12 Ways to Save Money on Vacation

Money-friendly travel tips

Vacations should be all about unwinding, relaxing, and having fun. But that’s not easy if you’re stressing over your bank account. So what can you do when you want to travel and stick to your budget, both? We’ve got you covered! These 12 strategies will help you save money on vacation, so your trip is unforgettable and affordable.

Follow these money-saving tips on your next vacation. Your wallet will thank you!

• Pay with travel rewards or miles

  The easiest way to save money on vacation? Ummm, don’t spend it! Put your money to work for you. We’re talking credit card perks, airline miles, hotel nights…Whatever you’ve got, use it.

  Don’t have enough points or miles with one single card or company to fund your travels? Look into transferring them. Combining points will give you maximum bang for your buck!

• Travel during the shoulder season

  Peak travel season = peak prices. Spring break, summer, and the holidays are the busiest travel times of the year. Hotels, flights, attractions, and even some restaurants will be at their most expensive.

  If you can swing it, take your next vacation during “shoulder season,” typically spring and fall, just before or after peak travel seasons. The prices are better, and the weather usually cooperates, too!

• Fly mid-week

  Sure, flying out on Friday night and back on Sunday evening maximizes your vacation time. Unfortunately, it also maximizes plane ticket pricing. Compare prices and consider mid-week flights—Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be significantly cheaper.

• Skip the hotel

  No, we’re not suggesting you guys go camping—unless you’re into that, of course! But if you want to save money on vacation, pool your funds and book an Airbnb with your travel crew.

  Your Airbnb will likely be less expensive than individual hotel rooms. Plus, you’ll have a comfy spot for late-night gatherings. Win-win!

• Bring airport snacks

  Okay, you’ve checked in at the airport and made it to your gate. And now you have nothing left to do but wait for your flight. Until you start noticing all the tempting airport snacks, that is!

  Resist the urge to buy overpriced airport treats by bringing your favorite snacks from home. And bring enough for your flight, too, so you don’t land hungry!

• Carry a refillable water bottle

  From the airport to your walking tours, you absolutely need to stay hydrated. What you don’t need? To buy multiple water bottles throughout the day—it’s bad for the environment and for your wallet! Instead, bring your (oversized!) insulated water bottle from home and fill it up before you head out for the day.

• Hit the local grocery store

  Local grocery shops offer one of the easiest ways to save money on vacation.

  – Stock up on breakfast foods, both to fuel your adventures and to avoid pricey mid-morning snacks.
  – Pick up sandwich supplies for quick and inexpensive picnics and meals on the go.
  – Buy ingredients for simple group meals. (You guys did get that Airbnb, right? Time to use the kitchen!)

• Fill up at lunchtime

  Don’t worry, foodies, we don’t want you to skip the local cuisine completely!

  But instead of going out for dinner, make lunch your big meal of the day. Restaurants often have cheaper lunch menus. Same delicious food, smaller bill. So you can indulge in local eats and still save money on vacation!

• Book combo passes

  Plan on visiting a handful of attractions? Check out combo passes and attraction bundles, which are usually waaaaay less expensive than individual tickets. Multi-passes like CityPASS even let you choose your favorite, offering a steep discount at each.

• Do free stuff, too

  National parks. Free museum days. Outdoor art installations. Every city has free stuff to do; you just have to find them!

  Self-guided walking tours are also free. Figure out your route beforehand, and include pretty neighborhoods, public art installations, and scenic viewpoints.

• Avoid souvenir shops

  You guys know what they say about memories, right? The best ones are free! Souvenir shops cater to tourists, with their cute but overpriced magnets, t-shirts, and more.

  If you absolutely have to bring something home with you, hit up the local markets for something truly unique. Or take tons of extra photos and print your favorites when you get home.

• Ship your luggage

  Vacations require…stuff. Clothes, shoes, electronics, books, sports equipment, and more.

  For less than the price of the average checked bag, you can ship your stuff to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. No paying for extra luggage or overweight bags. And even better, you can skip the hassles of checking bags and waiting for them at baggage claim. Less expense, less stress!