27 Basic Tips To Save Money While Traveling
- karleerenkoski
- 7 days ago
- 8 min read
As travel prices continue to get higher and higher, we're all trying to figure out how to go on that vacation we've been dreaming about, and it's not easy. Fortunately, there are options for bringing down the costs, even if it's just a little. These actions may not be the easiest, the most comfortable, or create the most luxurious results, but they still might be what allows us to go on that trip. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather be a little more uncomfortable on vacation than not be on vacation at all.
Here are 27 money-saving tips to consider when planning your next travel adventure.
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Save on Your Trip In General
1. Plan the trip yourself. I don't suggest using a travel agent or other travel planning services unless you are traveling internationally and it's too complicated for you to plan the trip yourself. (Even then, try to plan it yourself first!) Travel agents usually earn not only commission from booking travel, but they can also charge a flat fee. Even if the flat fee is not a huge amount, that money could be used during your trip instead. In my opinion, it's also better to get to know the place where you're going to be vacationing, and planning your trip is the best way to do this.
2. Travel during shoulder season/off-peak times. Yes, one of the best things about the shoulder season is that there are fewer people. But something that might be even better in the long run is that your trip will cost less overall. Flights tend to be cheaper because there's less of a demand, and the airlines need to sell tickets. I've also seen lower rates when it comes to attractions and experiences during the off-season.
3. Use a travel credit card during international trips. I'm no credit card expert, so I'll start with the disclaimer that you should only do what makes the most sense for your finances overall, and this may not be one of them. However, if you travel internationally a lot, this could be a big win for you because certain travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, which can add up while abroad.
Save on Transportation
4. Compare driving and flying costs. How much would your flights cost? How much would it cost to drive? If you fly, will you have to rent a car when you get there anyway? If so, is it cheaper overall to drive? If you drive, what would the cost of parking every day be? These are important questions as you're planning your trip. Although I typically find driving cheaper when traveling in the U.S. (it also allows me to bring more homemade meals and pack more suitcases in my trunk), it's not always the best option. But sometimes, when I think flying is the top transportation choice, I find out through planning that driving is even better.
5. Take the train to closer destinations. If you're traveling from city to city on the East Coast of the U.S. or internationally, check the train ticket prices. Riding the trains in Europe was almost always cheaper than flying to the next city. I've also purchased Amtrak tickets on the East Coast for just $20 but have seen even lower prices than that. There may be other routes in the U.S. that are cheaper via train as well. Just be sure to do your research.
6. Don't park at the airport. Even parking in the cheap lots at airports gets expensive if you're gone for days. So instead of wasting money and time on airport parking, ask family members or friends to drop you off and/or pick you up.
7. Don't book your flights last minute. In other words, book them earlier rather than later. There is a chance that you could book a domestic flight too early, but I'd prefer doing that than waiting until a few weeks before a flight when the prices have surged. In general, experts say to book domestic flights 1-3 months in advance. For international flights, it varies. Some say four months before, six months before or even a year before if you're traveling during a holiday season or booking a looooooong flight.
8. Sign up for airline loyalty programs. It's free, and you'll receive points for every flight you book, so why not sign up? I still book most of my flights through Southwest, and whenever I have enough points to pay for a whole trip, it frees up more of my finances and completely elevates my mood about the trip.
9. Pack light. Don't pay for luggage. Yes, it's possible to fit everything you need into your carry-on and personal item. I walked around Europe for a month with just one small suitcase and a backpack. I've enjoyed the beach without paying for extra luggage, and I've even gone to cold destinations with that same backpack and suitcase. There are very few instances in which you might need extra luggage, so learn to pack light most of the time.
10. Walk when possible or take public transportation. Don't use Uber/Lyft unless it's your only option (for example, you're trying to get to the city from the airport). Walking is free, good for you and allows you to see more of the place you're visiting. Public transportation is always going to be cheaper than an Uber ride, and it's usually pretty simple to figure out.
Save on Accommodation
11. Stay with someone you know. It may not be the most comfortable option, but it's a free one! For a while, I based my destination on who I could stay with, and it allowed me to see so much of the U.S. when I barely had any money to travel. I would ask my friend or family member if they wanted to show me their city/state, or I would simply keep out of their way if they were busy.
12. Stay in a hostel if traveling internationally. This was especially good advice when I was visiting the popular European cities. The hotels were way too expensive, and Airbnbs were either too far away or too expensive. The hostels weren't always the most comfortable or quiet, but they allowed me to go to Europe without breaking the bank.
