Are you tired of spending thousands of dollars on your travels? Or maybe you are looking for ways to save money while traveling? If so, you have come to the right place.
A lot of people never travel because they think they don’t have money. Others travel and end up in debt due to the lack of strategies. What if you can travel on any budget and save money at the same time? Traveling is fun only if you are not worried about the credit card or bank account you have wrecked.
In this article, you are going to learn the top 33 ways to save money while traveling.
1. Have travel accounts that save you money
When you are traveling, it is important to have an account that helps you save money. For example, there are companies that give you discounts when you use their services for travel.
Some of the benefits you will get are mile points and discounts. Mile points can be used to buy tickets or be converted into cash. Everything will depend on the terms of your card. Travel credit cards usually offer the most discounts especially if you got them from the airline you fly with.
There are also companies that let you use your cards internationally free of charge. Keep in mind that you will most likely pay an ATM fee on transactions made internationally or at ATM from providers other than your credit/debit card providers.
2. Ways to save money while traveling: Make a travel budget
Before you start traveling, you should make a budget for the entire duration of your stay. Even if you don’t want to save money when traveling, it is important to have an idea of how much you will be spending on your trip.
A good budget should include money you will spend on food, transportation, flights, tips, leisure, hotels, etc.
Having a budget will also help you know if you are financially OK to take a trip.
You don’t want to get into another country and run out of cash. This is is a mistake you should not make.
The following article can help you create a budget.
Related: How To Make A Budget: Step-By-Step
3. Travel during seasons when few people are traveling
Did you know that ticket and hotel fares are priced based on seasons? Have you wondered why your airfare cost more money in the summer or around Christmas?
Tickets are always expensive during Christmas and summer due to a high volume of travelers.
Students are off, people are going to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, others are taking vacations, etc. You get the point. A large number of travelers increase the demand for airfares.
Airlines take an advantage of high demand by increasing prices. Why? Because, if you don’t buy a ticket, someone else will buy it.
If you want to save money on travel, consider flying during off-peak seasons. For example, during the months of October and November, tickets are cheap because all students are in schools and there is no reason for many people to travel.
During these months, airlines reduce prices in an effort to encourage more people to fly.
4. Ways to save money while traveling: Use public transportation
One thing that is true is that almost every nation in the world has public transportation.
Not everyone can afford a car and related expenses. So, countries provide public transportation to help people who do not have the means to buy their own cars. In addition, public transportation help cities to reduce congestions (traffic jam) on the road.
This is why public transportation is much cheaper compared to other forms of transportation.
When traveling in a new city or country, you should consider using public transportation. Buses and trains are available in many places. You only need to know their routes and schedules.
With public transportation, you can save money while traveling.
5. Rent a bike
Do you hate trains and buses? I agree with you. Some of the buses have low hygiene and their qualities are questionable.
If this is the case and you still need to save money on transportation, consider renting a bike. Bikes are great when traveling in big cities or congested neighborhoods.
Matter of fact, bikes can get you anywhere you want to go and you don’t need a special permit to ride or park them.
Some cities have electric scooters that can help you go faster.
Renting a bike will save you a lot of money while traveling.
6. Rent an ABNB or a home
Did you know that most Airbnbs are much cheaper than hotels? They offer a lot of good amenities just like hotels. As a bonus, they are much cheaper compared to hotels.
Usually, an Airbnb is great for people who are traveling in a group. You and your companions can get a big Airbnb and use it for a long time at the lowest cost possible. As a result, you will spend less money compared to how much you could have spent if you stayed in a hotel.
Related: 11 Ways To Save Money On Hotels
7. Ways to save money while traveling: Learn local languages
One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to learn the local language. This works well for people who spend a long time in one location. For example, if you are traveling in a country where you will stay for 6 months, you should consider learning the basics of their language. You don’t need to be fluent.
First, knowing the basics of the language will prevent you from getting a translator which cost a lot of money.
Second, you will be able to bargain on prices. This is important because in some countries people tend to charge you more money once they realized that you are not from there, especially in developing countries.
Your stay will also become more efficient and fun if you can interact with local people without relying to the translator.
8. Work while traveling
A smart way to save money while traveling is to make money while traveling. So, if there is something you can to make money during your trip do it.
It could be an online hustle, blog, freelancing, tutoring, etc. These activities can help you generate income to offset expenses you incur while traveling.
You can also find a job at the location you are traveling to if you are staying there for a long time. For example, if you are traveling to Britain for a few months, you can get a job in a bar or restaurant.
The other important factor to consider is that you must know the local language in order to take full advantage of this life hack. This is because you will get started right away without the language learning curve.
9. Do not travel to expensive destinations
Do you have a bucket list of places you want to visit? I don’t blame you. Traveling is like a dream to every person out there. The bad news is that some of the places we want to visit are expensive.
If you have a tight budget, avoid visiting expensive places. If it will cost you more than you can afford for tickets, hotels, food, etc. then it is expensive for you.
You should plan your travels based on your budget. If a place is expensive to visit now, do not travel to it. Reserve it for the future after you have saved enough money to cover your expenses.
