Money tips - keeping to your gap year budget

Be disciplined with yourself and don't waste money on the things that don’t really matter but make sure you do the things you wanted to do before you left. You’ll regret it if you come back not having done them.

Keep an eye on your finances

Remember that budget that you worked out way back when you first made your plans? If you don’t manage to stick to your calculated budget, then you’re not going to have enough funds for your whole trip. Make sure you keep a good eye on how much money you’re spending. It’s a good idea to make a note of when you withdraw money and how much you take out. This will help you to keep track of your spending.

Check to see if your bank offers an online banking facility. This will make it easy for you to keep an eye on your account and carry out any necessary transactions while you are away.

Saving money on transportation

Don’t travel by direct routes if there is a cheaper, (but probably more inconvenient!) alternative. Remember why you are there – to see the country properly. You are more likely to get insight into the local cultures & life if you mix with locals on public transport. And we bet you have some incredible and entertaining experiences by doing this which you will be telling people about for years to come (the “luxury bus” in Thailand, which was actually a pick up truck that you had to help push up hills!) When you arrive at an airport, always check out the public transport options – don’t just jump into a taxi.

Some hostels offer a free collection service from airports and train and bus stations - email them in advance to arrange this as it will really save on transport costs.

Check the noticeboards in hostels to see if anyone is travelling your way and wants to share transportation, or is offering a lift in their van in exchange for some petrol money. Don't be ashamed to ask advice from your fellow travellers - they are a great free source of information and have just done what you are about to do and so have first hand, up to date experience of how to do things cheaply.

When travelling on, try to book overnight transport - this will save on accommodation costs, which is one of your biggest layouts.

Saving money on your food bills

Don't try to cut costs by not eating - you'll only risk getting ill, which could ruin your trip. You can save on your food bills if you club together with other travellers to buy in bulk. Look out for special offers in the supermarket. Baked potatoes and noodles are cheap, tasty and high in energy giving and filling carbohydrates. If you fancy a night out at a restaurant, go to an all you can eat place and make sure you get your money's worth.

Most hostels have a free food shelf where people leave food that they don't want to have to take with them when they move on, and where leftovers from refrigerator clean outs end up. Check them out early in the morning for the best pickings - it may sound desperate, but don't knock it if it will save you a few quid when you're really skint.

Bartering – always see if you can pay less

Get used to thinking before you part with money. Can you do better? Have you haggled? It’s always worth asking for a discount or naming a different price. Bartering, or haggling for a price, is almost expected in some countries. The worst that can happen is that they say ‘no’ and you end up handing over the full price. Keep it fun and friendly and you may even strike up an interesting conversation while you’re at it. A good guide is to start at 50% of their price. Be expressive and animated, expressing shock and disbelief when they name their price. Try to make it a personal challenge to improve on the price offered. Be prepared to walk away to push your point – you may get called back. This won’t work so well in well travelled areas, where locals know the size of foreigner’s wallets. You could be surprised at the prices you will have to pay in even the cheapest countries.