13. Camp if you're doing an outdoorsy trip. A cabin is nice and refreshing after a hike, but it's not cheap. Tenting, on the other hand, especially if you already have all the equipment needed, is a really cheap option. My husband and I recently went to Utah to visit the National Parks, and we decided to tent camp. The most we spent on a campsite was $20, but typically, it was just $15 a night.
14. Consider an Airbnb if you have a big group. Airbnbs continue to get more expensive, but booking an entire house if you've got a big group traveling with you can be more cost-effective than getting a hotel.
15. Fill up your hotel room. You might be used to having your own personal space, but it's not the cheapest way to travel. I remember the days when my parents would buy a hotel room with two queen beds and a pullout couch and my parents would get one bed, my sister and I would get the other, and my brothers would be on the pullout couch. It was comfortable enough and much cheaper than if they had bought another room (or rooms) just so nobody had to sleep in the same bed or sleep on the pullout couch.
16. Sign up for hotel membership programs. Similar to airline loyalty programs, hotels often offer membership programs for free. By joining, you can earn points with them and/or save a few dollars every time you book.
Save on Food and Drinks
17. Make your food. This is especially good advice if you're going on a road trip, spending the day at the beach, and/or staying at an Airbnb/condo that has a full kitchen. Going to the grocery store and cooking the food/ingredients you buy will always be cheaper than eating out. You can make it easy too. Pack some sandwiches, fruit and veggies. Make breakfast with eggs, bacon and toast. It can even be a cultural experience if you stop at a market in another country, find your ingredients and then prepare a meal together or enjoy a picnic.
18. Don't eat at the airport. Airports are some of the most expensive places to eat, so I no longer buy food there unless I'm desperate. Instead, I pack as many snacks as I'll need to get me through the flights, layovers and delays. Consider snack bars, trail mix/nuts, jerky, etc. Don't forget that meals like sandwiches are allowed as well.
19. Avoid touristy restaurants when abroad. The "popular" spots are often trying to reel in tourists through signs in English, big menus and pricer dishes. Instead, search for local dives and short menus as they'll have better food and charge less.
20. Eat the complimentary breakfast at hotels. Â If your hotel stay includes a free breakfast, take advantage of it! No, it's not the greatest meal, but you can always find something to munch on. Hotels offer healthier meals than they did previously, and I even snag apples and bananas as snacks for later.
21. Go to the nice restaurant during lunchtime ... not dinnertime. The menu items might be different, but so will the prices. So you'll get a similar high-end dining experience without the high costs.
22. Request tap water when traveling internationally. Some countries will bring out a water bottle with still or sparkling water in it or just a glass with sparkling water and charge you for it. Ask for tap water from the get-go to avoid this. (That said, do your research as some countries charge for tap water no matter what.)
23. Don't overtip in other countries. In America, it may be normal to tip 15% to 20%, but that's not the case in other parts of the world. At some restaurants, the tip may already be included; at others, a tip may not be expected or a normal thing to do, and you'll show yourself to be a tourist. Do your research online and ask the trusted locals.
24. Bring a reusable water bottle. Stop buying water bottles every time you're thirsty during your travels; rather, bring a reusable one and fill it up when needed. You can fill it up for free after you go through security at an airport, at gas stations on road trips, and it's great to have if you're walking around a city all day. If you're trying to work around the cost of water while traveling abroad, you could also bring your own water bottle. That said, this could be frowned upon in some restaurants.
Save on Attractions/Experiences
25. Add free activities to your itinerary. There are free experiences no matter where you travel, and it's in your best interest to try them. They can come in all forms: museums, city sights, outdoor experiences, etc. Not only do you save money by doing them, but these activities also tend to be more unique and less touristy than the others.
26. Search for deals. Start with the city’s/state's tourism site first. Some offer coupons for certain museums and restaurants. (Oklahoma City is one example of this.) Others provide passes that get you into several experiences for a cheaper price. (For instance, New Mexico has a cultural pass.) On a trip to Dallas several years ago, I even discovered that many of the experiences were free or cheaper on the first and third Saturdays of the month, and the same is true in other cities. And if you're visiting several national parks, the National Park Pass is likely the cheapest option. So do your research.
27. Take advantage of discounts. If you're a college student, in the military, a nurse, a teacher, or a senior, bring your ID or work badge with you. Most places offer discounts for certain people, and they can make a huge difference throughout a trip. If you're unsure if an attraction has a discount, don't be afraid to ask!