There’s something so liberating about travelling solo—the freedom to go where you please, when you please, and on your own terms. But let’s be honest, travelling can get expensive, especially when you’re on your own. That’s why this month, I’m focusing on practical ways to reduce travel costs, from saving on accommodation to cutting down on museum and public transit expenses.
I’ve gathered these tips from my own solo adventures and the brilliant insights shared in various travel communities. It’s amazing what you can pick up when you connect with fellow travellers! Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply dreaming of one, I hope these first-hand tips will help you not only save money but travel safely and well.
1. Be Mindful of International Credit Card Fees
One easy way to keep your travel costs down is by choosing the right credit card—especially one that doesn’t charge international fees. I’ve been there myself, forgetting to check before a trip, and those little fees can add up quickly! MaKoa N. shares her experience as a reminder: “I forgot all about it this last trip, and boy did those fees add up!” So before you set off, make sure your card won’t surprise you with unexpected charges.
2. Wise: Your Secret Weapon for Currency Savings
Another fantastic tip comes from Mariellen W., who swears by Wise (formerly TransferWise). If you sign up for their debit card, you can transfer money into a local currency account before your trip, and use it to withdraw cash once you arrive. Not only does this save you a ton in fees, but it also helps you avoid steep currency conversion charges. "You save a LOT on fees and currency conversion charges," Mariellen says, and I couldn't agree more! It's an easy and efficient way to manage your money while travelling abroad.
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3. Know Which ATMs Work for Your Debit Card
If you’re travelling to places like Egypt, a heads-up from Elaine H. could save you some frustration. “Canadian debit cards don’t work at Egyptian ATMs of Egyptian banks, like MISR,” she explains. Instead, look for international banks like Credit Agricole to access your funds easily. A little research ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle!
4. Free Public Transport for Mature Travellers in Certain Cities
Did you know that many cities offer free public transport for more mature travellers? Gretchen F. points out that Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Poland are just a few places that do. “I’m in Prague now and always carry a copy of my passport as proof of age, along with my global entry card in a lanyard, just in case I’m stopped,” she shares. If you qualify, be sure to take advantage of this perk!
5. Consider Cheaper Flights to Nearby Destinations
Carolyn R. has a great tip for cutting down flight costs: “If flights to your final destination are too expensive, look for cheaper ones to nearby cities and take public transit, like a train or bus.” During her four months in Europe, Carolyn found this trick worked perfectly, avoiding the stress of busy airports. Look for alternatives!” It’s a great way to save both money and time.
6. Avoid Roaming Fees with an eSIM
If you're travelling for an extended period, paying for roaming fees can quickly drain your travel budget. Carolyn R. recommends buying a SIM card. “A SIM card stores identification information that links your phone to a mobile network, and it’s a cost-effective option,” she explains. She also suggests Airalo, an app that offers eSIMs, which are digital SIM cards that allow you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. Perfect for seamless, affordable connectivity abroad. For more information on Maya Mobile who offer great deals you can also visit this link
7. Take Advantage of Your Credit Card’s Travel Perks
Tracy S. from Canada reminds us not to overlook the travel perks that come with many credit cards. “Airport lounge visits are soooo worth it! Plus, travel insurance—be sure to read the fine print so you don’t end up buying it twice—and no foreign transaction fees,” she says. Be sure to check what perks your card offers and use them to enhance your travel experience and save money!
8. Learn to Use Uber or Taxis Before You Go
Elizabeth B. shares a helpful lesson she learned the hard way: “I rarely use taxis at home, so when people say ‘grab a cab,’ I draw a blank.” After a late-night arrival in Bordeaux, France, she realised how important it is to know how to use Uber or taxis in advance, especially when travelling solo or in unfamiliar places. “At 24, walking in the dark in a foreign country didn’t phase me, but at 64, it’s a big deal.” Prepare ahead of time, so you feel confident using these services when you need them.
9. Wander Off the Tourist Track for Affordable Eats
For budget-conscious travellers, Emily P. suggests venturing away from the main tourist areas to find more affordable cafés and restaurants. “These are the places where locals eat, and they’re often much better priced,” she says. Not only can you save money, but you’ll also get a more authentic experience of the local cuisine.
10. Save by Booking One-Way Flights with Different Airlines
Johanna C. has discovered a clever way to save money on flights: “I find that booking one-way flights with two different airlines can be cheaper than round-trip tickets,” she explains. It’s worth checking both options when booking your flights to see if this trick could work for you, especially when airlines often hike up prices for returns.