Always remember that saving money while traveling is important. In addition, traveling is fun only if you are not breaking the bank.
10. Do not pay for WIFI
Instead of paying a very expensive internet from your hotel, get a travel router. These routers will give you an internet good enough to conduct your business.
Even if you will spend a big sum to buy the router, it will save you more money in the long run especially if you travel very often.
11. Rent a cheap car if you have to otherwise do not rent a car
There are times when you must rent a car. If this is the case for you, do your research and compare rental prices. Pick the cheapest rental car you can find. You don’t need a brand new car to travel from point A to Point B.
As long as a car works and it is in a good condition, you should be fine.
Cheap cars will save you money on insurance, gas(probably), and rental costs while traveling.
12. Book a ticket a head of time
The time you buy a ticket will directly affect its cost. The closer you get to your flight date and time, the more money you will spend on the ticket.
In order to save money on your ticket, you should start looking for a ticket the moment you know you are traveling.
To learn more about saving money on flights, refer to the following article.
Related: 11 Easy Ways To Save Money On Flights
13. Ways to save money while traveling: Do not miss your flight
Missing your flight will be one of the greatest mistakes you will make when traveling. Getting a refund depends on the terms and conditions associated with your ticket.
Unless you bought a fully refundable ticket, you will not receive all your money if you miss your flight. It is actually hard to get a refund when you miss a flight.
In order to avoid this problem, you should:
(1) Buy a fully refundable ticket
(2) Do not miss your flight
(3) Ask a refund before the flight date or cancel the flight within 24 hours from the date you booked the ticket
You should always read terms related to your tickets before you buy them. You can also use a travel agent to help you with tickets.
14. Avoid withdrawing money from credit cards
Credit cards are great and can save you money. However, you must know what you should and should not do with credit cards.
Withdrawing money from a credit card is never a good idea whether you are at home or abroad. Getting cash from a credit card is known as a cash advance. That is you are getting a portion of your credit limit in the form of cash.
Moneylenders limit how much you can withdraw to prevent you from racking up debt real fast. In addition, they apply a lot of charges ($5 or 10% depending on what is bigger) on the money you borrowed. In addition, you will pay an ATM fee and international processing fee (if applicable).
So, you can see that it is never a good idea to withdraw cash from your credit card.
Related: 8 Things To Know Before Getting A Credit Card
15. What about walking
When I visit a city, I usually spend most of my travel walking instead of driving. Not only that I save a lot of money from travel, but also I get to see the city inside out.
I get to enjoy the architectural designs, historic places, good restaurants, people, city vibes, and much more. I do all that at my pace. If I found something that catches my attention, I stop as long as I want.
This is difficult to do when driving. You can not stop the car in the middle of the road just to check out something. It is also difficult to find a parking spot.
So, if you want to enjoy your travel and save money at the save time, walk instead of driving.
16. Do not pay for parking spots
Just like renting cars, parking lots cost a premium price. Remember, you are traveling not settling.
For this reason, you should avoid paying for parking all the time, even if you have to park far away from where you are staying. You can also save money by using free parking spots.
17. Ways to save money while traveling: Avoid eating out
If you are staying in a hotel, you are probably eating out. Although there is nothing wrong with eating out every once in a while, it could cost you a fortune if you dine in restaurants the whole time.
Instead of eating in restaurants, make your own meals.
You are probably saying that hotels do not come with kitchens. That is true and I agree with you.
Although hotels do not come with a full kitchen, they usually have a microwave. You can save money by buying microwavable foods at the local grocery store. Yes, go out and buy veggies, fruits, and some salads. This way you will eat healthy food and save money at the same time. Nothing can beat that.
Related: 45 Ways To Save Money On Groceries
18. Do not spend much on drinks
Many people drink while driving. There is nothing wrong with tasking international drinks. If you enjoy drinking and want to try local alcohol, consider minimizing how much you spend and follow your budget.
Always treat your budget as your friend. Excessive drinking can make you spend more than you are supposed to.
If you want to save money while traveling, become aware of your spending and spend only what you can afford.
19. Ways to save money while traveling: Attend free events
Do you like going to events when traveling? Events like concerts, games, etc. help make your stay more interesting and memorable.
Some of these events are free whereas others cost a fortune.
If you want to save money while traveling, avoid events that cost you money. Free events can still make you comfortable, happy, and give you good memories. This is one of the many ways to save money while traveling.
20. Do not buy coffee
Personal opinion: The money you spend on money is wasted.
Paying $5 or more for a cup of coffee is not financially viable. Some hotels offer free coffee and breakfast to their guests. If you are a fan of coffee and cannot live without it, drink the free one offered by the hotel.
If your hotel does not offer free coffee, take a deep breath and forget about coffee. You can always make it when you get back home.
Related: 44 Things You Should Stop Buying To Save Money
21. Visit places that are free to visit
Do you like museums and touristic places? If so, you are probably going to like saving money on places you visit.
Although it may be important and interesting to spend a few bucks and visit places you like, it may not be financially feasible to pay for all places you visit.
You should avoid paying for every place you visit in order to save money when traveling.
If the place you want to visit charges money, do not visit it unless you have to.
