If you’re heading somewhere new, don’t miss these budget travel tips!
The cost of your vacation may be getting in the way of enjoying your vacation. We share budget travel tips to help you save money while traveling.
Getting away is a lot of fun (until it starts to get expensive). No matter where you’re traveling, read smart and easy ways to save money on activities, restaurants, transportation, and more so you can enjoy your trip without limiting your experience.
Here are 21 ways to save money while traveling.
1. Be flexible with your travel dates as you could potentially save hundreds of dollars.
Always be aware of what time of year or month you want to travel. During peak travel months, getting to your desired destination can be very expensive. Thankfully, Google Flights shows you the cheapest time to fly on a number of airlines.
This tip is invaluable as it even suggests which days of the month are the cheapest. One Hip reader shared how she flew to Italy last September for just $400 round trip using Google Flights. 😱
If possible, find the cheapest time of the month you’re thinking of traveling and book during that time.
2. Browse hotel and flight deals on websites like Skyscanner & Hopper and potentially score deals like Shane’s $4 Airline Ticket.
Websites such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Skyscanner are third-party websites that allow you to book flights and hotels through their websites rather than contacting the airline or resort directly. In some cases, prices can be significantly lower than selling directly on the website, so be sure to check.
Hopper is very helpful because it tells you when is the best time to buy flights and hotels. I don’t know how they do it, but in my experience I always use Hopper to get insight into my reservations, even if I didn’t book with Hopper. Please note that while the times are accurate in most cases, they do not necessarily include all airlines.
“I’m a big fan of Hopper and even scored a $4 one-way ticket during a huge sale.” – Shane, Hip Sidekick
3. Compare the prices of low-cost and major airlines depending on your packing method.
Low-cost airlines like Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier are great options if you’re traveling alone or with friends who don’t mind getting creative with your packing. Typically, these airlines only allow personal items and charge fees for checked and carry-on bags. JetBlue has recently followed a similar model.
Is it fashion to wear layers of clothing to avoid additional baggage fees? i doubt it. But is it a budget victory? absolutely.
Conversely, airlines like Southwest and Delta may include baggage, seat assignments, and snacks (yes, snacks!). Therefore, before you book, compare prices that take into account all these additional charges. You might be surprised which option is cheaper.
“I’ve been booking a lot with Frontier Airlines lately, and I always choose to add on their tier 1 “Benefits” package. The cost is approximately $50 and includes the cost of your seat, plus both carry-on and checked baggage. In the end, you’ll end up paying $10 more for the seat alone, compared to the usual $25 to $40. It’s pretty easy to bundle, as carry-on or checked bag fees alone typically cost $40. ” – Emily, Hip Buddy
4. Travel with personal items and no carry-on baggage.
Some low-cost airlines charge a hefty fee for carrying carry-on items, but it’s much more convenient to store your personal items under the seat in front of you.
This travel backpack is one of the best travel accessories that can hold a lot of things.
Tip: If you carry a purse and a backpack, be sure to tuck your purse inside the backpack. If you have more than one item, you may be charged an entry fee.
5. Consider renting an Airbnb or VRBO instead of a hotel.
The more people you’re traveling with, the more it might make sense to consider booking on Airbnb or Vrbo. Additionally, you may have much more space than a hotel room. Our hip buddy Shane found us in Phoenix, Arizona for just $30 a night.
Be sure to research the area and read reviews before booking. As a tip, Google Street View is a great tool for peeking into your neighborhood.
You can also save money on food by booking a rental with a kitchen.
6. To save money on food while traveling, book accommodations that include free breakfast!
Food can be expensive while traveling, so this is another way to save money when traveling to a new city.
Many hotels include breakfast, and in the most desirable destinations, you may even find an Airbnb that also includes breakfast. I recently stayed at an Airbnb in Santorini (where food is expensive) and it included a 4-course breakfast each day, delivered to my room so I didn’t have to navigate through crowds. 🙌🏼
7. Choose to stay close to public transportation so you don’t have to rent a car.
Many hotels also offer free airport shuttles to destinations and popular attractions, so you can save on taxis and rental cars during your trip.
When you browse sites like Travelocity or Expedia, there is usually a feature that allows you to filter your results to include these amenities.
8. Get great deals on restaurants, local attractions, entertainment, and more.
If you plan on checking out highly rated spots and attractions during your trip, places like Groupon and LivingSocial may be offering deals that can help you avoid paying full price.
Our hip buddy Kelly also uses a website called Roadside America to find quirky and inexpensive places to visit when traveling to new cities.
