Traveling more while spending less is a dream for many, and with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By focusing on smart planning and resourceful choices, you can explore the world without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips to help you travel more frequently and affordably, ensuring that your adventures are both memorable and cost-effective.
Determine where you're hemorrhaging money
"Hemorrhaging money" refers to a situation where an individual or business is losing money rapidly, often due to overspending or unexpected expenses.
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I discovered the first thing I had to do was identify and list where I was hemorrhaging money and how much. Sure, that Starbucks latte may taste good every morning...but is it something you really need?
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When I listed where I was hemorrhaging money I was stunned. All of these little purchases we think nothing of making really add up! This was all money I could use to travel instead!
By consciously becoming aware of all of these frivolous expenditures, I could eliminate them and put that money toward my travels.
Travel off-season for bigger savings
One of the most effective ways to save money while traveling is to plan your trips during the off-season. By avoiding peak travel times, you can take advantage of lower prices on flights, accommodations, and attractions. This strategy not only helps you spend less and explore more but also allows you to enjoy popular destinations without the crowds. Off-season travel offers a more relaxed experience and often provides opportunities to interact more closely with locals.
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Traveling during less busy times means you can often find better deals on everything from flights to hotels. Airlines and hotels frequently offer discounts to fill seats and rooms during slower periods. This approach not only saves money but also enhances your travel experience by providing a more authentic and less touristy atmosphere.
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Now I travel almost exclusively during my travel destination's off season or shoulder season, having discovered how much more enjoyable it is than traveling during peak tourist season - and how much money I save doing it.
Leverage reward programs wisely
Maximizing reward programs is a smart way to reduce travel costs. Many credit cards offer points or miles for purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. By strategically using these programs, you can plan your dream vacation without breaking the bank. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your travel habits and to use your card for everyday purchases to accumulate points faster.
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This will take some comparison shopping on your part to determine which rewards programs are most advantageous to you. Are you interested in loyalty to a brand, free rewards, or avoiding fees?​
Photo credit: BILT
The Bilt Mastercard is the only credit card that earns you points when paying rent (up to 100,000 Bilt Points each year) without any transaction fees (really!). It’s an overall great card with plenty of category bonuses and over 19 transfer partners.
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If you're a renter or have a mortgage you might want to consider this card.
With the arrival of the Bilt Mastercard®, you can now earn points on rent (up to 100,000 Bilt Points per year), without paying any transaction fees for doing so. And it has changed the game. (Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.)
Plus, in addition to earning points, the card also gives you:
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Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection
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Trip Delay Reimbursement
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Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
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Cellular Telephone Protection
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No foreign transaction fee (Terms & Conditions)
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$5 USD in Lyft credits each month after taking three rides that month
Click here for a full breakdown of Rewards and Benefits and Rates and Fees.
Photo credit: American Express
Photo credit: Hilton
I used to have an American Express Delta Skymiles credit card but when I quit flying I no longer needed Skymiles awarded me and certainly not at a $95 annual fee for the card!
(The annual fee has now jumped to $150!)
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So I dumped the gold card and downgraded to a no fee American Express card that still gives me rewards but not the number of Skymiles I had been getting that I no longer needed.
A couple of times a year I'll go through my travel reward cards and re-evaluate them.
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I also keep a couple of credit cards for accommodations I routinely use that award me free stays and other travel rewards, like the Hilton Honors card.
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There are different versions of this card to choose from depending on your travel needs.
I keep the No Annual Fee card as that suits my needs just fine.
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Signing up for airline and hotel loyalty programs can lead to significant savings. These programs often provide members with exclusive discounts, free upgrades, and other perks that enhance the travel experience. By staying loyal to a particular brand, you can enjoy these benefits and make your travel budget stretch further.
Extend trips for better value in later years
For those in retirement, extending trips can provide better value and allow for more leisurely exploration. By taking longer trips, retirees can spread out travel costs and enjoy a more relaxed pace. This approach is supported by insights from Nine Things You’ll Spend Less on in Retirement.
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Longer stays often lead to discounts on accommodations and transportation, making it a cost-effective option for retirees looking to travel more. Additionally, extended trips provide the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and truly experience a destination. This can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching travel experience.
Be flexible in your travel plans
The more flexible you remain in your travel plans, the more money you will save. For example, traveling mid week is less expensive than traveling weekends all the way around - accommodations, taking advantage of last minute flight fare costs, etc.
Allow plenty of time to plan your trips
I allow myself 6 months to 1 year to plan any of my trips. This allows me to comparison shop as well as take advantage of any annual packages, deals, sales, promotions, discounts. You can always change your plans as you go along!
Utilize travel newsletters
These are a great way to score savings on travel and they're usually FREE to sign up to receive. If you don't want them sent to your regular email and cluttering it up, then set up a free email account to have just travel newsletters sent to and clean that account out once a month.
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Airlines and accommodations (just 2 examples) offer some last minute deals that can save you as much as 50%.
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Additionally, consider signing up for a website like Going.com. They hunt down deals and send them directly to your inbox — for free! They also offer a premium service that offers more (and better) deals but at the very least join their free newsletter.
Become a couponer
I used to be the coupon queen of grocery shopping until stores did away with double coupon days. I once added up what I saved in one year by double couponing and sending in for free products - over $10,000!
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I still coupon for travel!
