12 Cheapest Ways of Travelling Abroad (2025 Guide)

1. Travel During the Off-Season

What Is the Off-Season?

Off-season (also known as the shoulder season) refers to periods when tourist traffic is lower. This usually means cheaper flights, hotels, and even tours because travel companies lower their prices to attract people.

For example, going to Europe in March or November instead of July can save you a lot of money. Beaches in Southeast Asia or the Caribbean are also much cheaper during their rainy season — and it doesn’t always rain all day!

Traveling during the off-season also means less crowds, shorter lines, and a chance to enjoy places more peacefully. But before you go, check the weather and make sure it’s still a good time to visit — some off-seasons may be too rainy or cold for your liking.

Why It’s Cheaper:

• Flights and accommodations are heavily discounted.
• Tourist attractions are less crowded.
• Locals are more welcoming, and vendors often offer better deals.

Tip:

Use tools like Skyscanner and Hopper to track the cheapest travel periods for your destination.

2. Fly with Budget Airlines

If you want to travel abroad without spending too much, flying with budget airlines is a great option. These are smaller airlines that offer cheaper tickets than big-name carriers. They don’t usually include extras like free meals or big luggage, but they get you to your destination for much less.

The price is low because everything else is extra. Want to pick your seat? That costs more. Need to check a bag? That’s extra too. But if you pack smart and skip the extras, you can fly for really cheap.

Popular Budget Airlines:

• Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
• Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific
• America: Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant
• Africa: Fastjet, Fly540

Cost-Saving Strategy:

• Avoid add-ons like checked luggage, seat selection, and onboard meals.
• Book directly on the airline’s official site.
• Be flexible with dates and airports, sometimes flying out of a nearby city saves hundreds of dollars.

3. Couchsurfing: Sleep for Free

Couchsurfing is a way to stay with locals for free when you travel. Instead of paying for a hotel or hostel, you sleep on someone’s couch, extra bed, or even in a guest room all without paying anything.

People offer their homes because they enjoy meeting travelers, sharing stories, and learning about different cultures. It’s not just about saving money. It’s also a chance to make new friends and see the city through a local’s eyes.

Why It’s Amazing:

• Zero accommodation cost.
• A chance to interact with locals and get insider travel tips.
• Often leads to friendships and cultural immersion.

Where to Start:

Sign up at Couchsurfing and create a detailed, respectful profile. Make sure to read host reviews before making contact.

4. Join a Work Exchange Program

A work exchange program lets you trade a few hours of work each day for free food and a place to stay. Instead of paying for hotels, you help out with things like farming, cleaning, cooking, teaching, or working at hostels.

You usually work around 4–5 hours a day, and the rest of the time is yours to explore. Most places give you a bed and meals, so you can save a lot of money while still having a real travel experience.

It’s more like helping out and getting something in return. If you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, this is a fun and affordable way to see the world.

Common Tasks:

• Helping on farms (organic or permaculture)
• Working in hostels
• Assisting with home projects
• Teaching languages

Trusted Platforms:

• Workaway
• WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
• HelpX

5. Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering abroad is a way to help people or communities in another country while you travel. You don’t get paid, but in many cases, you get free housing, meals, and a meaningful experience.

You can volunteer at places like schools, farms, animal shelters, hospitals, or building projects. Some programs are short-term, while others last a few weeks or months. It’s a great way to give back, meet locals, and see a different side of the country.

Opportunities Include:

Teaching in rural schools

• Wildlife conservation
• Building infrastructure
• Disaster relief work

How to Find Them:

• Volunteer World
• GoAbroad.com
• Idealist.org

6. Use Travel Rewards & Credit Card Points

One smart way to travel for less is by using credit card points and travel rewards. When you use certain credit cards to buy everyday things like food, gas, or online shopping you earn points. Later, you can use those points to pay for flights, hotels, or even rental cars.

Some cards also give you bonus points just for signing up and spending a certain amount in the first few months. That can be enough for a free flight or a few nights at a hotel.

Just make sure to choose a travel rewards card with no foreign transaction fees, and always pay your balance on time to avoid interest.

How It Works:

• Earn points through sign-up bonuses, everyday spending, and travel purchases.
• Redeem points for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays.
• Some cards even waive foreign transaction fees.

Popular Travel Cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Capital One Venture
• American Express Gold

Pro Tip:

Always pay off your balance monthly to avoid interest fees—otherwise, you’re losing more than you gain.

7. Use Public and Local Transportation

Instead of taking taxis or renting cars, try using buses, trains, trams, or even bikes when you travel. Public transport is usually much cheaper and a great way to see how locals live.

In big cities, you can buy day passes or weekly cards for subways or buses. This saves money if you’re moving around a lot. In smaller towns, local buses or shared rides are often just a few dollars.

Using public transport isn’t just good for your wallet. It’s a chance to slow down, explore more, and travel like a local.

Benefits:

• Drastically cheaper than private cars or taxis.
• Offers a real taste of local life.
• Environmentally friendly.

