10 Money-Saving Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

Thinking about taking a trip or vacation this year? With airfares, hotel rates and activity costs on the rise, being smart about your travel spending is more important than ever. The good news is that amazing adventures are still within reach for those wanting to travel on a budget.

The difference between an expensive trip and an affordable one often comes down to smart timing, tools and strategies. To that end, these 10 travel hacks can help transform how you plan and pay for your next adventure.

1. Set up automatic transfers and use budgeting apps

Setting up a travel budget before you start planning can help you make the most of your vacation dollars. Here’s how to create a simple spending plan to make it easier to enjoy your trip:

• Decide how much you can afford to spend on your trip. Break this down into categories like transportation, accommodations, food, activities and souvenirs. Set a total travel budget goal. You can use budgeting apps like My MakingCents to keep track of your spending categories.
• Set up automatic transfers to a separate savings account. Even small weekly contributions add up quickly—$50 a week can give you $2,600 for travel in just one year!

Having your budget in place early can help you make better decisions about where to spend and where to save. If you choose a more affordable hotel so you can prioritize special experiences or meals, you’ll know that it’s all within your budget.

2. Choose the right travel credit card and maximize your rewards

The right travel credit card can be your ticket to serious savings. Look for those that offer valuable travel perks and allow you to earn points on everyday purchases for discounted travel.

Many travel cards include benefits like free checked bags, travel insurance and airport lounge access. Some even offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you both money and time at the airport.

To maximize your rewards, use your travel card for regular expenses like groceries and gas throughout the year. By the time you’re ready to book your next adventure, you’re more likely to have a healthy balance of travel points ready to turn into free flights or hotel stays.

3. Time your bookings strategically and travel during “shoulder season”

When you book your trip can be just as important as where you decide to go. Traveling to different destinations during the off-season often means lower prices for flights and hotels—plus, fewer crowds at popular attractions.

When looking for cheap flights, the best time for domestic travel is usually one to three months before departure, while international flights are typically cheapest two to eight months out. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the most affordable days to fly, and early morning or late-night flights often cost less than mid-day options.

Some destinations have "shoulder seasons”—those times just before or after peak tourist season when the weather is still good but prices drop significantly. Research your destination to find these golden opportunities for savings.

4. Explore budget-friendly accommodations and alternative options

Lodging accommodations are often the most expensive part of any travel budget. But that doesn’t mean they need to break the bank. Here are some ways to help keep costs affordable without sacrificing experiences or amenities:

• Explore hotel alternatives. Look at alternatives to traditional hotels like vacation rentals, hostels with private rooms or home-sharing services. They tend to offer more space and amenities for less money. Just be aware of extra costs like vacation rental cleaning fees.
• Consider different locations. Location matters. Staying just outside the main tourist areas can dramatically reduce your lodging costs while giving you a more authentic local experience.
• Ask about rates. If you’re booking a hotel, call directly and ask if they can beat the online rates you’ve found. Many hotels offer price-matching or special discounts that aren’t advertised online.

Don’t forget to ask about servicemember discounts—many global hotel chains offer them. The same goes if you’re a member of organizations like AAA or AARP. 

5. Take advantage of flight booking hacks and military discounts

Finding affordable flights is one of the best ways to make your travel budget go further. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to jet off to your desired destination affordably, while avoiding hidden airline fees:

• Fly into alternative airports near your destination. Major cities often have smaller airports within driving distance that offer lower fares. For example, you may decide to fly into Oakland, California instead of San Francisco.
• Book connecting flights. This sometimes costs less than direct routes, though you’ll need to balance the savings against the extra travel time. If you’re booking far in advance, many airlines offer free or low-cost changes if your plans shift.

Several airlines offer military discounts and programs like reduced fares, free checked bags and priority boarding for Active Duty personnel, Veterans and their families. Be sure to check with the airline before booking a flight.

Don’t overlook budget airlines for shorter trips, either. Just remember to factor in any extra fees for baggage or seat selection when comparing prices.

6. Pack smart to save on baggage fees

Airline baggage fees can quickly add up, especially when traveling with family. Creating a smart packing list can help you decide what to pack in a carry-on and may save you money per checked bag.

Here are some helpful tips for packing light:

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and reduce wrinkles.
• Use packing cubes to compress items and keep your suitcase organized.
• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up luggage space.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: Containers with liquid must be 3.4 ounces or less—all fitting in one quart-sized bag—with one bag per passenger. (This excludes most water bottles, so be sure those are empty.) Buying travel-sized toiletries or using refillable containers can help you comply with these rules and avoid having to check your bags.

7. Consider travel protection without overpaying

Many travel cards include benefits such as trip cancellation, lost baggage protection and rental car insurance. Review your credit card information to decide whether to use these benefits, purchase travel insurance or both.

It’s also smart to think about the types of coverage you might need. Comprehensive policies cover everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations, while more specific policies might focus on specific concerns like medical coverage abroad.

8. Use public transportation wisely and consider alternative options

Research public transportation options before your trip—many cities offer tourist passes that provide unlimited travel for a set number of days at significant savings. Compare the cost of individual tickets with day passes or multi-day options. For example, in many European cities, a weekly transportation pass costs less than buying individual tickets for just three or four days.

For longer distances, consider ride-sharing services—but always compare their prices with local taxis, which are sometimes cheaper, especially for shorter trips. Some destinations also offer bike-sharing programs that provide an affordable and fun way to explore.

9. Eat like a local and explore free activities

Eating well on vacation doesn’t have to drain your budget. Visit local grocery stores for breakfast items and snacks. You can also ask hotel staff or locals where they eat. These recommendations often lead to affordable, authentic dining experiences away from tourist areas.

You can also choose to stay at an accommodation with kitchen access and cook your meals to save money on food. Many local supermarkets have lower prices than tourist-oriented supermarkets.

For activities, look for free walking tours and community events. Many cities offer free entrance to major attractions on specific days of the month. National parks and public beaches also provide spectacular experiences at minimal cost. Just be aware of the tourist tax imposed by local governments, which can vary by location and add to your overall travel costs.

10. Plan for currency exchange and avoid hidden travel costs and scams

The last thing anyone wants is for their perfectly planned vacation to get derailed by unexpected hidden costs—or worse, a scam. The best thing you can do to avoid these inconveniences is to cover your bases.

Here are some ways to avoid hidden costs/scams:

• Be aware of fees. Foreign transaction fees can add 3% to every purchase abroad. To avoid them, use a credit card that waives these fees.
• Choose smart cash withdrawal options. For currency exchanges, avoid airport kiosks and hotel front desks. Instead, use ATMs at your destination, but be aware of any international ATM fees.
• Research tourist traps at your destination. Be cautious of "free" offers that later demand payment.

Being aware of common scam tactics and planning ahead to avoid hidden fees can help save you money on your travels. That’s money you can put to work making lasting memories.

As you prepare to combat scams, you can also work to maximize the exchange rate by going with local currency (if you’re using a credit card). Try to order currency exchange ahead of time if you can — it's generally better to get foreign currency in your home country before traveling. Banks and credit unions often offer more competitive exchange rates than those found at airports or tourist-heavy areas abroad.

Make travel memories without breaking the bank

Making your travel dreams a reality doesn’t require an unlimited budget. By using these money-saving strategies, you can enjoy incredible experiences while keeping costs manageable.

Ready to put these travel tips into action? Check out My MakingCents to create a travel budget and fund your next adventure. With a little planning, you’ll be creating amazing travel memories without the financial stress.