Unlock the Joys of Budget Friendly Travel: 10 Must-Try Tips for a Remarkable Trip

Travelling is one of the most incredible and sought-after activities. Over the years travelling has increased in popularity hugely, with many people leaving their traditional jobs for work that allows them the flexibility to travel as they please.

Often, there is only one thing that stops people from living that life of full-time travel or even just travelling as much as they want… Money.

In our post-COVID world, travelling and flying prices have increased roughly 20-60%.

We might have created more flexible schedules… But chances are, with inflation as crazy as it is, we might not have the funds to back up that increased flexibility.

But there are definitely ways to make travelling still attainable if it’s a high priority for you in 2024.

Try these simple hacks to have a fabulous trip without breaking the bank too much:

1.Research and Plan Ahead

Start planning your trip as early as you can and keep an eye on price trends, including discounts and promotions. Sign up for email lists for airlines, hotels, discount travel sites, etc. If you don’t have a destination in mind then keep an open mind. You might end up surprised with where you go. But, honestly, sometimes the best deals are the more last-minute ones. So, if you have the flexibility, spontaneous trips might be up your alley.

I also recommend researching budget-friendly travel destinations and accommodation options. If you don’t have a place in mind, start doing some research and you might end up finding something you really love!

2. Use cash instead of credit cards

This is my personal favourite one. I always grab cash for my trip. First, it’s kind of fun to have money that you don’t see every day (for me, it makes it feel more real) and second, it brings your spending habits to the forefront. In my brain it’s, ‘out of sight, out of mind’. If I can’t see it, I’m not aware of what I’m spending. With cash, you can physically see how much you spend. You can watch your money decrease and you can see how much you have left.

I love this for budgeting purposes and it actually makes me a little stingier than I normally would have been. I question if I really need to bring everyone back a gift, if I have to buy every cool trinket I see, etc.

3. Travel During The Off-Season

This was something we really learned in 2023. My husband was deployed for 7 months and because of that, we got a chunk of money from the government to go on a trip. We picked Greece! It was number one on my bucketlist for my entire life. But, when you travel this way, you don’t have a free-for-all on dates, you’re given a specific block of time.

So, we ended up getting mid-March to the start of April and it ended up being the best time to go! There were many reasons (you can check out one of the blogs I wrote about Greece!) but one of the best was cheaper flights, cheaper accommodations (and often upgraded accommodations) and cheaper attractions.

You can enjoy quieter destinations for a more affordable price.

4. Explore Budget-Friendly Destinations

When selecting your travel destination consider what your currency is like compared to others. Do some research and figure out which countries your dollar goes further in. For North Americans, Mexico, South East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central America tend to be a favourable currency exchange.

This doesn’t mean the flights will be cheaper but once you get there, spending money is often easier as our dollar tends to go further.

5. Cook Your Own Meals

Now, I’m not saying you need to cook all of your own meals, as some of the fun of travelling is enjoying the local cuisine but you can save a decent chunk of change by making at least some of your own meals. The easiest ones I have found are breakfast and lunch. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, I highly recommend having breakfast there each morning before heading out. You can also grab snacks or quick lunch options that you can take on the go with you once you head out to explore.

If you can, shop at the local markets for fresh and local produce. Not only are you supporting your own health by getting fresh food from its place of origin but you’re also supporting the local economy and small business owners. Win-Win.

6. Free and Low-Cost Activities

Again, this is where your savvy research skills come in handy. Almost every attraction you’ll find every place you go will have a fee associated. Some are a must-see, regardless of the price, like the Acropolis in Athens but you can often find amazing ones for an affordable price.

Seek out free walking tours (or by donation ones such as the Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh), museums (especially the less known ones) with discounted entry or outdoor activities such as hikes (some of the best views can be discovered while hiking. I had this experience in Stirling, Edinburgh and Santorini). You can also take advantage of nature, parks and local events.

