22 TRAVEL HACKS TO SAVE MONEY
Are you ready to travel somewhere and want to know all the best tricks and hacks to save money while traveling? I have been traveling extensively since my 20’s and have learned all sorts of ways to save money while traveling.
Below is an extensive list of the best travel hacks to save money. Have you tried any of these ways to save money? What’s your favorite tip or trick?
INTRO TO TRAVEL HACKING
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing a memorable experience. With the right travel hacks, you can stretch your money further while enjoying all the perks of exploring new places. Start by booking flights at off-peak times or taking advantage of mistake fares through platforms like Scott’s Cheap Flights. Budget airlines and red-eye flights can also save on ticket prices, leaving more money for your travel needs. For accommodations, consider affordable options like private rooms, free stays through house-sitting, or even extended stays in hostels with free breakfast. When dining, skip expensive tourist spots and head to local grocery stores, farmers markets, or try the local cuisine with a packed lunch to save on costs while still enjoying authentic flavors.
Another great way to save money is by preparing ahead. Travel insurance is a must for international destinations, ensuring you’re covered for unexpected events. Budget travel hacks, like using the best travel credit cards for rewards or picking up a local SIM card for easy access to navigation and communication, can enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank. For transportation, avoid tourist areas with high costs and opt for public transit to keep transportation costs low. Visiting South America or European cities during off-peak times is often the best bet for securing the cheapest days for travel and getting a better deal on accommodations. With a little planning and the right resources, your next trip can be both budget-friendly and unforgettable.
22 travel hacks to save money
Credit cards that give you miles/money back
As long as you pay off your monthly amount due, this is an awesome way to save money while traveling. My current favorite cards are both by Chase. Chase Sapphire and Chase United both offer amazing incentives, such as 60,000 miles for signing up and charging a certain amount of money within the first 3 months. The cards have a yearly fee of $95, but it’s definitely worth it. You can use the points on hotels, airfare, cash back, and more. These cards also cover you for car rental insurance and anything else that might happen while traveling, such as lost luggage. Plus, no foreign transaction fees. This is one hack that I’ve sworn by for more than 20 years! We used to save our miles to fly to Chile as it’s a super expensive flight from the United States. This alone has saved us thousands of dollars! 
Schwab ATM cards for no ATM fees and reimbursement on any fees.
This is one of my favorite bank accounts as you can invest your money in an index fund that gives you a good return on your money, but you can easily change your money back to cash in order to take money out of the ATM. This account doesn’t charge any fees and reimburses any ATM fees you might incur while traveling.
Use Wise to send money.
If you need to send money directly in another currency, this is the best deal. The exchange rates are usually the most competitive and the fees are low. We used Wise quite a bit before moving to Portugal so we could send Euros to people we needed to pay. 
Get cash out of local ATMs, not the tourist ones.
In Europe, make sure it’s the Multibanco. Don’t change money at an exchange place or the tourist ATMs. However, if you have a Schwab account as noted above, they will reimburse any fees incurred. 
Use Google flights to search for flights.
Google Flights is a powerful tool for finding the best deals on airfare. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily compare flight prices across multiple airlines, view flexible date options, and even track ticket prices for your desired routes. The map feature helps you discover affordable destinations by showing flight costs to various cities at a glance, making it perfect for budget travelers or spontaneous getaways. Whether you’re looking for cheap red-eye flights, planning a long trip, or searching for the perfect time to travel, Google Flights is a great resource to help you find the best prices and plan your journey efficiently.
Play around with dates and destinations.
Flexibility with dates and destinations is key to effective travel hacking. By shifting your travel dates or choosing alternative airports, you can often unlock significant savings on flight prices and accommodations. Use tools like Google Flights or Kiwi to explore the cheapest days to fly within an entire month or to find affordable destinations that fit your budget. Traveling during off-peak times or mid-week often yields the best prices, while avoiding high-demand tourist attractions can help you secure a better deal on your entire trip. Being open to different options is a great way to stretch your budget and make the most of your travel experience. Tuesday is typically the best day to check flights and Saturday and Tuesdays are the best days to fly.
Another travel hack to save money is to check nearby destinations.
For example, we were recently looking for round-trip flights from Lisbon to Paris. After doing a little research, we found that it was cheaper to buy a one-way ticket to Paris, then a one-way ticket to London from Paris and one-way from London to Lisbon. We added an extra destination that we wanted to go to and the cost of all the flights was cheaper than the cost of a round-trip ticket from Lisbon to Paris and back. 
Use a VPN.
Use a VPN to switch to a different country to check websites to see if prices changes. Nord VPN is the one we use. It’s super affordable and it works really well!
Using a VPN is a smart travel hack to find better deals on flights. Airlines and booking websites often adjust ticket prices based on your location, so by switching your virtual location with a VPN, you might unlock lower rates. For instance, flight prices may appear cheaper when booked from a country with a lower average income or from the airline’s home country. This trick works best when combined with browsing in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on your search history. A VPN can be a powerful tool to score great deals and save money on your next trip.
House sitting/Pet sitting/Home exchange
These are awesome and unique ways to see the world at a very low cost! We have used Trusted Housesitters in the past and had a great experience taking care of people’s homes and pets. My current favorite group is People Like Us Home Exchange. This is an excellent way to save money while traveling!
Couchsurfing
If you’re a solo traveler, Couchsurfing can be a great option! You save a lot of money and get to know locals at your destination.
Couchsurfing is a fantastic travel hack for those looking to save money while experiencing authentic local culture. This platform connects travelers with hosts who offer free accommodation, often in exchange for cultural exchange or good company. Staying with a local not only helps you cut down on one of the biggest travel expenses but also provides insider tips on hidden gems, local cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Couchsurfing is a great way to meet new people, immerse yourself in everyday life at your destination, and make your trip both affordable and unforgettable.
