutally honest here, hostels aren’t the sole domain of smashed gap year students or people born after the internet became a thing. They’re clean, safe and friendly places for travellers of any age who are travelling on a budget. Better still, at some hostels you can even save money on food thanks to free breakfasts, while complimentary wi-fi and in-house bars trim back on your spending even further. For many of us, if you’re broke it shouldn’t matter where you stay, as long as you’ve got a comfy bed to sleep in. Still not convinced? Here’s our guide to 12 of the best hostels in Europe. Some of these places really need to be seen to be believed.
3. Eat and drink local to save money
Eating and drinking like a local isn’t just a great way to save money on scran, you’ll also be able to enjoy your destination the way it’s intended while trying new cuisine. If you need recommendations for where’s good, you can always ask hostel staff and check out reviews online. Digital diners might want to download foodie app Ekplate, which lets you search for nearby street food wherever you are. You can even check out reviews from other users. Who knows what mind-blowing street food or local institutions you might unearth? We’ve served up even more tasty, bite-sized (too many food puns sorry!) tips in our series The Local’s Food and Travel Guide. It’s full of recommendations on where to eat in some of the world’s most popular destinations.