Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by PSECU, a Pennsylvania-based credit union.

Traveling is still possible even if you don’t have a lot of money. With these cheap travel hacks, some flexibility and the willingness to go on an adventure, you’ll be on your way to travel the world!

 

Step 1) Set a Budget

Before you big owing and awing over pictures of sandy beaches and cruise excursions, calculate how much you can actually afford to spend on your next travel adventure.

Use a spreadsheet to easily keep track of your total trip budget and how much each activity, flight, and hotel stay will cost you. Don’t forget to factor in tipping and food.

 

Step 2) Research and Compare

Tiffany has written before about the necessity of comparing your options before you buy. Don’t skip this step!

There are dozens of cheap travel websites that claim to have the lowest prices for airfares or hotels but until you exhaust every search and source you won’t know for sure which one is really the best deal. One airline may boast they have the lowest fare but they charge for everything from carry-ons to drinks on board, so add up everything you would need to see what the real cost would be.

 

Step 3) Be Flexible

If you don’t have a strict travel time or location, you have a little more room for going after last-minute offers. Sign up for Hopper, Skyscanner, Google Flights and any other relevant travel deal sites to keep an eye on when the price is right to buy.

For more tips and travel sites, check out this infographic by PSECU on how to travel cheap.