How to Travel Abroad with Friends Without Breaking the Bank (And Friendships)

Congratulations! You and your friends are taking the plunge and venturing abroad for the first time together — a milestone you’ll never forget. By now, the idea of exploring a new culture, discovering unfamiliar streets, and creating shared memories with your favorite people on earth might be filling your heart with excitement. 

But let's be honest: if you’re planning this trip with a budget in mind, it can feel a bit overwhelming.  Flights seem to cost a fortune, hostels look sketchy online, and figuring out how to eat without blowing your savings can feel like solving a complex equation. 

Fret not — we’re here to help your crew plan that dream getaway! Here's your ultimate guide to making this a budget-friendly and unforgettable adventure.

Destination Selection: Choose Wisely, Save Savvily

Consider Visa Costs and Ease of Travel

Research visa requirements and ease of transportation for different countries. Some destinations are notoriously expensive to enter or navigate.

Shoulder Seasons

Peak tourist season means peak prices. Explore shoulder seasons (months bordering peak season) to find cheaper flights and accommodation potentially. For instance, visiting Ireland in late September through October can be less crowded and more affordable than during the summer months, yet still offers pleasant weather.

Think Beyond the Obvious

While a Paris or London trip would be a dream, you might want to skip these pricey tourist destinations for now. Think of it as your end goal but start with cheaper destinations like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or Central America. Here, you can stretch your money further while enjoying rich cultural experiences and beautiful sights.

Accommodations: Bunk Up and Save Up!

Hostels

Your best bet for budget-friendly stays. Opt for private rooms for more privacy if needed. Hostels often have common areas for socializing and potentially free breakfast. For example, hostels in cities like Bangkok or Prague offer a mix of dormitory and private room options, along with vibrant common areas where you can meet fellow travelers.

University Accommodation (Dorm Rooms): 

In some countries, universities offer affordable dorm rooms during the off-season. This can be a great option for a clean and basic stay, especially in popular tourist cities. For instance, Dublin City University campuses have DCU accommodation open to visitors. They have a variety of room types for every size of group, and even group discounts for your party. 

Apartments/Airbnbs

Share a larger space for a lower price per person. Look for options with kitchens to cook meals together and save on dining costs. Renting an apartment in places like Lisbon or Mexico City can be very affordable and gives you the flexibility to enjoy breakfast in your pajamas or have a late-night snack.

Food Glorious Food: Feasting on a Budget

Street Food

Get the local flavor (literally!) by exploring street food vendors. It's delicious, affordable, and a quintessential travel experience. For example, in Thailand, you can feast on pad thai or mango sticky rice for just a couple of dollars.

Grocery Shopping and Picnics

Stock up at local markets and find a park or scenic spot for a budget-friendly picnic lunch. Shopping at a market in Barcelona or Istanbul can be an adventure in itself, and you can enjoy a picnic with a view of the Mediterranean or the Bosphorus.

Cooking In

Many accommodations offer kitchens. Plan meals together, utilize local ingredients, and have a fun bonding experience over chopping veggies and sharing stories. Cooking together in a rental apartment in Tuscany, for instance, can be both cost-effective and a memorable part of your trip.

Activities: Embrace Free and Fun!

Free Walking Tours

Get oriented, learn local history, and discover hidden gems with free walking tours led by passionate locals. Cities like Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Kyoto offer excellent free tours that can help you get to know the city intimately.

Museum Mania on Free Days

Research museums with free admission days or evenings to get your culture fix without breaking the bank. The Louvre in Paris, for example, is free on the first Saturday of each month in the evening, and many museums in London are always free.

Parks and Outdoor Adventures

Lace up your walking shoes and explore national parks or scenic areas. Hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors is a free and rewarding experience. Consider exploring the fjords of Norway, the national parks in Costa Rica, or the beaches of Croatia.

Local Events

Immerse yourselves in the local vibe by attending free festivals, street performances, or cultural events. Check out events like the free music festivals in Austin, Texas, or the colorful Holi celebrations in India.

Pro Tips for First-Time Budget Travelers

Pack Light: Save on baggage fees and transportation hassles by packing light, versatile clothing. 

Public Transportation Champions: Explore the city like a local by using buses, trains, or subways. It's affordable and allows you to experience the city alongside its residents.

Download Offline Maps: Save on data roaming by downloading offline maps of your destination city beforehand. Apps like Google Maps or Maps.me allow you to navigate without using data, ensuring you can find your way even without an internet connection.

Embrace Flexibility: Sometimes, the best experiences are unplanned! Be open to changing itineraries if a better deal pops up or an unexpected adventure presents itself. 

Communication is Key:  Open communication is crucial for a successful budget trip with friends. Discuss ideal experiences, budgeting expectations, and spending habits with your friends beforehand. Agree on a system for splitting costs (apps like Splitwise can help). This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure for everyone!

Remember, this first international trip with friends is about creating memories and experiences, not luxury accommodations. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you and your besties can embark on an unforgettable adventure that won't break the bank. Now, get out there and explore the world together!

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a foodie and travel buff who enjoys writing articles about travel and money-saving. Aside from sharing travel hacks, she spends most of her time playing the piano and guitar. If you want to know more about budget travel and affordable hotel alternatives, visit DCU Rooms.