10 Surprising Ways I Saved Money on Travel
Creative strategies that helped me cut travel costs without missing out on great experiences.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
I’ll never forget the first time Mary and I tried to take the kids on a family vacation. I was standing at the kitchen table with a stack of brochures, crunching numbers late into the night, and realizing the cost of airfare, hotel, and meals might just wipe out our savings. It felt like a punch to the gut—working all those long hours at the plant, only to find that a simple trip with the family seemed out of reach.
Maybe you’ve felt that way, too—wanting to create special memories, but feeling like travel is only for people with deep pockets. Trust me, I’ve been there. But over the years, I learned some simple tricks that made those trips affordable without sacrificing fun. Today, I’m sharing the 10 surprising ways I saved money on travel, so you can make memories without breaking the bank.
1. Watching Flight Prices at Odd Hours
Anna Shvets on Pexels
I started checking flight prices late at night and early in the morning when fewer people were booking. Some airlines quietly dropped their rates for a few hours before raising them again. Catching these price changes helped me book cheaper tickets without waiting for sales.
2. Staying in Places That Needed Guests
Pixabay on Pexels
Instead of booking popular hotels, I looked for new hostels and guesthouses that wanted reviews. Many offered lower prices or extra perks just to attract travelers. It was an easy way to save money while staying in a clean and comfortable place.
3. Asking Locals Where They Eat on Busy Days
Nikita Grishin on Pexels
Instead of searching online, I asked locals where they ate on weekends or holidays when restaurants filled up fast. These spots were often cheap, delicious, and not listed in travel guides. I got better meals for less just by following their lead.
4. Walking Longer Instead of Grabbing a Ride
Brett Sayles on Pexels
I started walking instead of hopping on the nearest bus or train. Many places were closer than they seemed, and I discovered hidden spots along the way. Walking also saved me a surprising amount of money by the end of each trip.
5. Finding Free Events Through Local Calendars
Lisa Fotios on Pexels
Instead of relying on travel blogs, I checked city websites and community boards for free events. I found concerts, festivals, and museum days that most tourists missed. These experiences were fun, unique, and completely free.
6. Using Layovers to Explore Without Extra Costs
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
I picked flights with long layovers in cities I wanted to visit. Many airports had free transportation or short city tours for travelers with long waits. It felt like getting a mini trip without paying for an extra ticket.
7. Checking Local Apps for Secret Deals
Armin Rimoldi on Pexels
I downloaded travel apps made for locals instead of tourists. Some had discounts on food, transport, and activities that were not advertised elsewhere. Just by signing up, I got deals that saved me a lot during my stay.
8. Sleeping on Overnight Journeys to Save on Hotels
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
I planned long trips on overnight buses and trains instead of paying for an extra night in a hotel. It was not the most luxurious option, but it saved me a lot on lodging. Waking up in a new city without spending extra money felt like a win.
9. Getting Airport Lounge Perks Without Paying
Anastasia Nagibina on Pexels
I signed up for travel reward programs and used credit card perks to access airport lounges for free. Instead of spending money on expensive airport food, I enjoyed free meals and a quiet place to relax. It made long layovers much easier and saved me money.
10. Splitting Costs with Other Travelers I Met
Rachel Claire on Pexels
I connected with other travelers who were also looking to save money. We split costs on group activities, car rentals, and even accommodations. Traveling this way helped me cut expenses while making new friends.
Looking back, these small travel hacks added up in a big way. Whether it was snagging deals during off-peak seasons, packing meals instead of eating out, or finding budget-friendly stays, they allowed Mary and me to take the kids on memorable trips without draining our hard-earned money. Now in retirement, I’ve continued using these same tricks when I take the grandkids on little getaways—and the savings still amaze me.
Here’s how you can start saving on your next trip right now:
Set up price alerts today for flights and hotels—track them for a few weeks. Book during off-peak times—plan for mid-week stays or shoulder seasons. Limit dining out—try packing two out of three meals per day. Use reward programs—sign up for at least one travel or credit card rewards program this week. Compare lodging options early—look at both hotels and affordable vacation rentals before you commit.
Remember, you don’t need a big budget to explore the world—you just need a bit of planning and the right strategy. Start today, take control of your travel costs, and you’ll be surprised how far your dollars can stretch. The memories you make will be priceless.