Ten Ways to Save on Traveling

Optimize Transportation Costs

Start saving before you leave. Arrange a ride to the airport with a friend or use affordable rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to avoid steep parking fees. If you must park your car at the airport, compare rates for budget-friendly lots.

Book parking in advance and check for discounts or loyalty programs to lock in the best rates.

Minimize Dining Expenses

Eating out three times a day can drain your budget fast, especially for families or groups.

Choose accommodations with free breakfast, like Hampton by Hilton or Residence Inn, to cover one meal daily. Alternatively, book a hotel with a happy hour—Hyatt House often offers complimentary snacks and drinks in the evening.

Use apps like Yelp or HappyCow to find affordable local eateries or food trucks, which often deliver authentic flavors at lower prices than tourist-heavy restaurants.

Explore Free or Low-Cost Activities

Not every adventure needs to break the bank. Research your destination for free attractions using tools like Eventbrite or local tourism websites.

Enjoy beaches, public parks, street festivals, or free museum days. Many cities, like Washington, D.C., offer free entry to world-class sites like the Smithsonian museums.

Book Accommodations with a Kitchen

Cut dining costs by booking a room with kitchen facilities. Even a basic setup with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop lets you prepare simple meals. Shop at local grocery stores or markets to save more and experience the destination like a local.

Pack Smart Snacks

Avoid overpriced snacks at tourist spots by packing a day bag with water bottles, granola bars, or fruit. This is especially helpful for families, keeping everyone fueled without stopping at pricey vendors.

Use a reusable water bottle to stay eco-friendly and save on bottled drinks—many airports and cities now have free refill stations.

Consider Vacation Rentals

Platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo often provide more space and amenities than hotels for a similar price, especially for groups.

Look for listings with full kitchens and proximity to public transit to save on both meals and transportation. Read recent reviews to ensure quality and check for flexible cancellation policies.

Travel Off-Peak

Timing matters. Avoid peak seasons like spring break or major holidays, when prices for flights and hotels soar. For example, visiting Miami in late fall or New Orleans post-Mardi Gras can save hundreds.

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price trends and set alerts for cheaper travel dates.

Stay Flexible with Flights

Midweek flights—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are often cheaper than weekends. Use fare comparison sites like Kayak or Momondo to find deals and consider nearby airports for better rates.

Budget airlines like Spirit or Ryanair can save money, but check baggage fees to avoid surprises. Apps like Hopper can predict the best booking times for maximum savings.

Stay Outside Tourist Hubs

Hotels in downtown or tourist-heavy areas often carry a premium. Opt for accommodations in quieter neighborhoods and use public transit, like subways or buses, to reach attractions.

Rideshare apps or e-scooters (available in many cities via Lime or Bird) offer affordable alternatives to taxis. Research transit passes for unlimited rides, often cheaper than individual tickets.

Avoid Tourist Scams

Stay vigilant to protect your wallet. Be cautious of unsolicited offers, like “free” photos with costumed characters, which often come with hidden fees.

Research common scams at your destination via travel forums like Tripadvisor or posts on X. Stick to reputable vendors and use contactless payments to minimize cash-based hustles.