Welcome back to Ava’s High Fives—your cozy corner of the internet for slow, soulful, and smart travel tips. This week, I’m sharing how to travel the world on a budget while still soaking in every experience from the places you go.

But first—a quick note.
Before any trip, I always take a moment to ask myself: What do I want out of this experience? Is this a foodie adventure? A lazy beach reset? A cultural deep dive?

Knowing your priorities upfront lets you choose where to splurge and where to save. That way, your budget works with your travel—not against it.

Let’s get into it. Here are my top 5 categories for budget-friendly travel (and how I save in each one):

1. Accommodation

Your stay can make or break your budget. My go-to? HostelWorld—hostels have come a long way and many now feel like boutique hotels with better vibes. Why I love them:

• Centrally located or tucked into cool neighborhoods

• Staff who know the best free & local stuff to do

• Free/cheap events to meet people & explore

• Kitchens for cooking or even included breakfast (yes, $2/night in Laos with banana pancakes, omelets, and fruit galore—incredible).

Other great options:

• Airbnb: Best for groups or longer stays (split the cost!)

• Booking.com / Kayak: Good for off-the-beaten-path finds

• Worldpackers: Work exchange stays—ideal for long-term travel

• Couchsurfing: Free stays with locals (do your research for safety)

2. Transportation

Flights and getting around can eat your budget fast, but there are ways to outsmart the system:

• Google Flights + Skyscanner: My top two for finding the best deals

• Use Rome2Rio or Omio to compare bus/train routes

• Walk + public transport > taxis

• In Southeast Asia, motorbike taxis are fast and cheap

• Overnight buses/trains = save on lodging and transport (just pack earplugs)

3. Attractions

You can see the sights without draining your wallet:

• Go to the local tourism center for free maps & ideas (use your judgment on what's sponsored)

• GetYourGuide is my favorite for booking affordable tours, cooking classes, or day trips

• Read blog posts on the area you’re traveling to, they can have really great insight into budget-friendly site seeing itineraries

4. Items

Souvenirs are sweet but don’t have to be pricey.

• I collect postcards—cheap, meaningful, lightweight

• Thrift shops and local markets = hidden gems

• Or make your own postcards later with your travel photos

5. Food

My golden rule: Eat where the locals eat.
Tourist centers = overpriced, watered-down versions of the real thing.
Other tips:

• Cook if you can! Hostels & Airbnbs usually have kitchens and it’s really fun to check out local markets

• Grocery stores are fun (and a budget adventure in themselves)

• Stay with a host family if you want an immersive & budget-friendly stay (hello, Couchsurfing)

Bonus Tip: Travel Money Smarts

• Get a debit card that reimburses ATM fees

• Never exchange currency at the airport—huge markups

• Use cash where you can to avoid sneaky credit card fees

Whether you're headed to the rice fields of Bali or the cobblestones of Lisbon, you don’t need a giant budget to have a meaningful trip.

Where are you headed next? Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear. 🌍

Until then,
Ava ✈️