Traveling costs money. There is no way around it. No matter how many rewards points or airline miles you accrue, you are pretty much guaranteed to spend money during your travels. You typically can’t eat, drink, and tour your way through an exciting new destination with rewards points. That doesn’t mean taking an epic vacation has to break the bank, though. Over the past 10 years of traveling, I have picked up a few tricks to help keep traveling costs low. Even the little things you might not think about, like bottled water or taxi rides, add up quickly during your trip. So, I have compiled a list of my top 25 tips for saving money while traveling.
Choose The Right Destination
1. Go Somewhere Your Currency Is Valuable
Choose a destination where is local currency is worth less than your own. Your dollar will go a long way in amazing budget destinations like Thailand, Greece, and Mexico.
2. Create Free Stopovers
Visit two places for the price of one! Sometimes, long layovers can be a good thing. When booking your flight, choose a long layover in a place you would love to see. I have intentionally scheduled flights to have a 12 or more hour layover to give myself a little bonus vacation. I’ve spent entire days exploring places like Hawaii, Tokyo, and Seoul using this strategy.
Find The Best Deals
3. Book The Cheapest Airfare
Airfare is often the biggest single expense on any trip. Be patient and use sites like Google flights, Skyscanner, or your preferred airline’s price calendar. I plan a huge percentage of my trips around the best deal I find on a flight. Be flexible with your dates and save yourself some serious money.
4. Save Money On Accommodation
Using a service like Airbnb can mean huge savings over staying in a hotel. One of my favorite things about using Airbnb is that you are automatically connected to a local. I have gotten great insider tips and recommendations from my Airbnb hosts for things like restaurants, tours, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. You get the sense you’re living like a local, which creates a more immersive experience.
Hostels are a great, inexpensive alternative to hotels as well. I personally have never stayed in a hostel, but I know many travelers that swear by them.
5. Shoulder Seasons Equal Big Savings
One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to consider traveling during so-called off-seasons. Typically these are during spring and fall. Shoulder seasons are my favorite times to travel. You usually find pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the best deals on flights and accommodations!
6. Book Your Activities In Advance
It’s hard to find a good deal by paying entry fees and buying tickets on the spot. It’s often cheaper to book tickets to attractions online, in advance. Companies regularly offer online discounts, specials, or coupon codes. Take it one step further and check sites like Groupon for the hottest deals at your destination.
How To Save Money On Food & Drinks
7. Eat Like A Local
Travel is all about experiencing new places and new things. One of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is through their food, and in turn, you’ll be saving money when you eat as the locals do. Being on vacation doesn’t mean you have to eat at a fancy restaurant every night. Find out where the locals like to eat for a meal that’s low in price and rich in culture.
8. Eat At Upscale Restaurants During Lunch
There’s nothing wrong with eating out at nice restaurants, though. After all, you’re on vacation, treat yo self! Another great way to save some money while you’re traveling is to eat at more upscale restaurants for lunch. It will be easier to get a table, and the lunch menu is typically less expensive than the dinner menu. Bon appétit!
9. Go Easy On The Cocktails
Alcoholic drinks at restaurants aren’t cheap. That bar tab can add up quickly, too. Practice moderation while traveling to save some serious money. If you do want to unwind with a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail, opt for the local stuff. It will add to the authenticity of your travel experience and save you some cash over purchasing more familiar imports.
10. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle
It’s not just alcohol that gets expensive while traveling. Bringing your favorite refillable water bottle is one of the best ways to save money. Especially if you are in a country where it’s not safe to drink water from the tap. In many places, you have to buy bottled water whenever you get thirsty and even need it to brush your teeth. Packing a reusable water bottle will not only save money but reduce your amount of plastic waste as well.
*Pro Tip Hotel fitness centers are a great place to find free, filtered water to refill your bottle.
11. Try The Local Supermarket
Eating out for every meal is expensive. Make your own dinner or find the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. Checking out the local supermarkets will save money and can be an interesting experience in itself!
12. Save Money By Skipping The Expensive Coffee
Buying expensive cappuccinos and lattes every day is an easy and unassuming way to put a spike in your credit card bill. Check to see if your hotel offers free coffee. Another tip is to skip the specialty orders. You might find a place that offers free refills on regular coffee. Also, keep an eye out for any local coffee drinks that are inexpensive and a fun way to mix up your normal caffeine routine.