11. Travel with an eSIM-Enabled Phone
Anne B. highly recommends getting familiar with eSIM technology before your trip. On her 46-day trip across several countries, she used a global plan from Maya and found it to be incredibly useful. “As soon as the plane touched down, I had service—perfect for navigating, booking Uber, and using WhatsApp,” she says. Watching a few YouTube videos on eSIMs can help you understand how to use them, and with many service providers utilising WhatsApp, having data on the go can make your travels smoother.
12. Navigating Budapest’s Public Transport System
Amanda B. just returned from a 4-night trip to Budapest, a city with so much to offer—and no need for taxis. “Public transport is plentiful,” she says. From the airport, you can hop on the 100E bus, which takes you straight into the city, where you can easily transfer to a bus, tram, or underground rail. Amanda used Google Maps and found it 100% accurate. However, she also learned a valuable lesson: always buy your ticket before boarding. “I thought I could buy one from the driver, but he only took cash,” she shares. After getting off to buy a ticket, she was fined £27 by an inspector for not having one. Ticket machines can be found in underpasses or at bus and tram stops, and be sure to validate your ticket on board. There’s also an app called Budapest Go that Amanda found a couple of days into her trip, which can make navigating even easier. I'm going to using that tip for my trip there in March!
13. Travel Tips for Marrakech Airport
If you’re ever flying out of Marrakech, Niina N. has a few heads-up tips to save you some stress. “First of all, bring your own toilet paper—there was none in Departures!” she advises, and if you use it, don’t flush it. Marrakech Airport requires patience as there are several queues to get through: first for baggage scanning, then for a boarding pass (an e-pass isn’t sufficient), followed by a manual customs check, security scanning, and finally a passport check. If you're flagging down a taxi to the airport, it should cost between 70 to 100 MAD, but if the hotel arranges it, it will be around 150 MAD. And don’t be surprised if the driver picks up another passenger along the way—this is quite common!
14. Check Entry Requirements Early
Chris M. reminds us of the importance of checking entry requirements for your destination, especially visas, as soon as you decide where to go. “Many people only discover they need a visa when they’re trying to board a plane and don’t have one!” To avoid this last-minute headache, always check the government websites for visa and entry rules well in advance of your trip.
15. Research Deeply for a Richer Travel Experience
Tracy T. suggests doing thorough research before your trip and making your own travel notes. “Knowing what you are seeing deepens the experience,” she says. By preparing ahead, you can appreciate the history, culture, and hidden stories of your destination, making the adventure that much more meaningful.
16. Discounts for Mature Travellers and Those with Hearing Impairments in London
If you’re over 60 and planning to travel by train in London, Rosalind G. has a great tip: apply for a Senior Railcard and link it to an Oyster card for discounted fares. “And if you have a hearing impairment, you can apply for a Disabled Person’s Railcard and get the same discount.” These cards can save you a lot when using London’s extensive public transport network.
17. Don’t Forget: Adapters Aren’t Converters
Cathie M. shares an important reminder for international travellers: adapters and converters are not the same. “An adapter won’t convert voltage from 110v to 220v,” she says. For devices like hair dryers, you’ll need a transformer to prevent damage or a potential electrical fire. It’s worth double-checking what your devices need before plugging them in abroad!
18. Free Walking Tours: Don’t Forget to Tip
Linda K. points out that many cities offer free walking tours, but reminds us that “they’re not really free.” While the tours are a great way to get oriented and learn from passionate guides, it’s important to leave a generous gratuity. The guides often have to pay a fee to the organisation per attendee, so tipping is appreciated and helps support their work.
19. Paris Travel Tips
Mona B. recently returned from a long weekend in Paris and has some fabulous recommendations. “Galleries Lafayette’s food hall is fantastic for to-go options, and Le Latin-Left Bank near Notre Dame offers a charming fondue lunch.” She also loved the rooftop garden patio at Printemps, which offers stunning views of the city. For culture lovers, La Galerie Dior is a must-see, showcasing beautiful dresses by Dior and his successors. Don’t forget to check out O Chateau for wine tastings and the boat lunch on the Seine!
20. Scenic Train Travel from London to Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a scenic train ride, Anne Marie B. highly recommends the trip from London to Edinburgh, especially as the train travels along the coast further north. If you’re over 60, you can get a discount with a railcard, which “pretty much pays for itself with one trip,” she adds. For budget accommodation, she stayed at a university residence after the students had left, which was basic but secure.
Traveling solo can be one of the most enriching experiences, allowing you to connect with new cultures, explore at your own pace, and discover the beauty of the world on your terms. By implementing these tips, from savvy budgeting to embracing local transportation, you can enhance your journey and make the most of every adventure. Remember, preparation is key, but so is staying open to spontaneous moments that can lead to the most memorable experiences. If you have any tips you'd like to add, pop into the Facebook group and share them! Safe travels, and may your next adventure be filled with joy and discovery!
