How to Enjoy Bucket List Destinations on a Budget

Travel expert shares top tips for exploring the world without breaking the bank.

Bucket list travel doesn’t have to mean big budget prices. For the many travellers looking ahead, doing the maths, and hoping to enjoy bucket list trips in 2026, now is the perfect time to book.

Kristian Webber, travel expert at JENZA says: “Visiting iconic cities on a budget isn’t about cheap travel but about smart travel.

“For those looking for better value, March is the perfect time to book for autumn departures as you’ll enjoy cheaper off-peak airfares whilst giving yourself plenty of time to spread the additional costs of accommodation, transport and excursions ahead of departure.

“That said, there are many often overlooked ways to save money whilst travelling. From living like a local and well-planned day trips to booking a working holiday, there are numerous opportunities to make big bucket list destinations budget friendly. It’s simply a case of doing your research and planning ahead.”

Kristian’s guide to enjoying bucket list destinations on a budget below.

• Hostel vs Hotel

Hostels have come a long way in recent years but remain an inexpensive accommodation option for those travelling on a budget.

Long gone are the dormitory style bedrooms and the need for shower shoes, today’s hostels are located in the city centre and complete with private bedrooms, slick fittings and fixtures and on-site bars and cafes.

For example, if you’re considering a bucket list trip to Sydney a private room in a hostel costs around AUD 80 per night, with a hotel room coming in at AUD 185 per night. Simply by opting to stay in a hostel you could save AUD 1,470 over the course of a 14-night stay. That’s £770 that could go towards exploring and enjoying the city.

• Make it a day trip

If you’re keen to explore multiple cities, there are yet more savings to be made by basing yourself in a smaller nearby town and day trip from there. These stays not only offer a budget friendly alternative but also offer a more local experience making it a win-win.

For example, for foodies dreaming of visiting Kyoto but who can’t stomach the lodging costs, consider nearby Osaka which happens to be known as ‘Japan’s kitchen’.

• Live like a local

Once in destination, the number one way to save money when travelling is to live like a local. It’s no secret that tourist hot spots almost always come with a higher price tag, whether it’s the trendy restaurant you saw on TikTok or the boat tour promoted everywhere.

Instead, head off the beaten path and seek out locally owned restaurants, cafes and shops. Considering a walking tour? Research one led by someone who actually lives in the city. Not only will you save money, but the people you meet will be able to share their insider knowledge of the city and give you recommendations and tips for other local businesses.

One trend that’s worth indulging in is grocery store tourism as supermarkets and food halls are a great way to experience culture without overspending. Pick up cultural favourites for easy grab and go snacks or at-home dinners. Think popular J‑Basket Yakisoba Noodles in Japan or Griffin’s Biscuits in New Zealand for local flavour without paying restaurant prices for every meal.

• Don’t try to do it all

The fastest way to blow a travel budget is trying to see it all in one go with cross-country travel requiring additional time and resource.

Before booking travel, consider your non-negotiables. Narrow down your must visit cities or towns and work out the logistics involved with travelling to each as well as what else is there that you’d like to experience.

For example, if Canada is top of your bucket list, choose one region rather than attempting to see the whole country at once. If Whistler is your must see, base yourself in British Columbia where you can also visit Vancouver. If Montreal is a number one stop, focus on eastern Canada and include Toronto and Quebec City.Once you drill down into it, you’ll likely discover multiple attractions in your base city you weren’t initially aware of allowing you to experience more for less.

• Consider a Working Holiday

Looking for a long term stay in your dream bucket list destination? A working holiday could be the answer, allowing you to work and travel with the security of a regular income.

While young people enjoying a break ahead of university have traditionally carried the gap year torch, recent years have seen its popularity spread amongst 30+ travellers enjoying a career break and golden gap year tourists enjoying post-retirement travel.

Regardless of skillset and interest, there are plenty of options to earn while travelling- working as a ski instructor, becoming a camp leader at a summer camp for kids, construction roles, hospitality service, and interning in a bustling city.

Whether you’re travelling for two weeks or 12 months, bucket list travel doesn’t have to come with big budget prices. With the right strategy, it’s possible to make that dream holiday a reality.

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For further press information, please contact:
Cait Lesko | Sarah Geppert | Elsa Findlay
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: Jenza@rooster.co.uk

About The JENZA Travel Group:
The JENZA Travel Group consists of Summer Camp USA brand, BUNAC, Irish work and travel brand, USIT, Canadian work and travel brand, SWAP, and B Corp™ certified youth-led work and travel brand, JENZA.

The JENZA Travel Group has been creating life-shaping adventures for students, grads and 18-30s for 60+ years.
To check out the experiences offered, visit: www.jenza.com

About JENZA:
JENZA exists so that young people never have to choose between getting a job or going travelling. The working holiday and intern abroad experts – earn and explore in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and UK.

In June 2025 JENZA received B Corporation™ certification – joining a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact.

For more information, visit: www.jenza.com