22. Ways to save money while traveling: Book cheap hotels
Traveling can be frustrating especially if you are running on a tight budget. One of the biggest expenses you will encounter while traveling is the hotel room expense.
Yes, hotels cost a lot of money. The good news is that you don’t have to pay a premium price for sleeping. With proper research, you can find cheap hotels in good locations. Keep in mind that you might end up a little further out from the city center or preferred location.
23. Ways to save money while traveling: Negotiate discounts in person
Did you know that you can negotiate discounts on hotels? Some hotels offer various discounts to their guests and it is easy to get them. You must know how it works and the qualifications you need.
When you book online without calling, there are no negotiations. It is hard to get discounts when you are dealing with a computer.
A good trick you can use is to call the hotel and book a room on the phone. It is always easy to get discounts when you are talking to a real person. Yes, as long as you behave and act strategically, you will get discounts.
If the hotel lets you pay when you get there, ask for discounts in person. It all makes a huge difference when you are having a conversation in person. It sounds tricky but it works.
24. Travel where your currency will have more value
Your money or home currency will have different values around the world. When you are traveling on a tight budget, travel in places where your money will go far.
This is important because a small amount in your currency will convert to a huge sum in your destination’s currency. As a result, you will be able to afford a lot of things there.
25. Do not buy a lot of things when traveling
One of the many ways people spend money when traveling is to buy a lot of things from places they visit. They buy clothes, art, coins, etc.
In order to save money while traveling, you must understand that buying a lot of things will not get you there. Instead, stick to your budget and buy only what fits in your budget.
If something looks good but is not included in the budget, forget about it. You will buy it next time.
26. Ways to save money while traveling: Have local connections
Before you travel to a new place, you should establish a connection with the local people or travel agents. This will prevent you from walking into a new country blindfolded.
The local connection will give you guidance on what you can do, bring, and what to expect while traveling there. If for example, you need rainy jackets, boots, etc. they will let you know. This trick will save you time and money.
27. Do location research
Before you travel to a location, do your homework. At least have a general idea of what the place is like, what kind of food they eat, climate, etc.
What if they don’t have food you can eat? For example, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from eating certain foods, you must know this ahead of time and prepare yourself.
What if there are certain diseases that can cause you serious illness or kill you? Local governments or your own country do not require vaccination for every disease. It is your responsibility to know what your body can and cannot handle and take a step forward accordingly.
If you know there are diseases that can possibly kill you, work with your doctor to find solutions. For example, many tropical countries have mosquitos (anopheles) that cause malaria. If you are traveling in the tropics, ask your government/doctor whether a vaccine is needed and the proper steps to take.
28. Ways to save money while traveling: Travel as a group
Another way to save money while traveling is to travel as a group. You may be wondering how this could help you save money.
When traveling especially in locations you have never been before, it helps to take comfort in others. For example, you can walk in places you wouldn’t walk if you were alone. You can combine your resources and rent an Airbnb. It is also possible that some of your colleagues know the languages or have extensive travel experiences. So, you can rely on their expertise.
Would you pay for a translator if your collogues speak the language? I don’t think so.
29. Do not eat in expensive restaurants
A common mistake people make when traveling is to dine in expensive restaurants. This is a no-no. Even if someone tells you that the restaurant is historic, do not dine there. If what they serve is food, you can find it somewhere else for less money.
30. Ways to save money while traveling: Do not carry a lot of things
Traveling is different than relocation. When you are traveling, you should avoid carrying a lot of stuff. This is because the more stuff you carry, the more difficult it will be to move around. This will negatively affect your travel experience and make you take a tax in a walkable distance. Hence spending money that could be saved.
31. Learn how to convert your money in the local money
Another important tip you should pay attention to before you travel to any country is to know how much your money is worth and the true value of local money.
You must know the money used in the country you are visiting. For example, if you are visiting the US, you need to know the difference between a nickel, a quarter, a dollar, a dime, etc., and what they are worth in terms of purchasing goods and services.
This comes in handy when you are shopping. The moment people realized that you don’t know how to count their money, they will start scamming you.
32. Have a plan of locations you will visit before hand
Unless you are staying in a country for many months or years, it will be difficult to visit every tourist location in the country. This will depend on the size of the country and the number of touristic locations in the country.
For example, if you are going to visit big countries such as China, the US, Russia, Canada, etc., you will be able to cover the whole nation in one visit. Even if you are staying there for many weeks there, you will still have some untapped locations.
So, before traveling to a country, do your research. Know what the country has to offer. Decide which locations are right for you for the time being. Evaluate whether those locations are worth your buck and time. Put your favorite locations on the top of the list.
If you still have more time, visit other locations.
Your list should have the top ten locations to visit with number one being the best. Depending on how long you are staying there and your budget, you could have 20 or more locations on your list.
33. Stay in a tent
Are you an outdoor person or want to be one? If so, avoid spending money on hotels and stay in your own tent or rent one.
In order for this money tip to work, you must stay in a designated location and get approval from the local government. These locations are either run by businesses that provide full security for their guests. Consider this technique if you are traveling as a group.
You don’t want to camp in the middle of no where alone in a foreign country. That would suck.
