You don’t need a fat wallet to see the world. If you’re Gen Z and love to travel, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How can I go places without breaking?”
The good news? It’s possible. It’s easier than ever. With the right thrifty travel hacks, you can book smart, eat cheap, and sleep well without spending too much.
This guide gives you simple tricks that work for bold travellers like you. Continue reading to find out.
10 Thrifty Travel Hacks For Gen Z Adventurers
1. Book Flights the Smart Way
Want cheap flights? Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to find the lowest prices. Be flexible with your dates. Flying a day earlier or later can save you money.
Set price alerts with apps like Hopper so you know when to book. Use Asearch in incognito mode to avoid higher prices based on your search history.
Travel during off-peak seasons. Flights and stays are cheaper when fewer people are on the move. Mid-week flights often cost less, too. Use student and youth discounts from sites like StudentUniverse. They’re real and they work.
Also, pack light. A backpack or small carry-on saves you from paying extra for checked bags. These simple hacks make a big difference before your trip even starts.
2. Sleep Cheap and Still Stay Comfortable
You don’t have to spend much to find a good place to sleep. Hostels are a great pick. They are cheap, safe, and full of other young travellers. Some even give you a complimentary breakfast or fun group activities.
Airbnbs and small rentals can also save you money, especially if they have a kitchen. Cooking a few meals instead of eating out all the time makes a big difference.
If you want to stay somewhere for free, try house-sitting or couchsurfing. You can watch someone’s home or crash on their couch without paying.
Also, before you book anything, check if booking directly on the hotel or hostel’s website is cheaper. Third-party sites often add sneaky fees. You can sleep well, stay safe, and stick to your budget with the right moves.
3. Eat Well Without Spending Too Much
You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy good food while travelling. Local food spots often serve better meals than tourist restaurants, and they’re way cheaper.
Also, one of the best thrifty travel hacks is shopping at local grocery stores. You can grab snacks, water, or even full meals for way less than eating out all day. And if your hostel or Airbnb has a kitchen, cook something simple because it saves money fast.
In addition, pick places that offer a complimentary breakfast. It’s a quiet win that makes your day easier and your wallet happier. Make sure to carry a refillable water bottle. Buying drinks occasionally might seem small, but it adds up quickly.
4. Get Around Without Spending Much
Taxis and ride-hailing apps can drain your budget fast. Instead, use public transportation like buses, trains, or subways. They’re cheap and usually get you where you need to go.
Another smart move is to walk or rent a bike whenever you can. Not only does it save money, but it’s also a fun way to see a place up close.
One of the best thrifty travel hacks is to travel overnight on buses or trains. You save a night’s stay and wake up in a new city, ready to go.
5. Use Travel Apps That Save You Money
There are tons of travel apps that make travelling cheaper and easier. Apps like Hopper or Skyscanner help you spot flight deals, while Hostelworld shows cheap places to stay.
Don’t forget budget apps that track your spending so you don’t go overboard. A great thrifty travel hack tip is downloading offline maps and translation apps before you leave. This way, you don’t waste money on data or get lost paying for taxis.
6. Pack Smart to Save Money and Time
Packing light isn’t just about convenience; it’s one of the best thrifty travel hacks. Bringing only a carry-on or backpack means no extra fees for checked bags.
Bring things that do double duty, like a scarf that can be a blanket or a water bottle you can refill everywhere. This saves space and money.
Also, pack your small toiletry kit instead of buying expensive travel-sized items at your destination.
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7. Use Travel Cards That Don’t Charge Extra Fees
Using the wrong card abroad can cost you a lot in fees. One of the smartest, thriftiest travel hacks is to get a travel-friendly debit card like Wise or Revolut. These cards let you spend money in other countries without sneaky fees or alarming exchange rates.
Avoid changing cash at airports or currency shops with low rates and high fees.
8. Find Free or Cheap Things to Do
You don’t have to spend big to have fun. Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with no entry fee, or local festivals you can join.
One of the best thrifty travel hacks is to check out public parks, markets, or beaches; they’re free and often full of life.
Look online or ask locals for free events happening while you’re there. You might find something cool without spending a dime.
9. Keep Track of Your Spending
It’s easy to lose track of money while travelling. One helpful, thrifty travel hack tip is to set a daily budget and stick to it.
Use a small notebook or budget app to write down what you spend. This way, you won’t get surprised when money runs low.
Keeping track helps you avoid careless spending and makes your trip last longer.
10. Always Ask for a Cheaper Option
Don’t hesitate to ask if there’s a cheaper way to do things. Whether it’s a taxi ride, a meal, or an entry fee, sometimes you can get a discount or a better price just by asking.
This is one of the easiest thrifty travel hacks. A simple question can save you money. Be polite and smile; you might be surprised how often it works.
Explore more thrilling destinations and experiences on our Gen Z Adventures in Nigeria page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are Easy Thrifty Travel Hacks for Gen Z?
Use apps like Google Flights to find cheap flights, stay in hostels or budget rentals, cook meals, and travel during off-peak times. These thrifty travel hacks help you save money without missing out on fun.
2. How Can I Save Money on Food While Travelling?
Eat at local spots, buy groceries, and cook simple meals. One of the best thrifty travel hacks is to avoid tourist restaurants and try street food or regional markets.
3. What’s the Cheapest Way to Get Around in a New City?
Walk, bike, or use public transport. These thrifty travel hacks reduce costs and let you see more of the city.
4. How Do I Avoid Paying for Extra Luggage?
Pack light and use a carry-on bag. This thrifty travel hack saves you from baggage fees and makes moving around easier.
5. How Can I Stay Online Without Paying for Data?
Use free Wi-Fi in cafes, libraries, or hotels. Another thrifty travel hack is downloading maps and info before your trip to use offline.
In conclusion, travelling on a budget is all about making wise choices. With these thrifty travel hacks, you can have great experiences without spending a lot. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend but how you spend it.