7 Crazy Ways These Influencers Save Money Traveling

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The world of travel influencers might seem like its all caviar brunches and inaugural business class flights.

But don't be fooled by the glamorous Instagram posts. Many successful influencers still use their budget travel tricks to save money on the road. Between sponsored trips and comped hotel stays, they still like traveling for the sake of it: the feeling of waking up in a new place, the excitement of trying a famed delicacy, the stimulation of exploring a remote island.

And yes... the thrill of saving $3 thanks at your hotel's breakfast buffet. Luckily, four influencers shared with us how they stretch their dollars while they are traveling. Because the only thing more exciting than Bali is saving money while you're there.

Erin Bender

Influencers like Erin Bender still have budget travel tricks up their sleeves... like spending a month or two in the inexpensive Bali, Indonesia.

Erin Bender.

  1. Pack cereal… and a cooler.

Breakfast at hotels can be costly. When we were traveling together long-term as a family, we always brought plastic bowls, spoons and a box of cereal. With small kids, this was all we needed and cost less than any breakfast at a hotel or restaurant. We also bought a very cheap cooler box to store milk and drinks to also save even more.

2. Stick to your target price when it comes to airline tickets.

Set the alerts button on a flight you want to take and don’t book until you get the price. We managed to get from Malaysia to New York for $400 one-way by waiting to book at the best time.

3. Tap into your online community for a car "rental."

Car rentals are without a doubt one of the most expensive parts of long term travel. In order to keep costs down, we tapped into our larger network online to see if anyone had a car available for less money. Go on Facebook groups and mention where you will be. We were so surprised by an offer from one lady who was moving to Spain for a year and offered us her car during that time. It was by far the biggest savings during our travels.

Check out companies like Turo, where you can rent a private car from someone who needs cash. You save money by cutting out the middle man.

4. Travel slowly.

Many people think travel is expensive, but it becomes cheaper the longer you go. A villa in Bali will cost the same amount for a month versus a week. Make the most of your vacation and go longer!

Some cost-efficient locations we stayed long-term as a  family were Bali, Indonesia; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Penang, Malaysia; Thailand, Vietnam and parts of the United States.

Erin Bender is a thrill seeker who has explored the world for the last five years non-stop with her two kids. But what happens when you stop nomadic travel? How does an abnormal family fit into a normal world? She invites you to explore with them on explorewitherin.com. 

Lee Litumbe

Visiting places like Haiti where your dollar can buy more is a good way to save money while traveling, says influencer Lee Litumbe.

Lee Litumbe.

5. Travel in places where your dollars go further.

Some travelers and blogs try to maintain the fantasy and stereotype that you barely need any money to start or can somehow travel the world for free. That is absolutely NOT TRUE.

If you’re interested in traveling with reasonable amount of comfort and want to actually see or do cool things along the way, some actual travel funds are almost certainly needed. If you’re from a high-income country, it might help to choose to travel within a country or region that has a much lower standard of living and can increase your purchasing power. This may seem obvious, but for some reason many people don’t always realize the value and opportunity in that. You may not be able to start by exploring insanely expensive destinations like the Maldives or Fiji, but you may be able to have amazing experiences in cheaper destinations such as Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco or Colombia.

As the face and voice behind the creative platform Spirited PursuitLee Litumbe's mission is to publish inspiring and informative travel content. A Cameroonian by birth, an American by upbringing and a nomad at heart, Litumbe is currently traveling long term throughout Africa. Follow her adventures on Instagram.


Liz Carlson 

Before she was an influencer, Liz Carlson booked SUPER early morning flights to save money while traveling.

Liz Carlson.

6. Book VERY early morning flights.

I often would book the super early morning flights so that I could sleep in the airport to save money, though of course that has blown up in my face when I showed up at an airport at midnight only for it to be closed.

Liz Carlson is an award-winning travel blogger and journalist. An American living in New Zealand, she runs the world's leading solo female travel blog, Young Adventuress. Follow her on Instagram. 

Zack McCullock

Booking a hotel away from the city center is Zack McCullock's favorite budget travel tip.

Zack McCullock.

7. Steer clear of the city center.

Stay outside the major metro area wherever you’re going.  I always go to an area outside of the main city where I am traveling. It ends up having cheaper accommodations and you’ll get to experience life like a local.

Zack McCullock is a personal finance blogger who loves to travel. He’s traveled to Africa, the Middle East and South America, where he’s floated the Nile River in Uganda and hiked Machu Picchu in Peru.

Follow me on Twitter. Check out my website.
