Travel on a Budget: Hacks & Tips to Save You More

Travel on a budget is all about clever planning. 

Whether you're planning your first budget-friendly getaway or you're a seasoned traveller looking to stretch your dollars further, the principles of smart travel remain consistent.

At ibis, we've seen countless guests master the art of budget travel — turning constraints into creative opportunities and proving that amazing travel experiences don't always require premium price tags.

Here's how to make every dollar count so you can get the most out of your next travel adventure.

Cleverly planned advance booking often unlocks the best deals. Keep an eye out for hotel sales, early bird specials, and flexible rate options that allow date changes without hefty penalties. 

The sweet spot for booking often sits between 6-8 weeks for domestic travel and 2-3 months for international trips, though this varies by destination and season.  

Mid-week bookings and avoiding long weekends, public holidays, school holidays, and big events or festival periods can unlock significant savings whilst still delivering exceptional travel experiences.

Smart timing is all about knowing exactly where to spend and where to save so you can still experience those memorable moments, minus the financial hangover.

Some strategic travel timing examples that deliver excellent value:

• Visiting New Zealand during shoulder seasons in autumn and spring avoids the peak of ski season and summer holidays whilst still offering pleasant weather conditions

• Dubai during summer months offers fantastic opportunities to experience world-class attractions, plus you'll find excellent deals and discounts across accommodation and dining

• Thailand during rainy season brings fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and lower prices across the board

• Europe's shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) deliver mild weather and reduced accommodation costs

• The Americas offer excellent value during their respective off-seasons, from Mexico's summer months to Argentina's winter period

Got flexible travel dates? Use Accor's price calendar to find the best rate for your hotel stay.

Simply head to ibis.com and search your preferred dates and destination - on the hotel results page you'll see that each hotel listing includes a link to 'See price calendar'.

When you click this you'll be able to see the nightly room rates around your preferred dates.

Your choice of where to stay can make or break a budget travel plan, but it doesn't have to mean compromising on comfort or location.

The ibis family of hotels is a smart, reliable pick for travellers who want value without the vibe kill.

Choosing an ibis hotel when you're travelling on a budget can make all the difference.

• ibis budget delivers maximum fun at minimum cost, with clean, cleverly designed rooms and wallet-friendly rates.

• ibis offers affordable comfort in central locations — ideal if you’re after a solid night’s sleep without blowing the budget.

• ibis Styles adds a dash of personality with unique design, creative touches, and welcoming social spaces where you can meet other travellers and get local tips.

Whichever you choose, you’ll get perks like free Wi-Fi, great transport access, and welcoming communal areas that make it easier to meet your fellow travellers and get the lay of the land.

When choosing your place to stay you should also:

• Choose hotels with free breakfast to save on meal costs
• Choose hotels with fun features like ibis Styles Hobart which has an indoor heated pool, fitness centre, and sauna
• Check for hotels with social spaces for meeting travellers
• Verify location proximity to public transport to save on transport 
• Book direct on ibis.com or via the ALL.com mobile app to enjoy perks like a discounted member rate on your hotel and enjoy Accor's Best Price Guarantee

You can also get extra discounts and rewards when you join a hotel loyalty program.

When you join Accor's free hotel loyalty programme you’ll unlock perks like exclusive member-only rates at over 5,000 hotels around the world, complimentary Wi‑Fi worldwide, and the ability to earn both Reward Points (to spend) and Status Points (to climb the loyalty ladder).

And it’s not just about hotel stays, you’ll rack up points through dining, spa visits, event tickets, co-working spaces, car hire, and even shopping across the Accor universe.

Food costs can absolutely demolish a travel budget if you're not strategic about it. 

The key is acting like a local rather than thinking like a tourist.

Street food, local markets, and food trucks often serve up the most authentic and delicious meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.

• Research local food markets and street food options
• Seek out the cheap and cheerful dining options favoured by locals
• Look for lunch specials at restaurants you want to try instead of booking for dinner 
• Ask locals for restaurant recommendations - your friendly ibis hotel team always know the best places!

Don't overlook supermarkets and delis for picnic or exploring supplies either. Grabbing fresh bread, local cheese, and seasonal fruit for a park lunch can be both cheap, and a genuinely lovely way to really understand a city or town.

And be sure to make the most of any of the great value dining options at your ibis hotel, like Mee So at ibis Styles Sydney Central, Le Génie Sous Les Etoiles at ibis Paris Bastille Opera 11th, and Lily's Garden at ibis Styles Dubai Deira.

Every destination on Earth has experiences that cost little to nothing.

Free self guided walking tour apps are available in most major city and many minor ones, public gardens, beaches, hiking trails, street art tours, local markets, and cultural festivals can provide some of the most memorable moments of your trip.

• Visit the city's free museums, parks, and cultural sites

• Check for free walking tours (digital or IRL) 

• Look for free festivals or events during your stay

• Find free outdoor activities... think hiking trails, beaches, and cycleways

• Research student, senior, or group discounts

• Visit tourist information centres for discount vouchers and travel tips

Museums usually offer free or discounted entry on certain days or times. Cities often have free outdoor concerts, art installations, or cultural events, especially during summer months.

Check local tourism websites and ask your ibis accommodation staff for recommendations - they'll have a great idea of what's happening during your stay.

Unless you're road-tripping, public transport is almost always cheaper than taxis or rental cars, especially in cities. Many destinations offer multi-day transport passes that provide unlimited travel and often include discounts on attractions.

• Research public transport options and passes

• Download local transport apps

• Map out walking distances between attractions

• Consider bike rental or bike-sharing programs

• Check airport transfer options (train vs taxi vs shuttle)

• Plan your itinerary geographically to minimise travel time

Walking is free and often the best way to discover a place. Plan your itinerary geographically so you're not zigzagging across town multiple times. Most cities are more walkable than you'd think, and you'll always see things you'd never find from a car or train window.

The beauty of smart budget travel is that you'll enjoy an authentic experience. You'll eat where locals eat, explore neighbourhoods tourists skip, and create some of the best travel memories.