Budget vacations: 5 tips for an affordable vacation

You need a vacation, but don’t have the money? Don’t worry – there are vacations even for small budgets. Here are five tips to help get you going.

How can I book a vacation as cheaply as possible? Or take a longer vacation on my budget? Whether it’s an all-inclusive beach vacation, an individual active vacation or a city trip full of cultural highlights, you can save money on any type of trip. The most important thing is good preparation. How much your vacation will cost depends mainly on these five questions:

1. When will you be traveling?
2. Where are you going?
3. How are you traveling?
4. What accommodations are you booking?
5. What are you doing when you get there?

Many people often forget that it can be really expensive if unforeseen incidents happen: breakdowns, accidents, storms, strikes, etc. That’s why those traveling on a budget should definitely insure their vacation.

Tip 1: Travel during low season

Low-budget vacations start with planning for the season. If you can, you should avoid the peak travel times in summer and around Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Easter because during the high season, almost everything is more expensive – especially flights and accommodation.

Do you have to travel during school holidays? Then save your vacation budget by going to the seaside in spring or autumn. It’s better to spend the summer inland, for example in the mountains. This way, you can avoid the large crowds of tourists and enjoy more peace and quiet.

Tip 2: Select alternative destinations

Here too, popular holiday destinations tend to be expensive. As demand increases, so do prices. Travel to countries with a low cost of living and avoid tourist hotspots. Looking for a city trip with southern charm? Forget Italy and Spain – go to Portugal. But not Lisbon, go to Porto. Most of the time, you will find more reasonable prices, a similar amount of culture and more authenticity in slightly smaller, lesser-known cities.

Cheap holiday destinations in Europe

For destinations within Europe, it is worth taking a look at the East. You don’t have to go too far – in Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary, there are inexpensive and interesting cities that can compete with the big ones. Countries such as Montenegro and Albania, Romania and Bulgaria are just now being discovered by travelers. They have a lot to offer: dreamy beaches and wild mountain landscapes, historic towns and a rich cultural heritage. Greece, too, remains attractive.

Vacation destinations close to Europe

In Western and Central Asia, for example, Turkey and Georgia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are attractive travel destinations. In the Mediterranean, Morocco and Tunisia, for example, offer low-cost alternatives. It goes without saying that you should always follow the current travel advice issued by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) (in German). The FDFA provides country-specific information on the security situation as well as other recommendations.

Inexpensive long-distance destinations

If you want to travel really far despite a limited budget, you will probably end up in Asia or Central or South America – countries with a low cost of living. Some possible destinations are:

• Central and South America: e.g. Cuba, Jamaica, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru
• Asia: e.g. Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines

Tip 3: Check alternative means of transportation and routes

Cheap travel in Europe

Want to get from A to B and back again? Depending on the destination, you can save money by taking the train, bus or carpooling (see relevant online platforms). Maybe flying isn’t all that much faster when you factor in layovers and wait times. And even if it does take a little longer, just consider your trip there as part of your slow down and relax time! It also gives you a real sense of the distance you are actually traveling – kilometer after kilometer. If you are traveling with your family, a car may be the cheapest option, whether your own or a borrowed car (please note: Take out rental car insurance!)

If you’re visiting several places, Interrail could be an interesting option for you. With an Interrail Flexi Pass you can travel cheaply if you plan well (be careful, sometimes seat reservations are expensive!). If you are active in sports, long-distance hiking trails, trips by bicycle, etc. are of course also a good idea. You will find extensive information on this on the Internet.

Long-haul savings

You will generally need to fly if you’re going overseas. But if you add a stopover or fly at a less desirable time, you’ll pay less. However, the type and timing of the booking are also relevant.

Tip 4: Find low-budget accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, the differences are huge. In addition to the budget, your personal needs and preferences are what matter here: Who are you traveling with? Are you happy to share or do you like your privacy? Do you prefer uncomplicated or comfortable?

Private accommodation options

Private accommodation is the cheapest option – and often the best. Why is this? Because it usually guarantees you direct contact with locals. Ideally, you will have a competent point of contact. Most hosts are willing to share information and insider tips.

• Vitamin B: Maybe your cousin or your neighbor’s daughter lives overseas? Find out if they would like to have visitors. Swiss abroad are often happy to meet new people and show off their adopted country.
• Private platforms: If you don’t know anyone, then get to know someone on CouchSurfing or house swapping sites! Please note that even if the accommodation is free of charge, fees may apply for the use of the platform. 
• Camping on private land: On Park4night there are many private overnight spots, on farms, for example. Camping is cheap if you already own a van, camper or RV – or can borrow one. You pay even less if you drive and pitch a tent. If you do not camp regularly, borrow the necessary equipment. If you rent a car or buy accessories, you won’t save money by camping.

Other inexpensive accommodations

• Youth hostels: Youth hostels – internationally known as hostels – are not necessarily cheap. But you can still find good deals if you check on platforms like Hostelworld.
• Vacation homes for nature lovers: The Naturfreunde Schweiz association promotes soft, non-profit tourism and offers affordable vacation homes out in nature (in German). You could also vacation together with other families you are friends with.
• Inns and hotels: On major booking platforms, the entire offer can be filtered according to your own criteria and sorted by price. Here you will find exciting offers on an ongoing basis.

Tip 5: Learn from the locals

Avoid tourist traps and souvenir shops. It goes without saying: There are places you simply have to see – visit such hotspots during off-peak times. And then there are “sights” that, although famous, are not worth the money or the effort. Ask locally for insider tips and alternatives.

Do what the locals do. Where do people go to eat? Where do they shop? What means of transportation do they use? Unlike you, it is easy for the local population to judge the value of an offer. Affordable and authentic – this often goes hand in hand.

Talk to locals and show real interest. If someone seems open and talkative, ask a lot of questions! Most people love their country and are proud of it. Accordingly, they are willing to share knowledge, experience and recommendations...

...and maybe you will even be invited to accompany someone or visit a family? Take the opportunity to get an unfiltered insight into their everyday lives. Immerse yourself in another world, see their life up close, make new friends: That’s the magic of travel. The most beautiful experiences remain free – and priceless.