7. Use Budget Airlines and Public Transportation

Opt for budget airlines and buses to save on your transportation costs. The big airlines are not the only viable option. So, many people swear by them, saying the smaller airlines aren’t as good but I’ve often had just fine experiences on them. Typically, if I’m going overseas, I stick to bigger airlines and just look for discounts but if you’re flying around the UK and other parts of Europe, keep an open mind.

For a more authentic experience, taking public transportation is also the best option! Using Uber or renting cars are definitely more convenient but to save some dollars and just relax and slow down, hit a train or a bus.

8. Decide on One Souvenir to Bring Back

Yes, everything seems so cool when you’re in another country but before buying, ask yourself if you really need all of those souvenirs, knowing they’ll just be trophies around your house or if one will be fine. These can eat up your budget so quickly. My favourite things to bring back are postcards (I have a growing postcard collection) and they happen to be probably the cheapest souvenirs you can find.

Hot tip - Do not tell your friends and family you’ll bring things back for them. You can feel free to do that if you like for some people (I bought my sister a birthday present in Greece and bought my mom a birthday present in Northern Ireland) but don’t promise you will. Once you do that it’s a slippery slope to bringing everyone something back.

9. Discount Cards and Passes

I’m always surprised when people don’t realize you can usually get discount passes for countries. For example, you can get a pass to visit a handful of castles in Scotland and a pass to get into all the historical attractions in Athens. Doing this ends up making seeing all of them a heck of a lot more affordable. For the pass we got in Athens, we essentially got at least half of the attractions for free.

Something else to consider is finding memberships or apps that offer discounts on accommodations, flights or activities. You can get updated on flights and accommodations you’re looking for and even find the best deals on activities and tours.

10. Connect with Locals

But, ultimately, when it comes to the best of the best and most affordable, no one knows more than a local. Often companies are trying to make money, so they’ll upsell you something you probably didn’t need. Instead, make friends with a local or find a local on social media and ask for recommendations.

This is also a great way to get an authentic experience of that country!

Happy budget-friendly travelling!

5 Best Things To Do In Stirling, Scotland

Okay, hear me out.

Sure, Stirling is not one of the big cities in Scotland and when people think of cool things to do, they often think of Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Isle of Sky. But, if I’m being honest, my favourite city in Scotland is actually Stirling.

You can read all about my adventures the first time I ever travelled in one of my earlier blogs!

There were so many things I loved about Stirling; the quietness, the unhurried atmosphere, the feelings of safety and freedom (probably from it being the first place I had ever really travelled to) but it also has some incredibly beautiful historic sites just like you’d find in Edinburgh.

So, here are the 5 best (in my opinion) things to do in Stirling, Scotland:

1. Stirling Castle

Inside Stirling Castle with a view of Queen Anne’s Garden (Adobe Stock Photo)

Okay, duh, I know, but it had to make the list. Stirling Castle, while it may not be as well-known as Edinburgh Castle, is a beautiful castle known for being the place where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1543. I have been to visit this castle 4 (or 5) times now and the fiction novel I’m writing (if it ever gets finished) is based in Stirling and at Stirling Castle.

While a little bit smaller than Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle is still a large and fully intact castle that you can visit. It does get busy during tourist season but not nearly as busy as Edinburgh Castle. If you’re hoping for less of a crowd, I would suggest going when it rains. Let’s be honest, rain is Scotland’s natural climate and I feel, if you’re hoping for an authentic Scotland feel, you should embrace the rain. But, rain does often draw tourists away, so if you can handle it, then I highly recommend it.

It’s less than £20 pounds to visit and you can get an explorer pass to save and visit other landmarks as well!

2. The Old Stirling Bridge

The Old Stirling Bridge (Photo by Photos By Dave)

I’ve mentioned this bridge before and I have told my story in the blog linked above! You can go check it out if you’re interested!