9. Book a gourmet tour when you arrive to stay informed of the best spots and save on expensive places.
Booking a foodie tour early in your trip is a smart way to save money when exploring a new city. You’ll find local favorites, hidden gems, and affordable eats you might never find on your own. Plus, you’ll have a better idea of portion sizes and prices, so you can avoid falling into overpriced tourist traps later on. It’s like wandering around the city while gathering information about affordable and delicious food during your stay.
Find top-rated food tours with trusted travel sites like Viator, GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, and ToursByLocals.
Check out verified places where kids eat free.
Our hip buddy Madison used to be a gourmet tour guide and uses this money-saving tool whenever she travels to a new city.
“Gourmet tours are a great way to quickly learn a lot about a new city. You get to try a lot of different restaurants at a great value. Usually, at the end, the tour guide will tell you that they want to visit again. I’ve done this in places like Portland, Seattle, and Las Vegas, and I especially recommend Gourmet Tours if you’re traveling as a couple.” – Madison
Don’t forget that food trucks can also be a way to save money and eat while exploring a new city.
10. Bank of America cardholders enjoy free access to museums.
Bank of America Cardholders receive free admission to various museums on the first weekend of each month. There are 225 museums and institutions to visit, and a complete list of museums by state can be found on our website.
11. Check out CityPASS for discounts in big cities with many tourist attractions.
CityPASS’s amazing discount booklet includes tickets to the best museums, zoos, and more, and saves up to 50% off what you’d pay at the ticket booth. You can also use the package as an itinerary to plan what you want to do during your stay.
12. Choose another destination that is similar but cheaper overall.
Choosing a destination that is similar to popular hotspots but less expensive can increase your vacation budget while still offering a comparable experience. These alternatives often have fewer crowds, lower lodging costs, and similar attractions. for example:
Consider some of the popular alternatives below and estimate how affordable your trip will be.
North/South America:
If you go to Philadelphia instead of New York City, you’ll save 20-30% on historic buildings, art, and food. If you go to Tampa instead of Miami in the US, the beaches and nightlife will be about 25% cheaper. Instead of Los Angeles, go to San Diego. Enjoy coastal atmosphere and attractions with 20-30% off. Instead of Cancun, Mexico, you can get 30% off Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Beaches and Resorts.
Europe:
Instead of Santorini, Greece, go to Paros, Milos, or Naxos, Greece. Enjoy similar Cyclades attractions for 30-40% less. Instead of Rome, Italy, go to Bologna, Italy. Historic sites, great food, and 25% cheaper. Instead of Paris, France, go to Lyon, France. Enjoy French culture and cuisine for about 30% less. Instead of Venice, Italy, go to Annecy, France. Enjoy canals and old world charm for 40% less.
Asia:
Instead of Bali, Indonesia, go to Lombok, Indonesia, a less crowded and tropical paradise for half the cost. Instead of Phuket, Thailand, go to Koh Lanta, Thailand – enjoy beautiful beaches at 30% off. Instead of Tokyo, Japan, go to Osaka, Japan. Enjoy vibrant city life, street food, and culture at lower prices.
Australia and Oceania:
Instead of Sydney, Australia, go to Brisbane, Australia. Enjoy 20-25% off city beaches, culture and dining. Instead of Queenstown, New Zealand, go to Wanaka, New Zealand. Enjoy adventure and stunning scenery at a low cost.
13. To save even more than booking through Costco, consider renting a car through Turo.
While traditional rental companies charge higher rates due to corporate overhead and required add-ons, Turo offers lower rates because individual owners set the rates. And unlike traditional rentals that require visits to rental offices and long wait times, we offer flexible pick-up and return options, including delivery to airports and hotels, making it more convenient.
Additionally, at Turo you’ll find a wider selection of cars, from economy cars to luxury and specialty models, compared to the standard sedans and SUVs found in typical rental company fleets.
“We have used Turo for the past few trips and it has been great! We have had no problems at all and it was much cheaper than booking at Costco. Highly recommended!” – Cindy, hip leader
14. Be careful with how you pay overseas to avoid paying unnecessary foreign transaction fees.
A travel-friendly credit card with no international transaction fees will save you 1-3% on every purchase you make abroad. Look for cards that offer travel rewards, cash back, or points on purchases like dining and transportation.
Additionally, use ATMs affiliated with your bank to avoid high withdrawal fees, and choose to pay in local currency when using a credit card to get the best exchange rate. Notify your bank of your travel dates before you travel to avoid unexpected card freezes due to suspicious activity. These small steps can add up to big savings over your entire trip.
Learn how to get cheap flights with these pro tips.
