One of the biggest problems for many travel enthusiasts like me is budgeting for travel. I faced the same issue the first few times when I wanted to plan low-budget trips as a student. As you know, students often have financial limitations. However, I was determined to travel, so I researched extensively and read numerous blogs to address my budget concerns. Eventually, I developed a budget-friendly travel plan that allowed me to travel without worrying too much about expenses. Today, I’ll share all my secrets and budget-friendly travel tips with you.

Like me, if you are a backpacker on a tight budget or if you don’t have any problem thinking about budget, there are plenty of ways to explore Germany and having nice experiences in an affordable cost. So let’s begin.

Booking affordable accommodations

Hotel and Hostels

When I first started traveling on a very low budget, I used to stay in hostels or guesthouses. Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, as they offer dormitory-style rooms at a low cost. This was initially the best way for me to save money on accommodation. Eventually, I preferred to rent an apartment or room temporarily for 5 to 7 days, where everything was included, like a kitchen and washrooms. I liked to live like a local, but initially, it wasn’t possible for me. I had to stay in cheap hotels or hostels to save money.

Renting an Apartment at a cheap cost

I always prefer to rent a room or an apartment at a low price from sites like Airbnb or Booking.com. I do the same as I mentioned in the last paragraph. This kind of accommodation is best suited for groups. For example, when I traveled with friends in a group, I did the same. Through this, we used to save a huge amount of money. In every city or village area in Germany, Airbnb is very common for renting an apartment or room. This could be very useful for you, too, if you are planning to travel in Germany. If you are coming with your family, it would be the best option if you want to enjoy your travel time while saving some money as well.

Promotions and Discounts

This is my third option. By the way, these are all my experiences I’m sharing here. Maybe you can try this at your own pace. It’s not mandatory to follow me exactly; you can use these techniques according to your needs. I always use this technique, and it’s my favorite to check for promotions or any other available discounts. I always search for discount offers because they offer the same luxury and benefits at a lower rate—sometimes the rates drop to half the price, which is amazing. So, I think this could be a great option for you too.

Eating like a local on a budget

Whenever I go on vacation, I try to eat like a local. Every corner of Germany has unique and different eating habits. When I visit, I try to dine in local restaurants. However, it’s not always easy to eat whatever you want on a low budget. I follow some tricks to plan ahead and successfully finish my travels at a low cost, including food expenses. So, let’s jump into it! Haha!

Local restaurants

One of the best ways to save money, in my opinion, is to eat in local restaurants rather than tourist-oriented ones. There are plenty of restaurants in every area of Germany that offer traditional food at high prices, which can quickly empty your pocket. However, if you research a bit about the local restaurants that are not tourist attractions but are popular with locals, you can enjoy the same meals at a much lower price.

I made the mistake in my early travel days of going to expensive restaurants without researching beforehand and ended up coming home empty-handed, which made me sad. I kept thinking about how I could make my food expenses cheaper while still enjoying the same meals. That’s when the idea of local restaurants came to mind, and it was so successful and I still use this strategy when I travel.

Traditional Germany Bakery

German traditional bakeries are among the most affordable options I’ve experienced. With classic German breakfast items like schnitzel, sausages, and sauerbraten at reasonable prices, I can fill my belly cheaply compared to other highly decorated touristy restaurants. Trust me, these bakery items are very delicious and can serve as both your breakfast and lunch. Moreover, you can enjoy your travel journey at an affordable cost, just like I do. After finishing my journey, I don’t regret the cost, especially for food.

Processed Food

This is my last trick. When I need to go on a vacation desperately but have a low budget, I use this technique. Last month, I went to Berlin without a plan, so I bought some processed foods from the grocery store, like boxed noodles, processed burgers, snacks like chips, and fruits. I took these with me so that I wouldn’t need to waste my money eating in a restaurant. By the way, I use this trick only for one-day trips. If I plan a trip longer than one day, I use other options I’ve already mentioned.

Street foods are another option, but I cannot say it is the only option because one cannot survive by relying solely on street food. For tasting the local cuisine, it is good, but one should not plan their vacation relying entirely on street food. After all, I feel like a local now as I’ve spent several years in Germany and can travel here and there whenever I want. Moreover, adopting the local food habits has been satisfying and has enhanced my vacation experiences. I’ve explored amazing German cuisines by eating in local restaurants across Germany. This is why I suggest everyone reading this blog to try the local food to explore the culinary delights of this amazing country. At the same time, make your travel budget-friendly by using the tips I’ve mentioned before.

Taking advantage of public transportation

Public Transportation System

Take advantage of Germany’s excellent public transportation system. I particularly like the “Deutschland Ticket,” which the German government recently introduced at an affordable monthly rate for every citizen. The amazing part is that you can travel all over Germany with this ticket, which is fantastic for a travel lover like me. Germany is known for its efficient and well-connected public transportation network, making it easier than ever to use public transportation now. I can use the Deutschland Ticket on buses, trains, and trams throughout the country, opening a door for travel enthusiasts like me to travel more conveniently and easily.

Regional Pass

For short trips, I used a regional pass in the past. For example, when traveling to another region of Germany, I would buy regional tickets for a specific period. It made my travel cheaper. I always keep an eye out for discounts, and whenever a discount offer comes up, I grab it. This approach helped me make my travel journey more affordable.

Now, I do the same for booking ICE (Inter City Express), the bullet train for faster travel to long-distance regions. Whenever I plan to travel to a region far from mine, I start searching for ICE tickets at least three to four months in advance. This trick helps me buy tickets at a lower rate. Sometimes, there are special offers that make the ticket price even cheaper than expected.

Exploring Germany on a low budget is not only possible, it’s super easy if you just use some tricks while planning your travel journey. From taking advantage of public transportation like trains and buses to staying affordably in hotels, there are plenty of options to save money while still having an amazing trip. I will write more about this topic in the future as I discover new tricks during my travel journeys. I will share on my blog how I accomplish my travels at low cost without losing any enjoyable moments.