The Ultimate Guide to Travelling on a Budget

Travel is one of life's great joys, and the good news is that it does not have to break the bank. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can see incredible places on a modest budget.

Time it right

The single biggest money-saver is travelling in the shoulder season — the weeks either side of peak summer. Flights and hotels drop dramatically, the weather is often still lovely, and the crowds thin out. Booking flights a few months ahead and staying flexible with your dates helps even more.

Eat like a local

Some of the world's best food is also the cheapest. Skip the tourist restaurants and head to street stalls and markets, where cities like Bangkok, Istanbul and Mexico City serve world-class meals for a few coins. It is tastier, more authentic and far kinder to your wallet.

Choose affordable destinations

Your money goes much further in some places than others. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and parts of Latin America offer extraordinary experiences at a fraction of Western European prices. A little research on the local cost of living before you go pays off enormously.