36. Bring a Tent
This might not be a very comfortable option, but many people do it, even if it doesn’t suit everyone.
37. Do WWOOFing or Volunteering
This is another option to get free accommodation (and often free food too) in exchange for a little elbow grease.
38. Buy Local SIM Cards to Save on Data
If you want to save money, you absolutely must avoid using your phone company’s roaming plan. Instead, get a local SIM card (or even a local or global eSIM card app) so you don’t have to pay the $12 to $15 per day fees your telecom company would charge you.
39. Don’t Use Airport Currency Exchange Booths
Changing money at the airport is often the easiest way because it’s convenient, but you often end up getting worse exchange rates. A rate higher than 2.5% is generally to be avoided, since that’s the rate you can easily get with any card at an ATM.
40. Don’t Change Money in Canada
Using Canadian banks to exchange money before traveling is generally one of the most expensive ways to exchange money, because it’s the most convenient (and because, as with telecoms, Canada is not a competitive enough market).
41. Don’t Eat at Restaurants on Touristy Streets
Don’t choose restaurants located on popular tourist main streets, because they will be much more expensive (and less authentic). Going just 1 or 2 streets further is usually enough. Go where the locals eat for more affordable options.
42. Don’t Eat at Fancy or Chain Hotel Restaurants
If you want more authentic and cheaper food, avoid restaurants attached to high-end hotels or any chain hotel. These options tend to be simpler and more convenient for tourists and people who don’t want to trouble themselves, but they are also more expensive.
43. Cook a Few Meals or Make Your Own Lunches
Eating at a restaurant because "whatever, we don't travel often" is exactly the mindset that keeps you from traveling more often. Buying meals at the grocery store or cooking yourself is often a good way to optimize your food budget and have more meals for the same amount — by doing something you would do at home anyway. Locals don’t go to restaurants for every meal, except maybe in a few very affordable countries (in some countries, restaurants cost just $3-$4).
44. Avoid Taxis/Uber at the Airport
Taxis and Ubers at the airport are one of the most overpriced things in the world of travel. There is almost always a bus or train option available for a few dollars to get to the city center, it can be 10 times cheaper.
45. Move Around the City Like the Locals
Whether it’s public transit, trains or shared minivans, use the means of transport that locals use when you can. This will save you a lot of money, especially if you travel solo. Or even better: walk as much as possible. Most cities outside North America are very compact and walkable. Walking around a city on foot is the best way to discover it.
46. Hitchhike
Hitchhiking is a free way to get around if you are patient. Sometimes it’s easy too, depending on where you are and where you are going.
47. Prioritize Free Activities as Much as Possible
Avoid overpriced tourist traps and prioritize free activities. There are many free (or very cheap) activities you can do and sites to see to get a good idea of a destination and have a good time, while keeping more money to have more travel experiences. Like the locals there, you don’t do paid activities every day here, so travel like that to travel more.
48. Check If There Are Free Admission Days
For museums, galleries, national parks and other types of attractions, always check if there are free entry days during your visit, to save money when you plan your activities.
49. Don’t Buy Souvenirs
No need to spend your money on things you risk never using. Keep your money to travel more. Many souvenirs you will see during your travels are not authentic, and your own memories and photos are much better ways to remember your experiences.
50. Negotiate Everything You Can
The key to negotiation, for taxis or purchases or anything, is to be ready to accept walking away. If you have decided that you absolutely want something, the seller will know it. They are pros; they do this all day, every day.
