How to Save Money on Urban Travel

Traveling can be expensive, especially in big cities, but I do have some advice on how you can save money and do it on the cheap. 

GO WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE, BUT NOT DURING PEAK SEASON

If the weather is nice, you can spend most of your visit outdoors (at the beach, in a park or gardens, along the river, etc.) which will save you lots of money, so try to plan your trip for a season with decent weather. However, make sure it’s not peak season as that’s when all the prices are jacked up.

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AVOID RESTAURANTS 

Eat street food. Utilize local supermarkets. Cook. If the weather is nice, picnic in a park. The gardens at the Eiffel Tower is a popular destination for picnicking and drinking wine or beer while enjoying the power and mystique of the tower. If you really want the restaurant experience, go at lunch time during the work week when there are deals.

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How To Meet People When You’re Traveling Solo


If you’re staying at hostels or using couchsurfing, this is a no-brainer; you’ll meet people that way (read my tips for meeting people at hostels when traveling solo). But if renting your own place or staying at a hotel is more your style, you still have great options for meeting people. 

MEETUP.COM OR THE LOCAL EQUIVALENT

I used meetup.com to meet people while I was traveling alone in Paris and staying in an apartment by myself. Paris also has meetmeout.fr, which is the local equivalent. You’ll find happy hours, walking tours, networking events, classes, picnics, and more.

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How to meet people at hostels when traveling alone

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Circus Hostel, Berlin

This is the final installment of today’s hostel-related posts. So, first I shared my “formula” for choosing hostels when traveling alone, and then I shared my top 5 favorite hostels of all time….but maybe all this sounds great in theory, but you’re just not sure how to approach people at the hostels once you get there. I have some suggestions.

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My Top 5 Favorite Hostels of All Time

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AT BAHAUS HOSTEL IN ISTANBUL

Pulling from my recent 4-month adventure around Europe as well as countless other hostel experiences over the years, here are my all time favorites. HOW DID I FIND THESE HOSTELS? Check out my formula for choosing a hostel when you’re traveling alone

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Choosing Hostels When You’re Traveling Alone

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Out and about in Barcelona with Hostel One Paralelo

When I travel alone I often stay in hostels for 2 reasons:

  1. It’s cheaper
  2. I meet people

Basically, if I don’t know anyone where I’m going, I’ll stay in a hostel. The more I travel, the better I get at choosing hostels, and I had such incredible hostel experiences on my most recent 4-month solo adventure around Europe that I wanted to share my latest “formula” for choosing hostels.

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