Budget Travel Tips

Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive—especially if you’re flying from London. With five major airports and some of the best low-cost airline routes in the world, you can easily visit Europe and beyond for £10–£50 return.

But cheap flights are just the start. By using smart budgeting strategies, you can save hundreds of pounds on accommodation, food, transport, and attractions, making travel affordable and sustainable—even if you’re on a tight budget.

This ultimate budget travel guide will show you:

✅ How to find the cheapest flights from London

✅ Where to stay for less (hotels, hostels & free stays)

✅ How to eat well without spending much

✅ Money-saving tips for transport & sightseeing

✅ The best travel apps & tools for budget travellers

1. Find the Cheapest Flights from London 

Use Flight Comparison Websites

Always start your search on flight comparison sites, which scan multiple airlines and find the lowest fares:

Google Flights – Best for flexible searches & price tracking

Skyscanner – Use the “Everywhere” feature to find the cheapest destinations

Kayak & Momondo – Sometimes find hidden deals airlines don’t list elsewhere

Book at the Right Time

Best time to book flights: 4–8 weeks in advance for short-haul flights, and 3–6 months in advance for long-haul.

Fly midweek (Tuesday & Wednesday) – These are the cheapest days to travel.

Avoid peak seasons – Summer holidays, Christmas, and Easter are always more expensive.

Choose the Right London Airport

London has five airports, and some are cheaper to fly from than others:

✈️ Stansted & Luton: Best for Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet cheap flights.

✈️ Gatwick: Budget & mainstream airlines (Norwegian, Vueling).

✈️ Heathrow: Best for long-haul deals on full-service airlines.

✈️ Southend: Smaller, but sometimes has super cheap Ryanair flights.

Fly Budget Airlines & Avoid Extra Fees

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air can be incredibly cheap, but watch out for hidden fees:

Pack light – Only bring a small cabin bag (large carry-ons cost extra).

Check in online – Avoid the £30–£50 charge at the airport.

Bring your own snacks – Airport food is overpriced.

2. Find Cheap Accommodation Abroad 

Budget Hotels & Hostels

Use comparison sites like Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld, and Trivago.

Hostels aren’t just for backpackers – many now offer private rooms cheaper than hotels.

Stay in guesthouses or budget chain hotels like Ibis Budget, Premier Inn, and Travelodge.

Stay for Free or Super Cheap

If you’re flexible and open-minded, you can stay abroad for free:

🏡 House-sitting – Look after someone’s home & pets in exchange for free accommodation (TrustedHousesitters).

🛏️ Couchsurfing – Stay with locals for free (great for cultural exchange).

🏕️ Work-exchange programs – Websites like Workaway and WWOOF let you work a few hours in exchange for free accommodation & food.

Book Smart & Stay Outside City Centres

Accommodation in city centres is always more expensive. Staying 10–20 minutes outside the centre (but well-connected by public transport) can save 30–50% on hotel prices.

Look for hotels with free breakfast to save on food costs.

3. Eat Cheap While Travelling 

Food is a major travel expense, but you can eat well without breaking the bank.

Find Local & Affordable Food

Avoid tourist traps – Restaurants near major landmarks charge 2–3x more.

Eat where locals eat – Small cafés, bakeries, and street food stalls are cheaper and more authentic.

Try supermarkets & food markets – Grab fresh, local food for a fraction of restaurant prices.

Save Money on Meals

Lunch deals & set menus – Many restaurants have cheap lunch specials (often half the price of dinner).

Street food – In many countries, street food costs £1–£5 per meal and is delicious.

Self-catering – If you have access to a kitchen, cooking a few meals can save £50–£100 per week.

4. Save Money on Transport 

Transport costs can add up, but these hacks will keep them low:

Use Public Transport Instead of Taxis

Metro, buses, and trams are way cheaper than taxis or Ubers.

Buy day passes or weekly transport cards to save on multiple journeys.

Walk or Cycle

Many cities are walkable, so explore on foot instead of paying for transport.

Rent a bike for £1–£5 per day in many European cities.

Use Budget Travel Apps

BlaBlaCar – Carpooling for long-distance travel (often cheaper than trains).

FlixBus & MegaBus – Super cheap intercity buses across Europe.

Omio & Trainline – Find the cheapest train and bus fares.

5. Explore for Free 

Many top attractions are free or cheap if you know where to look:

Free Museums & Attractions

Many cities offer free museum days (e.g. first Sunday of the month in Paris).

London, Berlin, and Madrid have permanently free museums.

Take Free Walking Tours

Many cities offer free guided tours – just tip the guide at the end.

Enjoy Nature & Public Spaces

Parks, beaches, hiking trails, and riverside walks are always free.

6. Use Money-Saving Travel Apps & Loyalty Schemes 

💰 Revolut & Wise – Avoid foreign transaction fees when using your card abroad.

✈️ Airline loyalty schemes – Sign up for British Airways Avios or budget airline programs to earn free flights.

🏨 Hotel rewards – Many sites offer discounts for frequent users (Booking.com Genius, Marriott Bonvoy).

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