Must-have apps for thrifty travellers

Dreaming of exploring the world but worried about breaking the bank? These handy apps will soon be your new best friend.

1. Trusted housesitters

Free stays in lovely homes with adorable pets might sound too good to be true but that’s why Trusted Housesitters has made the list.

How Trusted Housesitters works

If you love animals and want a place to stay and unwind without the cost or hustle and bustle of a hostel, Trusted Housesitters is what you’re after.

The app is super easy-to-use, you can search locations, dates, animal preferences and apply. There’s a great variety of long and short-term stays, ranging from a weekend to over a month!

The better your profile, the more offers you’ll receive, so spend some time adding all of your experience.

Does it cost money?

You don't pay money for any of the housesits, bills or pet-related fees.

The only money you will spend is for the annual membership fee (£129). Your membership includes insurance and depending on which plan you choose, includes free calls with vets.

They also have a great refund policy, so if you’re not accepted on your third application, you’ll get your membership money back - so you really have nothing to lose!

2. Poparide

This backpacking game-changer lets you say goodbye to the days of weirdly timed, unreliable buses and waiting around with heavy packs.

Poparide takes the stress out of travel days so it has to take a spot as a must-have app for travellers.

How Poparide works

Poparide is a cheap, convenient, stress-free and social way to travel.

Simply catch a ride with verified drivers at a fraction of the price of other transport options, and get there in half the time!

Essentially a mixture of Uber and hitchhiking, you can search for trips, request trips and read driver's reviews, allowing you to travel safely and comfortably.

So, if you’re going off the beaten track, looking to save a quick penny, or looking for a quick and convenient travel option, Poparide has got you covered. 

Perfect for solo travellers or groups, the handy review system gives you added reassurance and a way to message your driver. 

Become a Poparide driver

Oh and if you’re driving yourself, why not sign up as a driver and earn your fuel money back by picking up others?

3. Too Good To Go

Sick of budget travel meals? Get yourself on Too Good To Go and enjoy a treat without breaking the bank.

How does Too Good To Go work?

Too Good To Go is the perfect way to indulge in local cuisine or comfort foods in an economical and environmentally conscious way. 

Companies post food that's near the expiry date for a fraction of the retail price, meaning you can indulge in delicious food within your budget.

Simply download the app, put in your location and radius, find what you'd like, buy it and head to the shop/restaurant to pick it up!

What food can you get?

Whether you want fast food, a surprise grocery bag or some cafe treats while you travel, Too Good To Go is a great option.

Each item listed has a description of what could be included, a rating and a figure stating how much it would cost at retail price so you will never be disappointed.

4. GetYourGuide

A traveller on my latest trip recommended GetYourGuide to me, and let me tell you I wish I'd heard about it earlier so I'm not going to gatekeep it from you.

Tours while you're travelling can seem a little out of your price range, but GetYourGuide has hundreds of budget-friendly tours and trips that are completely worth it.

How does Get Your Guide work

It allows you to find free tours, cheap excursions and allows you to explore in a group or private setting, so whether you’re travelling solo or with a group you can find the perfect option for you.

Search for activities by destination or attraction, view prices, ratings, and details for the trip to help you choose which to go for.

Tours for solo travellers

Meet new people, explore in a group setting, and leave the planning up to somebody else for once by choosing a group tour.

Travelling solo can be exciting and freeing but sometimes it's nice to have people to socialise and explore with and that's why this is a great option.

Go further than public transport

Dying to visit an attraction or place but there's no public transport? Check GetYourGuide as they often include transport, so you don't have to worry about getting fro A to B.

5. Splitwise

Get your money back after splitting costs with Splitwise.

Why you need Splitwise

There will always be times when travelling that you end up lending or borrowing money and splitwise is the perfect way to keep track of those expenses on both end.

Splitwise is very common with frequent travellers because money is often lent for things such as fuel, groceries, drinks, and cash-only payments.

How Splitwise works

Both parties simply add expenses and the app will keep track of who owes what.

You can select the currency, add receipts, and label each expense as proof of what is owed. When you add an expense you can also select owed in full or split equally and can add both parties' expenses.

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So there you have it, some of my budget-friendly travel secrets to help you make the most of your next adventure without breaking the bank.

Remember, the key to budget travel is all about being flexible, organised, and open to new experiences. Happy travels!