One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is how do I have money for travel? So I wanted to put together my easy ways to save money while traveling for all the readers. After traveling to over forty countries across all of the continents, I’m very aware of travel costs and how they can be quite expensive. My travel style has changed over the years, but saving money for travel has always been a priority. The way that I save money on travel hasn’t either.
Saving money while traveling can happen throughout the ENTIRE planning process. While yes, setting up a travel budget and beginning to save are important, these 30 tips can save you thousands of dollars on your next trip.
We’ll go over everything from when and where to travel, using travel rewards credit cards, saving money on lodging costs, and how to find cheaper prices overall. Let’s get started!
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Before the Trip:
1. Research the price of travel and the trends
Airfare, hotel, and even places of interest can have their prices fluctuate depending on the time of the year. Popular places or the “it” destination will be more expensive as well. (More on this in #2)
Emerging trends in travel include an increase in sustainable and eco-friendly travel options, a rise in solo and female travelers, and a growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations. These trends can impact the amount it costs to visit these destinations.
With all this in mind, it’s important to note that these trends can change throughout the year. A hotel in Tokyo in March is going to be at least double the cost as it would be in October (March is cherry blossom season). While this may seem pretty easy in a general sense (i.e. Disney in the summer months), sometimes there are festivals that are happening that we’re not aware of – so do your research!
2. Avoid the most expensive places to travel
This is a tricky one, but often there are similar places that can appeal to you that are off the beaten path a little bit more. For example, do you want to travel to Italy because of the food, beaches, and countryside? Well, how about Brazil instead? Depending on where you’re traveling from and time of year, it may be a cheaper option.
For example, we went to Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda for gorilla trekking. While most people think of Rwanda for gorilla trekking, they are significantly more expensive than the other two. (I would only recommend the DRC with a certified tour guide and for experienced travelers). Gorilla trekking in Uganda is less than half of the cost than it is in Rwanda – for the same gorillas!
Many people think that you can only swim with whale sharks in Southeast Asia. We went snorkeling with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, for a fraction of the cost.
My point is, there are options!
3. Sign up for a credit card for a bonus to pay for your trip on miles
When planning your trip, start by researching credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses in the form of miles for new cardholders. Compare different credit card options to find one that aligns with your travel plans and spending habits. Once you’ve selected a suitable card, apply for it online or in person and carefully review the terms and conditions upon approval, especially the minimum spending requirement and timeframe to earn the bonus miles. Use your new credit card for everyday purchases to meet the spending threshold and keep track of your spending to ensure eligibility for the bonus miles.
Once earned, utilize the bonus miles to cover airfare, hotel stays, or other travel expenses, taking advantage of any additional perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance.
Finally, create a plan to responsibly pay off your credit card balance to avoid accruing interest and fees. Travel rewards cards only benefit you if you don’t accrue debt!
4. Use a credit card to get a good foreign exchange rate
To get a good foreign exchange rate when using a credit card, it’s important to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees. This can save you money on each purchase made abroad. When making purchases, always opt to pay in the local currency rather than your home currency. This can help you avoid additional fees and get a better exchange rate.
Consider using an airline-specific credit card, which can offer additional savings and rewards on foreign purchases, including bonus points or miles.
Be mindful of currency conversions and avoid paying in your home currency, as this can result in unfavorable exchange rates and added fees. By following these tips and using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, paying in local currency, and potentially using an airline-specific card, you can maximize your foreign exchange rate and save money while traveling.
5. Don’t pay foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, ever
With the rise of international travel and digital banking, finding a banking solution that doesn’t penalize you for accessing your money from abroad has become increasingly important. Many banks charge fees for transactions made outside of the country, as well as for using ATMs that are not within their network. This is a huge thing that can eat into your travel fund. Often though, credit cards with travel rewards don’t have a foreign transaction feed.
6. Travel in places where your home currency takes you farther
Traveling to countries where your home currency takes you farther allows you to afford better accommodations and services. This means you can stay in nicer hotels, dine at better restaurants, and participate in more activities without breaking the bank. Additionally, you can experience more of the local culture and attractions by stretching your budget further.
If the Euro is strong against the US Dollar, maybe wait til it comes down a bit and instead go to Central America. I was surprised that our trip to Colombia was very affordable because of the exchange rate with the US Dollar.
7. Track your expenses before your trip and set a daily budget.
Before my trip, I try to estimate how much I will spend on the trip (and then I usually add extra dollars to that so I can splurge on gelato in Florence or give an extra large tip in Uganda). This helps me have a mindset of how much I want to spend daily.
I highly recommend doing this before the trip because there aren’t temptations to spend. You’ll have a clear picture of your finances without thinking ‘treat yourself’.
