45 Real Ways to Save Big Money
While Traveling Abroad
Get practical, easy-to-implement tips that will help you
travel more affordably to any global destination and
leave you with more cash in your pocket.
Learn how to save tons of money on international flights,
hotels, ground transportation, attractions, food, shopping,
mobile communication, and more with minimal effort!
Have you ever wondered how some people can travel the world effortlessly without spending much while others struggle to make their dream trip come true?
Would you like to get money-saving travel hacks that will help you keep costs low during your next journey abroad?
We didn’t think otherwise. After all, who doesn’t want to save money while on vacation, honeymoon, business trip, or a solo backpacking adventure?
We collected some of our best budget traveling secrets, strategies, tips, and tricks so you can enjoy a cheaper, easier travel experience.
Let’s Start!
Trip Strategy
Travel Off-Season
Due to the unbreakable law of supply and demand, everything costs significantly less in the low season: flights, hotels, car rentals, sightseeing tours… and even tourist souvenirs.
If your schedule is flexible and you don’t have to travel during the high season (summer vacation, the holidays, etc.), use the calendar to your advantage and travel when demand and prices are low.
Set a Budget and Make a Plan
Start with setting a realistic daily and overall budget for your trip.
Plan how much to spend each day on typical expenses, such as transportation, food, shopping, attractions, and activities, plus a little extra for the unknown.
Spontaneity is great, but if you really want to avoid unwanted financial surprises and better control your expenses, you’ll need to plan ahead where you’re going, when, and how much you can spend in each place.
Prefer Cheaper Destinations
Some places around the world are more affordable than others and offer much greater value for your hard-earned money.
Inexpensive countries that give you a great bang for your buck allow you to travel more while spending less.
In practical terms, a cheap tourist destination translates to taking a longer trip, staying at better hotels, eating in better restaurants, and enjoying more exciting activities.
Flights
Fly on an Off-Peak Day or Time
Airlines price tickets based on a variety of factors, including consumer demand, price of oil, flight availability, and passenger preferences.
Flights can be much cheaper on certain days of the week or at certain times, so being flexible can be used to reduce your air travel costs.
Get Cheap Flight Alerts
In most cases, airline tickets are the biggest expense of international travel.
Accessing cheap flights can dramatically reduce the overall cost of any planned trip out of the country.
Websites like Going specialize in flight deal hunting and send you email alerts when cheap flights depart from your local airport (usually, 40%-90% off normal prices).
Use Airfare Comparison Tools
Use flight aggregators like Skyscanner or KAYAK to find the cheapest flights.
These websites offer advanced search options that help you track the best deals for a given timeframe.
Travel Light
Whenever possible, fly only with a carry-on bag and skip paying checked baggage fees.
Your bag will always be by your side, so you will also avoid lost luggage situations, plus you will be able to leave the destination’s airport much quicker.
Pay for Checked Baggage Online
If you decide not to travel light (or simply can’t), book your checked bags online in advance to avoid more expensive fees incurred when you purchase this option at the airport during check-in.
Airports
Explore Off-Airport Parking Options
Onsite airport parking can be pricey. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, you can use search engines like AirportParkingReservations (US and Canadian airports) or Parkvia and Parkos (European airports) that offer discounted off-site parking options.
Many parking providers offer benefits such as free or low-cost transportation to the terminal, 24/7 security, discounted long-term rates, indoor parking spots, and more.
Avoid Airport Shopping
Remember: everything will always be more expensive at the airport: food, currency exchange, medicines, mobile phone sim cards, neck pillows, gifts, souvenirs, etc.
The reason? People in airports are a captive audience with nowhere else to go, so vendors capitalize on travelers’ lack of preparation.
Make sure to come to the airport fully prepared with everything you need to avoid overspending.
Hotels
Look Beyond the City Center
A prime location usually comes with a high price tag.
Though staying as central as possible is the most convenient option, expand your search and consider other areas as well.
Staying outside the city center can save you serious money on accommodations, especially in less touristy areas.
As long as the property is located in a safe and convenient neighborhood and has good public transportation options to the heart of the city and back, it’s a legitimate choice that can dramatically reduce your trip’s hotel costs.
