Let’s be honest, everyone has that one place where they would give up their entire life savings just to visit. But then you take a peek in your bank account and cry a little knowing that your dreams of traveling across the world are crushed.

Or are they?

Now I may not be Indy Blue, (who is travel goals btw), but here are some travel tips that will get you to where you want to go, even with the smallest budget on the market.

1. Save some money

Okay I know this is like common sense, but you do need to save some money for your trip, and the more the better. Just because you’re traveling on a budget, doesn’t mean that you have to have the bare minimum on your trip. A little extra means some cool souvenirs, maybe a chance to swim with dolphins, or getting a margarita with your dinner instead of water.

2. Book your flight

Alright so you got some money and now you have to figure out where you want to go, and when. The key to this is to not have any real expectations or limited dates. Ok now i understand that everyone is busy and you have class or work or yoga or whatever, but being flexible on your flight options is definitely going to score you the better deal in the long run. Ciara Johnson, (@hey_ciara on twitter) is a pro world traveler and explains this the best, so I am just going to sum up what she said in her twitter thread, because the girl is a travel genius.

Ciara says that checking Google Flights and other flight apps every day is the best idea, and I couldn't agree more. Google flight is the absolute BEST thing out there when it comes to travel. It helps you see the cheapest flights to wherever you want to go. Last minute flights tend to be the cheapest, which may get you the best deal. Google Flights also has recommended places to travel at a low cost, so you can see exactly which places fit within your budget. So, if you know that you want to travel, but don't know where or when, Google Flights is your bff. Also, pack light so you don't have to check your bags. Carry on bags will save you so much money.

3. Decide where you are staying

Honestly, I would use a hotel as your last resort, unless you are lucky and happen to have some hotel points or something saved to use. There are so many other options other than hotels. VRBO and Air BnB are great options, especially if you are traveling in a group (the more people the better). The houses are fairly cheap as is, and splitting the house between 4 or 5 people makes it cheap af.

Another option would be if you know people in the area, stay with them! It's free (if they're real homies) and all you would really have to do is pay for food.

Now if staying in some randos home is sketchy to you, then hotels are your last bet. There are a lot of websites that give you cheap hotel deals, but honestly, googling "Hotels in *insert cool place*" and looking at what google has to offer, it will help you find the best deal. A lot of hotels offer complimentary breakfast, which will help you save on a meal too. Hotel Tonight is a great website for last minute deals (s/o Ciara again). Work Away is also a cool resource, where you can literally get free stays and even meals for just working for a few hours at a local business which is pretty cool.

4. Transportation

Depending on where you are traveling, Uber and Lyft are your best options. Taxi's are often overpriced, especially in big cities, so utilizing Uber and Lyft will be a penny saver. Also look at buses, trains, and subways if you are trying to travel a little more distance or to another city for a few nights.

5. What to eat

Girls gotta eat, and if you are anything like me, you are probably hungry 24/7. Eating local at food markets or food trucks will save you so much money and give you a killer taste of the culture. Food trucks are great too, just make sure you are watching the prices. The best food you can eat on a trip is the local food; you can have McDonald's at home. Using local coupons will help with prices too, Groupon has been my life saver just in my hometown, and will work wonders for you on a vacation.

6. Enjoy your trip!

Something Indy Blue says in a lot of her blogs is how much she loves traveling, even if it's for a short period of time. Traveling is about the experience, not about how nice your hotel pool is. When you pick a place, really research the things to see and do in the city, rather than just winging it. Don't spend time in a hotel, or driving around. Put all of your energy into the experience and make the most out of your trip!

That's it! Enjoy traveling the world, because life is WAY to short to just stay at home :)