How to Travel the World Smart: 11 Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks

The internet is full of anonymous quotes like “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” or “If travel were free, you’d never see me again.” They reflect one unpleasant truth: traveling costs money — often a lot. But it’s entirely possible to see the world for much less than what tour operators typically offer.

How do you travel on a budget without sacrificing comfort and experience?

Choose the Right Time

If you’re looking for the cheapest overseas vacation, including beach getaways, don’t just consider the country — consider when to go. For budget travelers, there are two “taboo” periods:

Traveling in High Season  

Traveling in peak season is always more expensive. A summer trip to Spain (June–August) may cost several times more than going in the shoulder season. Yet, in April–May or September–October, beach weather remains comfortable. If you’re going for sightseeing, it hardly matters when you go.

Want to explore Europe on a budget? Avoid the French Riviera in July–September, and skip Italy from late May through early October.

Traveling During Major Holidays

Visiting Brazil or Venice during Carnival? Expect inflated prices. Airlines increase fares during global events, and hotels or rental apartments follow suit.

Many famous museums offer free admission on select days, saving you dozens of euros.

• Paris's Musée d'Orsay – first Sunday of each month, European Heritage/Night of Museums

• Vatican & Rome museums – last Sunday of each month, September 27 (World Tourism Day)

• Florence museums – first Sunday of the month

• MoMA in NYC – Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Monitor price calendars on airline or rail websites — midweek flights (Tues, Wed, Thurs) are cheapest.
Saturday and Sunday are the most expensive travel days.

Even if you don’t have a specific destination in mind, just choose the cheapest option available from Kazakhstan. Also watch out for airline and bus sales.

Choose the Right Place

Touristy destinations are pricey — you’ll spend more on attractions, food, and accommodation. Instead, consider less obvious alternatives. For example:

• Instead of Fethiye (Turkey) → try Alanya

• Beyond Paris → explore Lyon, Marseille, or Nantes

Also consider where you’ll stay.

• Hostels are budget-friendly, but not ideal for those who prefer privacy or are traveling with kids.

• Rental apartments are better for families. You’ll have a kitchen to cook meals from supermarket groceries — much cheaper than eating out.

Travel bloggers Aset and Mukhabat from @travelove100 suggest that staying far from attractions to save money may backfire — you’ll spend more on transport and lose time.

Fun fact: some accommodations are free in exchange for help (on farms, in hostels). Look for such offers on couchsurfing platforms.

Kazakhstan itself has scenic spots for low-cost road trips. Travel by your own or a rented car to explore the country’s beauty.

Prepare for Your Trip in Advance

• Book flights and hotels early — they’re usually cheaper.

• Do your research — learn about free museum days, walking routes, and airport transfers.

Look for Cheap Tickets

Low-cost airlines and bus operators offer great deals — but with limited services (no food, no luggage). Travel with only carry-on to save money.

Mukhabat shares:

“Book in advance, travel light without checked baggage, and don’t spend on inflight meals.”

Think About How You’ll Pay

Sometimes cash is better.

• In EUR countries → bring MasterCard

• In USD regions → bring Visa

This avoids double conversion fees.

Notify your bank before travel to prevent blocked transactions abroad.

Use Bank Card Bonuses

Many banks offer travel perks. At Bank CenterCredit, for example:

• #TravelCard (Visa Signature) offers up to 4% cashback on hotels, car rentals, taxis, and airline tickets.

• Free ATM withdrawals worldwide (up to 1.5 million ₸ per month)

• The #rentacar add-on boosts cashback for car rentals to 7%

Other Visa Signature perks:

• Travel insurance (domestic & international)

• VIP lounge access at airports

• VIP guest status at participating hotels

Bring Memories, Not Souvenirs

Souvenirs are expensive and take up space — not ideal for carry-on travel.
Send postcards or print photos instead.

If you want to buy something physical, avoid souvenir shops in tourist centers.
Visit local stores or supermarkets — even regional delicacies (like Normandy’s “Tears of Joan of Arc” chocolates) cost much less there.

Save on Mobile Connectivity

Roaming can be expensive.
Alternative:

• Buy a local SIM card

• Use eSIM on newer smartphones

• Connect to free Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, and restaurants

Cut Food Expenses

• Shop at local supermarkets and cook at home.

• Many stores in Europe offer ready-to-eat meals.

Avoid tourist cafés — eat where the locals do. These spots are typically cheaper and more authentic.

Explore Sights Independently

Private guides are expensive.

• Join group tours, or

• Go self-guided — many museums offer free audio guides.

Independent exploration helps you feel like a local, not just a tourist — enhancing the entire travel experience.

Choose Visa-Free Countries

Looking for the cheapest countries to visit from Kazakhstan in summer? Check visa-free options:

• China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Brazil

• Top budget-friendly picks: Uzbekistan, Turkey, Georgia, UAE

If your destination requires a visa, apply directly to the consulate — it’s cheaper than using an agency.

These tips show that travel doesn’t have to be expensive or involve crossing continents.

“Travel more. Travel doesn’t have to mean going to the USA or South America. Travel is what’s outside your front door. Plan a trip to a park or the mountains this weekend and just enjoy life,”
— advises Aset.