Looking for ways to save money and travel without sacrificing the experience? Whether you’re planning on an international trip or a budget-friendly getaway, these travel money saving tips will help you cut cost on flights, hotels, food, and transportation.
From cheap flight hacks to avoiding unnecessary fees, here are 10 expert travel tips to keep more money in your pocket while still exploring the world.
Table of Contents
How to Save Money and Travel?
1. Find Cheap Flights with Google Flights Explore
Instead of choosing a destination first, let the deals guide your trip. Google Flights Explore lets you see the cheapest destinations based on your departure city.
How to use Google Flight Explore:
- Go to Googleflights.com
- Enter your departure airport and leave the destination and dates in blank. Then hit search.
- Browse the map to find the cheapest destinations.
This is one of the best ways to book cheap flights and discover budget-friendly travel destinations you may not have considered!
This was exactly how my sister and I ended up in Iceland in the summer of 2023.
Pro tip: to get the exact deal that pops up on Google Flight Explore the key is to book the same dates. You may be able to move around the dates a bit with minimal changes to the flight cost but in my experience keeping the dates as they appear work best to staying low cost.
2. Always Pay in Local Currency
When using your credit card abroad always choose the local currency instead of your home currency. You get the best exchange rate since banks typically offer better rates than merchants.
Example: When my family and I visited Scotland, my mom and I both purchased equally priced Harris Tweed handbags. When we paid, one selected to pay in the local currency and the other selected to pay in USD. When we checked our bank statements the difference was $2 extra for the USD purchase. That adds up if you make the same mistake with every purchase!
3. Use a No-Fee Debit Card for ATM Withdrawals
I like to use my credit cards abroad, but some countries require cash to get around. Many banks charge high fees for foreign ATM withdrawals. Use a debit card like the Charles Schwab investor checking account, which refunds all atm fees worldwide. Other great options include:
- Fidelity cash management card
- Revolut premium or metal account
4. Use a No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card
A travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you up to 3% on every purchase abroad. Some of the best travel credit cards include:
These cards not only save you money but also earn points and miles for future travel!
5. Get Free Food and Drinks with Airport Lounge Access
Airport food is expensive! Instead of paying $15+ for a sandwich, get free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi in airport lounges with credit cards like:
6. Find Cheap Restaurants using Google Maps $$ Filter
This hack was crucial for my sister’s and I one month long, backpacking trip across Europe in the summer of 2022. Dining out can be pricey, but Google Maps makes it easy to find affordable restaurants. Simply:
- Open Google Maps and search for restaurants.
- Tap “Filter”- Select “$” For budget friendly options.
- Look for high-rated local spots to get delicious and affordable food.
7. Decline Rental Car Insurance if your Credit Card Covers It
Most rental car companies push expensive insurance, but many travel credit cards offer primary rental car insurance-saving you $10 to $30 per day. Cards with primary rental car insurance include:
Before declining, check your cards benefits to make sure you’re covered!
8. Use public transportation instead of taxis and Uber
Taxis and rideshares add up quickly. Instead, take advantage of:
- Metro passes (Many cities offer unlimited ride passes)
- Buses and trams (Cheaper than taxis)
- Bike sharing services (Great for short distances and getting a workout!)
Public transit not only saves money but also lets you experience the city like local.
Worried about finding your destination? Google maps is a great free resource that works in most countries and tells you exactly which bus or Metro to get on and which stop to get off.
9. Book hotels with free breakfast and kitchen access
One of the easiest ways to save money on food while traveling is choosing accommodations with free breakfast or a kitchen to cook your own meals. Great options include:
- Hyatt place (Free breakfast)
- Residence inn by Marriott (Full kitchens)
- Airbnb rentals with kitchens
When my sister and I visited Iceland, we made sure every Airbnb had a fully equipped kitchen since food is expensive there and restaurants can be scarce on certain areas of the Island. For more information on our Iceland trip visit this blog post.
10. Use points and miles to get free flights and hotels
Credit card rewards can cover flights, hotels, and even upgrades. If you’re not using points and miles, you’re leaving free travel on the table! Best beginner-friendly travel credit cards:
- Chase Sapphire preferred (Great for travel rewards beginners)
- American Express Gold (best for dining and groceries points)
- Capital One Venture X (Best for a luxury travel perks and lounge access)
For more information on points and miles for travel visit this blog.
Final Thoughts
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive if you use budget travel hacks like these. From cheap flights to no-fee credit cards, these tips can help you save thousands on travel while still enjoying incredible experiences.
Which of these travel money seeming tips have you used? Let me know in the comments!