Examples:

• In Europe, FlixBus and BlaBlaCar are great for affordable intercity travel.
• In Asia, tuk-tuks, jeepneys, and motorbike taxis are budget-friendly options.

8. Travel Overnight

Save money by combining transportation and accommodation.

How?

Take overnight trains, buses, or ferries between destinations. You get where you’re going and save on one night of lodging.

Best Practices:

• Bring a neck pillow, sleep mask, and headphones.
• Choose reclining seats or sleeper cabins when possible.
• Use booking sites like Rome2Rio and 12Go Asia to find options.

9. Stay in Hostels or Budget Guesthouses

If you want to save money on where you sleep, try staying in hostels or budget guesthouses instead of hotels. Hostels are great for travelers because they’re cheap, social, and often in good locations.

In a hostel, you usually sleep in a shared room with other travelers, but many places also offer private rooms for a bit more money. They often have free Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and common areas where you can meet new people from around the world.

Budget guesthouses are small, simple places to stay often run by local families. They’re usually more quiet than hostels but still much cheaper than hotels.

What to Expect:

• Dormitory-style rooms (some offer private rooms too)
• Shared kitchens
• Social events and local tours

Where to Book:

• Hostelworld
• Booking.com
• Agoda

10. Pack Light and Smart

When you’re traveling on a budget, it’s best to pack light. Bringing only what you really need can save you money, especially if you’re flying with budget airlines that charge for checked bags.

Try to fit everything into a backpack or small carry-on bag. Pack clothes you can mix and match, and only bring things you’ll actually wear. Don’t forget basics like a travel towel, refillable water bottle, and flip-flops for showers if you’re staying in hostels.

Packing light also makes it easier to move around, whether you’re walking, taking buses, or hopping on trains. You won’t have to worry about carrying heavy luggage or paying extra fees at the airport.

How to Do It:

• Use a carry-on backpack (under 7–10kg).
• Pack mix-and-match outfits.
• Bring travel-sized toiletries.
• Use laundry services on the road instead of overpacking.

11. Eat Like a Local

One of the best ways to save money and enjoy your trip is to eat where the locals eat. Skip the fancy tourist restaurants and try street food, local markets, or small family-run spots.

Local food is usually cheaper, tastier, and gives you a real taste of the culture. In many countries, you can get a full meal for just a few dollars from a food stall or roadside café.

You can also shop at supermarkets or cook your own meals if you’re staying in a hostel with a kitchen. Even just buying snacks and drinks at local shops instead of tourist areas can help you spend less.

Eating like a local means more flavor, less cost, and a more authentic travel experience.

Tips to Save:

• Eat at local food stalls or night markets.
• Avoid touristy restaurants near attractions.
• Shop at grocery stores or local bakeries.
• Cook in hostels with communal kitchens.

Best Countries for Street Food:

• Thailand
• Vietnam
• India
• Mexico

12. Apply for Travel Grants and Scholarships

If you’re a student, volunteer, artist, or researcher, you might be able to get free money to travel through a grant or scholarship. Many schools, organizations, and governments offer travel funding to help people study, work, or learn in another country.

These programs often cover flights, housing, or daily expenses, depending on what you’re doing. Some popular ones include Erasmus+, Fulbright, and other local or international travel scholarships.

To get one, you usually have to fill out an application, write about your goals, and sometimes show good grades or a project idea. It takes a little effort, but it can save you a lot of money.

Popular Programs:

• Erasmus+ (Europe)
• Fulbright Program (USA)
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
• Commonwealth Scholarships

You can also look for:

• Youth exchange programs
• Art or research residencies
• Cultural immersion programs

Can I Really Earn Money While Traveling?

Yes, you can really make money while traveling. Lots of people do it every day. One easy way is by working online. If you can write, design, or edit videos, you can work as a freelancer. You just need a laptop and Wi-Fi. Some people teach English online too. You don’t always need a degree, just good English and a quiet space.

Others find remote jobs they can do from anywhere. These jobs pay well and let you travel full-time. You can also work in hostels or cafés for cash or a free place to stay.

Some travelers help on farms or volunteer in exchange for food and housing. That way, you spend less money and still get to explore.

If you’re creative, you can sell art, photos, or handmade things online. Some travelers start YouTube channels or blogs and earn money through ads. It takes time, but it can work. Musicians often play on the streets or in small bars for tips. Some teach music or other skills in local towns.

Conclusion

Traveling abroad in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategy and awareness of cost-effective options, you can explore the world on a budget.

From leveraging work exchange programs and budget airlines to applying for travel scholarships or volunteering abroad, the 12 cheapest methods outlined offer practical, tested pathways for affordable international experiences.

Whether you’re a student, young professional, digital nomad, or adventure seeker, these low-cost options prove that global travel is possible even with limited funds. By being flexible, planning ahead, and taking advantage of these smart travel hacks, you can turn your dream of seeing the world into an affordable reality.