How to Save Money on Travel

Travel can be expensive, but a few smart choices can help you save without giving up on experiences that matter. Flights, hotels, and daily expenses add up fast, but small adjustments can help keep your budget in check.

In 2025, the average trip is expected to cost more than $7,200, a 24% increase from 2024 – with international trips averaging nearly $10,000. With travel prices going through the roof, saving where you can is key.

From flying mid-week to booking accommodations in advance, a little planning can help you find better deals and cut back on unnecessary expenses. Here's how to save money for a trip and make the most of your travel budget without compromising on comfort or quality.

Book Early, But Not Too Early

You know how everyone says to book flights as early as possible? Well, that's only half true. Airlines release tickets months in advance, but the cheapest window is usually one to three months before a domestic trip and two to four months before an international one.

• Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track prices.
• Avoid booking on weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares.
• Set up fare alerts to get notified when prices drop.
• You can also check out GrabOn for flight coupons and exclusive discounts to save on airfare.

For more tips to save money on flights, check out our complete guide. It covers everything from booking hacks to lesser-known airline tricks.

Time Your Travel Right

Flights, hotels, and attractions get pricey during the holidays and peak seasons, but the right timing can make all the difference. Traveling on quieter days, picking off-peak months, and booking at the right time will help you cut costs.

• Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds and better deals.
• Fly mid-week instead of on Fridays or Sundays.
• Avoid major festivals and school holiday periods when prices tend to skyrocket.

Compare Driving vs. Flying Costs

Flying isn't always the cheapest option, especially for shorter trips. Before you assume one is better, do the math:

• Calculate your estimated gas cost by multiplying your car's miles per gallon by the trip distance and current gas prices.
• Factor in wear and tear if it's a long trip (because those extra miles add up over time).
• Compare flight prices, including baggage fees and transportation to/from the airport.
• Check GrabOn for travel coupons and discounts on flights, car rentals, and more to cut costs further.

Ditch the Rental Car

Rental cars can drain your budget fast, especially with hidden fees, insurance costs, and fuel expenses. Depending on where you're traveling, you might not even need one. Many cities offer affordable alternatives that are just as convenient and far cheaper.

• Public transportation: Buses, subways, and trams are budget-friendly and often the best way to get around. You can also find bus coupons and discounts to cut costs even further.

• Rideshare services: Uber, Lyft, or local ride-hailing apps work well for occasional trips. Look for Lyft coupons and Uber promo codes to save on rides. You can also explore our detailed guide on how to save on Uber and Lyft rides, including split fares, discount programs, and more.

• Walking and biking: Many cities have bike-share programs or scooter rentals for just a few dollars a day.

• Shuttles and airport transfers: Hotels and airports often have free or low-cost shuttle options.

• Car-sharing services: Platforms like Turo let you rent from locals, often at lower prices than traditional rental companies. Use Turo coupons to save even more on your rental. We also have deals and discounts on other popular car rental services.And if you do decide to get a rental, don't miss these tips to save on car rentals, from avoiding hidden fees to choosing the best pickup spots.

Find Budget-Friendly Stays

Hotels are just one option, but they're often not the most affordable choice. With a little flexibility, you can find cheaper and even more unique places to stay. From rental homes to loyalty perks, there are plenty of ways to cut costs. Try these alternatives:

• Book smart: Call hotels directly to see if they'll beat online prices. Check for discounts like AAA, military, or corporate rates for 10-20% savings. You can also explore hotel coupons on GrabOn to save even more.

• Think beyond hotels: Airbnb, Vrbo, and boutique inns can offer more space for less. Hostels with private rooms are also a budget-friendly option. Plus, you can also find Vrbo coupons for extra savings on your stay.

• House sitting and Couchsurfing: Stay for free while connecting with locals.

• New hotels: Some new hotels offer lower rates to attract guests.

• Loyalty points: Sign up for hotel rewards and earn free nights over time. Want more smart ideas? Here’s a full list of how to save on hotels, whether you’re booking last-minute or planning months ahead.

Rent Out Your Place While You Travel

If you own or rent a place, you can turn it into extra income while you're away. If you're renting, be sure to check with your landlord first. The right platform can help cover a big part of your trip's costs, maybe even pay for that fancy hotel upgrade.

• Use Airbnb, Vrbo, or Peerspace to list your space.
• Rent your parking spot if you live in a high-demand city. Apps like SpotHero or JustPark make it easy.
• Use a vacation rental calculator to see how much you could earn.

Pack Snacks and Water

Airport food is overpriced, and convenience store snacks on a road trip aren't any better. Here's what you can do instead:

• Bring granola bars, sandwiches, and fruit to avoid $15 airport sandwiches.
• Carry an empty reusable water bottle and fill it up after security.
• Pack a small cooler with snacks and drinks if you're driving. It'll save you from impulse-buying expensive gas station food.

Over a week-long trip, these small savings can add up to $100 or more.

Cash in Your Travel Rewards

If you've got a credit card with travel perks, now's the time to put those points to work. Check your airline miles, hotel rewards, and credit card balance. You might have enough for a free flight or a few nights at a hotel.

Some of the best travel cards come with great perks like free flights, no foreign transaction fees, and even priority boarding or free checked bags. Log in to your credit card or airline account and see what you can use. If you don’t have enough points yet, start using your card for everyday purchases so you can save up for your next trip.

Cut Down on Gas Costs

Road trips are fun, but gas can eat up your budget fast. Here's how to keep costs down:

• Use gas price apps. Check GasBuddy or Google Maps to find the cheapest stations nearby. Even a small price difference adds up over a long trip.
• Avoid pricey gas stations. Stations right off highways and in tourist areas usually charge more. Drive a few miles into town for better prices.
• Drive smarter. Ease off the gas pedal and avoid sudden braking. Keeping a steady speed can improve fuel efficiency and save you money.
• Pack light. A heavy trunk burns more fuel. Ditch the unnecessary stuff and only bring what you really need.

A little planning can save you $50 to $100 or even more on a long drive.

Extra Travel Savings Tips for Budget Travelers

• Ditch pricey roaming fees. International roaming fees are ridiculous. Buying a local SIM or using an eSIM service like Airalo can save you a ton.
• Take overnight transportation. If you’re traveling between cities, overnight buses or trains save you both time and a night's stay at a hotel.
• Find free activities. Many cities offer free walking tours, museum days, and public events that make for great experiences at no cost.
• Use student, senior, or group discounts. Always check if you qualify. Many places offer lower rates for students, seniors, or large groups.
• Plan meals strategically. Eating out for every meal adds up fast. Consider having one nice meal out per day and grabbing cheaper options like street food or grocery store meals for the rest.

Thinking about hitting the high seas? Cruises can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. Check out our best strategies to save on a cruise, including how to score free upgrades and avoid hidden costs on board.