I've been to more than 100 cities – my 9 ways to do it on the cheap from ‘alternative' airports to cheap business hotels
Now having racked up more than 100 cities across the UK as well as Europe, Asia and Africa, I've learned how to do them on a budget along the way.
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So here are my top nine tips on how to do it cheaply from free tours and attractions to finding cheap hotels.
1. Fly to alternative airports
While everyone wants to head to the big name destinations like Paris, Barcelona and Lisbon, going for a slightly different city destination is an easy way to see somewhere on the cheap.
One of my random trips was to Timisoara in Romania, simply because Ryanair had £4.99 flights at the time.
While these cheap fares no longer exist, you can still find a bargain for around £14.99.
For example, you could fly from Liverpool to Szczecin in Poland for just £14.99 in October.
Or head to Kaunas from London Luton for around £18.
2. Look for business hotels at the weekend
Business hotels might not be the fanciest, but they can be a bargain at certain times of the year.
I managed to book a week in Tokyo for around £450 because I'd booked a hotel in the business district, which was a short train ride away from the city centre.
They are often at their cheapest over the weekend, especially on Sundays.
3. Always find the free walking tours
Knowing where to start in a European city can be tricky, so one of the first things I do is grab one of the free walking tours.
I spent three days in one of the world's best 'stopover' cities and found beautiful hiking islands and rooftop pools
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Normally taking a few hours, not only can you get the lay of the land, but you don't technically have to pay a penny.
Of course, tipping is advised, if they do a particularly good job.
4. Try the food waste apps
Apps like Too Good To Go are popular in cities like London, as it means you can get some amazing food for a fraction of the price.
For example, I've tried some amazing from bags of bagels for £4 or fancy pastries from Oree for a fiver.
But you can also use it across cities in Europe as well as the US and Canada.
So if there are some fancy bakeries you want to try in New York, it is a much cheaper way of trying them out.
And for Europe, some of the best cities to use it in are Amsterdam and Paris.
Not sure on where is best? There are entire Reddit forums dedicated to talking about which bags are the best.
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5. Don't dismiss a hostel (even for a private room)
I get it - the idea of a hostel brings ideas of crammed in bunk beds and loud noisy teenagers.
But they can be an extremely affordable way of staying in a city, without having to share a room with 10 other people.
I was shocked at how affordable the Generator hostel was during a stay in London.
My private room was simple but had all I needed - a bed, plugs, table and private bathroom - but for prices around £77.
It's not the biggest bargain, but finding a hotel under £100 in London is nearly impossible - especially for one as central as London Kings Cross.
Even Premier Inns and Travelodge hotels can be nearer to £90 a night in the city.
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6. Plan a visit on the first Sunday of the month
Lots of attractions in Europe offer free entry to museums and art galleries on certain Sundays of the month, usually on the first one.
For example, the Acropolis in Athens can cost up to €30 usually, while the Louvre in Paris can cost €31.
Visit on the Sunday and you won't pay a penny.
Of course, it also means you can expect it to be more crowded so be aware of that.
7. Visit attractions just before closing
In a similar vein, lots of attractions offer heavily discounted or even free tickets if it is the last few hours before closing.
For example, the Real Alcazar in Seville offers free tickets between 6pm and 7pm in the summer season.
Or in Paris, visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers between 6pm and 9:30pm on Thursdays for free as well.
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8. Rethink getting that last flight home on a Sunday
The biggest mistake I always make is wanting to make the most out of a weekend break by booking the last plane or train home.
Not only does it mean you are extra tired the next day at work, but I have often been forced to spend extra cash by accident.
When in Lille, I found barely anything was open on a Sunday, despite my Eurostar not being until 8pm, and was forced to hop between the few expensive cafes that were open.
And I made the same mistake in Amsterdam, wishing I could have flown home earlier and instead paying for overpriced airport food to kill time.
9. Make the most of those cashback sites
So while it might not save you money on the city visit initially, it could save you some on the next one.
One I love using is Quidco, where you can as much as 3.75 per cent on an easyJet holidays (working out to £11 back on a £300 trip).
Or there is hotels.com, which gives you seven per cent back (£14 if you book a hotel for two nights at £200).
Other brands include TUI, British Airways, Trainline and Skyscanner, so it is worth checking before actually booking your trip.
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