The Entertainment Book, grocery coupons, Groupon, and loyalty cards all reduce the price you pay at the register.​​
You can find these coupon books at rest stops or your travel destination's Visitor's Center or Chamber of Commerce. Some cities publish their own coupon books that you can purchase for a few bucks. Dining Guides for a specific travel destination are FREE and you'll find them in lobby magazine racks of stores along with the free travel pamphlets. (You can even find coupons in those!)
Try work exchanges and volunteering
Photo credit: MSN
One of the most unique and immersive ways to travel while saving money is through work exchanges and volunteering. These opportunities allow you to work for a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation-and sometimes even free meals, bike rentals, laundry services, and more!
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There are several platforms to find these experiences:
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Worldpackers (my personal favorite)
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Workaway
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WWOOF (focused on organic farming)
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Facebook groups dedicated to volunteer opportunities
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These programs connect travelers with hosts worldwide, offering experiences ranging from working at hostels and eco-lodges to teaching English, farm work, and even social media management. You can find many different types of work that cater towards your passions and skills!
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The best part? You're not just saving money-you're also connecting with locals, learning new skills, and experiencing a place in a way that typical tourists don't. Some hosts allow you to stay for as little as a week, while others welcome volunteers for several months. It's flexible, affordable, and an incredible way to make your travels more meaningful.
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If you have never done a work exchange before, I highly recommend starting with Worldpackers. They are a reputable organization with many different hosts and different levels of support for their travelers.
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TaskRabbit lets you do tasks that people don’t have time for—from cleaning to moving, doing research, or helping with errands. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to be people’s assistants, editors, designers, or a host of other professional roles, while Yoodlize allows you to rent out your unused stuff for money. These sites can provide an easy way to earn money on the side. Be sure to check them out as a way to earn extra money for your upcoming trip.
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Additionally, you can become an Uber or Lyft driver, teach a skill on the side, or rent out a room on Airbnb. In the age of the “side hustle,” there are lots of ways to utilize your proven skills for extra cash. Get creative!
Here is a full list of sharing economy websites you can use to earn some extra cash on the side.
Stay away from tourist hotspots
Photo credit: cebuparadise.com
This one might sound counterintuitive because, let's be honest, touristy areas are often popular for a reason. But they also come with inflated prices-for food, souvenirs, activities, accommodation and even transportation.
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If you want to save money, try venturing just a little outside the main tourist hubs. Sometimes, moving even 10–15 minutes away from a city center can lead you to more affordable restaurants and accommodations. In some cases, choosing a smaller town or a lesser-known area instead of a major tourist destination can make your entire trip significantly cheaper.
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Of course, some famous spots are worth visiting, but you don't have to spend all your time (or money) in them. Instead, balance your trip with hidden gems, local experiences, and more affordable alternatives so you can travel for longer!
Consider domestic travel vs. international travel
With inflation at an all time high, this is becoming the latest travel trend. It's cheaper to travel to destinations closer to home than it is to travel overseas.
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Consider road trips to nearby national parks or charming towns. This allows for flexibility and the chance to discover​ hidden gems without the high cost of international travel.
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Budget travel has become popular among those who want to see the world without spending a lot. It focuses on experiences, not expensive things. This way, people can travel more for less money.
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More people are choosing to save money over spending a lot on travel. They want to explore and discover new places. Instead of fancy hotels, they prefer hostels, vacation rentals, or camping.
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Traveling on a budget can be less stressful and reveal hidden treasures. Street markets, local food, and off-the-beaten-path spots offer great cultural experiences at lower prices. These options make your trip more meaningful and connect you with the places you visit. And isn't that the whole point of traveling?​
Consider traveling with a group
More and more travel-related establishments are promoting group travel discounts. Take advantage of those discounts!
Don't spend that spare change
This is a little trick I learned. Rarely do I spend any of my spare change.
I put it in a large glass jar and every couple of months I take it to my credit union, cash it in and deposit it to my travel savings account.
That means I put away around $400 for travel every 2 months or $2400 per year!
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Put that money in an interest bearing account and let it earn more money for you until you're ready to spend it on a trip.
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It's an easy and quick way to accumulate travel funds!
Photo credit: Amazon
Buy used and save the difference
We live in a disposable throw-away society. Rarely will I buy something brand new. I'll buy secondhand items and save the difference for traveling. Certainly you don't have to buy everything used...but I've found items for pennies on the dollar that looked brand new and worked perfectly. And often I'll find brand new items that are being discontinued so are discounted to clear them out of inventory.
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Even if you live in the boonies like I do, you'll usually find a nearby thrift store or secondhand shop. There are also garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, Goodwill, where you can find some real bargains. And I don't just shop for travel necessities at such places. I make it a practice to buy anything I need this way.
Use Viator
If you’re looking to do any tours in your future travels, I HIGHLY recommend using Viator. They offer the best curated experiences in destinations across the US and Europe, from walking food tours to other guided sightseeing. I've found you'll save at least 15% more than on sites like Get Your Guide.
Final thoughts
Saving money while traveling doesn't mean sacrificing great experiences-it just means being smart about where and how you spend. By choosing budget-friendly accommodations, finding work exchanges, cooking when possible, avoiding overpriced tourist traps, and exploring more off-the-beaten-path locations, you can stretch your money further and extend your travels.
