How to Travel More for Less: 18 Smart Ways to Save on Every Trip!
ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO TRAVEL MORE FOR LESS, YOU DON’T GO BACK!
Every time you scroll past an Instagram post of friends walking along gorgeous beaches or hiking to unreal summits, that familiar thought hits “I wish I could afford to travel like that.” You start checking flights, comparing hotel prices, maybe even bookmarking a few dream activities. But within minutes, the tabs are closed and the idea fades because everything seems out of budget!
But it does not have to be that way!
I’ve picked up a lot of tricks over the years for traveling more for less. From flights booked at cheapest available prices to meals that cost less than a takeaway coffee back home, it is all possible when you shift how you see travel. It can be luxury, yes, but it can also be one of a lifetime and budget friendly. Let’s get straight into the tips!
How to Travel for less
1. Let Skyscanner Help You Choose Where (and When) to Go
This is our go-to tool for booking flights! It shows you the cheapest destinations from your chosen airport and lets you search by entire months (or even the whole year) to find the best-value dates.
Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search is perfect for spontaneous travellers or digital nomads. Just pop in your departure city, select Everywhere as your destination, and choose Whole Month or Cheapest Month for dates. You can also set Skyscanner price alerts for instant price drop alerts, and compare airlines for better offers!
2. Use Cashrewards
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Who doesn’t love getting a little money back just for shopping? With Cashrewards, you can earn cashback at over 1,200 brands just by starting your shop through their app or website. You buy as usual, and they give you a small percentage back. They make their money through affiliate commissions, and you get a cut of it.
We’ve already saved over $200, with many purchases giving us around 10 percent cashback. Between Cashrewards and ShopBack, we always check which one has the better deal before we buy!
3. Set a Daily Budget and Actually Stick to It
This tip is perhaps the most important! Decide how much you’re willing to spend per day, including accommodation, meals, transport, and experiences, and keep checking in with it.
We’ve found that giving yourself a realistic buffer (instead of being overly strict) works best. If you overspend one day, adjust the next.
4. Rent Cars Smarter with DiscoverCars
If you’re trying to travel more for less, you might be wondering whether it’s worth renting a car. Public transport is great if you’re sticking to major tourist spots, but if you’re keen to explore offbeat places, having your own vehicle makes a big difference. While ride-share apps like Ola and Uber work well in many areas, some destinations don’t have reliable coverage, and that’s where renting a car becomes the more budget-friendly and flexible option.
We personally use and recommend DiscoverCars, a platform that compares both local and international rental companies. It clearly shows insurance options and highlights the best prices, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Booking with full coverage also means you can skip the stress of extra paperwork or surprise costs if something goes wrong.
Explore car rental deals with DiscoverCars
5. Save Big at the Pump with Capital City Fuel Apps
Fuel prices vary widely even within the same city, especially near highways, tourist zones, or airports. In NSW, NSW FuelCheck gives real-time petrol prices, and it has become part of our routine before every long drive. The difference can be up to $20–25 saved each tank, which adds up fast on a road trip. We plot stops using the app, set low penny-per-liter alerts, and avoid high-traffic petrol stations.
Driving in Victoria or Queensland? There are similar apps; search for “Your State fuel price app.”
Check live prices with NSW FuelCheck
6. Don’t Burn Money on Food (Choose Accommodation with Kitchens)
P.S find best affordable hotels in Hobart here
One of the easiest ways to overspend on a trip is by eating out for every meal. Sure, street food and local cafes are a big part of the travel experience, but eating out for all three meals a day can eat up almost half your budget, that money that could go toward so much more. Booking accommodation with a kitchenette gives you the option to prep simple meals like breakfast or a late dinner, which also saves you the hassle of hunting for food when you’re tired or jetlagged.
Try making lunch your biggest meal, when prices are lower, and cook in the evenings. Shop at local markets or grocery stores to try fresh produce or regional specialties.
And for times when you want to relax and save, we recomend using First Table. It saves us up to half on dinners we’d definitely splurge on otherwise. Instead of skipping fancy meals, we just book the first seating (usually between 5–6pm) through the app and enjoy top-tier restaurants at 50% off. We’ve used it in Sydney’s harbourside eateries, Auckland fine-dining hot spots, and boutique Bali bistros.
