Affordable travel
From intel on the best budget accommodation to making your dollar stretch further, our experts reveal how to travel light on cash without compromising comfort.
The world’s 50 greatest travel bargains right now
Travel budget shrinking? Here are the best-value destinations, hotels, flights and more for Australians right now.
- by Nick Trend and Julietta Jameson
Our experts’ 52 greatest money-saving travel tips
From which day of the week to book your flight to where to score a discounted high-end meal, our travel experts do the bargain hunting for you.
- by Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Ben Groundwater, Belinda Jackson and Michael Gebicki
15 must-have travel apps that will help you save a fortune
There’s an army of free apps out there dedicated to saving you money at every stage of the travel experience. Here are some of the best.
- by Rob McFarland
Want to find the best local eats overseas? Use this simple trick
If you want to avoid those ubiquitous, overpriced, tourist menus overseas and eat where the locals do, all you need to do is use Google differently.
- by Natasha Bazika
Change your flight by one day and you could save a fortune
If you’re looking to save dollars and are flexible with time, it really does pay to fly on certain days of the week.
- by Brian Johnston
Who needs restaurants? The world’s 10 best places for cheap eats
Street food and local snacks are the only way to go if you’re after delicious, authentic dishes that won’t hit your hip pocket.
- by Ben Groundwater
Avoid the rip-offs: How to eat well in Europe on the cheap
Although exchange rates work against us, you can still save on meals in Europe without having to sacrifice enjoyable restaurant experiences.
- by Brian Johnston
Is a four-star hotel really better than a two-star? I put it to the test
When $50 can get you a clean, private room in a great location, is it worth splurging on a higher star rating? I found out in Vietnam.
- by Jimmy Thomson
Best beach stays in South-East Asia for less than $100 a night
Sandy feet, thatched roofs, water views – it’s the perfect trifecta for a tropical beach getaway.
- by Belinda Jackson
Experts reveal their top tips for getting cheaper flights
These travel hacks could save travellers hundreds of dollars, and sometimes more than $1000 in costs, and make the difference between taking a trip and staying home.
- by Sue Williams
How to travel on a budget in wallet-busting Hawaii
Holiday in Hawaii? Don’t shell out too much; there’s more aloha, less moolah, with these money-saving Hawaii hacks.
- by Kristie Kellahan
13 essential tips for saving money on your next overseas holiday
Follow this advice, and you will be seeing the world and saving your pennies in no time.
- by Ben Groundwater
Nine essential tips for travelling Europe on a budget
Remember: Europe isn’t just France, Italy and Spain. But even in the most popular spots you can still keep your travel expenses down.
- by Ben Groundwater
Expert tips for making a trip to the snow more affordable
To cut the costs on a trip to the mountains, it comes down to timing, location and preparation.
- by Jim Darby
How to do one of the world’s most expensive countries on the cheap
Switzerland is expensive but also beautiful, so don’t cut it from your travel list. A few smart strategies will reduce your costs.
- by Brian Johnston
Eight affordable destinations perfect for family holidays
If money’s too tight to mention, these budget-busting destinations make for the perfect family getaway both at home and overseas.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
The world’s best-value destinations
Travel budget shrinking? We've done the sums for you and selected 20 of the most affordable and good-value destinations right now.
- by Brian Johnston
How to travel in Japan on the cheap
Japan is notoriously expensive, but thanks to a weak yen, the price of travelling there has dropped by about a third.
- by Ben Groundwater
Eight Australian airport lounges you can access without flying business class
Relaxing in a lounge is one way to help alleviate the current stressful period of air travel.
- by Michael Gebicki
Do you still need to use cash when you travel overseas? Debit vs credit cards and more money tips
The supermarket, the petrol station, the cafe - it's all tap and go. No cash required. But can you get away with having no cash overseas?
- by Michael Gebicki
The seven things you may have forgotten about hostels
Here are seven of the heartwarming highs and nose-crinkling lows you may have forgotten.
- by Michael Fowler
Best free attractions: The 50 amazing sites that won't cost you a cent
Whatever type of traveller you are, it is hard to pass up a freebie.
- by Ute Junker
Are budget airlines worth it? These four questions will tell you whether to book
When you are trying to stretch your travel dollar, booking with a budget airline seems smart. But things are not necessarily that clear cut.
- by Ute Junker
How to save money when paying for overseas holiday bookings
Paying in advance often gives you the best rate, but be careful how you transfer cash overseas – some services offer a far better rate than the bank.
- by Michael Gebicki
How to do the most expensive part of Europe on the cheap
Scandinavia is notoriously expensive, but savvy travellers can cut the cost of visiting Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
- by Brian Johnston
I stayed in a youth hostel with my kids and disturbed the backpackers
I used to stay in this very hostel back in my early 20s, but I’ve never stayed in one with my kids. I’m here to see if it’s a good idea.
- by Ben Groundwater
How to eat (almost) for free when in Italy
Aperitivo can be a fantastic deal – if you keep the drinks flowing, the free snacks do too.
- by Natasha Bazika
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/affordable-travel-20230314-p5cryc.html