31 Best Ways To Save Money On Travel While Planning A Trip In 2026

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how to save money on travel

Research can help you plan a trip on a budget

1. Travel During Shoulder or Off-Peak Season

If you have some flexibility for when you can travel you can save a lot of money.  Traveling in peak season comes with increased costs of accommodations and oftentimes flights and activities too. 

Instead do a little research and see when the off-peak season is and be rewarded by stretching your travel budget. You’ll likely have smaller crowds too.  Shoulder season is generally about one month on either side of peak season. It can come with great deals, but you may also enjoy similar weather as the peak season.

2. Opt for Lower Cost Destinations

The prices for hotels, food, attractions, and transportation can vary wildly from destination to destination.  Generally countries with a lower cost of living also means lower travel costs for tourists.  Do a little research to see what the average costs are in your chosen destination. Consider a lower cost country if you find the prices too high for your current travel budget.

This doesn’t mean you should never visit more expensive places.  It just means you might be able to afford your trip sooner (or even stay for longer!!) if you select a lower cost destination.  You can also use Google’s currency converter to check how far a dollar will go in your country of choice.

If you need help saving money for a trip, I’ve got you covered.

Read more: 37 Creative Ways To Save Money For Travel

3. Fly on Less Popular Travel Days

Here again having flexibility can save you money.  Weekend warriors are often flying out on a Thursday or Friday and back home on a Sunday to make the most of a long weekend.  Business travelers might frequently be flying out somewhere on a Monday and back on a Friday.  Airlines know this and you better believe they charge accordingly.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays can sometimes be cheaper to fly because of this.  Recently I snagged a flight deal through American Airlines for these days of the week.  It got me to Cuba from LAX by paying only the taxes on the ticket plus 6,000 miles each way. This was a pretty great deal if you’re not familiar with points and miles).

Even if paying with cash you might find flights cheaper on days in the middle of the week.  Consider booking your trip flying out on a Wednesday and back on the following Tuesday, for example.  A good place to start is looking at the calendar on Google Flights to see which days have the best deals.

4. Avoid the “Tourist Tax”

Do a little research on costs for things like taxis and common souvenirs.  This can help prevent you from overpaying in the event a driver or vendor sees you as an opportunity to make a little extra cash.  

Taxi customs can be different from country to country. That’s why it’s a good idea to read up before you go.  In some countries meters are standard.  In others you negotiate the price with the driver in advance.  It’s important to know so you don’t get stuck paying whatever price they choose after the ride is complete because you didn’t agree on a price beforehand.

5. Plan an Efficient Route

Planning an efficient route can save you money by allowing you to cover more ground in fewer days.  For example, maybe you plan to spend some time seeing the sites in the capital city as well as in the countryside of your chosen trip destination.  

Maybe hotel costs are higher in the city than in the more rural areas.  Instead of spontaneously criss crossing the city, save money on transportation and hotel by planning to see everything you want in the city in fewer days. Then you can spend the rest of your vacation days in those lower cost areas instead.

how to save money with Transportation

6. Approach Budget Airlines with Caution

When researching flights, check into ALL costs.  Airlines these days, especially the budget ones, like to hide costs and charge extra for every little thing. 

It’s not just checked bags that have an extra fee attached.  Many budget airlines are also charging for carry ons too.  They’ll be watching to see if you try to avoid paying for it too. Gate agents are trained to check what you’re bringing on the aircraft. Some have boarding processes to know which groups have paid for a carry-on. You may be disappointed if you try to fool them.

Always look into what the full cost, including any bags or seat assignment fees, before booking. Then compare it to other airlines.  You may just find the “budget airline” is not great when planning a trip on a budget.

7. Consider Flight Routes Carefully

Going with the very cheapest flight option can cost more than you think if you’re not careful.  The lowest cost flight that also has a 12 hour overnight layover becomes a lot more expensive when you add in food and a hotel night.  And staying in the airport overnight is NOT a fun alternative.  Think about how it is going to affect your energy (and mood) after dealing with all the discomfort and frustrations that come with a night in the airport.  

Shorter routes might be more expensive up front, but can save in the long run.  As a budget traveler I like to budget my energy just as much as I like to budget my money.  Not to mention that valuable extra time could be spent exploring instead of in transit.

8. Use Local Transportation

Taking the bus or metro when traveling can really stretch your travel budget.  In some places taking an Uber or other local versions of ride share apps can be a cost effective way to get around.  Doing a little research in advance can show you which options are best for your trip. It can also give you an approximate budget to plan for.

