How to see the world on a budget
Written and accurate as at: Sep 08, 2026 Current Stats & Facts
Aussies love to travel, but being a long way from almost everywhere else in the world can make seeing it quite expensive. While Europeans can hop on a train and be in another country by lunchtime, Australians often have to factor in long-haul flights and eyewatering ticket prices.
But that doesn’t mean you need a huge budget to see more of the world. With a little planning and some smart choices about when, where and how you go, you can save money and still have plenty of adventures along the way. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind.
Travel during the shoulder season instead of peak periods
There’s a reason why the busy months are busy: the weather is good, kids are on school holidays, and the places people most want to visit are all lit up and at their liveliest.
But don’t discount the shoulder season, which falls between the busiest and quietest periods. You might find the flights and accommodation are cheaper and the weather is still holiday-worthy. And who knows, you might enjoy your trip more without so many people competing for the same table, room or view.
Pick destinations that offer better value
Rather than starting with a particular city and setting about making the finances work, let your budget help decide where you go. For example, countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia can offer relatively affordable accommodation (along with food and local transport) to go with the rich mix of culture and scenery.
Be smart when buying tickets
Flights can eat up a big chunk of your holiday budget, so it’s worth doing a little homework before you book. Start by comparing fares across several websites and the airline itself, and use price alerts to keep an eye on offers rather than repeatedly checking them yourself.
Flexibility can also be your friend. If you can move your departure date by a day or two, you might be able to find a cheaper fare. Connecting flights could also save you money, but make sure the saving is worth the extra travel time and inconvenience.
Stay in a homestay instead of a hotel
If you’re open to a more personal way of travelling, a homestay can be a good alternative to a traditional hotel. This typically involves staying in a local family’s home, with your own bedroom and shared access to spaces like the kitchen and laundry.
Homestays can be particularly appealing for solo travellers and students, but they can also work well for couples or small families looking for a more homely and often cheaper place to stay. Perhaps the biggest benefit, though, is the opportunity to gain a more genuine insight into local culture and daily life.
Set a spending limit before you leave
You probably don’t want to get halfway through your trip and discover that you’ve drained your savings, which is why putting up some guardrails can be a good idea. Start by setting a total budget, then break it down into big-ticket items (like flights and accommodation) and daily expenses (like food, transport and activities).
You could also set yourself a daily spending limit for the things you’re likely to splurge on, such as shopping, drinks or souvenirs.
A few simple habits can make your budget easier to stick to. For example, using a travel-friendly card with low or no foreign transaction fees, tracking your spending through your banking or budgeting app, and putting your daily allowance in a separate account could all help keep your spending on track, without taking the fun out of your holiday.
