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A bit hard up, but still dream of travelling the world? Don’t despair, here’s my top 10 thrifty travel tips on how you can get around the globe on a shoestring.

1. Borrow travel guides from friends

Don’t go blowing your budget on travel guides before you’ve even set off! Ask friends if they have any guide books that they can lend you. If your friends are anything like mine, you’ll find you can borrow enough books to cover the globe, without spending a penny.

2. Consider when you travel

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that travelling during Summer means higher prices. It’s not just the cost of flights to consider either; train fares, accommodation, tourist attractions and even restaurants cost more during peak seasons. There’s no two ways about it, traveling ‘off peak’ will save you cash.

3. Shop around for flights

There’s no way of getting around it, you’re going to have to spend money on flights. The key here is research. Shop around, use the web and don’t be afraid of going to see a travel agent. What may seem like small discounts could save you hundreds of pounds. Also, if you can handle the restrictions, consider a round the world ticket, it could save you a fortune.

4. Don’t forget your Student ID

Experienced travellers will tell you, a student ID can be your ‘golden ticket’! Student discounts are available on flights, train fares, food and admission to many visitor attractions. You may even find on that your student ID gets you in some places free!

5. Consider less conventional accommodation

When your budget is tight, you can forget about swanky hotels. Save pounds by booking into hostels, split costs by sharing an apartment, bunk down with friends or even consider sofa-surfing, a cheap form of lodging which involves sleeping on people’s couches.

6. Travel at night

Travelling at night kills two birds with one stone. Not only will you be travelling to your next destination, you’ll also be saving on accommodation costs. Night trains are ideal, with many offering surprisingly comfortable sleeping facilities making sure you get a good night’s sleep ready for your to continue your adventure the following day.

7. Walk

One of my favourite tips – walk! The less you use public transport the more you’ll save. Not only that, but you’ll also see much more than you would using the bus or train. Take your time, have a good wander around and I guarantee you’ll discover hidden gems that most tourists don’t even know exist.

8. Volunteer

Many volunteering organisations not only provide you with food whilst you work but some also offer free accommodation. In return, all they ask is that you commit to giving up some of your time. Whilst it is possible to volunteer during your travels, it is best to do your research and contact the organisation in advance.

9. Eat local food

Forget burgers & chips, if you want to save cash, eat local. Not only will local food be far cheaper than a trip to your favourite international fast food chain, but going local will also mean you’ll experience delicious new dishes and ingredients you may otherwise never have tried.

10. Forget tacky souvenirs

Don’t waste your precious pennies on tacky souvenirs, use your imagination and take home gifts for your friends and family that money can’t buy. How about a shell from a far way beach, a pebble from a famous river or even an old advertising poster for an unusual event.

Before looking to set off on your travels, be sure to take a look at HotelClub.com for deals on London hotels, and hotels in Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai and New York to name but a few.

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