11 GENIUS CHEAP TRAVEL HACKS THAT ACTUALLY WORK

If you find yourself dreaming about instagram-worthy beaches, luxurious seafront hotels and watching rainbow-coloured sunsets from an infinity pool, then following these genius cheap travel hacks is a must. Whether you're looking for last-minute sunshine holidays, weekend city breaks or far flung escapes somewhere exotic, we've got all the know-how you need for a perfect holiday without pumped up prices... 

GO INCOGNITO

Ever noticed how the price of your holiday suddenly surges every time you check on it? Yeah, not cool. Clearing your browser cookies and searching in a private window will limit flight websites from tracking search history in a bid to bump up the price!

EXPLORE MORE & HAVE EXTRA TO SPEND

It's easy to fall into tourist traps while exploring somewhere new, whether it's a world-class restaurant, iconic attraction or top class tour you 'simply have to experience' - but these ventures can be a nightmare for your wallet. The best way to experience a new destination is to sign out of social media and step off the beaten track - you'll soak up incredible sights you never knew existed, and you're more likely to experience the local culture, whether you end up stumbling on authentic food-markets or discovering a hidden sandy beach.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

It's no surprise that tourist restaurants are likely to bump up their prices based on the fact that everyone who visits wants to eat there - whether it's the panoramic views of the sea, its central location in a buzzing city square or a world-famous menu that's responsible for putting it on the map. But there's no better way of experiencing the local cuisine than by living like a local yourself - embrace the hustle and bustle and discover street-food stalls, ask a local where to get the best bites and don't be shy to step into hidden gems nestled within the cobbled streets - you'll pay half the price and get a real taste of tradition.

RACK UP THOSE AIR MILES 

If you're a frequent flyer or simply want to start taking advantage of your air miles, signing up to an air mile programme will be well worth it. It doesn't matter if stick to short haul shores or fly luxuriously long haul, you'll rack up points for discounted flights, priority boarding and more, before you know it.

TRAVEL OVERNIGHT

If you’re not too finicky about when you fly, you can actually save up to 30% by travelling through the night. While this could mean arriving at your holiday destination in the small hours, there will be less passengers to battle with, so you'll be en-route to your holiday abode in no time. Better still, booking flights with stop-overs is a great way of bagging a cheap deal - it may add extra miles to your journey, but spending a spontaneous night in destinations like Amsterdam or Dubai is totally worth it.

LOOK FOR LAST MINUTE HOLIDAYS

If you’re looking for bargain holidays to sun-kissed shores, your best bet is to bag a last minute deal. As dates draw closer prices begin to drop, meaning you can book spontaneous sunshine escapes to destinations including Majorca, Cancun, Tenerife and more for a lot less than you think. 

LITTLE EXTRAS ADD UP

You may not notice all the little extras that can incur on a day-to-day basis, but it's these tiny transactions that could leave you with a hefty bill by the end of your holiday. You can avoid this by checking if your holiday package includes pick-up from the airport, if the hotel charges for wi-fi and breakfast, if you'll be charged extra for early check-in or late check out, etc. Don't let small charges in the fine print burn a hole in your pocket!

DON'T RUSH TO CHECK IN

Fancy trying your chances at getting a suite deal? We've all heard of the honeymoon trick, but you could also bump up the luxury levels by checking in a little later than usual - with any luck the hotel will have run out of standard rooms in place for a swanky suite instead - don't mind if we do. Equally, you can grab a gorgeous all-inclusive holiday for less than £300pp with our great-value deals!

GRAB A STUDENT OR ISIC CARD

If you're a student or under 30, you can take full advantage of discounts on everything from tourist attractions to restaurants during your travels, when you show your student or youth card - we knew they were useful for more than just a free Mcflurry!

LEARN HOW TO PACK

It's easy to forget once the pre-holiday frenzy hits, but packing light and packing right could save you some extra bucks on your baggage. We've got all you need to know on how to pack like a pro, so you can cruise past the airport luggage queues with your carry-on in hand. If you do have larger luggage (seven pairs of sandals for one weekend seems about right to us, too), mark your bags as fragile - not only will they be handled with more care but will also be put to the top of the pile once loaded onto the plane... *smug face*.

DOWNLOAD THE TELETEXT HOLIDAYS APP

Find hundreds of great-value deals, discover our tempting travel guides and stay up to date on everything from pricing to packing with our stress-free holiday app - all you have to do is pick up the phone, and pack!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does budget travel really mean?

Budget travel is all about discovering the world without breaking the bank. It emphasizes smart planning, being flexible, and prioritizing experiences over pricey luxuries.

When is the best time to travel cheaply?

Traveling during off-peak or low seasons is one of the simplest ways to save some cash. Prices drop, places are less crowded, and you often get to experience destinations in a more genuine way.

How can I save money on flights?

Try to book early when you can, use private browsing modes, compare different airports, and keep your travel dates flexible. Flying midweek or mixing up your routes can help cut costs.

Is cheap accommodation safe and worthwhile?

Definitely! Budget accommodations can be safe, social, and comfortable. Plus, shared spaces make it easier to connect with other travelers and split costs for transport or activities.

How can I spend less on food while traveling?

Check out local markets, cook when you have the chance, and indulge in street food where it’s popular and bustling. Eating like a local is usually more affordable and way more enjoyable.

Are free activities really worth it?

Absolutely! Walking tours, public parks, free museums, and local festivals often provide the best insights into a place without costing you a dime.

Should I plan everything in advance?

It’s good to plan the essentials, but keep some flexibility. Being open to changes allows you to snag last-minute deals, cheaper transport, and unexpected adventures.

How can transport costs be reduced?

Utilize public transport, walk whenever you can, and think about taking overnight buses or trains to save on a night’s accommodation.

Is it possible to earn money while traveling?

In some countries, working holiday visas or short-term work exchanges let travelers earn money or cut down on accommodation costs.

What is the most important budget travel tip?

Do your homework and chat with other travelers. Real-life experiences and local insights are often the best ways to stretch your budget and travel further.