How to Save Money on Your Travel

Alright wanderlust folks, let’s talk about staying ahead of your travel budget (without having to crunch the numbers). You know you want to explore new cultures, experience breathtaking landscapes, and indulge in delicious food, but the fear of breaking the bank can hold you back.

Here’s the good news: with some savvy planning and these handy travel hacks, you can have an amazing adventure without feeling the financial punch.

Peace of mind on a budget

First things first, travel medical insurance is crucial. Unexpected medical issues or trip cancellations can wreak havoc on your finances. But don’t worry, there are budget-friendly options! Traditional travel insurance can be pricey and it’s usually very complicated to understand.

If you want a recommendation, SafetyWing is my go-to for flexible, affordable plans designed for adventurous travelers, and NO deductible! These plans are a lifesaver if you get sick on the road or need medical attention, ensuring you don’t have to break the bank dealing with emergencies.

With a monthly plan, you can budget for these costs, rather than getting hit with a massive hospital bill. You can easily offset the cost of travel medical insurance too by saving money in various ways, on transportation, accommodation, and activities, and this post will explain other ways you can save money.

Transportation: saving on every mile

Now, let’s get you to your destination! Getting to your dream destination shouldn’t cost a fortune. Transportation tends to be a significant chunk of your travel budget, so let’s talk about lowering that cost first.

With some savvy planning and these handy tips, you can achieve your travel goals at any budget.

Transportation costs can add up quickly, but here are some ways to keep them in check:

Google Flights: This tool is your best friend for finding cheap flights. Set price alerts for your desired destinations to be notified of any sudden price drops.

Consider flexible travel dates, as weekdays and shoulder seasons (periods between peak and off-season) often offer significantly lower airfares compared to weekends and peak travel times. For my full Google Flight guide on the best ways to save, check out my Google Flights post here.

Flight Delay Compensation with AirHelp: Unexpected flight delays and cancellations can disrupt your travel plans and put a dent in your budget.

AirHelp can be your saving grace. This online platform helps you claim compensation for flight disruptions and cancellations. Ultimately, this takes the hassle out of navigating complex airline policies, especially so you don’t have to worry.

SafetyWing will also save you with travel disruptions since they cover lost luggage and travel delays.

Rental Cars: How to Find the Deals

While rental cars offer flexibility and freedom on your trip, they can also be expensive.

Discover Cars is my go-to rental car platform. I also love using this site since it’s offered me the best deals on cars.

It’s more of a car directory, where they scan all the rental car offers at the airport and share the cheapest and best options with you. When it comes to value and affordability, it’s my go to for renting!

For another option, you can also use GetRentacar’s Bidding System. This platform let’s you bid on rental vehicles, potentially saving a significant amount of money, especially during times with lower demand.

If you’re flexible with the type of car you need and want to snag the best possible deal, GetRentacar is definitely worth checking out!

Trains: Scenic and Semi-Affordable Travel

Train travel offers a comfortable and scenic way to explore a country, but finding budget-friendly options can be tricky.

Sadly train travel is frequently quite expensive in Europe, so I’m always looking for tips and tricks to saving when I can.

Here are some resources to help you navigate train travel (in Europe at least):

RailEurope: This website specializes in discounted train fares, particularly for multi-city train journeys across Europe. If you’re planning a European adventure and want to experience the beauty of train travel (affordably), RailEurope is a great place to start your search.

Trainline: Booking train tickets across different routes and operators can get confusing. Trainline simplifies the process by allowing you to manage all your train tickets in one place.

I find myself using Trainline all the time since it keeps track of everything, and I rarely find that the tickets are more expensive than buying direct.

Public transit for the most savings

Whenever possible, embrace the local public transportation system. It’s usually the most affordable option and allows you to experience the city like a local.

Many cities offer day passes or travel cards that give you unlimited rides for a set period, offering significant savings compared to buying individual tickets for every journey.

Hopping on the subway, bus, or tram is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and get around efficiently without burning through your travel budget.

Remember, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to budget-friendly travel!

Accommodation: your budget-friendly home away from home

Finding the perfect place to stay that fits your needs and budget is crucial for a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience. Here are some top tips to find your budget-friendly home away from home, whether you’re looking for a social hostel dorm room, a hotel suite, or a spacious vacation rental:

Long stay discounts: stretch your dollar further

I found a golden hack that helps save you even more money. It’s called long-term stay discounts. Booking.com isn’t the only way to save money with this hack.

