Hi, I am Maria!
This blog was created to share all the knowledge I’ve gained after more than 8 years of traveling around the world. Through my experiences, tips and lessons learned, I want to show that traveling is not as expensive as many people think, and that with the right information, anyone can explore the world.
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“I want to travel the world but it’s too expensive…”
Welcome to my blog, I got you! If I had a euro for every time I said this, I’d probably already be millionaire.
For the longest time, I thought traveling was only for people with a lot of money or “perfect” lives. But the truth? Most of us just don’t know where to start. I didn’t either. Until I started trying, making mistakes… and figuring out what actually works.
Here are 15 travel hacks that have genuinely helped me spend less and experience more:
- Be flexible with dates
Flying mid-week or at odd hours is often way cheaper. Flexibility is currency.
- Let the destination choose you
Search “Anywhere” from your city on Skyscanner. The cheapest flight might take you somewhere you never even considered.
- Don’t rush to book
Set price alerts and wait. Most people overpay because they book emotionally.
- Pack carry-on only
No baggage fees, no waiting, no stress. Pack smart and do laundry on the road.
- Book flights in incognito
It sounds small, but it can help avoid price increases from repeated searches.
- Stay like a local
Hostels, guesthouses, and private rooms are cheaper and more social than hotels.
- Slow travel
Fewer flights, longer stays. You save money and actually enjoy the place more.
- Travel off-season
Same places, fewer crowds, half the price. Shoulder season is elite.
- Use public transport
Buses and metros save money and show you the real city.
- Eat local
If there’s no English menu, you’re probably in the right place and paying less.
- Withdraw cash wisely
Avoid airport exchanges. Use ATMs and low-fee cards instead.
- Book places with a kitchen
Cooking a few meals saves more than you think.
- Take overnight transport
Night buses or trains = one less night of accommodation.
- Work or volunteer while traveling
Hostels, farms, or cafés often offer free stays for a few hours of work.
- Don’t move too fast
Constant movement is expensive. Staying longer saves money and energy.
- Take advantage of discounts
You can save a lot of money by using discounts to get good travel insurance that will help you avoid problems at your destination, as well as having reliable internet coverage to prevent scams.
Check out the best travel discounts here.
At the end of the day, traveling isn’t about having a lot of money. It’s about making slightly smarter choices, and actually starting.
What’s your best travel hack?
Follow me on @maria.oriol for more travel tips and real-world adventures.
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