Sign Up for Hotel Rewards Programs
Many hotel chains and booking websites operate free-to-join rewards programs that reward travelers for their loyalty. For example, the Hotels.com rewards program offers all its members secret lower prices and one reward night for every 10 nights they stay.
Frequent travelers get additional benefits, such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi or spa vouchers, free room upgrades, and early check-in / late checkout at VIP Access properties.
Mystery Hotel Booking
Websites like Hotwire present a unique way to get heavily discounted hotel rates.
When hotels are stuck with large inventories of unsold rooms, they use this platform to fill them using the mystery / opaque booking method.
Here’s how it works: the user submits the destination, check-in and check-out dates, number of guests as well as the general location, preferred hotel’s star and guest rating, and desired amenities online.
Hotwire’s exclusive Hot Rate deals offer steep hotel discounts, however… you don’t actually know the specific hotel until your booking is finalized.
The reason? If people know that a given hotel is available on Hotwire for cheap, no one would ever pay full price.
Email Hotels to Get Extra Free Perks
One of the easiest ways to score a better deal that saves you some money is to negotiate with the hotel directly by email.
Simply send a short message to the hotel’s reservations department, as demonstrated in the following example.
“Hi,
Me and my wife plan to travel to [City Name] during [Month + Year] for a vacation (5 nights). After doing some research, our final shortlist includes only 2 hotels: the [Hotel Name] and another.
We’re just about to decide which one to book, and we have a question: Is there any additional free benefit you can throw in?
We are particularly interested in things like [Benefit 1] or [Benefit 2].
If that’s doable, please let us know.
Best regards,
[Full Name]
Use the email to ask for benefits that apply to your taste or needs, such as free early or late checkout, free parking, or other negotiable perks.
Even though using this method does not guarantee any particular result, you have nothing to lose. In some cases, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover that it worked.
Ask for a Free Hotel Room Upgrade
Never be afraid to ask for a free room class upgrade. When you are checking in, ask the front desk staff for an upgrade, but do so nicely, politely, and with a smile.
Does it work? Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.
This tactic is not likely to work during peak times when hotels are usually fully booked and have no real upgrade options available.
However, during the offseason, when many hotels are half-empty, this simple move is more likely to be successful.
Stay at a Budget Hotel
If you are just interested in a cheap and functional place to stay, look for budget hotel chains like IBIS, which has properties all over the world.
Getting a simple room at an economical rate is another practical way that can help you stretch your travel budget.
Other Accommodation Options
Consider Airbnb
In some cases, renting out a furnished room, apartment, or even a whole house could be significantly more economical than staying in a hotel.
Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb help solo travelers, couples, families, and groups find places that may offer better value for their money.
Consider Hostels
Hostels have always been the preferred choice for cheap accommodation of many young travelers, students, and adventurous backpackers – though today, modern-day hostels appeal to a much more diverse audience.
Quality hostels can offer amazing benefits for a fraction of the price of a hotel stay.
It’s also a great way to meet people from all corners of the world, make connections and cultivate interesting friendships.
Popular booking services like HostelWorld offer an easy way to find budget-friendly dorm and private rooms in thousands of hostels worldwide.
Consider Alternative Accommodation Options
Aside from airfare, accommodation is typically one of the biggest travel expenses.
Hotels and hostels are not the only options available when searching for a place to stay, especially when your budget is tight.
If you’re flexible, open-minded, and ready to consider alternative forms of accommodation, there are a few more low-cost or free options. Some of them may even provide a more interesting and authentic cultural experience.
For example:
- Love Home Swap
Exchange your home with another person or family for a vacation. - Worldpackers
Exchange your skills for accommodation, food, and other benefits. - TrustedHousesitters
Stay at homes around the world for free in exchange for caring for the owner’s pets. - Homestay
Private room rental: Stay in someone’s spare bedroom. - Couchsurfing
Sleep on a local’s couch for free.
Transportation
Get Friendly with Public Transportation
Other than walking, public transportation is the cheapest way to get around any city.
Diving into information about routes and timetables can feel a little intimidating to first-time visitors, but the savings are well worth the effort.
