How to Plan a Multi‑City Tour on a Budget

Seeing the world is a dream for many. Although books, media, and even our imaginations can transport us, nothing compares to the feeling of standing in a new city, surrounded by unfamiliar scenes. Whether it’s the bustle of a local market, the scent of street food, or the chill of mountain air, travel offers something irreplaceable.

But seeing the world costs money,  and travelling across multiple cities can get expensive if you don’t plan ahead.

If you’ve always wanted to explore multiple cities in one trip but thought it was financially out of reach, this guide is for you. With careful planning and smart financial decisions, you can hop from city to city, country to country — all without draining your savings.

Step 1: Know what you’re travelling for

Your first question should be, “What am I travelling for?”  Are you going for leisure, family visits, a food tour, or to explore historic sites? Answering these questions will help you understand your financial needs as you plan for your trips. 

Step 2: Pick the right cities and routes 

A multi-city tour on a budget is best enjoyed if all of those cities are either in the same country or on the same continent and close by. Sticking to one region saves you money on flights, visa fees and currency conversion.

For example:

• From Nigeria, you can explore Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic by road.
• If you’re already in Europe, cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels are just a train ride away.
• In Asia, places like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok are well-connected by cheap flights and buses.
  
  

Step 3: Travel in the off‑season

Timing is everything. Travelling during peak periods like Christmas, summer holidays, or national festivals can triple your expenses. Flights, hotels, and even tours are often more expensive.

Instead, plan your trip during the off-season. You’ll find cheaper flights and accommodation, smaller crowds, and sometimes even better service. A bonus? You’ll experience a city more like a local and less like a tourist.

Step 4: Use Multi‑City Booking Tools

Don’t book your flights or transportation one leg at a time. Use tools that are specifically built for multi-city travel:

• Google Flights has a multi-city search function that lets you add multiple stops.
  
  
• Skyscanner and Kiwi.com help you find budget routes.
  
  
• If you're travelling by bus or train in Europe, FlixBus or Rail Europe offer extensive, affordable coverage.
  
  

Step 5: Prepare where you’ll stay

Where would you lay your head at night after a long day of exploring a different city? Accommodation is often your biggest expense after flights, especially if you’re staying in multiple cities. Consider:

• Hostels: Great for solo travellers or social butterflies.
  
  
• Airbnbs: Ideal for groups or longer stays.
  
  
• Budget hotels: Often have basic amenities and are centrally located.
  
  

Step 6: Travel light

If you will be city hopping, especially if countries are involved, you won’t want to travel with heavy luggage. Pack as lightly as possible, and shop for things that won’t be too heavy to carry back with you. Put your things in carry-on bags if you will be taking the bus or the train while travelling. 

• Stick to versatile clothing.
  
  
• Use a durable backpack or carry-on.
  
  
• Reuse items like travel bottles and tech adaptors.
  
  

Step 7: Budget every step of the way

Create a budget that breaks down your costs by city:

• Transport: Flights, buses, trains, ferries.
  
  
• Accommodation: Per night x number of nights.
  
  
• Food: Daily allowance.
  
  
• Activities: Entrance fees, tours, and shopping.
  
  
• Emergency fund: Always factor in some wiggle room.
  
  

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Step 8: Manage your money smartly

If you’re travelling across borders, one of the trickiest parts is managing your money.

Converting cash, dealing with card restrictions, and finding the best exchange rates can be frustrating and expensive. That’s why you need a travel-friendly money solution, and Pesa is one of the best options.

With Pesa, you can hold multiple currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, and AED, and send money across borders easily.

There is no better travel buddy than Pesa. If you’re coming to Nigeria from Canada, the UK or the USA, and are planning a multi-city travel to Ghana, Benin and Togo, Pesa should be in your pocket. You can send money from your CAD, USD, and GBP to Ghana and effectively make payments while in Ghana. 

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Bonus Tip: Use Pesa to send & spend money abroad

Before your trip:

• Fund your Pesa wallet in your preferred currency
  
  
• Convert only what you need for each leg of your trip.
  
  
• Track your expenses across countries from one app.
  
  

It’s fast, reliable, and built for travellers and global citizens like you.

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