Ways To Avoid Wasteful Spending
13. Save Money On Transportation
WALK! I cannot stress this enough. Not only does it save you from paying for expensive taxis, but walking is one of the best ways you can really get to know a place. Some of my best travel experiences have come from stumbling upon something unexpected while exploring a new city on foot. If walking isn’t a realistic option, use a rideshare service like Uber, or take advantage of the local public transportation. *Want to know the best way to get from Point A to Point B? Try using Rome2Rio to get the best transportation options, travel times, and prices.
14. International Transaction Fees
Be sure to sign up for a bank account or credit card that does not charge international transaction fees. These small fees add up quickly while traveling abroad. Avoid these annoying fees to save a lot of money while traveling abroad.
15. Be Aware Of Hidden Airline Fees
Always be sure to check for any hidden fees when booking airfare. Many airlines will charge you for checked or overweight bags. Pack smart, and pay for checked bags in advance. Better yet, travel with only carry-on luggage. You’ll save money and guarantee your bags never get lost!
16. Find The Best Exchange Rates
The exchange rates at airports are notoriously bad. It’s best to exchange some currency before leaving home. You’ll get a better exchange rate, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of finding cash when you wand in your destination.
17. Saving Money 101: Buy Less Stuff
Souvenirs can be great keepsakes to remember your trips by. They can also be expensive and a pain to haul around as you travel. I subscribe to the school of thought that pictures make the best souvenirs – and they’re free! If you find something you can’t live without, then, by all means, treat yourself. Try to find your desired souvenir in a small local shop instead of stores near major tourist attractions. You’ll find better prices, and it’s a great way to support small businesses.
18. Have A Phone Plan
International and roaming charges can get expensive in a hurry. Check with your cell provider to see if you can add a temporary, international plan to your phone while traveling. I keep an old, unlocked, iPhone with me when I travel. That way, I can purchase a prepaid sim card wherever I land and pop it in my phone to stay connected. They usually are reasonably priced and great for using apps that require data usage, like Uber. That said, I keep my phone in airplane mode as much as possible while traveling abroad. With your phone in airplane mode, you can send and receive texts and make internet-based phone calls and video chats as long as you have a good wifi connection. There is something liberating about disconnecting throughout the day so you can enjoy exploring your destination without the constant distraction of text messages and emails.
19. Understand Tipping Practices
Most cultures do not tip for services like we do in America. Some places expect a much smaller gratuity or none at all. Be sure to learn about local tipping practices before adding 20% to a bill that doesn’t require it. Sometimes a service fee is already included in your bill. In some places, tipping can even be considered rude! Don’t offend the locals, and save your hard earned dollars.
Take Full Advantage of Perks & Freebies
20. Always Ask For An Upgrade
Never be afraid to ask for a free upgrade. If you stay in a hotel, it never hurts to ask for an upgrade when you are checking in. Is it your anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon? Let the front desk know about any special occasion you’re celebrating. You might be pleasantly surprised with a free room upgrade or dining credit. Even if you aren’t celebrating anything, just ask! People in the hospitality industry are happy to help out if they can. You never know when you might get lucky!
21. Find Free Things To Do
Guided tours and popular tourist attractions can come with hefty price tags. Do some research to find the best free attractions at your destination. No matter where you are, you can usually find a free park or cathedral to visit. Many cities offer free walking tours, and even most museums will have admission-free hours or days that you can take advantage of.
22. Join Rewards Programs
Join rewards programs for hotel groups and airlines. You’ll earn points on everyday spending that will earn you free flights, hotel stays, and upgrades. I’ve flown international business class and stayed in 5-Star resorts using only rewards points! This one is a must!
23. Sign Up For Rewards Credit Cards
Big sign-up bonuses will earn you free travel in no time. Choose credit cards offering low annual rates and big bonuses. You’ll earn points or miles for the money you’re going to spend anyway! Link your rewards accounts to your loyalty programs, and you’ll be traveling for cheap, or even free, in no time!
Want To Travel For Free? Check Out My Beginners Guide To Earning Rewards Points For Free Flights & Hotels!
24. Take Advantage Of Airline Lounge Offerings
Many rewards programs or credit cards will grant you access to airline lounges. The lounge will usually include free food, drinks, and wifi. I can’t tell you how many meals, showers, and even overnight stays I have had in an airport lounge. Even purchasing a one-time pass can save you money over expensive meals in airport restaurants.
Make Sure You Are Covered!
25. Always Use Travel Insurance
Delays, cancelations, and even personal injury are an unfortunate part of travel. Traveling with insurance to cover these things can save you a ton of money in the event you should need it. I never travel without insurance, and World Nomads is my go-to provider.
