Travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you have the right tools. Scoring a cheap flight and place to stay are key to keeping your vacation costs low. These are the best budget travel websites for planning a vacation on a budget.
Cheap Flights
- Google Flights – Your plane ticket is often the most expensive part of any vacation. Google Flights is one of my favorite budget travel websites due to its calendar view, which allows you to see fares for an entire month. A little bit of flexibility in your dates can save you some serious money. There’s also a handy Explore tool, which allows you to put in your departure city, trip length, and the country or region you’d like to visit. You’ll see a map of flight prices to cities in your desired destination.
- Skyscanner – Similar to Google Flights, Skyscanner allows you to search for flights across a number of airlines. Don’t have a specific destination in mind? Enter Everywhere as your destination to see flight prices for a variety of locations.
- Secret Flying – This website posts deals for flights originating both inside and outside the U.S., and are often the first ones to spot glitch fares.
- The Flight Deal – This blog posts discounted fares from cities around the U.S. to domestic and international destinations.
- Hopper – Already have your date and destination picked? Use this app to track flight prices and get notified when prices are at their lowest.
- Airfare Watchdog & Airfare Spot – Two more blogs to consult for daily posts on flight deals.
Cheap Lodging
- Airbnb – Accommodations can easily eat up your budget, especially on long trips. That’s why I recommend ditching hotels and booking apartment rentals. Airbnb is my go-to choice when looking for a place to rest my head while on vacation. You can rent a beautiful apartment in a vibrant neighborhood with local residents, all for the fraction of the cost of a hotel room. As an added bonus, hosts can give you the inside scoop on cool bars and restaurants.
- Booking.com – This is one of my favorite lodging websites because it includes all types of accommodations, from hotels and resorts to apartment rentals and even campgrounds.
- Hostelworld – Despite their bad reputation, hostels are a great choice for budget travelers looking to save money and meet new people. While dorm style rooms (think bunk beds) offer the cheapest prices, many hostels offer private rooms for a few more dollars. Hostelworld features properties around the world with a variety of atmospheres, from relaxing to non-stop party. Travelers can rate properties on everything from location to cleanliness.
Affordable Tours
- GetYourGuide – Want to book a tour or excursion in your destination, but have no idea where to find reputable tour operators? Check out GetYourGuide. From a wine tasting cruise in Tuscany to visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York, there are plenty of unique experiences to choose from. Plus, using this link grants me a small commission on any purchase you make, at no extra cost to you!
- Viator – Another excellent option for booking tours in destinations around the world. They’re owned by TripAdvisor, so you can be sure all of the reviews are from fellow travelers.