As an added bonus, you’ll get to experience regular life right alongside the locals! Some of my favorite travel memories are from the experiences I had meeting locals while traveling by bus.

9. Rent a Car

Wait…didn’t you just say to use local transportation?! I did, but depending on where you are going a car might end up being the most cost effective option. If you will be traveling to more remote places, or between a lot of sites where public transportation isn’t an option, renting a car may be the most economical option.

For example, I rented a car in Costa Rica to get around. Many parks and sites in the Arenal Volcano area are fairly spread apart.  Driving is the best option for reaching them on your own schedule, and without the added costs of a package tour. 

In cases like this renting a car may be the most economical option. If you can see more sites in less days that saves you on food and hotel for extra nights.

10. Hop On Hop Off Bus

Many major cities feature Big Bus Tours where you can hop on and off at stops near all the major tourist sites.  For a set price you can ride it as much as you want for the timeframe for your ticket. You get the added bonus of an aerial view from the open topped double decker bus.  They can be great for getting around a city efficiently. It’s great for accessing points of interest that may not be close together.

11. Join a Day Tour

Sometimes joining a group day tour can be the most cost effective option. It’s a way to see a remote locations, or a number of different sites in one day.  You have the benefit of group pricing even if you are traveling solo or with just one other person.  I’m a fan of Viator. Click here to browse day tours for your trip.

12. Walk

Pretty simple.  Using your own legs can save you money and give you the added benefit of discovering little gems you might otherwise miss. Both your fitness and your wallet will be thanking you. 

Most major cities also offer free walking tours if you’d like some added history and commentary by a knowledgeable local.  Just be sure to bring some cash for a tip as that is how the guide’s make money.

hotel hacks to save money

13. Check for Extra Fees

Before booking a hotel, make sure you check all the fees.  Sometimes there could be an added resort fee that’s paid once you arrive at the property for example.  Check for parking fees too if you’re driving or renting a car. 

Looking for these things before booking can save you money by giving you a chance to book another property instead. It can also save you from going over budget on your trip by allowing you to plan for those fees.

14. Ask for an Upgrade

Email your hotel ahead of time asking for an upgrade.  You can also try asking in person when you check in.  Sometimes when hotels aren’t fully booked you can snag a FREE upgrade to a more premium room like a suite or a balcony room!  

15. Look for Freebies

One of my favorite filters when I’m looking for hotels is the “Free Breakfast Included”.  I love looking for extra perks like this so I can not only save more money, but also energy.  Travel can be tiring, so having one less decision to make is always a plus for me!  Filling up on a free breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring is so easy and convenient.  

Another perk you can search for is free airport transfers. This is a slick trick to make arrivals or departures cheaper and stress free.

16. Skip the Big Brand Hotels

Big brand name hotels often come with an equally big price tag, but they are far from the only option.  There are TONS of beautiful budget and more mid range hotel options around the world.   I’ve read some (really bad) advice online about never booking a hotel that’s priced under $100 per night.  To me this is crazy! I know first hand how amazing budget hotels can be at a fraction of that cost!  

Don’t believe me? Take a look at the beautiful Dreamsea Surf Resort in Nicaragua for example.  You can have your own little bungalow in thatched roof paradise with 2 twin beds starting at $54 per night.  Grab your bestie and go!  A private bungalow with a double bed for you and your sweetheart is just $77 per night.  And their dorms?  They are just as aesthetic as the private bungalows and only $21 per night.  You can really stretch your trip budget by skipping the big brand hotels, and maybe even take a longer vacation!

17. Think outside the “hotel” box

Choose to stay in a home by booking on Vrbo or Airbnb.  If traveling with a group you may also save by staying all together vs booking separate hotel rooms. Oftentimes there are little perks like free coffee and tea, or maybe even a bottle of wine.

Having a kitchen can add up to big savings.  Planning to cook at least some meals in (or packing sandwiches for your long exploring days) can save you tons of money.  This is exactly what my mom and I are planning to do on our trip to Switzerland.

Plus, shopping in local markets can be a wonderful cultural experience.  I don’t know about you, but I’m totally ok skipping an overpriced but mediocre meal at a restaurant that doesn’t enhance my trip. I’d rather eat in and save my money, only splurging on meals at good restaurants I actually want to eat at.

save money by packing right

18. Pack light

Save money on airline bag fees by traveling light.  That’s the obvious one. You’ll also be more likely to take public transportation vs an expensive cab when arriving because you’re not weighed down.   Being tight on extra luggage space you may end up saving more by not purchasing extra souvenirs.

19. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Stop what you’re doing and add “reusable water bottle” to your packing list now.  Buying a bottle of water on the go might seem like a small expense. However it can quickly add up when done frequently.  Instead pack your own bottle to refill. 

Even if the country you’re going to doesn’t have safe tap water, you can still buy larger jugs to refill your bottle. In a pinch you can boil water in the kettle and let it cool.  Buying a bottle with a filter can also solve this problem. You’ll also be able to fill it at the airport after going through security.

20. Say “No” to Airport Food

Instead of wasting money on overpriced food at the airport, pack your own sandwich and snacks for the journey.  I’ve done this tons of times. 

My favorite hack is saving the last of the lunch meat for travel day. Then I pack the whole sandwich in the plastic container it comes in.  This way I don’t have to pack and keep track of my own container. I can just throw it out when I’m done. This way, my sandwich also doesn’t get squashed by putting it in a plastic baggie.

how to save money on travel with other services

21. Travel phone plan

While planning your trip make sure you download Airalo and get an eSIM card for your phone.  It’s way cheaper than racking up data and roaming charges on your regular phone plan.  Plus having full access to your phone while out exploring gives you peace of mind.  This way you can easily order an Uber, look at online maps, or anything else you may need. 

It’s also more convenient than carrying around a portable wifi device that constantly needs to be charged.  Once while driving through Costa Rica my portable wifi died at the same time my phone battery was dwindling (despite being plugged into the car charger the whole time).  I only had the ability to charge one at a time.  I needed the phone for the map, but also needed the wifi for the same so it was really quite the conundrum figuring out how to charge both with just one charging port.  Learn from my mistake.  Just get Airalo.

22. Check Your Credit Card for Trip Insurance

While insurance is never the sexiest thing to talk about, it is important.  It can save you big time if you experience trip delays or cancellations.  And what if the airline loses your luggage?  Now that’s a big expense to replace along with everything in it.  That’s where trip insurance comes in.

If you have a travel credit card, check the benefits on it as it may already come with it. It might cover all parts of your trip booked with that card.  

23. Get Safety Wing travel medical insurance

If you don’t have a good travel credit card with trip protections (or even if you do) consider getting a travel medical insurance policy with Safety Wing.  It not only covers things like delays and lost luggage, but also emergency medical services that your regular medical insurance may not cover.  

Let’s say you’re finally hiking that amazing trail that’s been on your bucket list for years. Suddenly you find yourself slipping on some loose gravel and tumbling down the mountainside into some rocks.  Ouch!  The emergency evacuation won’t be cheap.  But you know what is?  Planning ahead and getting a Safety Wing travel medical insurance policy.

There are options for paying monthly for longterm travel as well as short term pre-paid options for a trip with a predetermined start and end date.

how to save money on travel – Super Deals, Cash back and Rewards

24. Flight Deal Memberships

Get flight deals delivered straight to your inbox with memberships like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).  This is a great option for those with some flexibility.  If you’re set on going to a specific place on a specific date this service is not for you.  However, if you’re open to planning a trip around a great deal when you see one you like then this is for you.

There are different tiers of membership plans depending on your needs and travel styles.  You may even find yourself snagging a mistake fare. That’s when an airline or booking site accidentally publishes a flight for FAR less than intended.  Think, booking a round trip international flight for possibly even less than $100!  The savings potential is huge.

25. Discount Trip Packages

Sites like TravelZoo publish deals for more than just flights.  You can find amazing hotel stays, activities, or even entire trip packages at a discount.  Signing up for the weekly Top 20 deals email means you’ll see the best of the best each week without spending time scouring the internet yourself to find these deals. 

Again, this is best for those who are open to some flexibility and will be ready to book immediately when seeing a deal you like.  Some deals go fast so this part is important.

26. One Key Rewards Program

Want to avoid the prices of big brand hotels, but still earn rewards for your budget and midrange stays? Join the One Key rewards program and earn reward dollars on bookings with 3 different sites! 

Earn cash back rewards to apply to your next trip by booking hotels on Hotels.com. Earn even more by booking flights, cars, activities, hotels, and more on Expedia. If you’re taking my advice and booking a homelike stay you can earn even more rewards by booking on VRBO.

I love how One Key rewards me whether I’m booking a super budget hostel stay for $5 per night in SE Asia, a mid range Vrbo stay in Chile, or if I’m splurging on a boutique cave hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey.  You can be rewarded for traveling your way too!

27. Points and Miles

The single greatest way to vastly reduce trip costs is to use points and miles for booking flights and/or hotels.  When booking a flight you can use the airlines search tool and select the option for “award flights”.  You will see the flights available and the cost will show as points or miles.  Select the flight you want and proceed to checkout. You will only pay cash for the taxes and airport fees.  These will vary based on your destination.