8. Travel in the off-season (aka never around holidays)
Top travel destinations with high seasons during holidays, summer, and spring breaks include popular beach resorts like Cancun, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, as well as cities such as Paris, Rome, and New York. Traveling during the off-season offers numerous benefits, including lower costs for flights, accommodations, and tours. Additionally, travelers can enjoy fewer crowds and shorter lines at popular attractions, as well as a more authentic experience as they interact with locals without the tourist rush.
To research and identify the low season for a specific destination, travelers can utilize various online resources such as travel blogs (like this one) and official tourism websites. These sources often provide detailed information on each destination’s high and low seasons, allowing travelers to plan their trips accordingly.
Be sure to consider factors such as weather patterns and local events to determine the best time to visit a particular location. For example, the best time for gorilla trekking is the dry season, which I wouldn’t have thought of as December- February if it wasn’t for a fellow travel blogger!
9. Compare the flight costs in low season
Flights aren’t cheap. Sorry. It had to be said. I can spend all day talking about how unfair the airline industry is, but I won’t. Finding cheap flights is a pain, and it’s impossible to know if you’re getting the cheapest price. But we try, right?
Use Google Flights to search for different departure and return days. This allows you to experiment with various combinations and find the most cost-effective options. You can track the prices of flights and get notified if they increase or decrease. This will help you know what the typical price is.
Additionally, signing up for flight deals through platforms like Going can provide access to exclusive discounts and promotions. Finally, considering traveling in the off-season can lead to finding cheaper flights, as airlines often offer lower prices during slower travel periods.
10. Shop around for trip insurance online
Shopping for trip insurance online can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and information, it can be a seamless process. When looking for trip insurance, one of the top options to consider is World Nomads. They offer a variety of benefits, including comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, and coverage for adventure activities. Their user-friendly online platform makes it easy to get quotes and compare coverage options and rates to find the best fit for your travel needs.
To compare different coverage options and rates, start by getting quotes from multiple providers, including World Nomads. Look at the coverage limits for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss, as well as any additional benefits such as emergency evacuation coverage or coverage for pre-existing conditions. Compare the prices and deductibles for each plan to find the best value for your budget.
Finally, read customer reviews to see how each provider handles claims and customer service. Look for feedback on how easy it was to file a claim and the overall satisfaction with the coverage provided. You can find the best travel insurance for your trip by comparing coverage, prices, and customer reviews.
While Traveling:
11. Minimize attractions with entrance fees or cover charges
I love finding cheap things to do in any city. It’s a great way to get outside and creative with sightseeing.
1. Free walking tours in the area: Many cities offer free walking tours that provide insight into the history and culture of the area. Look for tours that cover popular landmarks and attractions. Be sure to tip!
2. Pub crawls: Some cities have organized pub crawls that allow participants to visit multiple bars and pubs in one night. Check online for any free or low-cost pub crawl options in the area.
3. Hiking trails: If you’re a nature enthusiast, consider exploring the local hiking trails. Look for scenic paths and trails that are easily accessible from your accommodation.
4. Free museums: Prioritize visiting free museums and galleries in the area. These attractions often showcase the city’s cultural heritage and offer a budget-friendly way to learn more about the destination. Some museums that normally have a fee may have a free night/afternoon once a month.
5. Host recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the front desk at your accommodation or your host for recommendations on the best free tourist attractions in the area. They may have insider tips on hidden gems and lesser-known attractions.
12. Find things to do for free when you travel
The only thing better for a travel budget than cheap, is FREE. When traveling to a new destination, finding free activities and events can help make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. Community calendars are a great resource for discovering free events such as outdoor markets, cultural festivals, and live performances.
A self-guided walking tour can also be a cost-free way to explore the city and its landmarks at your own pace. We used Rick Steve’s tour of the Colosseum instead of a guided tour which helped us save money (and we weren’t herded around in a large group).
If you’re staying at a hostel, look for free tours and trips organized by the hostel staff. These can include walking tours, nature hikes, or visits to local attractions. Additionally, use Google and social media to find open-air concerts, art fairs, and other free activities happening in the area.
13. Take free Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore major cities is by taking a free walking tour. These tours are usually led by knowledgeable locals who can provide insider tips and historical insights.
To find a free walking tour, start by asking the local tourist office. They often have information about scheduled tours and can provide recommendations. Another option is to check out Free Tour for free walking tours in the city you are visiting. Many companies and organizations offer these tours and provide details on their website or through tour booking platforms.
Once you’ve found a tour that interests you, be sure to check the meeting point and time, and arrive a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss out.
While the tour is free, it’s important to remember to tip your guide at the end. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the guide’s time, knowledge, and effort. A typical tip is around $5-10 per person, but the amount can vary depending on the length and quality of the tour and your budget.
14. Walk and take public transit when you travel
When traveling, incorporating walking and public transit into your plans can save you money and reduce your environmental impact. Prioritize mass transit over taxis by taking advantage of subway, bus, or train systems in the area. Use Google Maps to navigate transit options and plan your walking routes to and from transit stops.
