20 Ways To Save Money While Traveling

by | Oct 11, 2022

Travel is one of the most exciting ways to spend your money. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a trip around the world, traveling can be an amazing experience that will open your eyes to new cultures, people, and places.

That said, it can also be expensive! If you’re not careful about how to save for a vacation on a tight budget, it can end up costing more than it should. In this article we’ll show you some creative ways to save money for travel so that your next adventure doesn’t leave you broke by day three.

Why Do People Travel

People travel for different reasons. Some people travel to experience new things and cultures, while others travel to relax and unwind. Some people travel to learn about the world, while others travel to get away from it all.

Traveling can be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be!

Importance Of Traveling

Importance Of Traveling

Traveling can help you learn more about yourself, other cultures, and the world at large.

While there are lot of tips on ways to save money when traveling, here are some other important reasons of traveling:

  1. Traveling helps you to see the world in a new, fresh way.
  2. Traveling gives you something to talk about, and it’s a great way to make friends with people who have similar interests.
  3. Traveling is good for your health—it can help you reduce stress and increase your alertness and memory.
  4. Traveling lets you try new things and experience new cultures, which can help you develop a more open-minded perspective on life!

20 Ways To Save Money While Traveling

No matter where you’re traveling, it can be difficult to save money. Traveling abroad can be one of the most expensive things you do in your life, especially if you’re not careful and don’t plan ahead.
But there are ways to save and travel!
Get An Airline-Branded Credit Card

1. Get An Airline-Branded Credit Card

Another way to earn rewards while traveling is with an airline-branded credit card. These cards are usually issued by big banks but carry the name of a specific airline and offer special rewards that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, merchandise and other perks.
The best part is that they can be used as payment when you book your flight on the same day as purchase, so there’s no need to worry about interest charges.
The best part is that they can be used as payment when you book your flight on the same day as purchase, so there’s no need to worry about interest charges.
Earn Credit Card Rewards

2. Earn Credit Card Rewards

If you have a credit card that offers rewards on purchases, use your card to pay for as many expenses as possible. If the credit card has an annual fee, evaluate whether it’s worth paying off the principal balance on time each month.

Join A Frequent Flyer Program

3. Join A Frequent Flyer Program

If you’re a frequent flyer, then you should definitely join a program.

Airline-branded credit cards are a great way to keep track of your miles, to keep you updated also with money saving travel tips.

Not only will this help you keep track of the miles you accrue, but it can also help you earn extra points by using the card for everyday purchases.

If your credit card company has an airline rewards program, then you might be able to use one credit card for both spending money and earning more points toward travel rewards.

Some of these programs even allow members to transfer their points into another airline’s frequent flyer program if they have reached their limit or want to redeem them towards another flight or vacation package/hotel stay at some point in the future.

Sign-Up For A Travel Rewards Card

4. Sign-Up For A Travel Rewards Card

If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for a travel rewards card could be the easiest way to earn miles and points. Travel rewards cards offer cash back, points and other benefits for using them on various categories of purchases. You can use your travel rewards card to book flights, hotels and more—and earn extra points by booking through the credit card company’s website.

Travel rewards cards can be used for all types of travel expenses—not just airfare! If you’re planning a trip that includes stops at restaurants or attractions along the way (or even if you just want something fun to do when you arrive), consider using your travel rewards card so that every dollar spent goes toward earning miles or points towards your next trip!

Use Public Transportation

5. Use Public Transportation

Public transportation is a great way to save money while traveling and a great tip on how to save money when traveling abroad. Some cities have excellent public transportation systems, and if you are staying in one for more than a few days, it can be much cheaper than renting a car or paying for taxis. Not only that, but you’ll get to know the city better by using public transportation, which will help you better understand why people live there.

Find Cheap Accommodation

6. Find Cheap Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses while traveling is accommodation. When you’re on a budget, this can be difficult to afford.

Luckily, there are several traveling on a budget tips and even free places to stay when you travel:

    • If you’re wondering how to save money on accommodation, Airbnb allows users from around the world to rent out their homes on a temporary basis as part of a larger sharing economy that allows people to make extra money by renting out their property for short periods of time. The best thing about it? There are usually plenty of good deals available! You just have to know where and when to look.
    • Stay at hostels or other cheap hotels and hostels should also be considered if they fit into your needs/wants list (i.e., if you don’t mind bunk beds). Alternatively, do your research online before going somewhere new and find out which hotels might offer cheaper rates during certain times throughout the year; many will give discounts on weekends or holidays because fewer people will be there at those times anyway so it won’t hurt their bottom line too much!

Bring Snacks Or Light Meals With You On Flights

7. Bring Snacks Or Light Meals With You On Flights

The best way to save money for a trip is by bringing snacks or light meals with you on flights. If you bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, then you won’t have to buy drinks or food while traveling.

Avoid buying drinks on the plane as they are expensive. Avoid buying food on the plane as well because it is very expensive and not very good in taste, so bring your own food with you if possible!

