Want to save money on travel? Learn how to find cheap flights, affordable hotels, and discounted activities with this complete guide to travel savings, rewards, and budgeting strategies.
Travel does not have to break the bank. With a smart strategy and a little trip planning, you can explore the world without draining your wallet. From credit card rewards to price alerts and off-peak booking tips, this guide will walk you through how to save money on flights, hotels, and activities.
Whether you are planning a luxury getaway or a budget backpacking trip, these tips will help you make the most of your travel budget. Let’s get started…
1. Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards to Earn Points
What is travel hacking?
Travel hacking refers to the use of credit card points, airline miles, and hotel loyalty programs to get free or discounted travel. It is one of the most powerful ways to save money, and one I’m determined to get better at.
Best credit cards for travel rewards
These cards offer generous welcome bonuses and point earning structures:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 2x points on travel and dining
- Valuable sign-up bonus
- Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- 2x miles on every purchase
- Flexible redemption for travel purchases
- American Express Gold Card
- 4x points at restaurants
- Strong airline transfer partners
- Citi Premier Card
- 3x on travel, gas, and dining
- Points can be transferred or used through travel portal
Be sure to pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges. Use cards for everyday purchases to build up points for free travel.
2. Book Flights Strategically
Use flight comparison tools
Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner (my favorite), and Kayak let you search multiple airlines at once. Use flexible date and destination searches to find the cheapest options.
Tips for finding cheap flights
- Book 1–3 months in advance for domestic travel
- Book 2–6 months ahead for international travel
- Use incognito mode to avoid price spikes from repeated searches
- Set price alerts on Hopper or Skyscanner
- Fly midweek or early morning for better prices
- Be flexible with dates and nearby airports
Consider budget airlines
Low-cost carriers like Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue, Ryanair, and EasyJet often offer steep discounts, especially for short-haul trips. Just beware of extra fees for luggage and seat selection.
3. Save Money on Hotels and Accommodations
Use comparison sites and filters
Sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia let you compare a wide range of accommodations. Sort by price, reviews, and amenities to get the best value.
Hotel vs Airbnb: Which is cheaper?
- Airbnb is often cheaper for longer stays or groups
- Hotels offer perks like daily cleaning, loyalty points, and breakfast
Compare both options for your destination. Airbnb may have cleaning fees that make short stays more expensive.
Book longer stays for discounts
Many hosts and hotels offer a discount if you stay 7 days or more. Also look for “monthly stay” deals on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Stay outside city centers
Accommodations just outside main tourist areas are often 30–50 percent cheaper. Use public transit to get into the city.
4. How to Save on Activities and Tours
Look for free attractions
Every city has free or low-cost things to do. Examples include:
- Free museum days or hours
- Self-guided walking tours
- Parks, markets, street performances
- Local cultural festivals
Use deal websites and apps
Check these sites for discounts on tours, classes, and activities:
- Groupon
- Viator
- GetYourGuide
- Klook (especially in Asia)
City passes can offer big savings
Tourist passes like the New York Pass, Paris Museum Pass, or Go City cards offer bulk discounts on popular attractions. Do the math to ensure it’s worth the cost based on what you plan to visit.
Book directly with local operators
Avoid third-party fees by contacting local guides and small tour companies directly. Many offer better rates and more flexibility.
5. Use Loyalty Programs and Membership Discounts
Join airline and hotel loyalty programs
You can earn miles and points even if you are not a frequent traveler:
- Delta SkyMiles
- United MileagePlus
- Hilton Honors
- Marriott Bonvoy
- World of Hyatt
Points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or even gift cards. Combine loyalty programs with travel credit cards for extra benefits.
Use AAA, AARP, and student discounts
If you qualify, these memberships can save you 10–20 percent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions. ISIC (International Student Identity Card) offers global student deals.
6. Travel in the Off-Season
Avoid peak travel times
Flights and accommodations cost significantly more during:
- Summer holidays
- Spring break
- Major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving)
- School vacation weeks
Best times to travel affordably
- Late January through early March
- Mid-September to mid-November
- Weekdays vs weekends
Not only are prices lower, but crowds are also smaller, making for a more enjoyable experience.