I think this bridge is the most beautiful bridge I’ve ever seen. With a rich history. Here is an overview written by Historic Environment Scotland:

The present Stirling Old Bridge was built in the 1400s or 1500s, replacing a succession of timber bridges. Undoubtedly the best-known of these was one that stood nearby in the 1290s, when Sir William Wallace and Sir Andrew Moray defeated Edward I’s forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

The bridge also played a part in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when an arch was removed to forestall Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces as they marched south. The bridge today remains one of the best medieval masonry arch bridges in Scotland.

This bridge is a quick walk from Stirling Castle. It’s a pedestrian-only bridge and if you’re walking to the Wallace Monument, then this is where you’ll cross. It’s free to go to and I highly recommend reading the plate in front to learn more about the history!

3. Old Town

Entrance to the start of the Old Town Stirling Walking Tour

Old Town was fun! I explored this by myself and got to take my time looking at all of the buildings that are part of the “Old Town” of Stirling. If you go and explore by yourself, then this is free to do! I believe they have tours you can take, especially if you’re hoping to learn more about the sites but I took a travel book and learned on my own.

Included in Old Town are sites like the Old Town Jail, the Church of the Holy Rude and Graveyard, Argyll’s Lodging, The Tolbooth, etc. There is lots to do and if you take your time, this can take an entire day!

Find a walking tour here!

4. The Wallace Monument

View of the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland from iStock

There are some great monuments in Scotland and the Wallace Monument should be on that list. What I preferred about this one over the Scot Monument in Edinburgh was that it didn’t get too skinny at the top that people had a hard time going up and down.

The Wallace Monument was opened in 1869 and was built to honour William Wallace, who was instrumental in bringing the Scots the victory they had at the Battle Of Stirling Bridge. This monument took 8 years to complete but talk of the monument started in 1818.

The monument is 246 steps to the top and the view is stunning! You can see the Wallace Monument in the distance from many landmarks around the town including Stirling Castle and the Old Stirling Bridge (the place where my husband proposed and many of our photos have the monument in the background).

Learn more here.

5. The Beheading Stone

Sarah standing in front of the Beheading Stone (Photo taken on early 2000s digital camera)

Stay with me here… I know this is not on most top lists but this is definitely worth the trek.

When I was taking my tour of Old Town one of the things listed was the Beheading Stone. So, I set out to find it. But this was 2014 so I didn’t have my phone and Google Maps to rely on. I had that travel guide you see in my hands with a small map.

It took me hours to actually find this when I’m pretty confident it was only a short walk from the Church of the Holy Rude Graveyard that I started at. But because of this, I actually got to see a lot of really great sites around Stirling (many of which I have since added to my book). I almost gave up but then I finally found it (don’t ask me how! I don’t think I could find that route again if I tried). When I did, I discovered, it was literally just a rock. But the view was amazing!

You pretty much could see all of Old Town and most of Stirling. I ended up having a wonderful chat with an older Scottish woman (who took this photo for me) and it ended up being one of my favourite parts.

It’s free to see and if you somehow take the crazy route I took, you’ll also get a great little hike in!

Stirling has some wonderful and memorable sites that make it well worth the visit. It’s only a short train ride from Glasgow and if you’re looking for something a little slower, this is where I’d recommend going.

But shh, don’t tell your friends and make it super busy. This is just between us!

I also made a YouTube video about my time in Stirling! Go check it out and give me some love!

5 Tips For Travelling As An Introvert

Get ready for your introvert travelling survival guide.

Are you like me?

I’m an introvert, INFJ, Enneagram 6, sensitive soul and HSP. All things quiet, sensitive and introverted.

If you are like me you’ll know that travelling to another country where there are new people and things, especially if you’re travelling with other people or even a group, can be daunting and challenging and ultimately draining.

But if you create a great plan that allows for some flexibility, while also taking care of your needs, then you’ll have the trip of a lifetime every time!

Here are 5 tips for having a great time travelling as an introvert:

1. Always have an escape route

If you are travelling with a group or in a place that is typically a really social place such as an all-inclusive somewhere having an escape plan for activities or wherever you’re going is key.

