How To Save Money On A Trip When You’re On A Budget

If you’ve ever asked yourself how to save money on a trip, this friendly, honest guide will walk you through everything step-by-step.

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Over the years, we’ve picked up little tricks to save money on a trip — things that don’t involve skipping the fun or roughing it way too much. 

Whether you’re flying across the world or planning a quick weekend away, small savings can add up fast.

In this post, we share exactly how we do it — from the airport to accommodations, food, transportation, and even how I squeeze in entertainment without going over budget. 

Think of this as your money-saving travel checklist. Let’s dive in!

Save Money at the Airport

1. Pack Snacks and a Sandwich

We’re the snack queens. We’ve always packed snacks on our trips, especially when we travel with extended family or friends.  

Going to the pharmacy and stocking up on cookies and chocolate is a must – getting charged $9 for a sad-looking muffin is not part of our travel plans.  

A simple sandwich, some crackers, fruit, or trail mix can easily save you $20+ on airport food. 

Plus, you’re not at the mercy of whatever overpriced fast food is near your gate.

We usually make a quick PB&J at home before heading out — even better if you throw in something you’ll actually enjoy mid-flight.

It’s also a lifesaver if you have a short layover and no time to grab food. 

Just check the rules if you’re flying internationally — fresh produce might not make it through customs.

2. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

You’d think buying water would be basic, but airport prices turn it into a luxury. 

One time, we paid $6 for a bottle of water. Lesson learned. Now, we always toss an empty bottle into our travel bags and fill them at the water fountain after security.

Not only does it save money, but staying hydrated is essential when flying. 

We sometimes bring one of those collapsible bottles to save space. 

Trust us, you’ll feel smug every time you walk past those vending machines with your free water in hand.

Plus, you can refill it during layovers — it’s a little thing, but it adds up big time over multiple trips.

3. Use Lounge Access (If You Already Have It)

If your credit card comes with lounge access, use it! 

Lounges often have free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfy seating. We started showing up at the airport early on purpose to make sure we ate before boarding.

No, we don’t think you should go get a premium card just for lounge access — the annual fees don’t make sense unless you’re already traveling often. 

But if it’s a benefit you already have? You’d be silly not to take advantage. 

We once filled up on a full breakfast buffet before a long-haul flight and didn’t need to buy anything else all day. 

You can also take snacks and soft drinks from the lounge on your flight. 

Just be sure to check which terminal your lounge is in — we’ve made that mistake and missed out.

Flights: When and How to Book Smart

1. Travel During Off Seasons

This is one of our biggest money-saving tips. 

Traveling in shoulder or off-season (like spring or fall) can cut your flight costs in half. 

We purchased tickets from Puerto Rico to Madrid at $450 USD by traveling during the low season. 

Plus, popular destinations are usually less crowded, which means a better experience all around.

Do a little research — look up peak travel times for where you’re going and try to avoid them. 

Not only are flights cheaper, but hotels and tours often offer discounts, too. And hey, who doesn’t love skipping the long lines?

We especially love traveling to Europe in April or May — the weather’s still nice, prices drop, and you get more of that local vibe.

2. Fly Mid-Week

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly — I’ve found better deals mid-week than on weekends more times than I can count. 

We’ll even shift our whole trip by a day or two just to snag that lower fare.

And early morning or late-night flights? Those tend to be cheaper, too. 

Not always the most convenient, but if you’re trying to save money traveling, it’s worth setting an alarm (or preparing to nap at the gate).

I use Google Flights or Hopper to compare days and prices. A flexible mindset here really pays off.

3. Fly on the Holiday Itself

One of our secret weapons for how to save money on a trip? 

Book flights on the holiday itself. Think December 25, January 1, Thanksgiving Day — basically, the dates most people try to avoid. 

Airlines often drop prices on these days because demand is lower.

We love to fly on Christmas Day; prices are substantially lower, and people tend to be in a Holiday mood.

The airport was way less chaotic, security lines were a breeze, and the flight wasn’t even full. Win-win.

Of course, this tip isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re big on being with family the entire day. 

But if you’re flexible or celebrating on a different day, it’s a fantastic way to save money traveling. 

Just pack some festive snacks and stream a holiday movie on the flight — it can actually be kind of cozy!

4. Use Points and Loyalty Programs

If you fly often, rack up those points! We’ve flown round-trip internationally using just loyalty points. 

Most major airlines and travel-friendly credit cards offer points that you can redeem for flights. Even better, some programs let you mix points and cash. 

If you’re not a frequent flyer, still sign up for the free loyalty programs — they’ll occasionally offer discounts or early access to deals, and every little bit helps when you’re figuring out how to save money while traveling.

Accommodations: Get Creative, Not Cheap

1. Airbnb Isn’t Always the Cheapest

We love a good Airbnb, but lately, they’re not always the budget-friendly option. Between cleaning fees and service charges, it can add up. 

It depends on the city you are staying in. 

We always compare prices with hotels, especially smaller, local ones that might offer free breakfast or better amenities.

We always cross-check on Booking.com or Kayak.com before hitting “confirm.”

Also, check cancellation policies. Some Airbnb’s are super strict, while hotels are often more flexible.