Stay at hostels or short term rentals
You can save a lot of money by eating at least one meal per day at your short-term rental. We typically use Booking.com to find the best deals. And HostelWorld is our favorite for hostels.
Free activities at destination such as parks, viewpoints, cultural events, street events, etc.
We tend to look on Facebook events to see what is happening in the place we are visiting. We also love to be outdoors so we naturally gravitate towards outdoor activities. This is a great travel hack to save money! 
Research free museum days.
Most large cities have free times/days to go to museums. In Lisbon, most of the museums are free on Sundays. Researching free museum days is an excellent travel hack for saving money while enjoying cultural and historical attractions. Many museums worldwide offer free admission on specific days or times each month, making it the perfect opportunity to explore world-class exhibits without spending a dime. Check museum websites or local tourism boards to find the schedule, and plan your visit accordingly to maximize your travel budget. This hack is especially useful in expensive cities, allowing you to enjoy rich cultural experiences while keeping costs low.
Get Lisboa card or another card to save on transportation and museums.
Large cities have awesome travel cards where it pays for all public transportation, most museums and discounts on other experiences. It’s really a great deal, esp. if you are visiting a city for only a few days. A few examples: ROME PASS, BARCELONA CARD, PARIS CARD, LONDON CARD, ISTANBUL CARD, PRAGUE PASS, BERLIN CARD, VIENNA PASS, and AMSTERDAM CARD.
Walk everywhere!
I mean .. seriously, walk everywhere you go! And if you can’t walk everywhere, use the awesome public transportation system that most large cities have. If you get the city cards mentioned above, it’ll make it very affordable. 
Make your main meal = lunch.
The lunch deals in Europe tend to be great deals with a main entree, drink and dessert. You can eat a lot at lunch and then just have a small dinner at your short-term rental or in a park.
Eat fruit for breakfast.
Bonus points if you get your fruit at a local market. Eating breakfast at your rental will not only save you a ton of money, but also a ton of time. This will give you extra time to explore all the hot spots. 
Take your reusable water bottle and fill it up for free.
Nowadays, you can’t take your filled bottle through gate check at the airport, but most airports have filling stations. Save your money (plus the environment) for sightseeing and having awesome travel experiences.
Don’t pay for seats on cheap airlines.
When flying with budget airlines, skipping seat selection is a simple travel hack that can save you money. These airlines often charge extra for choosing a specific seat, but if you’re flexible, you’ll usually be assigned one for free at check-in. Unless you’re traveling with a large group or have specific seating needs, this small sacrifice can add up to significant savings, especially on multiple flights. Embrace the unpredictability, and use the extra cash for other travel experiences!
Just wait until you check in to be randomly assigned a seat. And definitely, don’t get food at the airport if you can help it. Pack your own. It’ll be healthier and much cheaper!
Don’t check luggage!
Carry a small backpack that fulfills requirements for airlines. PRO TIP: Go minimalist! It’s the best way to travel and really, have you tried pulling a huge suitcase along cobblestone streets and up huge hills? It’s not worth it! 
Take public transportation if you can’t walk to your destination.
Get one of the travel cards mentioned above and get to know the city the way the locals do! Using public transportation is a smart travel hack that can significantly cut transportation costs while providing an authentic glimpse into local life. Whether it’s buses, trains, trams, or subways, public transit is often much cheaper than taxis or ride-sharing services, especially in cities with well-connected systems. Many destinations offer day passes or multi-trip discounts, making it even more affordable. Plus, navigating public transportation can lead you to hidden gems and areas not always covered in tourist guides, enriching your travel experience while keeping your budget in check.
Research as much as you can prior to traveling to your destination.
By researching the destination ahead of time, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect once you arrive to your final destination. Being prepared is key and the perfect travel hack to save money!
Final Thoughts on Travel Hacking
Mastering travel hacks can make exploring the world affordable and stress-free, even in expensive countries. Start by comparing flight prices across multiple service providers to secure the best prices, and consider booking red-eye or long flights to save on ticket costs. If you’re visiting a foreign country, learn to navigate the local currency to avoid hidden fees, and consider affordable accommodation like extended stays in Booking accommodations—especially if you have a gift card. For those traveling with little money, options like free accommodation through house-sitting or Couchsurfing and free food at hostels or events can stretch your budget further. Packing efficiently, with a travel bag that maximizes luggage space, ensures you’re prepared for any adventure, whether you’re exploring New York Europe, Asia or a remote area.
For an even more economical experience, prioritize general travel tips like shopping at a local grocery store or farmers market for meals instead of dining near tourist attractions. Travel agents can be a great resource for tailored deals, especially for business travelers looking for a balance of convenience and cost. In expensive countries, aim to travel during the perfect time—off-peak seasons—to find the best choice for affordable tickets and accommodations. Additionally, take advantage of free things like walking tours or museum days and use tour guides strategically to enhance your experience without spending too much money. By planning wisely and choosing the right place to invest your travel budget, you’ll create unforgettable memories while keeping your bank account intact.
These are my top advice for travel hacks to save money. Do you have some special tricks and tips up your sleeve? If so, I’d love to hear about them!
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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
- NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
- Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
- Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
- Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities
Lovely post, I love all the hacks and tips specially the one with the credit cards. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes – using credit cards to travel hack is definitely my favorite!
Great tips! I love planning my trip around free museum days for saving a ton of money!
I agree! Thankfully, most museums have free entry on Sundays for Portuguese residents. I love that in London, all the museums are free for everybody, including tourists!