flights and hotel packages

12 Proven Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation

By Lisa Washington 2 June, 2023 3 mins read

Vacations provide a chance to unwind, relax and create memories for life with loved ones. A vacation can be very expensive if not planned in advance. Do not let the expense of a vacation stop you from taking it. There are plenty of ways to save money on your next vacation without sacrificing any of the fun or adventure. Here are 12 tried and true ways to cut costs on your next vacation. They have been curated especially for budget conscious travelers.

Walking or biking

You can save money on transportation by walking or cycling to a new location.

Use a home exchange service

Home exchange programs allow you to exchange a home in one location with another. This is a good way to save on accommodation and also experience a destination as a local.

Look for free activities

Many destinations provide free activities, such as museums and parks. You can check out these options in advance to see what you are interested in.

Rent a vacation home

Staying in a vacation rental can be more affordable than staying in a hotel. Vacation rentals often come with a kitchen, which can save you money on meals.

Travel rewards credit cards are a great way to earn points towards travel.

Benefits like lounge access, free insurance, and free checked baggage are often offered by travel rewards credit cards. These benefits can save you money on your next holiday.

Look for last-minute deals

You can find last-minute discounts on hotels and flights if your travel dates are flexible. Many hotels and airlines offer special rates to fill vacant rooms and seats.

Cashback credit cards can be used to earn cashback

Cashback credit card can save you money on vacations by giving you cashback when you make purchases. Search for a cashback card with a good reward program and no annual charge.

Use a travel card

Some travel credit cards offer benefits like free checked bags, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. These benefits can save you money on your vacation.

Stay away from the center of the city

Many accommodations located outside the city are more affordable than those situated in the city. Search for accommodation that is close to public transportation so you can get around easily.

Use a travel rewards program

Take advantage of the many reward programs offered by airlines and hotels to earn points that you can use for future travel. You can save money with these programs when you plan your next vacation.

Book directly with the airline or hotel

Booking direct with the airline, hotel or travel agency can often be cheaper than using a third party site. Plus, you'll often have more flexibility regarding cancellations and changes.

Budget airlines are the best option.

Budget airlines often offer lower fares than traditional airlines. Budget airlines can charge extras for items like luggage, seats, and meals.

It is possible to have a fun, adventurous vacation and still save money. You can find options to suit every budget. From using reward points and vacation rentals, to traveling in off-peak times or during low season. With these tips, you can have the vacation of your dreams while still staying within your financial budget.

Common Questions

How far in advance do I need to book my holiday to get the most affordable deals?

Booking in advance can often save you money on your vacation. To get the best deals, try to book your flight and accommodation 3 - 6 months ahead.

Budget airlines: are they safe to fly?

Budget airlines are generally safe to fly with. Be aware of the extra charges for baggage, meals, and seat selection.

Can you stay in a vacation rental?

If you do your research and book with a reputable company or website, renting a vacation home can be incredibly safe.

What are the best places to find deals on attractions and activities?

Use Groupon, LivingSocial or local publications to find discount coupons, and do research on free activities.

Can I earn points even if I make a booking through a third party website?

It all depends on the reward program.

FAQ

Which countries produce the best food?

There are many countries that have different food. So it's hard to say which countries have the best food.

However, we can tell which countries have the best food!

TripAdvisor users ranked these three countries as the top three:

Italy – For its outstanding food, TripAdvisor users voted Italy number one.
France - France came in second place because of its rich culture, cuisine and history.
Spain – Spain came third due to its wonderful weather and beautiful beaches.

Where can you buy the cheapest airline tickets

If you are looking for the lowest airfares, you may want to consider airlines like Jetstar and Virgin Australia, AirAsia or Tigerair, Malaysia Airlines. Singapore Airlines. Thai Airways International. Korean Air. Philippine Airlines. China Southern Airlines.

Some airlines offer discounts on flights if you search online.

What is the first thing to do after arriving at your travel destination?

An itinerary is essential for every trip. It will let you know what to expect, and where to go next.

Plan ahead to make sure you don't overlook anything.

If you plan to spend more than one day in a given city, it is important to research the museums, parks and landmarks that you would like to see.

It might be worth looking into getting a map for the area or reading about the history of this region.

What documents should I have with me while traveling?

Keep copies of important documents in your car for quick access when on the go. It is a good idea to have a spare copy of your passport, driver’s permit, and any other official identification cards. You might also need to keep information about your credit cards in case you use an ATM machine.

A photocopy of your passport is always a good idea so that it can be used to prove identity in case of emergency.

Do not forget to include copies and reservation confirmations. These will help you remember where you are going and what you plan to see.

This should be in addition to the original flight ticket and hotel reservation details. If you have any problems, you can always contact someone back at home.

Also, don't leave valuables unattended. Keep your valuables safe by storing them in a money belt or inside your luggage.

To avoid costly items being lost, make sure you check your luggage before you leave.

Keep in mind: It is safer to keep it simple than to plan everything.

Let's just be relaxed and enjoy the journey!

What can I pack in my bag?

At least two pairs of shoes should be on your feet at all times. Two pairs are needed for daily walking in the city and two for vacation.

You should also make sure you have enough clothes for both situations. For plane travel, make sure to bring extra socks, underwear, shirt, and pants.

You might consider bringing along some clothing if you plan to stay longer. This will make it easier to go shopping for new outfits and won't make you feel uncomfortable.

If you're taking a bus or train, you'll need to bring some comfortable shoes. And if you're driving, you'll need to ensure you've got a spare set of tires.

You'll also need to pack plenty of toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and moisturizer.

And last but not least, you'll need to take a flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a first aid kit.

Don't forget to put all these items in one bag rather than trying to fit them into several different bags. You'll save both time and space.

Finally, remember to bring a small towel or washcloth. They are very handy for when you need to shower after a long, tiring day.

Which are the best places to stay abroad for a bargain?

Cheap accommodation options for travelers include hostels, hotels, guest houses, and bed & breakfasts.

Hostels come at a low cost and offer rooms in dormitory-style accommodation where guests share bathrooms with one another.

Hotels are usually located in touristy areas and provide private rooms with en suite bathroom facilities.

Hostels have similar features to guesthouses, but they are more spacious and can accommodate fewer guests.

Budget-conscious travelers are increasingly turning to bed & breakfasts. Guests are able to stay in private homes, and they can enjoy a full-service breakfast.

Statistics

Pack sweaters, jackets, and underwear in reusable compression bags creating up to 75% more space in your luggage. (wikihow.com)
Between the ages of 11 and 13, kids, or tweens, will likely want some autonomy but also need boundaries. (travelandleisure.com)
Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, is located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. (travelandleisure.com)
They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. (travelandleisure.com)
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. (tsa.gov)