Looking to explore the world without emptying your wallet? Discover how to travel smart with these cheap travel hacks that will save you on flights and beyond.
I’m not going to lie; I get teased by my family for not checking a bag or paying for seat selection, but I’m all about traveling for cheap. I’ve also spent years watching airfare before booking flights, and so many of the old hacks that you thought were true—i.e., “Book on a Tuesday after clearing your cache”—aren’t actually true.
These are my 25 best travel hacks that are practical, easy to follow, and will actually keep your budget in check while ensuring you have a memorable adventure. I know because I’ve personally done each and every one of these hacks. So whether you’re going to San Francisco for a weekend or spending 7 days in Italy, these hacks will help you be a savvier traveler.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Pack a carry-on only and don’t get a bag: Who needs extra baggage fees of $50+ each way when you can just master the art of packing light? You’ll be breezing through airports while everyone else is wrestling with oversized bags. And if you’re going to be traveling somewhere with cobblestones or gravel roads, you’ll be extra thankful you packed light. This is one of the top tips you’ll hear from seasoned travelers.
2. Don’t pay extra for seat selection: Seat selection fees can be $30 USD per person per flight, which can really add up. Save your cash and let the airline play musical chairs for you. Most of the time, you’ll end up with a decent seat without shelling out extra for the privilege. My husband and I rarely pay for seat selection, but 9/10 when we book together we are placed next to each other.
3. Stay somewhere with a kitchen: Why spend a fortune eating out when you can whip up your own meals? I can’t tell you how many places I’ve made myself pesto pasta with sautéed broccoli. Cooking a few meals for yourself saves you a ton of money and I find that my digestive system appreciates home-cooked meals like the ones I’d eat back home.
4. Or make sure you’re staying somewhere with free breakfast: Start your day off right with a complimentary breakfast—because who doesn’t love free food? This hack is perfect for keeping your wallet fat and your belly full, all before you even step out the door. If you’re searching for places on somewhere like Booking.com, use the filter to select “Breakfast Included” when looking for accommodations.
5. Shop at ALDI, Lidl, or other discount grocery stores: Forget the overpriced tourist traps and hit up discount grocery stores instead. ALDI and Lidl are all over Europe (and the US!) and are gold mines for saving cash on snacks and essentials. Your wallet will love you, and you’ll love plopping down in some green space and enjoying a picnic like a local would. Seriously, this is one of my most important travel tips that will keep your costs from ballooning.
6. Don’t see every paid attraction: You don’t need to empty your bank account to have a great time on a trip. Skip the pricey attractions and find those hidden gems that are free or super cheap. Not that much of a Renaissance Art head? Don’t pay the $20+ admission to the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence and instead enjoy the exact replica of The David outside the gallery for free.
7. Always use public transit: Please forget overpriced taxis, Ubers, or rental cars—public transit is where the real savings are. Plus, it’s a great way to see the city like a local and avoid the stress of driving in unfamiliar places. Public transit throughout Europe is phenomenal, but it’s also pretty good in many major cities in the US.
8. Don’t rent a car: This is a continuation of the previous hack, but seriously, do not rent a car. Renting a car can quickly turn into a money pit with all the hidden fees and fuel charges. Skip the hassle and let public transit or ride-sharing take you where you need to go. Your budget—and your nerves—will thank you. Pictured below: the rental car we scraped up on our honeymoon in Portugal. Whoops.
9. Build an itinerary that doesn’t rely on a rental car: Unless you’re spending 10 days in a country like Iceland, you can see so much of a new country without having to go far. Keep public transit in mind when you’re building your itinerary, not as an afterthought.
10. Set up a Google Flight alert or pay for a flight alert service: If you’re wondering how to save money on airfare—set up a flight alert on Google Flight and let the discounts come to you. Paid services like Thrifty Traveler do the legwork while you sit back and enjoy the savings. It’s an annual fee of $99, but if you book one of their $495 Italy fares for 2 people, you could easily see a savings of $900+ for two people, so you’ll see some serious ROI.
11. Avoid travel between late May and early September, and holidays: If you can, dodge the travel rush and sky-high prices by avoiding these peak times and stick to shoulder season trips. Your wallet and sanity will thank you for steering clear of the crowds and inflated costs.