2. Try Hostels or Shared Stays

If you’re a student or traveling in a group, hostels can be a game-changer. 

Don’t picture bunk beds and noisy dorms — a lot of hostels now offer private rooms, social events, and even coworking spaces.

Just read the reviews carefully and check if they have lockers and free Wi-Fi. 

If you’re open to meeting people, it’s a fun and frugal way to travel.

3. Use Travel Apps and Loyalty Points

Apps like Booking.com, Kayak, and Hopper are amazing for last-minute deals and price comparisons. 

Sometimes, we’ll check a few just to see which one gives me a better discount or bonus perks.

And again, loyalty points don’t just work for flights. Some credit cards let you use them for hotels, too. 

We’ve used Marriott Rewards and Hilton Honors points on multiple occasions when booking our hotels. 

Also, some apps offer discounts if you book through their app instead of a desktop. 

It’s small but worth checking before booking.

Food: Eat Well Without Overspending

1. Look for Lunch Specials

In many countries, especially in Europe, lunch is where the real value is. 

In Spain, we’ve had many three-course meals with a drink for under $15 Euros— and it was delicious. 

These fixed lunch menus are often meant for locals and can give you a full meal for a fraction of the dinner price.

Oftentimes, we eat our biggest meal at lunch, then keep it light at dinner. 

It’s better for digestion and better for your wallet. 

Look for signs like “menu del día” or daily specials outside the restaurant.

Oh — and don’t be afraid to ask what’s included. Sometimes, it comes with dessert or wine, and you’d never know unless you ask.

2. Grocery Stores Are Your Friend

One of our golden rules for how to save money while traveling: don’t eat out for every meal. 

We’ll try to go to the local grocery store or market when we arrive. 

Even just buying snacks, breakfast food, or drinks can save you so much over time. We usually grab yogurt, fruit, or a croissant for breakfast, and maybe a snack for the day. 

If the hotel or Airbnb has a mini fridge, we’ll stock up a little more. 

It’s also a fun way to see what locals actually eat.

And honestly? Having your own stash of snacks can save you from buying overpriced stuff out of hunger or boredom.

3. Skip Alcohol and Share Food

Alcohol is a sneaky budget buster. One glass of wine turns into two, and suddenly, your cheap dinner isn’t so cheap. 

We oftentimes skip alcohol when we travel, or limit it to one or two special meals.

Also, portions are big in a lot of places, especially in the US. Sharing a dish or ordering from the appetizer section can be plenty. 

Food trucks are another great option! Delicious, affordable, and usually more authentic than touristy restaurants.

Transportation: Get Around for Less

1. Use Public Transportation

We always check if the city we’re going to has metro passes or multi-day transport cards. 

Many cities offer discounts for tourists or weekend passes that can save you a ton if you’re hopping around.

In New York, we usually get a 7-day transport pass that covers every bus and metro train! It’s way cheaper than taxis or individual tickets.

And don’t worry if it’s confusing — I’ve made friends just by asking locals how to use the metro map.

2. Share Rides or Rent a Bike

Uber Pool (or similar apps) lets you share rides with strangers for a cheaper fare. 

Yes, it may add a few minutes to your ride, but we’ve saved $10–$20 a ride doing this.

In bike-friendly cities, you can rent a bike for a day. It’s cheap, gives you freedom, and you’ll see more than you would from inside a car or bus. 

Just check ahead for bike lanes and safety rules.

Bonus: You’ll get a little exercise in, which helps balance out those travel treats.

3. Walk Whenever You Can

Not only is it free, but walking helps you discover hidden gems — a cool café, a local market, or a beautiful mural you’d never notice otherwise. 

Wear comfy shoes, download an offline map, and take your time. 

You’ll see the city as no car or train could ever show you.

Entertainment: Free (or Cheap) Fun Everywhere

1. Check for Tourist Passes

Most cities have some kind of tourist card that offers discounted or free access to museums, tours, and public transport. 

Some even come with fast-track entry, which is gold during busy seasons.

Before you buy, compare the cost of the pass with how many attractions you actually want to see.

Sometimes, it’s cheaper to buy entry tickets individually — other times, the pass is a huge bargain.

Tourism offices are super helpful, too — they’ll often tell you about free events happening during your stay.

2. Free Museum Days and Student Discounts

Many museums have one day a week or a month with free admission. We always check their websites or Google listings before we go. 

We’ve seen famous art collections for $0 this way.

If you’re a student or a resident of the city, state, or certain countries, you might get in free or for half price at tons of places. 

Just show your ID and ask — you’d be surprised how often it works.

Even concerts and shows sometimes offer last-minute student rush tickets. Worth a shot!

3. Try Resale Apps and Last-Minute Deals

Want to see a concert or sports game? 

Check apps like StubHub or Ticketmaster — people often offload tickets last minute, sometimes below face value.

We’ve scored ballet tickets and baseball games for next to nothing this way. 

You can also check the venue’s box office for day-of discounts.

Especially in bigger cities, this works like a charm. Sometimes spontaneity saves money.

Ready to Travel Smart?

And that’s how we save money on a trip — without giving up the fun stuff.

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