To maximize efficiency, consider purchasing multi-day transit passes, which often provide unlimited rides within a specific timeframe. This can save you both time and money compared to paying for individual fares for each trip. By opting for public transit and walking, you can reduce your reliance on costly and environmentally harmful taxi rides.
Prioritizing walking and mass transit not only saves you money, but also helps reduce traffic congestion and emissions. By avoiding single-occupancy vehicle trips, you contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. So, next time you travel, consider incorporating walking and public transit into your plans for a cost-effective and eco-friendly journey.
15. Minimize buying drinks at bars
If you’re looking to minimize your spending on drinks while traveling, there are several strategies you can employ. Firstly, seek out local beers at bars, as these are often cheaper than imported options. Taking advantage of free hotel breakfasts can also help you save money by providing a complimentary morning beverage.
Additionally, consider finding alternative locations to enjoy drinks, such as nearby parks or common areas at hostels, where you can bring your own drinks and avoid the high prices of bars. The varying costs of alcohol around the world mean that purchasing drinks at cheaper locations or bringing your own can be a significant money-saver.
By avoiding per-drink prices and seeking out budget-friendly options, you can greatly minimize the amount you spend on drinks while still enjoying your time out and about. Emphasizing the cost-saving potential of these strategies can help you stick to your budget and make the most of your travel experience without breaking the bank.
16. Avoid losing all your money with an emergency stash
When traveling with an emergency stash of money, it’s important to take precautions to avoid losing it all. One way to do this is to break your emergency cash into smaller stashes and spread them around your belongings. This way, if one stash is lost or stolen, you still have backups. Only carry what you need for the day and leave the rest of the stash in a secure location, such as in a hidden pocket or compartment. I love my travel scarf for this, as well as my money bag. That way if my purse gets stolen, I still have cash in other places.
Keeping emergency credit cards in secret places in your luggage is also a good idea. This ensures that if your wallet is lost or stolen, you still have a backup form of payment. After being locked out of my account and having no access to cash for a WEEK in Ireland, this is an essential tip for me!
17. Save money by booking accommodation for longer to get discounts
I have a whole post with 16 tips for saving money on accommodation, but I wanted to highlight a few of them here. Consider booking longer stays on VRBO to take advantage of monthly discounts offered by hosts. Usually, these are 7 or more day stays. We actually extended our trip an extra night because the discount for the 7th night was enough to warrant more time there. The discounts might be higher for 14 or 30-day stays. Hotels also typically offer discounts for longer stays, but you would have to call and talk to someone about that.
18. Save money by staying in hostels
Staying in hostels is a great way to save money while traveling. One of the best ways to find affordable hostels is by searching on websites like HostelWorld, which offers a wide selection of budget-friendly accommodations. Taking advantage of communal living spaces and kitchen facilities can also help save on food costs, as you can prepare your own meals and avoid eating out every day.
For groups or those who prefer more privacy, considering private rooms in local accommodations can be a cost-effective option. Doing your own laundry in the sink or finding a hostel with free or low-cost laundry facilities can also cut down on expenses. This allows you to pack lighter and avoid costly laundromats. Yes, I have done laundry in sinks, many many times. I also always pack this detergent in case I need to spot clean on the trip as well.
19. Try house-sitting to save money on accommodations
House-sitting is a fantastic way for travelers to save money on accommodations while also enjoying the comforts of a home away from home. By taking care of a homeowner’s property and pets, travelers can stay in free housing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. Sites like TrustedHousesitters.com make it easy to find these opportunities, connecting homeowners with reliable house-sitters.
One of the key benefits of house-sitting is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and community. By staying in a real home, rather than a hotel or hostel, house-sitters can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country they are visiting. In addition to saving money, house-sitting also provides the chance to experience different neighborhoods and lifestyles, making it a truly unique and rewarding travel experience. Pet-sitting, a common responsibility of house-sitters, also offers the opportunity to spend time with animals, perfect for animal lovers.
20. Cook more and eat out less
One of the most effective ways to save money while traveling is by cooking more meals instead of dining out. Not only does cooking your own food allow you to control the ingredients and tailor meals to your preferences, but it also significantly reduces your dining expenses. By shopping at local markets or grocery stores, you can find fresh and affordable ingredients to prepare delicious meals right in your accommodation.
I love taking a cooking class that incorporates going to a local market. This helps me learn the area, the food, and some new recipes. Fresh markets are one of my must-visits when traveling somewhere. If I have the kitchen to cook, I try to make a few meals. If I don’t, then I’ll try to get some snacks so that my food budget can go further.
Farmers markets provide a unique opportunity to experience the local culture through its culinary offerings. Additionally, cooking your own meals can be a fun and social activity, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.
21. Buy local brands and locally-grown produce as snacks
When traveling to a new area, buying locally-grown produce and local brands as snacks is a great way to support the community and reduce your carbon footprint. Going grocery shopping abroad is one of mine and Spencer’s favorite things. Comparing the layout, signs, food, the whole experience is just fun. There’s no other way to explain it.
In many regions, you can find a variety of options such as fresh fruits, nuts, cheeses, and baked goods that are locally produced and available for purchase. Ask locals for recommendations on affordable and in-season foods that you can find at supermarkets, as they will have the best knowledge of what is currently available and at a good price.
Additionally, consider trying new and unique snacks that are native to the region you are visiting. This not only supports local businesses but also allows you to experience the authentic flavors of the area. Look for local brands that offer snacks made from ingredients grown nearby, providing you with a genuine taste of the region. By choosing to buy locally-grown produce and local brands as snacks, you can contribute to the local economy and enjoy fresh, high-quality products during your travels.
22. Track your spending with an app
If you’re looking to better manage your finances and stay within budget, using a budget-tracking app like Wally can be incredibly helpful. These apps allow you to monitor and categorize your expenses, giving you a clear picture of where your money is going.
One of the key features of these apps is the ability to manually enter cash transactions, which is particularly useful for those who often use cash for their day-to-day expenses. Additionally, automatic filing of credit card transactions can save you time and ensure that all your expenses are accounted for.
Tracking your expenses is crucial for effective budgeting and identifying areas where you can potentially save money. By categorizing your expenses, you can see exactly how much you’re spending on different aspects of your trip, such as food, souvenirs, or experiences. This can help you make informed decisions about where to cut back or even just be more mindful of your spending moving forward.
23. Cut out shopping and take photos instead
If you want to cut out shopping and focus on creating lasting memories, consider taking photos instead of purchasing souvenirs. Invest in a budget-friendly camera to capture moments from your travels. Instead of spending money on physical items, prioritize making memories from your travels, all without the clutter of unnecessary items. Some people create travel photo books when they get home, I like to create an album with prints (costs around $30 total), and hang up some of my favorites on my wall. It’s a lot cheaper to focus on memory-making and photos than worrying about another souvenir that will collect dust. (However, I do still buy mugs and souvenirs – they just have to be worth it and I need to have a plan for them when I get home.
24. Get City Tourist Cards
City tourist cards offer numerous benefits for travelers looking to explore a city’s major attractions and museums. These cards often provide discounted or free access to popular tourist spots, as well as free public transportation and skip-the-line entry at various sites.
With city tourist cards, travelers can save a significant amount of money on admission fees and transportation costs. For example, a 3-day city pass in Helsinki can save visitors over €80 on entrance fees to major attractions, while also offering unlimited access to the city’s public transportation system. In London, the London Pass offers over £300 worth of entry to top attractions like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, with the added bonus of skipping the line at many of these locations.
To find the best city tourist card for their trip, visit the local tourism office or check their website for information on available cards. I usually find the best deals at GoCity, but they’re not in every city (yet!) By researching and obtaining a city tourist card, visitors can make the most of their travel budget and access the best of what a city has to offer.
25. Drink the tap water (if it’s safe)
Drinking tap water, if it’s safe, offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it’s incredibly convenient, as it’s readily available in most places. This eliminates the need to constantly purchase and carry around bottled water. Tap water is also much more cost-effective, saving individuals money that would otherwise be spent on purchasing bottled water. Additionally, drinking tap water has a significantly lower environmental impact, as it reduces the need for plastic production and minimizes plastic waste.
To determine if tap water is safe to drink in different locations, it’s important to research and be aware of local water quality. In some countries and regions, tap water may not be safe for consumption, so travelers should opt for bottled water instead.
If you’re not sure about the water, ask at your accommodation. We have a filtered water bottle that helps ensure our water is safe too!
26. Carry a water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Carrying a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to save money by eliminating the need to constantly purchase single-use plastic bottles. By refilling your water bottle from a tap or water fountain, you can stay hydrated throughout the day without spending extra money.
You can refill your bottle for free at airports, hotels, and other public places, saving money and reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles. I often fit my water bottle on the outside of my backpack, but if you are tight on space, they also have foldable water bottles so you can fit it in your carry-on without issue!
In addition to the cost savings, using a reusable water bottle helps to reduce plastic waste. Each year, billions of plastic water bottles end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. By using a reusable bottle, you can significantly reduce your personal plastic waste and minimize your environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
Saving money while traveling is a realistic goal that can be achieved with dedication and smart financial practices. These are my tips for how to save money while traveling, but I’d love to hear if you have any ideas in the comment section. I’ll add them as a reader tip to help other travelers get out there and explore!
Read More Travel Tips
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16 Tips for How to Save Money on Accommodation
6 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
How to Figure Out How Much Cash to Bring Traveling
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