When you arrive at a new destination, learn how to navigate the train, metro, tram, and bus system. Use Google Maps or local apps to discover how to get from one place to another easily.
Buying multiple-day public transport passes, which offer unlimited use of the local transportation system, is usually the most economical way to move around.
Things to Do
Free-Admission Days
In many big cities, plenty of museums offer free admission on certain days throughout the month or year.
If you’re interested in art, history, science, design, architecture, culture, technology, or any other theme, do some research before arriving and find out which of the destination’s museums offer free entry and when.
Free Walking Tours
It may sound surprising, but some companies offer free guided walking tours in major cities in the U.S., Europe, and other tourist hotspots across the world.
Free, tip-based walking tour providers like GuruWalk and FreeTour, offer an enjoyable way to experience a new city and get acquainted with its history, culture, and unique character.
Free Entrance for Children
Some attractions, museums, zoos, and amusement parks offer free entrance for kids under a certain age, so if you’re traveling abroad as a family, take advantage of these freebies and get a chance to experience amazing places more affordably.
Buy a City Pass
If you plan to visit many of the vacation spot’s highlights, consider getting a city tourism card, which typically offers free or discounted access to major attractions, museums, and other things to do in your destination.
Some all-inclusive city passes also include unlimited use of local public transportation and discounts in restaurants, bars, shops, river cruises, food tours, hop-on-hop-off buses, and other popular tourist activities.
Getting a bundle deal with a city card through websites like GetYourGuide can potentially save you a lot of money, especially if you plan to use it extensively and do a lot of sightseeing.
Financial
Avoid “Independent” ATMs
If you have to withdraw cash in a foreign country, do so from a bank-run ATM located just outside an actual bank branch. They are safer, more reliable, and charge lower fees (or none).
Do your best to avoid non-bank ATMs that are owned by private companies.
These machines can typically be found at hotels, convenience stores, malls, airports, and other high-traffic locations – even on the street.
Their withdrawal fees are usually outrageously high, and their exchange rate can be terrible.
Bottom line: never use them unless you really enjoy losing money, or as a last resort when you have no other choice.
Pay in Local Currency
When using your credit card abroad, always pay the local currency, not your home currency. In most cases, this will help you avoid hidden exchange rate fees, more expensive transaction costs, or both.
Travel Insurance
To put it simply (and bluntly), shit happens.
An unexpected illness or injury can be one of the most devastating events during a trip.
Without travel insurance, you could end up with a gigantic medical bill that you or your family would have to pay out of pocket.
Travel insurance costs money but can save you a fortune when things go wrong.
Are you not insured yet? Visit our travel insurance resources page.
Discover Hidden Discounts and Perks
Are you a member of any large organization, such as the AAA, AARP, or another big professional group? If so, you might be entitled to special airline, hotel, car rental, or other travel-related discounts that you are not even aware of.
Government employees and military personnel are also among those who can often take advantage of special rates, discounts, and exclusive offers that produce substantial savings, so make sure to check whether you are eligible for any money-saving travel benefits.
Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Provider
Before you leave, find out if your credit card has any added fees for using it abroad.
Things like currency conversion, foreign transactions, and ATM cash withdrawal fees are pretty common, so verify with your credit card issuer the exact terms of your specific card ahead of time.
Avoid Tourist Scams
There are so many ways in which local fraudsters and con artists try to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists to rip them off and steal their money.
Scammers have very creative methods: From “broken” taxi meters and too-good-to-be-true bargain deals to police officer impersonators and overly-friendly locals who just want to “help” you… losing as much money as possible.
Before you travel, Google the phrase “tourist traps in [your destination]” and get some intelligence about what to expect and how to avoid common scams in your target country.
Develop a Money-Saving Mentality
If you’re not a natural money-saver who constantly looks for cheaper ways to get things done, learn to develop this essential skill and use it to your advantage.
Adopting a frugal mindset will help you during your travels – and throughout life.
Food
Find Cheap Food Sources
Some destinations are notoriously expensive. Eating at fancy restaurants and cafes all day can bankrupt you quite quickly.
