Top Money Saving Tips For Traveling

Picture this: you work hard to save up a whole bunch of money to go traveling for a while. You embark on your travels, wallet full of money and luggage in hand, excited for the adventures that lie ahead. 

But, a few weeks in to your trip you realize there’s a problem. You are burning through your money like there’s no tomorrow! You start wondering what you should do, because you have to fund the rest of your travels somehow.

I’m going to have to cut my travels short, you say to yourself. But, before you pack your bags and head back home, why not check out some of these excellent money saving tips for traveling.

These tips will ensure you get the best bang for your buck, helping you to have a better (and longer) holiday.

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1. Be Flexible 

Did you know that traveling during certain times of the week, month or year are more expensive than others? Did you also know that some destinations will be more expensive than others depending on the time of year it is too?

Being flexible on the days and dates you travel, as well as where you travel to, could save you a whole lot of money while traveling. 

To figure out where you should go, and when, all you need to do is play Alyssa’s favorite game: Flight Roulette. Basically you use Skyscanner’s flexible option. Select ‘everywhere’ as your destination and ‘entire month’ as your date. Then, pick the destination and dates that will save you the most money!

2. Avoid Peak Season

Yep, prices skyrocket alongside the number of tourists during peak season!

Consistent with being flexible on your dates, avoiding peak season will save you so much money while traveling. 

Not only will flights be cheaper, but you’ll also find that things like accomodation and even activities will have less of an impact on your wallet.

You’ll also save a lot of time, because there’ll be way less queues for you to stand in for minutes (or hours) on end.

3. Sign Up To Frequent Flyer Programs

Why? Because you’ll accumulate points that you can put towards flights or upgrades!

Plus you’ll likely find out about deals your airline is promoting before anyone else.

Pro tip: you could sign up to multiple frequent flyer programs. While you might accrue points more slowly, you’ll have greater access to deals on offer across multiple airlines.

4. Use Your Airpoints

Yes, accumulating airpoints and having insider access to airline deals is great, but you should actually make the most of these things!

Using points to purchase flights will mean you can put your money towards other things on your travels – winning!

There are several credit cards that allow you to rack up points through purchases — Alyssa swears by Chase Sapphire Reserve, which also includes Global Entry, and most importantly…a free Priority Pass for airport lounge access!

5. Sort Out Your Airport Arrangements Ahead Of Time

This is particularly relevant if you’re driving to and parking at the airport while you’re away, or if you’re planning on taking a Uber to the airport. 

Be sure to check out all the options for airport parking so you pick the one that offers the best value for money. Alyssa loves using Spot Hero for the cheapest, and easiest-to-book parking spots!

If you’re taking an Uber to the airport, book one in advance to try and avoid surcharge prices (and the stress of not knowing if there’ll be one available when you need it).

To get extra value for money, use Uber Pool – you might even meet a new travel buddy or two doing this!

6. Avoid Excess Baggage Fees

You’re going on holiday, which means you’ll need at least five outfit changes per day, right? Just kidding! 

While it can be tempting to pack a ton of outfits while traveling “just in case” you need them, the reality is you’ll only need the same few pieces of clothing for most of your travels.

Don’t believe us? Check out these epic packing tips from Alyssa. Given she only uses a carry-on for most of her travels, we trust she knows what she’s talking about! 

Other tips for avoiding excess baggage fees include weighing your bags before you get to the airport. And, if you’re taking a heavy coat or sweater, wear this on the plane instead of packing it into your bag.

7. Take The Road Less Traveled

There’s something magical about visiting the places that everyone goes to. You know, places like Rome, Paris and New York. These places are amazing to visit and see – that’s why everyone goes there!

Of course, with tourist heavy destinations comes tourist prices. Even going into a franchise or chain store, you may find that prices are slightly higher than they are in places that aren’t as tourist dense. 

The money-saving solution? Visit places that are not as popular, but equally as magical. Hello Reggio Emilia, Rouen and Philadelphia!

8. Don’t Stay In The City Centre

Well, this is kind of obvious – if you’re staying in the city centre, you will be paying city prices!

Instead, opt to stay in an Air BnB, hotel, hostel or homestay that’s close to the city. Convenient, but also much friendlier on your wallet.

Pro-tip: use a website like booking.com to compare prices across different accomodation, and to see which places offer package deals and discounts, so you can get the best value for money. 

9. Eat Like A Local

Trying out different local cuisines is one of the amazing reasons to travel, obviously.

If you’re wanting to really try out incredible local cuisines and save some money, eat where the locals do!

Not only is the food likely to be more authentic and tasty, but you are also less likely to be charged pesky tourist prices. 

Pro-tip: if your accomodation includes a breakfast deal, make the most of this before you head out for the day. You’ll be less likely to want to buy expensive snacks while you’re out and about, leaving extra space in your stomach for some delicious local cuisines.

10. Shop Like A Local

Because you’ll avoid all the touristy souvenirs!

Shopping at local markets and shops will mean you’re more likely to get your hands on unique local products and the prices won’t include
tourist-tax.

If the local culture allows it, you can try get more bang for your buck by bargaining on prices too. Shopping locally is also a great way to travel sustainably!

11. Walk Around

It’s a great way to take in local sights!

Instead of spending your money on buses, trains, trams or cabs, opt to walk around your destination as much as possible. 

Your wallet and overall health will thank you!

If walking around isn’t an option, look into the travel options that the locals use. Often train and bus services offer day, week or month passes which are better value for money compared to paying for each trip on its own.

12. Do Your Research

This is a huge way to save money while traveling.

Knowing where you will be going and what you will be doing ahead of time means you can book things in advance.

This means you’ll avoid having to pay extra for things because you are booking last minute, or at a peak time.

Look up options for a cheap mobile data plan, get a local SIM card, or use free WiFi at your destinations too, so you can research on the go without spending a fortune. 

13. Work While Traveling

Technically this isn’t saving money while traveling, but you would be making money while traveling.

Plus, if you follow the other 12 tips in this article, then you would be saving money while making money at the same time. So that’s a bit of a win-win. 

Not sure how to make money while traveling? There’s a ton of epic jobs you can do while traveling, without having to sacrifice your travel time.

So there you have it, 13 top money saving tips for traveling.

Do you have any money saving travel tips? Share them with us in the comments below, and, happy traveling!