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7. Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once
Just like our Sydney bucket list with 50 things to do, every destination comes with endless “must-do” lists. But trying to fit everything in your itinerary only drains your budget and leaves you worn out. Choose a few meaningful experiences to focus on and let the rest go.
Skip the overpriced rooftop bars if a sunset by the beach costs nothing. Pick one guided tour instead of three. If you are always chasing the next stop, you are not enjoying the one you are in, and that is when travel starts feeling unnecessarily expensive.
8. Travel Fee‑Free with the Up Card
UP BANK BONUS CODE
Travel expenses aren’t just about flights and food. Banking fees can add up quickly too. Up lets us avoid foreign transaction fees, get real-time notifications when we spend, and use their low-rate currency conversion. That means we see exactly where our money is going and can lock or cancel cards instantly if they’re lost or stolen. We load Up before leaving, budget per trip category (food, transport, experiences), and monitor spending daily via notifications.
9. Travel Smart at the Airport
Airports are where hidden costs like overpriced food, excess baggage fees, and last-minute taxi bookings take on. A few small changes can save you a surprising amount.
- Compare airport parking with local apps like Park+ or Spacer (if you’re in Australia). Sometimes, neighborhood parking spots are cheaper than official airport lots.
- Bring a collapsible water bottle and fill it once you’re through security. Most airports have refill stations, and bottled water is always marked up.
- Weigh your luggage at home with a digital scale. We recommend packing light to avoid anyexcess baggage fee.
- Download airport maps or use apps like FLIO to find the least crowded security lanes or lounges you can access with a day pass.
If you’re flying internationally, take screenshots of your bookings, travel insurance, and key addresses, especially if you won’t have data access when you land.
10. Start Your Travel Fund
If travel is something you want to do regularly, treat it like any other goal, and budget for it. Set up a separate savings account just for travel and automate transfers every week or month, even if it’s just a small amount. Over time, it adds up, and it also removes the guilt when you’re finally booking that flight or Airbnb.
ry naming your savings with your destination and preferred dates. Something like “Uluru in June” or “New Zealand 2026” can make your goal more specific and help you stay motivated to keep saving. If you want to track your savings or set spending targets, apps like Up Bank (for Australians) or Monzo and Revolut (in other regions) help organise travel funds with real-time tracking, round-up savings, and spending breakdowns. The earlier you start, the easier it gets!
11. Trade Your Skills for Travel
Travel doesn’t always have to be something you save for, sometimes, it can pay for itself. If you’re a decent writer, photographer, teacher, barista, or even just reliable and friendly, there are countless ways to exchange your time and skills for accommodation, food, or experiences abroad. Platforms like Worldpackers, Workaway, or Volunteer Yatra connect travelers with hosts who need help in exchange for a place to stay, like hostels, farms, eco-projects, or family-run guesthouses.
Some roles even include meals or extra perks like language lessons or excursions. If you’re good with animals, pet sitting through TrustedHousesitters is another great way to stay in beautiful homes around the world for free.
12. Ditch Hotels — Stay Smarter Instead
Traditional hotels can quickly eat into your travel budget, especially in popular destinations. Instead, consider options like guesthouses, hostels, vacation rentals, or even homestays, because they’re cheaper and they often give you a more local, lived-in experience. Platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com now have everything from private apartments to countryside farm stays, and many come with kitchens and laundry, which can save you even more money on food and essentials.
If you’re open to meeting people or traveling solo, hostels have come a long way from cramped dorm rooms. Many now offer private rooms, WiFi, workspaces, and organised activities, which is perfect for remote work. You could also explore house sitting or home exchanges, especially for longer stays, where all you have to do is look after someone’s home or pet while they’re away. A little flexibility here can unlock a world of savings and experiences no hotel concierge can offer.
Find the best deals on Agoda.com
Related: Where to Stay in Sydney for a trip
13. Use Points, Credit Cards & Airline Alliances Strategically
Frequent travelers don’t always spend less , they often just spend better. If you’re flying a few times a year, choosing one airline alliance and sticking with it can help you collect points faster, giving you access to upgrades, discounted fares, or even free flights. Travel-focused credit cards can take this one step further by offering generous welcome bonuses, rewards on everyday spending, and perks like lounge access or waived foreign transaction fees.
