Learning to save for travel can be an exciting and challenging process. Not only will it bring you one step closer to your dream trip, but it will also help you create life-changing savings habits.
While setting aside money for a trip may seem a little strange, it actually has quite a few advantages. We show you how to manage your money well so you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime in the (hopefully) not too distant future with 10 tips for saving while travelling.
Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences we can have, but it is often perceived as an expensive activity. However, with good planning and some travel saving tips, it is possible to explore the world without spending a fortune. Here are some travel saving tips to help you enjoy your adventures without financial worries.
How to explore the world without ruining your wallet. Tips for saving on travel
1. Plan Ahead
The first of the travel saving tips is, without a doubt, planning ahead. It’s key to saving money on your travels. Research the destinations you want to visit and compare prices for flights, accommodation and activities. Use tools like DareMapp, Skyscanner or Kayak to monitor airfares and find the best deals. Also, consider travelling in low season, when prices are usually lower and destinations are less crowded (a key trick and one of the best tips for saving on travel)
Flights
- Flexibility: If you have flexibility in your travel dates, use the “full month” feature on flight search engines to identify the cheapest days to fly.
- Price alerts: Set up price alerts to receive notifications when there are deals or discounts on the flights you are interested in.
Accommodation
- Book in advance: Booking in advance can help you get better prices, especially in popular destinations.
- Alternatives: Consider options such as hostels, Airbnb, or even home exchange through platforms such as HomeExchange to save on accommodation.
- When travelling to an expensive destination, try to look for accommodation that includes breakfast and make that meal quite substantial so that you can then extend the day and have one more meal at a time in between lunch and dinner, thus avoiding a large, daily expense.
2. Take advantage of offers and discounts
Sign up for airline and travel agency newsletters to stay on top of exclusive offers and discounts. Often times, flash deals can offer great savings on flights, hotels and travel packages, making this one of the most effective travel savings tips. These subscriptions allow you to be among the first to know about discounts that tend to sell out quickly, giving you an advantage when planning your trip.
Travel Cards and Points
- Loyalty programmes: Join airline and hotel chain loyalty programmes to accumulate points that you can redeem for free flights, upgrades or hotel nights. These programmes are one of the most recommended travel saving tips, because if you are a frequent flyer, you can earn significant rewards simply by choosing the same airline or hotel chain every time. Over time, the accumulated points can add up to big savings on future trips.
- Travel credit cards: Use credit cards that offer travel rewards. Many offer welcome bonuses and points per dollar spent, which you can redeem for flights, hotels and other travel-related benefits. This is one of the most effective travel savings tips, because by using specific cards for your expenses, you’re not only paying for what you need, but you’re also accumulating points that will help you cut costs on your next adventures. In addition, some cards include free travel insurance or upgrades on your bookings, adding to their value.
Applying these travel saving tips will not only allow you to better manage your finances during your trip, but you can also get additional benefits that will make your future getaways more affordable and enjoyable.
3. Daily budgeting
Setting a daily budget for your expenses is one of the best strategies for maintaining financial control during a trip. By allocating a fixed amount of money per day, you can ensure that your spending doesn’t get out of hand, allowing you to enjoy yourself without worry. One of the best tips for saving on travel is to divide your budget into categories such as food, transportation, entertainment and souvenirs, so you know exactly how much you can spend on each aspect of your trip and avoid surprises at the end.
Budget Management Tools
- Budgeting apps: There are several apps that can help you track and monitor your expenses while you travel. Apps like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet are ideal for organising your finances on the go, allowing you to record every purchase and keep track in real time. This is one of the most useful travel saving tips, as it will allow you to know how much you are spending at all times and adjust your expenses if necessary.
- Cash vs. card: Carrying a mix of cash and cards is key to saving money while travelling. In some destinations, paying with cash can be cheaper, as you avoid the transaction fees associated with using credit or debit cards. Also, in local markets or small shops, they may only accept cash, so being prepared with both options is a travel-saving tip that will help you avoid hassle and unexpected additional expenses.
In addition to these tools, keeping a clear record of your finances will help you identify where you are overspending and adjust your budget as you go along. With these travel saving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about your bank account at the end of the day.
4. Local transport
Opt for public transport rather than taxis or private transport services. Many cities have efficient and inexpensive transport systems that allow you to get around without spending a lot of money. One of the most useful travel saving tips is to familiarise yourself with local transport before you arrive at your destination, which will help you plan your journeys better and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Transport options
- Transport cards: Find out if your destination offers transport cards that allow unlimited travel for a fixed price for several days. Many cities have special options for tourists that include discounts at attractions or museums, as well as making it easier to use public transport. Enter the top travel-saving tips to reduce costs and optimise your journeys.
- Biking and walking: Explore the city by bike or on foot. Not only will you save money, but you will also have the opportunity to discover hidden places and enjoy the local atmosphere at your own pace. In addition, many cities offer bike rentals at affordable prices or even free services in some areas. Without a doubt, this option is one of the tips to save money while travelling that will allow you to live a more authentic and healthy experience, while reducing transport costs.
5. Eating on a budget
Eating out can be one of the biggest expenses on a trip, but there are ways to enjoy local cuisine without spending a fortune. If you follow some tips for saving on travel, you’ll be able to savour the best of each destination without breaking your budget.
Strategies for Saving on Food
- Local markets and shops: One of the best ways to control your food expenses is to buy food at local markets and shops. Not only is it cheaper than eating out every day, but it gives you the opportunity to explore local produce. Preparing your own meals with fresh, local ingredients is a great travel-saving tip, as well as being a cultural experience in itself. Visiting markets will give you an insight into the local way of life and allow you to discover unique flavours.