Pack Light And Ship The Rest

8. Pack Light And Ship The Rest

Traveling with a lot of luggage is one of the biggest sources of stress while on vacation. You have to make sure your bags are checked in at the right terminal and that they actually arrive when you do. 

No matter how carefully you pack them, they always seem to break or get lost somewhere along the line. It’s much easier to just keep it simple by packing only what you need for each trip—and then shipping anything else back home before heading out again (depending on where your next destination may be).

Don't Check Bags If You Don't Have To

9. Don’t Check Bags If You Don’t Have To

Are you tired of lugging around a heavy suitcase? Do you want to be able to travel more quickly and easily? Then don’t check bags if you don’t have to!

If you’re flying for business, it’s often necessary to bring a laptop or tablet with you. But what about everything else? In most cases, all you need is a wallet, your phone, and maybe an extra pair of shoes (if they’re small enough). 

The rest can stay at home or be sent ahead via delivery services. If you’ve got a lot of stuff that’s just not worth carrying with you, consider renting storage space at your destination and having things delivered there. 

You’ll save yourself the trouble of checking bags—and the money it costs airlines to transport them—and still have access to all your necessities when you arrive at your destination.

Book Flights Early Or Late To Save Money

10. Book Flights Early Or Late To Save Money

Booking early or late can save you money, but it depends on the airline. If the airline is known to be more expensive, it’s better to book early. But if the airline is known to be cheaper, it’s better to wait until closer to departure time.

Fly On Weekdays To Save Money

11. Fly On Weekdays To Save Money

Flights are more expensive on weekends, when people have time off work or school and the demand for seats is higher. If you can avoid flying during these peak times, you’ll save yourself some major cash.

Book Tickets Ahead Of Time To Avoid Last-Minute Fees

12. Book Tickets Ahead Of Time To Avoid Last-Minute Fees

One of the best ways to save money on a vacation is to book tickets ahead of time. Most airlines offer discounts if you pre-buy your ticket, and some even give perks like free checked baggage or priority boarding. You can also get deals on hotels and rental cars by booking in advance.

Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card

13. Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card

There are many ways to save money on travel, but if you’re looking for a simple way to get a discount on your flights and hotels, consider getting a travel rewards credit card.

With most travel rewards credit cards, the more you spend on your card, the more points you earn. These points can then be redeemed for free flights or hotel stays at participating locations. If you’re not ready to pay cash for your trip yet, this is an easy and quick way to get some of the cost covered!

Walk As Much As Possible

14. Walk As Much As Possible

Walking is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you save money on transportation, but walking can be good for your health and the environment. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people!

Consider Airbnb As An Alternative To Hotels

15. Consider Airbnb As An Alternative To Hotels

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to hotels, Airbnb is for you. It’s also a great alternative if you want more amenities and an authentic local experience.

Airbnb is cheaper than hotels because it offers lower rates, but this isn’t the only reason why it’s worth considering over booking at a hotel. While many people assume that the only benefit of staying in an Airbnb versus a hotel will be price, there are actually many other reasons why choosing Airbnb over a standard hotel could be worth it.

Take Free Tours When You Visit New Places

16. Take Free Tours When You Visit New Places

Free walking tours are the perfect way to see a new city. You’ll get an overview of the main attractions and you can ask questions as you go along. Plus, it’s a great chance to meet other travelers!

Eat Like The Local

17. Eat Like The Local

If you eat out, try to eat at local restaurants. This will help support the economy and help you get a real feel for the place you are visiting.

If there are any specialties of the area, try them! You’ll learn about local culture and cuisine, but also be able to keep your budget down by not ordering an expensive dish from a menu that might not be what you want anyway. Tasty street food is often very affordable, too!

Shop At Local Grocery Stores

18. Shop At Local Grocery Stores

When you shop at local grocery stores, you help support the local economy and keep your community thriving. By purchasing from local businesses, you’re ensuring that your money stays in your community.

Additionally, when you shop at these stores, you’re helping to reduce food waste. By buying directly from farmers and food makers, these products are often less likely to end up in landfills—and that’s great for the environment!

Record Your Expenses And Set A Daily Budget

19. Record Your Expenses And Set A Daily Budget

Using an app, spreadsheet, or cash envelope system is the best way to keep track of what you’ve spent each day. You can also use a simple notebook—the important thing is that this method works for you! This will ensure that you don’t overspend or get into debt while traveling and will make budgeting easier when it comes time to return home.

Search For Free Things To Do When You Travel

20. Search For Free Things To Do When You Travel

It is possible to travel and not spend a ton of money. One way to do this is by searching for free things to do when you travel. There are a number of websites out there that will help you find the best activities in your destination city, many of which are completely free!

Enjoy more and worry less!

There are so many wonderful places to visit, so why not save money while you do? With these tips and tricks on how to save money while traveling, you’ll be able to travel more affordably and enjoy yourself even more when you get there!
 
Your vacation plans come to life with Roam Trips, and you get the chance to share them with lots of other people.
 
There will undoubtedly be a variety of activities and interests throughout the day. Join the group and get ready to experience everything the world has to offer, including hiking every mountain, discovering every culture, and exploring every beach.