Research the city, place or activity you’re planning on doing that day and see what is around. Green spaces and nature work best sometimes even just having a couple of minutes of a breather in the street can help. Popping into a library, museum or coffee shop can also help. Even though a coffee shop is typically full of people you can still find quieter ones.

Even if you don’t use your escape route sometimes it helps your brain to simply know that you have one, that you’re willing to take care of yourself if you need it. But I highly recommend having one.

Sarah wandering through Santorini for a break

Photo taken on iPhone 14 Pro

2. Build quiet time into your day

Plan ahead and build this in as a proactive tip. Try to add this into the middle of your day if you can.

This can include sightseeing by yourself in quieter sections of the town you’re in, going to the beach and decompressing if you’re in a place where there’s a beach nearby, grabbing a book, podcast, audiobook, etc. and spending an hour reading on your own either in your accommodation or in a green space, including meditation or mindfulness activities, etc.

But build it into the day. It can be tough with a group or other person but if you are upfront about your needs most of the time the other person will understand and may even want to do it with you. My husband always agrees to include downtime in our day and even as an extrovert he enjoys a quieter moment.

Sarah relaxing in Santorini reading a book

Photo taken on iPhone 14 Pro

3. Bring your escape item with you

An escape item is a comfort item, something you can use to escape from the world for a few minutes such as a book or headphones, etc.

Keep those items close to you wherever you go. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them or have time to use them, trust me. Bring them with you. Sometimes having it nearby helps you feel better but it can also work if you find time to execute your escape route.

You might wander into a cafe or find a park for a couple of minutes and reading some pages of your book or plugging into a good playlist or podcast can be enough to help your energy last through the rest of the day. You might also use the headphones to do a quick meditation if you can find the space to do that but don’t get stuck without your escape item. They can also provide a great photo op!

Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire posing in the Elephant House cafe with Edinburgh Castle in the background

Photo taken on iPhone XR

4. Try choosing vacays where you don’t have to be social all the time

This is always nice to throw into your travel schedule. Mix things up. If you’re always going with a group or a particular person try out solo travelling. If you’re always going to bigger cities with a lot of sightseeing try going somewhere smaller or more relaxing.

You can even add smaller/less social trips into your travel schedule. Tropical places are often nice for this. All-inclusive’s do tend to be pretty busy but you can find smaller ones, go during less busy times or find a nice Airbnb of your own.

These vacations often allow you to decompress and fill your introvert cup up!

Sarah having a relaxing/anti-social tropical vacation

Photo taken on iPhone 6

5. Be okay with exploring on your own

Honestly, I love exploring on my own. And I am considered an anxious traveller (funny hey, since I love travelling so much I created a travel blog and vlog!). But in the right setting, this can be great.

You need to know the location you’re travelling to. If you’re going to a place that isn’t safe to be alone then make sure you take that into consideration but if you’re heading to a safe place definitely do this.

Plan activities you can do on your own. Take your time, don’t go by anyone’s timing but yours, do what you want when you want. I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

You don’t have to spend an entire trip doing this but have a day in the middle or a couple of days and watch how you transform the rest of the trip. Do what you need to do to keep your energy high!

Sarah posing by the Beheading Stone in Stirling, Scotland

Photo taken on early 2000’s digital camera

As an introvert, your energy decreases when you’re around people. It doesn’t mean you don’t like people or don’t enjoy spending time with people, it just means you’ll need a bit of alone time to bring yourself back up.

Spending some time alone on your vacation can be exactly what you need to feel relaxed and fulfilled. As introverts, we often notice the small things that most people miss. This can provide us with a deeper way of experiencing the world. Travelling can allow you to learn more about who you are so you come back with vigour and a deeper love for yourself and the world.

Happy travels!

P.S. Looking for a little more? Go check out my YouTube video on this topic! I include some things I didn’t include here!