The Best Ways to Save Money on Trips 

Alright—let’s get real for a second.

You want to travel more, but the prices these days? Ridiculous. Flights are crazy, hotels seem to think they’re luxury palaces even when the towels are scratchy, and even a sandwich in the airport is $12.

But I’ve got you.

Here are the real ways to save money on trips. Not “generic travel blogger advice” but the stuff that actually works—and I’m gonna keep it super honest.

1. Stop Booking Flights on Just One Site

Everyone has their “favorite” booking site. That’s fine—but if you’re not comparing, you’re literally burning cash.

Here’s what to actually do:

• Compare on multiple platforms. Always check Kiwi.com  and aviasales because it’s great at finding weird routes and budget airlines the big guys miss.
• Set price alerts on both—it’s wild how much it can drop in a week.
• Don’t just Google and click the first option. That’s rookie stuff. watch it for a week or two.

Real talk: The price for a Toronto–Barcelona flight can swing from $1,100 to $550 if you just check more than one site.

2. Book the Weird Times

Want the cheapest flight? You’re not taking the 9 AM Saturday departure with free mimosas.

Best times to book:

• Mid-week flights (Tuesday or Wednesday departures/returns).
• Red-eyes or super-early mornings.
• Off-hours layovers (if you’re cool with chilling in an airport overnight, you’ll save a lot).

Seriously—if you’re flexible on times, you can slice your airfare by 30–50%.

3. Think Beyond Hotel Loyalty — Shop Around for the Best Stay

Hotels often push loyalty programs, but sticking to one brand doesn’t always mean the best price or experience.

It pays to compare different types of stays. Platforms like Booking.com show you everything from hotels and guesthouses to apartments and unique local stays—all in one place.

For longer trips, renting an apartment or a place with a kitchen can help you save a lot by cooking your own meals instead of eating out every day.

Taking a quick look at multiple options gives you the flexibility to find a place that fits your budget and vibe, without feeling locked in.

4. Public Transit Is Your Best Friend (Yes, Even If You’re Fancy)

Taxis and rideshares in tourist cities? Outrageous.

How to really save:

• Research unlimited transit passes. Many cities offer 24, 48, or 72-hour passes that pay for themselves fast.
• Don’t ignore buses—they go everywhere locals go, for $2.
• For some cities (like Tokyo), IC cards work across subways, buses, even convenience store purchases.

You’ll save hundreds over a trip if you skip private rides.

Eat Where the Locals Eat — Not Where the Crowds Flock

If you want to save money and actually enjoy your meals, avoid the tourist-packed restaurants right by the main sights.

A good rule of thumb? Just wander 3 to 5 blocks away from the busiest spots.

Look for places with menus written by hand or only in the local language — those usually mean the food’s made for locals, not tourists.

And steer clear of places with photos of every single dish plastered on the walls — those spots tend to be tourist traps charging more for less.

Eating like this not only saves money but often leads to the best, most authentic meals. alleys where the tourist restaurants were charging €18 for frozen pizza.

6. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle. No, Seriously.

It sounds minor, but think about this:

• $2–$4 per bottled water, 3 times a day, 7 days = $42–$84 blown on water alone.

Most airports and cities have free refill stations. I literally never buy water traveling.

7. Don’t Over-Plan. Leave Space for Cheap Surprises

Here’s the real hack: If you plan every single day with expensive tickets and guided tours, you’ll blow your budget before day 3.

Instead:

• Plan 1–2 anchor activities (stuff you really want to do).
• Leave the rest open for local tips and cheap/free discoveries.
• Free walking tours? Amazing. Markets? Practically free. Parks? Free.

Not only do you save money, you actually experience the place.

8. Use Cash (But Withdraw Smart)

Cards are convenient, but some places add sneaky fees.

What to do:

• Withdraw local cash at a bank ATM (airport exchange counters are a rip-off).
• Use a card with no foreign transaction fees for bigger stuff.
• Budget by taking out a set cash amount for daily spending.

You’ll avoid constant small card charges that sneak up on you.

9. Pack Smart to Avoid Spending Extra on Essentials

Baggage fees can be annoying, but so is having to buy basics like toothpaste or socks at tourist shops where prices are through the roof—just because you forgot them.

A few smart packing habits can save both money and hassle:

• Bring essential meds like painkillers and allergy tablets.
• Toss in a small packet of laundry detergent to freshen up clothes on the go.
• Choose versatile outfits that mix and match so you don’t overpack.

Packing thoughtfully means fewer surprise expenses and more time enjoying your trip.You’ll save money—and stress.

10. Try Bundling Flights, Hotels, and Cars—But Check the Numbers

Many booking sites offer discounts when you bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental together.

That can lead to some real savings—but it’s not a guarantee every time.

The smart move? Always check the price of each part separately before booking.

Sometimes the bundle saves you a good chunk of cash. Other times, it ends up costing more than booking everything on its own.

Taking a few extra minutes to compare can keep you from overpaying

Many booking sites like Trip.com offer discounts when you bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental together.

Final Thoughts

Travel doesn’t have to be ruinously expensive. You just need to be a little savvier than the average tourist.

Shop around. Question everything. Don’t get lured in by “convenience.”

Because the more you save? The more trips you can take.