10 Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Vacation

Dreaming of your next vacation but worried about the cost? Don't let money hold you back from exploring new places. With smart planning, you can save on travel expenses and enjoy more for less. There are many ways to travel affordably without compromising on fun.
Here are 10 expert-approved tips to save money for travel and make your trips affordable and fun.
One of the best ways to save money while traveling is by avoiding peak tourist seasons. Prices for flights, hotels, and attractions drop significantly during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak season) and off-seasons. For example:
Visit Europe in spring or fall instead of summer.
Go to tropical destinations in early summer or late fall to avoid high prices.
A good travel bank card can help you save money while traveling. Look for cards with:
No foreign transaction fees (saves up to 3% per purchase).
Travel rewards (earn points for free flights or hotel stays).
Airport lounge access (enjoy free food, Wi-Fi, and comfort).
Many travel sites offer bundle deals (flight + hotel + car rental) at a discount. Also, sign up for:
Airline and hotel loyalty programs (earn free stays and upgrades).
Travel coupon sites that offer discounts on flights, hotels, and activities.
Travel Coupons can often find great deals on travel packages, including reduced prices for tours and activities. Using these can be one of the best ways to save money for traveling by securing better deals.
Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper flights. Try:
Flying mid-week (usually cheaper).
Avoiding peak flight times (early morning or late-night flights often cost less).
Using credit card points to book free or discounted flights.
Small savings add up! Here’s how to save money while traveling:
Bring a reusable water bottle (avoid buying expensive bottled water).
Pack snacks and make packed lunches (saves $10–20 per day).
Share meals (restaurant portions are often big enough for two).
Shop and eat local (markets and street food are cheaper than tourist spots).
Booking accommodations with free breakfast can save both time and money. Look for:
Hostels with free meals.
Hotels offering a complimentary breakfast.
Airbnbs with kitchen access (so you can cook your own meals).
Car rentals can be expensive. Instead, use:
Public transportation, like buses, trains, or subways (cheaper and eco-friendly).
Walking or biking (many cities have affordable bike rentals).
Ride-sharing apps (split the costs with others).
You don’t need to spend a lot to have fun! Try these tips to save money while traveling:
Free walking tours (tip-based).
Museums with free entry days.
Parks, beaches, and historic sites (often free or low-cost).
Before your trip, minimize extra costs:
Avoid bank fees while traveling (use no-fee ATMs and cards).
Lower energy bills at home (unplug devices to save money).
Pack light (avoid checked baggage fees).
Open a high-yield savings account just for your travel funds. Set up small automatic transfers from each paycheck. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your savings grow!
By following these tips to save money for travel, you can explore more while spending less. Whether it's booking off-season trips, using travel rewards, or cutting daily costs, every little bit helps. Start saving now, and soon you’ll be on your way to your dream destination!
MARIA LALONDE A globe-trotting, Topo Chico-swilling and ukulele-pickin' writer, Maria Cristina Lalonde loves saving money as much as she hates Oxford commas.