The alternative? Finding cost-effective food sources where you can eat on the cheap: street food vendors, local markets, bakeries, pastry shops, food trucks, hole-in-the-wall places, small mom-and-pop eateries, and even supermarkets.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Touristy areas are often filled with overpriced restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist traps of every kind.
If you’re looking for authentic local cuisine that won’t break the bank, check where the locals are eating and follow their lead. You will probably not get disappointed.
Additionally, walking a few blocks away from the city center or major tourist attractions can help you find restaurants that cater to locals, and are far less expensive.
Buy Water at Cheap Supermarkets
Instead of buying bottled water at city center convenience stores, souvenir shops, or kiosks, where prices can be ridiculously high, buy them at ordinary supermarkets (the same ones the locals use) where they can be purchased inexpensively.
Prefer Lunches Over Dinners
If you love to eat out and dining at the destination’s finest restaurants is an important part of your trip, have lunch at your must-visit restaurants.
Lunch menus tend to be much cheaper compared to the evening ones and will offer better value for your money.
Shopping
Check When the Big Sales Are
Everyone loves a good sale, and sales periods may vary from one country to another.
Do some homework while you’re still at home. If shopping is one of your primary vacation goals, try to plan your trip to coincide with the major local shopping events at the destination.
Look for Cheap Souvenir Sources
Try to shop for souvenirs away from the super touristy areas, such as the airport or the city center. Look for ‘quieter,’ less trafficked areas where prices will be much lower.
If you’re buying for others, big supermarket chains are a very affordable source for delicious local edible gifts in beautiful jars or tins.
Get a Tax Refund
Many countries offer tourists and visitors the ability to buy merchandise tax-free in their territories.
Claiming a refund on VAT paid on local purchases requires getting the necessary documents and receipts from the retailers you bought from and doing a little paperwork at the airport’s customs office, just before you head back home.
Check Out Duty-Free Shops
If you buy something “duty-free” in international airport terminals, it means you’re not paying taxes on it in the country where you purchased the item, which may result in some significant savings on certain goods.
Mobile Phone and Internet Connection
Buy a Local Sim Card
Purchase a prepaid SIM card in the country you are visiting, either at the airport or a local store, to avoid hefty roaming fees. This option requires your smartphone to be unlocked.
Alternatively… Use eSim for Your Mobile Phone
If you have a relatively modern device that supports eSIM technology, you can use a digital SIM card to avoid high roaming bills.
A prepaid eSim is a digital internet data pack you can download directly to your mobile phone through services like Airalo or Ubigi, which relieves you of the hassle of changing physical SIM cards or carrying multiple chips with you.
Misc
Book In Advance
When it comes to saving money on travel, when you book is almost as important as where you book.
In most cases, you’ll get the cheapest deal on international flights and hotels if you book ahead of time (even months before) – and not at the last minute. Whenever possible, use early-bird sales and promotions to your advantage.
Get Some Advice
Wherever you are staying, check with the front desk or your host and ask for insider recommendations on the best free tourist attractions in the area, cheap grocery stores, good affordable places to eat, free entertainment opportunities, etc.
In most cases, they will be happy to share with you some information and tips on what to see and do, saving you time and money.
Sign Up for Travel Newsletters
If you have a favorite airline, preferred hotel chain, or car rental company you really like, sign up for their newsletter.
You’ll be among the first to know about special sales, discount offers, and other promotions that can save you serious money.
Take Advantage of Black Friday
Be a good planner and use Black Friday and Cyber Monday to score great travel deals.
This international shopping festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy major discounts on hotels, flights, attractions, transport, and other travel-oriented services.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves the right to experience the wonders of the world firsthand with whatever budget they have. As you can see, you do not need to come from a wealthy family, win the lottery or sell a kidney to have an amazing trip overseas.
Spending less and saving more while traveling is more than possible.
It requires adopting some basic financial planning principles, thinking creatively, and using tried and true strategies that will help you work with what you got.
Traveling on a shoestring budget is an art. Once you master it, you can take trips abroad more frequently, explore more beautiful countries and iconic cities and do so frugally in clever ways that do not drain your bank account and maximize your savings on the road.
Do you know of any other good travel money-saving
tips or budget hacks we may have missed?
Let us know, and we’ll add them to the list!