Redeeming points wisely also makes a big difference. For example, using them for long-haul flights or business class upgrades often gives far more value than booking short economy trips. Booking hotels and car rentals through airline partners also lets you accumulate miles without even flying. If you’re just starting out, pick a carrier that serves the routes you travel most often, link a credit card that rewards travel spend, and let your loyalty work for you.
14. Book Tours with Confidence via GYG & Klook
KLOOK Discount Code
For a 10% off on any activity on Klook use “HATEXPLORESKLOOK10′!
Tours are a big part of any travel itinerary. For example, we did the Lions 360 experience and booked most of our tours through Klook or GetYourGuide. These platforms handle everything: transport, meals, and local guides, which saves a lot of planning. GetYourGuide lets you reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to a day in advance!
Find the cheapest tours on GetYourGuide.com & Klook
15. Find Free Things to Do in the City
Free walking tours, local events, outdoor movie nights, markets, and even national parks, most cities around the world have an impressive list of things to do without spending a cent. The key is knowing where to look.
We usually start with the city’s official tourism board website, search for “what’s on this week,” or even join a local Facebook group where weekend events are regularly posted. You’ll be surprised how much there is to do when you stop defaulting to ticketed attractions.
16. Use Public Transport
It’s not only budget-friendly but often the most efficient way to get around especially in big cities with heavy traffic or limited parking. Buses, metros, trams, or even shared autos in countries like India can slash your transport costs to next to nothing.
Before you arrive, look up if the city has a reloadable transport card, like the Opal Card in Sydney or the Oyster Card in London. These often come with daily caps or discounts that tourists miss out on when they pay per ride.
17. Tap into Local Forums or Facebook Groups
Before arriving in a new destination, join local Facebook groups or community forums. Travelers and expats often share great deals, trusted guides, and advice that rarely shows up in polished guidebooks.
We’ve found budget-friendly walking tours, legit SIM card advice, and even places to rent bikes for free, all through people in those local threads. It’s also a great place to get safety updates and spot tourist traps in advance.
18. Learn the Art of Slow Travel
Instead of hopping between five cities in a week, slow down and explore one properly. Fewer transport bookings, fewer accommodation changes, and far less burnout. It’s cheaper and way more rewarding. Avoid making plans that stretch your budget just to travel farther.
When you stay longer, you can rent apartments instead of hotels, cook your own meals, get better weekly transport passes, and spot deals you’d miss on a short trip. Bonus: you start to feel more like a local and less like a visitor.
Travel More with Less Money: FAQs
How do I travel around the world in the most economical way
Start by being flexible with your destination and travel dates. The cheapest way to see more of the world is to follow deals — not bucket lists. Tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature, Jack’s Flight Club, and airline sales are a great place to begin.
Once you land somewhere affordable, slow down. Skip the expensive tours and opt for free walking tours, street food, and public transport. Use platforms like Workaway or Worldpackers to swap your time for food and accommodation. And if you’re strategic with credit cards and airline points, you can cut flight costs drastically — sometimes down to zero.
It’s all about stacking small savings in different areas. That’s how you stretch a two-week trip into a one-month adventure.
Should I travel or save money
It doesn’t have to be a one-or-the-other decision. Set a clear savings goal for your next trip, open a separate account for it, and automate deposits (even if they’re small). Track spending on the road with apps like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet so you stay in control of your budget.
The key is to rethink what travel “should” look like. Staying in 4-star hotels, eating every meal out, and booking last-minute flights will break the bank. But choosing guesthouses with kitchens, traveling during shoulder season, and booking early? You’ll save money and still have an amazing trip.
How to Start Traveling More Frequently
Start by using what you already have. Got annual leave or long weekends? Use them. Work remotely a few days a week? Stretch a short trip into a longer one. Traveling often doesn’t require quitting your job.
Build travel into your life rhythm. Make a list of nearby places you can visit on a small budget. House sit instead of booking hotels. Look for conferences, weddings, or family visits in new cities and extend them into a getaway. Even domestic trips count — the goal is to explore more without burning through your bank account.
The more you prioritise travel in your monthly budget, calendar, and mindset, the more doable it becomes.
Travel More for Less: The Wrap-Up
So if you have ever wondered how to travel more with less money, now you have a few solid answers. If you have any questions or suggestions, dm us on our Instagram!