This has allowed me to travel to Asia from the US for less than $30 cash! It saved me $1500 which would have been the full retail cost of the flight.

Of course, in order to book flights (or hotels) this way you first have to have points and miles. How do you earn them?  The fastest and easiest way is to (responsibly) apply for and use a travel credit card.  Most cards come with a large number of bonus miles you can earn. You get them once you hit a certain spend amount during the introductory period. 

Often the bonus is enough for at least one round trip international flight! The best part is you can earn it all by spending what you normally spend and not getting into debt.  That’s a huge chunk of savings as flights are usually one of the biggest expenses of a trip!

28. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

Once you’re officially on the travel credit card bandwagon (a super fun wagon to be on for sure) save even more by avoiding foreign transaction fees.  This means you don’t have to plan extra in your budget for those pesky transaction fees.  Even if they are a small percentage, over the course of an entire trip they can really add up.  Plan to keep that money in your pocket, or spend it on more cool adventures during your trip.

Most travel credit cards come with the benefit of no foreign transaction fees.  This and the earlier mentioned trip insurance benefits are quite valuable.  Plus, using a credit card vs a debit card is always a safer option. It’s easier to dispute fraudulent charges on a credit card if someone gets ahold of your card number.

29. Earn Miles Booking Airbnb

If you’re taking my advice above and opting for a home-like stay, you can earn miles by booking an Airbnb through either the British Airways portal or the Delta portal.  This is a great option for earning some extra points and miles.  Best for people who fly one of these airlines (or their partners) more often than they fly on others.  

While this doesn’t immediately save you money while booking your trip, it’s still a great travel hack. You’ll accumulate miles to use on a future trip and can save you in the above mentioned ways by choosing an Airbnb over a hotel.

30. Cash Back on travel bookings with Rakuten

Rakuten is one of my absolute favorite ways to save money while I’m booking a trip!  It’s a free shopping portal that retailers (including travel brands) use to entice people to choose their brand.  They do this by offering cash back deals. 

For example, I can book a hotel through Expedia which is (at time of writing) offering 6% cashback on hotel stays.  That means if you’re spending $350 on hotel bookings, that’s $21 back in your pocket just for clicking a button in the Rakuten portal! I don’t know about you, but if I can get a percentage of my money back by adding clicking a button I’m going to do it every time!

Create a Rakuten account today and you can also get cash back when you shop at thousands of retailers online.  As a bonus you’ll get an extra $30 cash back after you make your first purchase of $30 or more through the portal.  And if you’re about to book a trip I know you’re about to spend more than $30.  Easy win.

31. Even More Cash Back Through Fluz

What the heck is Fluz? It’s another wonderful tool for saving money on travel purchases (and more)!  With Fluz you find the retailer you’re about to spend money with, in this case a travel brand, and you purchase a gift card to use at that retailer in the EXACT amount of your purchase.  That means no awkward, leftover amounts.  When you do this you earn cash back, in varying amounts depending on current offers.

There are tons of travel brands on Fluz, so chances are high you will find a brand you want to book with.  Use my link to sign up for a 25% cash back bonus (up to a certain amount) or use referral code ANNAFREITAG3999B107. I used my initial 25% bonus when booking my Airbnb’s for my Cuba trip. The best part is you can use it in conjunction with other rewards and coupons.  The savings potential here is massive! 

NOW THAT YOU’VE READ THE LIST, WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL?

The strategies in the last section are often referred to as “travel hacking”. It’s a term that sometimes scares people or puts them off as they associate it with doing something wrong.  In reality it’s totally legal. It just means reducing travel costs by doing things like earning points and miles and using coupons or cash back deals.  I like to think of it like extreme couponing for the travel world.  

It does take a little time to learn some of the best strategies for how to save money on travel. Those who do will unlock a huge potential for travel savings. You can even end up taking trips at a fraction of the retail cost. My absolute favorite strategies are numbers 26, 27, 30, and 31.  I love them all individually, but what I love even more is that they can be combined for massive savings!

As you can see, there are tons of ways to plan a trip on a budget, and they sometimes contradict each other.  What works for one destination and trip might not be the best options for another.  A little research for your specific destination of choice will help you decide which are best for you. 

Need help actually making yourself save money for travel? Read my 37 creative ways to save money for travel.

I hope this helps you save big when planning your next trip!

Happy exploring, and remember to Be Free and Travel! 🌏✈️