7. Take Advantage of Travel Bundles and Packages
When to book packages
Sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline offer package deals that combine flights, hotels, and rental cars at a lower cost.
- Packages can be cheaper than booking separately
- Great for all-in-one convenience
- Best deals often found for all-inclusive resorts
Always compare the bundled cost against individual bookings to confirm savings.
8. Use Price Alerts and Comparison Tools
Tools to track prices and find deals
- Google Flights: See historical prices and receive alerts
- Hopper: Predicts when prices will rise or fall
- Skyscanner: “Everywhere” search shows cheapest destinations
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): Premium service that sends mistake fares and flight deals
Set alerts for both destinations and flexible travel windows. Jump on deals quickly, as some only last a few hours.
9. Book Direct vs Third-Party: Which Is Cheaper?
Benefits of booking directly with airlines or hotels:
- Easier cancellations and changes
- Loyalty points and perks
- No third-party customer service hassle
When third-party may be cheaper:
- Flash sales or one-time discounts
- Deeply discounted package deals
- Booking sites offering free nights after X stays (like Hotels.com Rewards)
Check both sources before committing. Sometimes booking direct offers peace of mind worth a few extra dollars.
10. Travel Like a Local: Transportation, Dining, and More
Use public transportation
Instead of taxis or rideshares, use buses, trains, or subways. Many cities offer day passes or multi-day transport cards.
Walk or bike where possible
It is free, healthy, and often the best way to explore a new place.
Eat like a local
Avoid tourist traps by:
- Asking locals for recommendations
- Eating at food stalls, markets, or local cafes
- Avoiding restaurants with English-only menus and street hawkers
You will save money and get a more authentic, and less touristy, experience.
Grocery stores and cooking
If your accommodation has a kitchen, shop at local markets and cook a few meals yourself. This is especially useful for families or longer stays.
When to Use a Travel Agent
While many travelers book their own flights and hotels online, often with the use of popular travel apps, there are situations where working with a travel agent can save you time, stress, and even money. Travel agents are industry experts with access to exclusive deals, insight into logistics, and the ability to troubleshoot on your behalf.
When is it worth using a travel agent?
1. Complex or multi-leg itineraries
If your trip includes several destinations, international connections, cruises, or custom tours, a travel agent can simplify the process and help you avoid logistical headaches.
2. Luxury or once-in-a-lifetime vacations
For honeymoons, anniversary trips, or bucket-list adventures like safaris or Antarctica cruises, a travel agent can curate a high-end experience with added perks and upgrades.
3. Group travel and destination weddings
Planning travel for multiple people is time-consuming. A travel agent can coordinate accommodations, transport, and activities while keeping everyone on the same page.
4. Business or corporate travel
Travel agents can ensure efficiency, comfort, and backup plans for frequent business travelers. Some specialize in corporate accounts with 24/7 support.
5. You want a stress-free experience
If you don’t have time or simply do not enjoy the research process, using a travel agent takes the burden off your shoulders.
6. Trips to remote or less-traveled destinations
When traveling to areas with limited online presence, safety concerns, or complex visa requirements, a knowledgeable travel agent is an invaluable resource.
Pros of using a travel agent
- Insider knowledge and destination expertise
- Access to exclusive deals, perks, and upgrades
- Personalized itineraries based on your interests
- Help with travel insurance, visas, and entry requirements
- Assistance with changes, delays, or cancellations
When not to use a travel agent
If you’re planning a short domestic trip, a solo weekend getaway, or traveling on a tight budget with simple logistics, you may be better off booking independently using flight and hotel comparison tools.
Bonus Tips for Saving on Travel
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees
- Use a travel-friendly bank with no foreign transaction fees
- Travel with a refillable water bottle
- Avoid roaming charges by getting a local SIM or eSIM
- Use cashback and rebate sites like Rakuten for travel bookings
Final Thoughts: Smart Travel Means Big Savings
Travel is not reserved for the wealthy. With the right tools, timing, and strategy, anyone can enjoy new experiences while staying within budget. By leveraging points, booking smarter, and exploring like a local, you will stretch your dollars and get more out of every trip.
Use this guide as your starting point to create your own personalized travel savings system. The earlier you start planning, the more you save…and the more you get to explore.
Check out our ultimate travel checklist for more tips and tricks on planning your trip!
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