65 Best Travel Tips to Save Money & Travel Like a Pro

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank! With a bit of planning and smart decision-making, you can explore new destinations without draining your savings. 

Here are 65 of the best travel tips to help you save money and travel like a pro.

Planning and Booking Tips

Be Flexible with Dates: Use fare comparison tools to find the cheapest days to fly, often mid-week or during off-peak seasons.

Set Fare Alerts: Apps like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner notify you when prices drop.

Book Early for Peak Seasons: If you’re traveling during busy times, booking in advance can save a lot.

Use Incognito Mode for Flights: Avoid price hikes by searching for flights in a private browser window.

Consider Alternate Airports: Nearby airports might have cheaper flights, and a quick train or bus ride can still save you money.

Be Open to Red-Eye Flights: Late-night or early-morning flights are often less expensive.

Use Miles and Points: Sign up for loyalty programs and use travel credit cards to earn points for free flights or upgrades.

Check for Flight Deals: Websites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights post great deals on flights around the world.

Bundle Flights and Hotels: Some travel sites offer discounts when you book flights and hotels together.

Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees: Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges.

Accommodation Hacks

Book Through Cashback Sites: Use Rakuten or other cashback sites for additional savings on hotel bookings.

Look for Free Cancellation Options: Book a refundable rate if prices drop; you can always rebook.

Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses: They are budget-friendly and often provide a social atmosphere.

Try Couchsurfing: Free accommodation through Couchsurfing can help you save big and connect with locals.

Use Airbnb for Long Stays: Airbnb often offers weekly or monthly discounts for extended stays.

Check Out House-Sitting: TrustedHousesitters and similar sites offer free accommodation in exchange for house/pet sitting.

Consider Overnight Buses or Trains: Save on accommodation by traveling overnight.

Stay in City Suburbs: Suburbs can offer cheaper accommodations and a more local experience.

Book Directly: Sometimes booking directly with the hotel can get you better rates or perks.

Use Rewards Programs: Loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors offer free stays and upgrades.

Transportation Tips

Use Public Transit: It’s cheaper than taxis and gives you a taste of local life.

Walk When Possible: Exploring on foot is free, great exercise, and gives you a closer look at the city.

Look into City Transport Passes: Many cities offer day or week passes for unlimited transit, which can be a great deal.

Consider Renting a Bike: Many cities have bike-sharing systems, which are affordable and eco-friendly.

Carpool on Road Trips: Use apps like BlaBlaCar to share rides and costs with others.

Use Airport Rideshare: UberPool and Lyft Line are usually cheaper than taxis from the airport.

Buy Train Tickets Early in Europe: Rail tickets are cheaper when booked in advance.

Use a Rail Pass: In regions like Europe and Japan, passes can save you money if you’re traveling between multiple cities.

Travel by Budget Airlines: In Europe and Asia, budget airlines like Ryanair and AirAsia offer low-cost flights.

Avoid Excess Baggage Fees: Pack light to avoid extra charges on budget airlines.

Eating and Drinking Smart

Eat Like a Local: Avoid touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries for authentic, affordable meals.

Cook Your Own Meals: If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hostel, cooking can save a lot of money.

Take Advantage of Free Breakfasts: Many hotels and hostels offer complimentary breakfasts.

Pack Snacks: Bring snacks for long days of exploring to avoid pricey tourist food stops.

Use Supermarkets: Buy snacks, drinks, and even meals at local supermarkets.

Avoid Eating in Tourist Areas: Prices are often marked up, so venture a bit further for a meal.

Try Food Markets: Food markets are often cheaper than restaurants and offer a variety of local dishes.

Refill a Water Bottle: Avoid buying bottled water by refilling your own bottle at safe drinking stations.

Happy Hours and Daily Specials: Many places offer discounts during happy hours, so plan your meals accordingly.

Avoid Hotel Minibars: Minibar prices are notoriously high, so stock up on snacks from local stores.

Sightseeing and Activities

Use Free Walking Tours: Many cities offer free walking tours—just tip the guide at the end.

Take Advantage of Museum Free Days: Many museums have days with free or discounted admission.

Purchase City Passes: City passes bundle multiple attractions at a lower cost.

Look for Student or Senior Discounts: Many attractions offer reduced prices for students, seniors, and children.

=: Apps like Rick Steves’ Audio Europe provide free guides for popular destinations.

Explore Parks and Public Spaces: Many cities have beautiful parks, plazas, and other free spaces to enjoy.

Research Free Attractions: Look up free things to do in each destination before you go.

Visit Local Libraries: Libraries often have free exhibitions and are a great way to learn about local culture.

Volunteer for Events: Some events, like festivals or conferences, allow volunteers to attend for free.

Get Outdoors: Hiking, walking, and nature trails are often free and showcase the natural beauty of a place.

Money and Budgeting Tips

Set a Daily Budget: Set and stick to a daily spending limit to avoid overspending.

Use a Travel-Friendly Bank Card: Find a card with no foreign transaction fees and low ATM fees.

Notify Your Bank of Travel Plans: This prevents your card from being flagged for suspicious activity.

Withdraw Cash in Bulk: Reduces transaction fees compared to multiple small withdrawals.

Use Currency Exchange Wisely: Avoid exchanging at airports; use local ATMs or reputable currency exchanges instead.

Keep a Travel Emergency Fund: Always have some extra cash set aside for emergencies.

Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps like Trail Wallet or Spendee to keep tabs on expenses.

Opt for Local SIM Cards: Local SIMs often offer cheaper data plans than international plans.

Get Travel Insurance: Protects against medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.

Use Cash When Possible: In some countries, cash is cheaper than cards due to fewer fees.

Packing and Preparing for Travel

Pack Light: Avoid extra baggage fees and travel more freely by packing only what you need.

Bring a Reusable Bag: Handy for groceries, laundry, or extra items, and eco-friendly.

Carry a Power Bank: Avoid needing to buy new adapters by carrying your own portable charger.

Invest in a Quality Backpack: A good backpack can save money in the long run by being durable and versatile.

Learn Key Phrases: Knowing a few words in the local language can sometimes earn you discounts or better deals with locals.

These tips cover all aspects of travel to help you save money, plan efficiently, and have a stress-free journey. With smart planning and some flexibility, you can enjoy travel without straining your budget, making every adventure a memorable and affordable experience. Safe travels!