Table of Contents
Traveling is one of the coolest things you can do, but let’s be real—it gets pricey quick.
We’ve all been there: scrolling through flight deals, eyes widening at those three-digit numbers. Hotels, meals, activities… it adds up faster than you think.
Here’s the thing, though: you don’t need a trust fund to see the world. A handful of smart moves can stretch your cash way further.
Skip the fancy stuff, focus on what matters, and suddenly those dream trips feel totally doable.
Ready to save without missing out? Here are 10 ways to save money while traveling.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Airfare and hotel prices change like the weather. Flying on off-peak days saves cash – think Tuesdays or Wednesdays instead of weekends. Shoulder seasons (like late spring or early fall) cut costs even more. Less crowds, better deals. Paris in May? Cheaper flights, shorter lines, same magic.
Price comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner’s Guide to Finding Cheap Flights can help you track price drops and find the best deals.
Compare dates in seconds. Found a steal? Jump on it. No need to overcomplicate it. Flexibility = more money for fun stuff.
Don’t ignore nearby airports. Flying into Milan instead of Zurich? A quick train ride saves hundreds. Check alternate routes – sometimes the journey’s part of the adventure. Sign up for airline emails. Random flash sales pop up, and you’ll want first dibs.
If your schedule allows, consider flying into nearby cities—a short train ride from Milan to Lake Como could save hundreds compared to direct flights.
Pro tip: Sign up for airline newsletters. Flash sales often drop without warning, and being first in line pays off.
2. Book in Advance (or Last Minute!)
Booking early locks in lower rates for peak seasons, but last-minute deals can be goldmines. Hotels with empty rooms or airlines with unsold seats often slash prices 48–72 hours before departure. Apps like HotelTonight or Hopper track these drops, letting you snag luxury stays for less.
Set price alerts for your top destinations. Flexibility is key: if Rome’s too pricey, pivot to Naples—it’s cheaper, equally stunning, and just a train ride from the Amalfi Coast.
3. Ditch Taxis, Go Local
Public transit isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s an adventure. Cities like Tokyo and Berlin have efficient subway systems that cost a fraction of rideshares. Weekly passes (like London’s Oyster Card) offer unlimited rides for less than $50.
Prefer wheels? Rent a bike in Amsterdam or Lisbon. Many cities have affordable bike-share programs, and apps like Citymapper simplify route planning. Bonus: You’ll stumble on hidden cafes and street art most tourists miss.
4. Stay in Budget Accommodations
Skip generic hotels. Hostels like Generator Hostels (Europe) or Khaosan Tokyo offer stylish dorms and private rooms at half the price. For longer stays, try house-sitting via TrustedHousesitters—you’ll get free lodging in exchange for pet care.
Loyalty programs matter. Booking through Expedia or Booking.com earns rewards for future discounts. Even better: Guesthouses in Southeast Asia or South America often include breakfast, saving you 10–10–15 daily.
5. Cook Your Own Meals
Restaurant meals add up fast. Hit grocery stores or markets for picnic supplies: a baguette, cheese, and wine in Paris costs less than a single entrée. Many hostels and Airbnbs have kitchens—whip up pasta with fresh pesto from a Barcelona market.
When dining out, opt for lunch specials. In Rome, trattorias offer 12pastaplatesatnoonthatjumpto12pastaplatesatnoonthatjumpto25 by dinner. Street food is king: 1tacosinMexicoCityor1tacosinMexicoCityor3 pad Thai in Bangkok beat overpriced tourist menus.
6. Pack Light, Save Big
Airlines like Ryanair or Spirit charge up to $50 per checked bag. Roll clothes, use packing cubes, and stick to a carry-on. Wear bulky items (boots, jackets) on the plane to save space.
Check your credit card perks: Some (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®) include free checked bags. If you must check luggage, prepay online—it’s often 20% cheaper than airport rates.
7. Look for Free Activities
Culture doesn’t have to cost a dime. Museums like NYC’s MoMA or Madrid’s Prado offer free hours weekly. Parks (think Central Park or London’s Hyde Park) are perfect for picnics and people-watching.
Free walking tours (tip-based) in cities like Prague or Dublin reveal history and hidden gems. Check local tourism sites for festivals—Lisbon’s June Santo Antônio celebrations feature free concerts and street parties.
8. Use Travel Reward Programs
Travel credit cards (e.g., Capital One Venture X) turn daily spending into free flights. Sign-up bonuses often cover round-trip tickets. Use airline miles for upgrades—a few thousand points can bump you to business class.
Always read the fine print: Some points expire if unused for 18 months. Book off-peak dates to maximize redemptions.
9. Split Costs with Friends
Group travel cuts costs dramatically. Splitting a 200/nightAirbnbfourwayscosts200/nightAirbnbfourwayscosts50 per person—less than a hostel. Carpooling road trips? Gas and tolls drop to pennies per mile.
Even solo travelers can save: Join group tours via Intrepid Travel for shared lodging and transport discounts. Hostels often organize bar crawls or hikes, letting you split guide fees.
10. Skip Tourist Traps
Avoid restaurants near landmarks—they’re priced for convenience, not value. Walk 10 minutes into residential areas for authentic, cheaper meals. In Rome, skip the Pantheon crowds and head to Trastevere for $10 carbonara.
Blogs like Nomadic Matt or The Broke Backpacker spotlight underrated spots. Want souvenirs? Hit local markets (Marrakech’s souks, Chiang Mai’s night bazaar) instead of gift shops.
10 Ways to Save Money While Traveling
Saving cash doesn’t mean skipping the good stuff. Prioritize what matters. Eat street tacos in Mexico City instead of pricey restaurants. Walk instead of Uber. Small choices add up.
Need destination ideas? Try these eco-friendly spots – think hidden beaches or mountain villages. Budget-friendly and easy on the planet.
Your tips help everyone. Share your best hacks below – how do you save while exploring? Let’s swap secrets.