8 Ways to Save Money on Travel (2024)

We’re nearly halfway into 2018 but it’s never too late to cash in on some solid travel savings!

If you have been bitten by that travel bug but aren’t quite sure how to make your trips a reality, have no fear! There are plenty of things you can do to snatch up travel deals, hack your way to savings, and ultimately have a fun and affordable vacation.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean living like a pauper either. By knowing when to travel, how to snag sweet deals, and more, you will be sure to have a happy, comfy, and affordable time!

Check out our suggestions below on how to save money on travel in 2018!

1) Hack Your Way to Travel Savings

Learning how to “travel hack” is one of the best (and most fun) ways to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars on flights, hotels, and more!

In short, travel hacking is taking advantage of travel rewards credit cards that come with lucrative sign-up bonuses. DC has a list of the top travel rewards credit cards that he recommends (and has used) to save thousands on travel.

Read this post for the 7 key tips to successful travel hacking to save the most on your travel expenses in 2018!

2) Be Flexible

Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to saving money on travel.

Before you get your mind completely set on where you want to travel to, do a little research on what places are most affordable at that time of year. Traveling during the low tourism season often means saving on activities, accommodation, flights, and more!

Pro Trip: Check out Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” function to see the cheapest flights and destinations for the dates you want to travel. This may lead you to go somewhere you hadn’t even considered before!

3) Skip the Fancy Accommodation

Staying at fancy hotels can really rack up the big bucks. But there are better options!

If you are looking for something that’s both comfy and affordable, be sure to check out Airbnb. On Airbnb, people rent out rooms and even whole apartments to travelers. Many of them are quite nice and usually cheaper than a hotel.

If you are a little more adventurous, you can save quite a bit of money on travel by staying at hostels or even Couchsurfing. Hostelword.com and Couchsurfing.com are great places to start. In some places, you can find accommodation for as little as $3 per night or even free. Just be sure to check reviews!

4) Buy at the Right Time

Booking your flight at the right time involves doing a bit of research and knowing the system, but it can really pay off! With flights typically being the most expensive component of your trip, it is worth it to save some money here!

You can do a bit of digging online to find the best times to book for your chosen airline or destination. Note that people typically do their traveling late in the week or over the weekend, so your best bet is to book your outbound flight for a Tuesday or Wednesday, and then return on a weekday for the best deal.

5) Eat Better on the Cheap

Skip the fancy American-style restaurants and opt for something a bit more authentic. Street food or otherwise “eating where the locals eat” is the best way to save on food costs and get a taste of culture. For example, in Thailand, you can typically find a full meal for around $1 USD, compared to $10 in a nicer restaurant.

I recommend checking online for hidden gems at your destination. You can also feel more confident about eating at a place if they have positive reviews. And if you are feeling particularly bold – ask the local residents their favorite places to eat!

6) Buddy Up

When it comes to saving money on travel, two is better than one!

Bringing a buddy along on your travel adventures could save you a decent chunk of change. For one, you can often split the costs of accommodation, transportation, food, and more. Additionally, many places offer package deals on activities for two or more people.

Traveling with a friend is a great way to save money and have someone to share the experience is. Just make sure that their budget is in line with yours so you aren’t tempted to spend more than you can afford.

7) Hit Up Public Transportation

By “public transportation” I mean skipping the private boat rides, car rentals, and even taxis (if possible). Many locations have alternative forms of transportation that are much cheaper than those other options. Look into a local bus system, light rail, train, or anything else that the locals use. If you aren’t sure, the receptionist at your hotel or host at your Airbnb should be able to help!

8) Opt-In for Sweet Deals

One of the easiest ways I have secured travels deals is by opting into newsletters from my favorite airlines.

Most booking or airline websites will have an option to sign up for deals or their email list in order to receive discounts right to your inbox. If you are in the mood for traveling, it’d be wise to skim through these messages to see if any of the deals can be applied to your trip. You may also see some opportunities for travel hacking along the way.

Related:

• Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards

• How this Digital Nomad Funds Her Dream of Traveling the World

• 7 Ways to Afford a Vacation Without Travel Hacking

• 5 Ways to Take the Stress Out of Flying

• What to Expect When Using AirBnB for the First Time

Ready to travel in 2018? Let us know your plans in the comments below!