13 Best Travel Hacks To Save Money On Your Next Trip
Traveling is one of the most fun and exciting experiences, but let’s be real—it can also be expensive! If you’re looking for the best travel hacks to save money, you’re in the right place.
As long-time travelers, we are always looking for easy ways to save money during our trips.
You could have lots of fun on your vacation and at the same time save money even if you’re not on a budget.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, these traveling budget tips will help you cut costs without sacrificing fun.
Here are 13 practical ways to travel smart and spend less.
13 Travel Hacks to Save Money
1. Use Frequent Flyer or Credit Card Points for Flights
Flights are often the biggest travel expense, but if you play it smart, you can fly for free or at a discount.
Many airlines have frequent flyer programs that let you earn miles every time you travel.
If you use a travel rewards credit card, you can accumulate points on everyday purchases—groceries, gas, and even bills—that can be redeemed for flights.
How does this save you money?
Instead of paying out of pocket for flights, you use points to book your tickets.
Some credit cards even offer bonus miles just for signing up, giving you a free flight before you’ve even started collecting points!
To maximize savings, look for partner airlines within your rewards program, transfer points strategically, and always check for deals before booking.
The key is to plan and use your points wisely so your next adventure doesn’t break the bank!
P.S. We also use this strategy to book our hotel stays. Our go-to hotel programs are the Marriott Bonvoy and the Hilton Honors programs.
P.S.S.We also use our Capital One Venture X card points to book flights and hotels, plus we save money on food and drinks by taking advantage of airport lounge access whenever available.
2. Check If Museums Have Free Entry Days
What is a trip without visting a museum?
Museums are a great way to learn about a city’s history and culture, but entry fees can add up—especially if you’re visiting multiple places.
The good news? Many museums around the world offer free entry on certain days or times.
This is one of the easiest ways to save money while still having a fun travel experience.
Cities like London, Washington D.C., and Paris have world-famous museums that are completely free all year round.
Others, like the Louvre, have specific days when entry is free.
Before your trip, research museum websites or check with the local tourism website to see when free days are available.
You can plan your itinerary around those dates and enjoy a budget-friendly cultural experience without spending a dime.
3. Use Student, Senior, or Resident Discounts
If you have a student ID, senior citizen card, or even a resident card, you may be eligible for major travel discounts.
Many museums, attractions, and transportation services offer reduced rates for students and seniors, and some even allow free entry!
This trick works best if you always carry your ID with you and ask about discounts before purchasing tickets.
Some cities also have resident discounts for people staying in a certain area, so check if you qualify even as a temporary visitor.
Even if you’re not a student or senior, some cities offer tourist discount cards that give you savings on multiple attractions.
Always check before you pay—you might be surprised at how much you can save!
4. Bring a Water Bottle and Snacks
It’s easy to underestimate how much money you spend on food and drinks while traveling.
A simple coffee, bottled water, and snacks can quickly add up to $10–$20 per day, which means hundreds of dollars over a longer trip.
One of the simplest and best travel hacks to save money is to bring your reusable water bottle.
Many airports, train stations, and public places have free water refill stations, so you don’t have to buy overpriced drinks.
Packing snacks like granola bars, nuts, fruit, and our favorite, cookies, can also save you from spending money on overpriced airport or convenience store food.
Plus, you’ll always have something to eat when you get hungry—saving you time and money!
5. Travel During the Low Season and on Weekdays
Timing is everything when it comes to saving money on travel.
Prices for flights, hotels, and attractions are much lower during off-peak seasons and on weekdays instead of weekends.
Traveling during spring and fall (shoulder seasons) instead of summer or winter holidays can cut your costs.
Midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are also cheaper than weekend departures.
To get the best deals, be flexible with your dates and use flight comparison tools to track price drops.
You’ll not only save money but also enjoy fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
6. Choose Hotels with Free Breakfast or Eat at Local Bakeries
Food expenses add up quickly, but you can cut costs by choosing hotels that offer free breakfast.
This ensures you start the day with a good meal without spending extra money.
If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, look for local bakeries or small cafes instead of touristy restaurants.
Local shops often have affordable and authentic food at a fraction of the price.
Another trick? Stock up on breakfast foods from grocery stores.
A loaf of bread, yogurt, and fruit can last several days, saving you money on your morning meal.
7. Find Restaurants with Fixed-Price Lunch Menus
Many restaurants offer cheaper fixed-price lunch menus, which include a main dish, drink, and dessert for a much lower price than dinner.
Since lunch is often more affordable than dinner, making it your biggest meal of the day can save you a lot of money.
You’ll get a satisfying meal at a great price and can opt for a lighter dinner later.
To find these deals, check out local restaurants instead of tourist hotspots.
In Europe and Latin America, these menus are common and offer a great way to eat well for less.
8. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
Instead of paying for expensive guided tours, look for free walking tours offered in most major cities.
These tours are led by local guides and only require a tip at the end, making them one of the best budget travel options.
Not only do you save money, but you also get insider knowledge from a local who knows the best spots in town.
Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travelers and explore the city on foot!
Before your trip, search for “free walking tours” + your destination to find available options.
Just remember to tip your guide—it’s still a fraction of what a traditional tour would cost.
9. Use Public Transportation
Taxis and ride-shares are expensive, but public transportation is much cheaper and often faster in busy cities.
Metro systems, buses, and trams can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a trip.
Look for day passes or multi-trip tickets, which offer unlimited rides for a fixed price.
Apps like Google Maps and Rome2Rio make navigating public transit easy, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
10. Stay Close to Attractions & Walk More
Hotels in city centers may seem expensive, but if they save you money on transportation, they might be worth it.
By staying within walking distance of major attractions, you can explore without spending money on taxis or public transit.
Walking also helps you discover hidden gems, like small cafes and street art, that you’d miss if you were riding in a car.
Plus, it’s a great way to stay active while traveling!
11. Check for Same-Day Theater or Concert Tickets
Want to see a show on a budget? Check for same-day theater or concert tickets!
Many venues sell last-minute seats at a huge discount.
Websites like TodayTix, TKTS booths, and even venue box offices offer cheap same-day tickets, especially for Broadway and West End shows.
By waiting until the last minute, you can score amazing deals on top-tier performances without spending a fortune.
12. Find Free Activities and Concerts
Experiencing a new city doesn’t have to be expensive—many destinations offer free activities, events, and concerts.
From outdoor festivals to live music performances, there are plenty of ways to have fun on a budget.
Instead of paying for expensive attractions or event tickets, you can enjoy free entertainment that’s just as exciting.
Many cities host weekly outdoor movie nights, live concerts in parks, or free entry days at art galleries.
You just need to know where to look!
Before your trip, check local event websites, Facebook groups, or tourism board pages for free upcoming events.
13. Visit Free Parks, Beaches, and Outdoor Activities
Nature is the ultimate budget-friendly attraction!
Whether you love hiking, relaxing on the beach, or exploring city parks, outdoor activities are often completely free and provide some of the best travel experiences.
You can spend the day at a national park, botanical garden, or scenic overlook—all without spending a dime.
Many destinations also have famous viewpoints, urban green spaces, and self-guided walking trails that let you explore at no cost.
Before you go, research free nature spots in your destination.
Many cities have free bike trails, hiking routes, or even free yoga classes in the park.
You’ll get to enjoy stunning landscapes without stretching your budget!
Easy Ways to Travel for Less
Saving money while traveling doesn’t mean missing out on amazing experiences.
By following these travel hacks to save money, you can enjoy incredible trips without overspending.
Have any budget travel hacks of your own? Share them in the comments!