Many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals offer substantial discounts for extended stays, particularly for stays of a month or more.

This can be a great option for digital nomads, long-term travelers, or those planning on staying in one location for a while, which I always recommend. Slo-mads for the win!

Price comparison tools: uncover the best deals

Nowadays, there’s no need to settle for the first price you see. I am always looking for competitive rates, which is why I use Google Hotels.

This free tool is a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers. Google Hotels comes up with hotel prices from a variety of sources, including online booking platforms, individual hotel websites, and travel agents. Expand your map, and lower your price limit.

Beyond the obvious: exploring alternative accommodation options

While hotels are a popular choice, consider these alternative options to unlock unique experiences and potentially lower costs:

• Hostels: Perfect for social butterflies and budget travelers, hostels offer dormitory-style rooms at very affordable rates.
• Vacation Rentals: This can be a cost-effective option for families, groups of friends, or long-term stays, as it lets you prepare meals and spread out in a more spacious environment.
• Homestays: Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying with a local family. Homestays often provide a unique glimpse into the daily life of your hosts and their community, and can be a more affordable option compared to traditional hotels.

Remember, a little research and planning can go a long way when it comes to finding budget-friendly accommodation.

Activities: making memories without making a dent (in your wallet)

Activities add so much value to a trip, but they can also blow your budget. Experiences are the souvenirs you bring home from a trip! Here are creative ways to explore a destination, have fun, and create lasting memories without emptying your wallet:

City Passes: Consider purchasing a city pass that bundles admission to popular attractions. GoCity is a great option, offering passes for major cities around the world, and it’s the one I’ve used the most.

Free Activities: Every city has hidden gems! Explore my blog posts for destination-specific free activities, or look for free walking tours (they’re often tip-based, so you pay what you think it’s worth). You’d be surprised at how many free food tours are out there too, a delicious and budget-friendly way to explore a city’s culinary scene.

Explore Museums on Free Admission Days: Many museums offer free admission days or evenings. Research your destination’s museums and schedule your visits to coincide with these free admission windows to maximize your cultural immersion without the cost.

Embrace the Outdoors: Pack a picnic basket and head to a local park, botanical garden, or beach for a relaxing and scenic afternoon. Many cities also boast free hiking trails or scenic viewpoints offering stunning backdrops for memorable photos.

Food: eating well without spending a fortune

Food is a delicious travel essential, but it can quickly devour your budget. Fear not, intrepid budget explorers! Here are some tips to keep your stomach happy without breaking the bank:

Embrace your inner chef

Does your accommodation have a kitchen? Then you have no excuse to eat every meal out. Explore local farmers markets or grocery stores to stock up on fresh ingredients and whip up delicious meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.

This allows you to experience local food too, all while saving money.

Pack smart snacks: staving off hunger pangs and avoiding tourist trap temptation

A little pre-trip planning goes a long way for food costs. Pack healthy and filling snacks like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, or trail mix. These on-the-go bites will keep hunger pangs at bay and prevent overpriced tourist trap purchases.

Strategic restaurant splurges: prioritizing budget-friendly bites

There’s no need to deny yourself the occasional indulgence! Treat yourself to one or two special restaurant meals during your trip, but prioritize budget-friendly options for most meals if you’re eating out.

Explore the world of street food, a delicious and affordable way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Bustling local markets are have some incredible fresh produce, regional specialties, and prepared food stalls offering budget-friendly bites.

Become a savvy local: uncovering country-specific hacks for budget foodies

One of the joys of travel is discovering hidden gems and unique customs. Research your destination to uncover budget-friendly food hacks.

In Spain, savor Menu del Dia, a discounted lunch set offered by many restaurants. Italy enforces capped coffee prices, so you can always find affordable coffee. Many countries and cities offer happy hour deals, allowing you to sample delicious food and drinks at a reduced cost. Taco Tuesday is my personal favorite.

Bonus Hacks:

• Pack light: Avoid baggage fees by traveling with a carry-on bag whenever possible.
• Take advantage of free Wi-Fi: Download maps and research activities offline to avoid expensive roaming charges.
• Bring a refillable water bottle: Save money and the en
• vironment by staying hydrated with tap water or a refillable bottle.

Remember, budget travel isn’t about sacrificing experiences, it’s about making your trip happen!

Keep chasing sunsets!

If you have any questions about ways to save on your travel, comment them below or send me a DM on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps.