Tips

8 Budget Travel Hacks To Save You Thousands

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right hacks, you can see the world for less than you think — sometimes even for $1 a day. Here are eight proven budget travel hacks that will help you stretch your money further and travel longer.

1. Drive a Campervan for Just $1/Day with Imoova

Want a road trip without the huge rental costs? Rental companies often need cars and campervans relocated between cities. Instead of hiring a driver, they let travellers do it for $1 per day.

👉 Check Imoova for these relocation deals. Many include fuel allowances or ferry reimbursements. Imagine driving from Melbourne to Sydney or San Francisco to Las Vegas for less than your morning coffee. You can even do them in Japan, Europe or Canada too!

Pro Tip: Relocations are usually last-minute, so flexibility is key.

2. Save on Accommodation with Overnight Travel

Turn your transport into a free night’s stay. Buses, trains, and ferries that travel overnight save you the cost of a hostel or hotel.

Hack: In Europe, try budget-friendly night trains or FlixBus. In Asia, sleeper buses are cheap, comfy, and often a travel experience in themselves.

3. Stay for Free with Locals

Why pay for hotels when you can stay with locals for free (or nearly free)?

Couchsurfing: Stay with locals who host travellers.
TrustedHousesitters: Look after pets or homes in exchange for free stays.
Workaway / WWOOF: Trade a few hours of work per day for food and accommodation.

4. Fly Smarter, Not Pricier

Flights are often the biggest travel cost—but you can hack them:

Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find mistake fares.
Travel midweek when flights are cheaper.
Consider nearby airports for lower prices.

5. Eat Where the Locals Eat

Skip touristy restaurants. Street food stalls, food courts, and small local eateries are cheaper and often tastier.

Hack: In Southeast Asia, a street food meal costs less than $2. In Europe, head to bakeries or supermarkets for affordable snacks and meals. Also check out apps like Too Good To Go, where restaurants & shops list the items that have reached their best before day, often selling a random bundle of food very cheap.

6. Use Free Walking Tours

Most big cities have free (tip-based) walking tours. They’re a fantastic way to learn about the city, meet other travellers, and get insider tips—without spending much.

7. Pack Smart to Avoid Hidden Costs

A refillable water bottle saves you from overpriced airport or tourist-trap drinks. Bringing portable snacks means you’re not stuck paying $10 for a sandwich when hungry on the road.