- Street food: If you don’t have the time or inclination to cook, street food is another great money-saving option. In many destinations, street food is an essential part of the culinary culture, offering authentic and tasty dishes at much lower prices than restaurants. This is one of the most commonly used travel saving tips, as it allows you to enjoy the local cuisine without spending a fortune.
- Local restaurants: Avoid restaurants in tourist areas, where prices tend to be higher, and opt for those frequented by locals. These establishments tend to offer more authentic food at much more reasonable prices. Using this travel-saving tip will not only save you money, but will also lead you to discover more authentic places that are less crowded with tourists.
6. Free or Cheap Activities
Not all tourist activities have to be expensive. A great way to enjoy a destination without spending too much is to research free or low-cost activities that you can take advantage of. Many cities offer free guided tours, free admission to museums on certain days of the week or cultural events that are open to the public. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel saving tips among travellers, as it allows you to enjoy the local culture and atmosphere without breaking your budget.
For example, in many tourist destinations you can find free walking tours that are guided by local experts who work on a tipping system. This way, you decide how much to contribute, making the experience flexible in terms of your budget. In addition, strolling through parks, exploring local markets or visiting outdoor monuments are also perfect options for those looking for tips on how to save money while travelling, as these activities are often completely free of charge.
Remember that often the most enriching part of a trip is not the paid attractions, but the little experiences you can have just by walking the streets, meeting the locals or admiring the scenery. Taking advantage of these opportunities is one of the most valuable travel saving tips, as it allows you to connect in an authentic way with the place without spending too much.
Discover the different ways of doing routes such as self-guided tours like the ones offered by DareMapp at very good prices (some are free) and with freedom of schedules and without depending on anyone. Much better than a “free tour”.
Activities and Attractions
- Museums and galleries: Many museums and galleries offer free admission days or discounts. Check their websites for this information.
- Parks and nature: Explore parks, beaches and nature reserves that usually have no entrance fee.
- Local events: Find out about free local events, such as festivals, outdoor concerts and craft markets.
7. Short and Regional Trips
One of the top tips for saving on travel is to consider taking short or regional trips instead of long, expensive trips. Visiting nearby destinations can be just as exciting and much more affordable.
Local Exploration
- Day trips: Take day trips from your base city to discover interesting places without incurring additional accommodation costs. Another travel-saving tip.
- Lesser-known destinations: Explore less touristy destinations that tend to have lower prices and less crowds.
8. Travel Insurance
Although it may seem like an unnecessary expense, good travel insurance can save you a lot of money in case of medical emergencies, cancellations or lost luggage. Compare different options and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Insurance tips
- Adequate coverage: Make sure your insurance covers all your planned activities, especially if you plan to do adventure sports or risky activities.
- Buying in advance: Buying travel insurance in advance can be cheaper and ensures that you are covered from the moment you make your first booking.
9. Flexibility and Adaptability
Being flexible and adaptable can help you save money on your travels. Take advantage of opportunities that arise and don’t be afraid to change your plans if you find a cheaper option.
Flexible Strategies
- Last minute deals: Sometimes last minute deals can offer great discounts on flights and accommodation. Keep your itinerary flexible to take advantage of these opportunities. This is one of the best tips for saving on travel.
- Alternative accommodation: Consider alternatives such as couchsurfing or staying with friends and family to save on accommodation costs.
10. Stay Informed and Connected
Stay informed about local conditions, changes in travel policies and possible discounts or promotions. Use travel apps and websites to get the most up-to-date information.
Useful Resources
- Travel blogs and forums: Read blogs and participate in travel forums to get tips and advice on travel savings and recommendations from other travellers.
- Travel apps: Download travel apps to help you find deals, maps, guides and other travel-saving tips.
Summary
Travelling doesn’t have to be ostentatious or stressful if you know how to plan and take advantage of opportunities and discover travel saving tips. With these tips, you can enjoy your adventures without compromising your budget. From planning ahead and looking for deals, to taking advantage of local transport and street food, every little effort can add up to big savings. Remember, the key is to be flexible, do your research and prioritise your spending according to your interests and needs – you don’t need to sacrifice the quality of your experiences! With these travel saving tips and advice, you’ll be able to enjoy unforgettable adventures on a budget. Happy travelling and happy saving!
Other travel saving tips
- Read blogs: this is one of the biggest tips. We bloggers have already been to those cities you want to visit so much, give yourself time and read the posts we post on our websites, we always have good information, with information on where to sleep, where to eat, etc. I always read travel bloggers before going to a new destination and I always appreciate the travel community sharing their travels. If you already have the information, why not use it, bloggers are the best travel guides to give you travel saving tips.
- One of our best kept ‘secrets’ for organising perfect trips is to make good maps with all the points of interest organised, by type, etc… This way it is much easier to plan the route you want to take at the destination and organise a trip where it is much easier for you to be efficient and, therefore, save. With a well planned trip it is MUCH easier to save not only money, but also time.
- That’s why apps like DareMapp offer you this already prepared work avoiding you to waste time and even complement these visits with little games and challenges that will make this trip something difficult to forget at a very low price. These travel saving tips will make your trip a great experience.
Remember that with DareMapp you can take a multitude of interactive guided tours, including many of these “Spain’s most famous routes”, a fun tour of the main destinations.
what better way than travelling and discovering while learning in a fun way? Visit