12. Hostels are a great way to save on lodging: Hostels are your budget-friendly BFF, but if you’re more into privacy, find a private room. Many hostels will cater to a specific demographic, but they’re not just for 20-23 year olds studying abroad. Check out Hostelworld to see if you can save some money.
13. Use a credit card like Venture X for lounge access and other benefits: Airport food is so expensive! There’s a reason that Progressive commercial had the mom who packed all of the snacks ahead of time. But lounge access has seriously been such a game changer with how much free food you can get in the lounge. A credit card with perks like Venture X turns your travel experience from meh to marvelous with just a swipe.
14. Have a credit card with good benefits: Using miles you earn from a credit card might not sound like a hack, but it can really be a game changer in keeping costs down. Look for credit cards that have good miles, travel protections like lost luggage or rental insurance (in case you ignored my other hacks), and have a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry.
15. Don’t stay in a city center and instead look for a place a block or two from a metro stop: Don’t pay premium prices for city-center digs when you can stay a block or two away and still be close to the action. Public transit will get you everywhere fast, and your wallet will stay happy.
16. Museum/attraction or local transport passes are usually a very good deal: Why pay full price for each attraction when you can grab a pass that covers them all? A pass can save you a ton and make your sightseeing a breeze. It’s like an all-access pass to fun!
17. Don’t go overboard on travel accessories: Travel light and keep it simple—overloading on accessories can turn your trip into a packing puzzle! Stick to essentials like a versatile scarf or a compact travel organizer to keep things neat and handy. If your mom is getting you Christmas gifts whether you want her to or not, ask for practical stocking stuffers like these and not a $50+ neck pillow.
18. Find a “free walking tour” that accepts tips at the end: Free walking tours are a budget traveler’s dream. Enjoy a guided tour and tip what you can at the end. These are everywhere around the world. One of my favorite one’s was an evening walking tour in Washington DC that followed the Lincoln Assassination.
19. Don’t overpay for travel insurance: Shop around and compare plans: Why blow your budget on pricey travel insurance when you can get the same coverage for less? Use comparison websites like travelinsurance.com to find the best deals and make sure you’re not paying for extra coverage you don’t need.
20. Some museums are free all the time: Why spend money when you don’t have to? Many museums offer free admission every day. Check in advance and fill your itinerary with culture without spending a cent.
21. Don’t believe every cheap flights hack: Just because a hack sounds too good to be true doesn’t mean it is. Some so-called tricks for cheap flights are outdated or misleading (i.e., cleaning your cache, shopping in incognito mode, or booking on a Tuesday). Do your research and stick to proven methods to avoid disappointment and ensure you’re actually getting a good deal.
22. Travel with a reusable water bottle: Quench your thirst and save the planet—just refill your water bottle at every chance you get! Many airports and tourist spots have refill stations to keep your hydration levels high without adding to plastic waste. Plus, you’ll always have a trusty drink on hand, saving you from pricey airport or street-side buys.
23. Take advantage of student or senior discounts: Whether you’re young at heart or just young, don’t forget to flaunt your student ID or senior status for some sweet deals! From museum entry to transportation, these discounts can stretch your budget and make your travel wallet-friendly.
24. Use local SIM cards or Wi-Fi: Skip the roaming fees and grab a local SIM card when you land; it’s like giving your phone a passport to stay connected without breaking the bank! If SIM cards aren’t your thing, many cafes and public spots offer free Wi-Fi—just look for the friendly “free internet” sign and stay connected on the cheap without international roaming fees of $10 USD per day or more.
25. on’t exchange money at the airport (or at all): Avoid exchanging money at the airport—it’s often where you’ll find the worst rates and the highest fees! Instead, wait until you reach a local bank or ATM to withdraw cash for better exchange rates. Otherwise, most places will take cards in most areas of the world.
And there you have it—your ultimate toolkit for traveling on a budget like a pro! With these cheap travel hacks, you’ll be breezing through airports, saving on flights, savoring local eats, and discovering hidden gems without burning a hole in your wallet. So, pack light, stay savvy, and let your adventures be as rich in experiences as they are easy on your budget. Happy travels, and may your savings be as vast as your wanderlust!
Save to Pinterest for later:
Leave a Reply