Travel Is Pricier Than Ever—But You Don’t Have to Pay Full Price – With rising airfare rates, higher hotel fees, and even surging car insurance costs in some countries, travel has started to feel like a luxury rather than a lifestyle. This article features 10 great hacks to help you make your travel dreams a reality.

A quick trip to a town nearby? That can easily drain your savings if you’re not careful. But here’s the thing: savvy travellers aren’t paying full price. Between loyalty programmes, credit card rewards, and a few cheeky hacks, you can travel better for less and still have money left for that rooftop cocktail in Brooklyn.

Let’s break down the 10 smartest ways to save money on your next trip—whether you’re backpacking, flying business class, or planning your dream escape.

10 Genius Money-Saving Travel Hacks -Because who said you need to be rich to explore the world?

1. Pack Like a Pro to Avoid Checked Bag Fees

Most airlines offer free hand luggage, but sneaky checked bag fees can cost you money each time. It’s no use saving money by flying a budget airline only to get hit with hefty luggage fees.

Solution? Travel light and use a solid packing list to avoid overpacking. If you need to check a bag, choose credit cards or flight options that include free checked bags, such as some travel credit cards linked to airline loyalty programs. Otherwise, ensure you select your luggage when booking and do not pay at the airport. You will pay significantly more for the same luggage allowance.

✅ Bonus tip: Use compression packing cubes and pack bulkier items in your carry-on.

2. Use the Right Travel/Credit Card

When planning your travels, choosing the right payment card can significantly improve your experience. Look for cards that offer benefits like no foreign transaction fees, competitive currency exchange rates, and rewards for purchases made abroad.

Consider options like prepaid travel cards, which allow you to load funds in various currencies. This can help you manage your budget effectively while protecting you from potential fraud and additional fees.

The other choice is to download an app like Revolut, which I use when travelling. Why? These cards often offer features such as app-based controls for easy expense tracking, making them a wise choice for travellers wanting financial flexibility and control. They also allow you to have different currencies, easily transfer money, and use a virtual card through Apple Pay to save time. Join me and over 50 million users who love Revolut. Sign up with my link here.

✅ Hack: Some cards also offer travel, life, and even car insurance when you book with them. That’s a triple win for anyone who likes to roam far and wide.

3. Timing Is Everything: Find Cheap Flights

When finding cheap flights, the earlier and more flexible you are, the better. Use flight calculators like Google Flights and set price alerts to stay informed. Try flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and avoid school holidays.

Otherwise, try booking during the off-season or on weekdays. The other options are using points during the off-season or off-peak times, and using Google alerts for specific routes so you can jump on the deal as soon as possible.

Other top tips:

• Book in Advance
• Be Flexible with Dates
• Use Price Comparison Tools
• Set Up Price Alerts, airlines do this as well
• Be Ready to pounce as soon as you see that bargain

✈️ Travel Hack: Search in incognito mode or clear your cookies – some websites track your interests and raise prices

4. Join Loyalty Programmes That Pay Off

Joining an airline loyalty programme can be a transformative experience for frequent travellers. It offers many benefits that enhance every journey. Whether you opt for One World or Star Alliance, you unlock a world of privileges that make flying more convenient and rewarding.

Imagine accumulating points with each flight, which you can later redeem for free trips, upgrades to business class, or even exclusive access to lounges that turn mundane airport waits into leisurely retreats. Credit union travel reward programmes often provide fantastic options tailored to your needs, giving you flexibility and the opportunity to earn while you spend.

In a world where travel can be unpredictable, aligning yourself with a loyalty programme means you’re not only treated better but also turning each mile into meaningful rewards that make every journey a little more special.

🎁 Insider Tip: Always sign up before booking your next trip. Every mile counts.

5. Book Smarter, Not Pricier

Instead of defaulting to hotel sites, use comparison platforms that offer travel insurance, flexible rates, and cancellation perks. Some even let you bundle flights and hotels for lower costs.

Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper rates, particularly during off-peak times or on weekdays. Last-minute deals may also offer additional savings. If you frequently stay at a particular hotel brand, joining their loyalty program can provide rewards such as discounts and free nights. Consider package deals that combine hotel stays with flights or activities for potential savings.

Pay attention to guest reviews to ensure quality over price, as a cheaper hotel with poor ratings may ultimately cost you more in discomfort. Location is also key; choosing hotels that are far from major attractions but have good transport links can lead to better rates. Lastly, be mindful of hidden fees, such as resort or parking charges, and use technology to track price fluctuations for discount alerts. By prioritising value over just price, you can enhance your travel experience without exceeding your budget.

💡 Travel Tip: Booking directly with the hotel sometimes scores you freebies, like breakfast or late checkout, or call the hotel directly.

6. Skip Roaming Fees with an esim

Ditch overpriced roaming charges and the chaos of airport SIM cards. With an esim, you can connect instantly when you land—no queues, plastic, or stress. This is perfect for travelling to data-hungry cities like New York or hopping between countries.

Use code NewtoAiralo15 for 15% off your first purchase as a new user, or use the Airalo link to receive 10% off if you’re already a member. Airalo offers global and regional data plans that are cheaper than those of your home country provider. Even better? Some travel credit cards offer travel credit that can be used towards mobile expenses, saving you even more money on the go.

✅ Pro Tip: Add “download esim” to your packing list and activate it before takeoff. Some airlines even offer free Wi-Fi once you’re connected.

7. Discover Local Experiences with Tours  

Don’t overlook the value of local tours and activities when planning your trip. Websites like GetYourGuide offer many experiences that can enhance your travel itinerary without breaking the bank. Whether you’re interested in city tours, guided hikes, cooking classes, or cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for everyone.

Take advantage of customer reviews and ratings on GetYourGuide to choose experiences that have been well-received by previous travellers. This way, you can ensure that your activities are not only cost-effective but also enriching and enjoyable. Otherwise, look out for free walking tours in major cities (they usually expect a tip at the end, but it’s still cheaper than any guided tour you’ll find).

📱 Special Note: Install the Get Your Guide app and use code trulyexpattravel10 to get 10% off thousands of tours and activities worldwide.

8 Don’t Skip Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can feel optional—until you miss a connection or your bag ends up in Dubai when you’re in Paris. Many premium credit cards offer this for free if you pay for the trip with the card. Some cards include life insurance coverage in extreme cases. Always read the small print.

Travel insurance is an essential part of planning any trip. It provides financial protection against unforeseen events that can disrupt your journey, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or even natural disasters. The peace of mind that comes with insurance can make all the difference when exploring new destinations.

I use SafetyWing for my travel insurance needs. It offers flexible plans that suit different trips, whether you’re backpacking or taking a more extended vacation. One of the standout features is how affordable it becomes the longer you travel. If you’re on the road for an extended period, this can be a significant advantage, allowing you to maintain coverage without breaking the bank.

💳 Special Note: SafetyWing’s policies are designed for digital nomads and long-term travellers, so they cover a wide range of activities and locations, ensuring you’re protected no matter where you go.

9. Convert Your Currency at Home — Not While You Transit

Regarding exchanging money, timing and location matter; always convert your Australian dollars (or home currency) before you leave the country — ideally through your home bank, which typically offers better exchange rates and lower fees than you’ll find overseas.

Avoid changing money in transit airports or destinations where your currency holds less value, as you’ll likely get a poor deal. Even though airport exchanges get a bad rap, they can be helpful in a pinch — just be sure it’s in your own country, not mid-journey. Planning means you’ll land ready to go without incurring unnecessary costs.

💵 Travel Tip: Always try to have some cash on hand when you arrive at your destination. While credit cards are widely accepted in many places, there are still situations where money is necessary, such as for taxi fares, local markets, or tipping service staff.

10. Do Your Research Before You Go

One of the simplest — yet most underrated — ways to save money while travelling is to spend a little time doing homework. Before you head off, check online for the average costs of essentials like taxi fares, meals, tipping culture, public transport, SIM cards, and even things like travel insurance or airport transfer fees.

I learned this the hard way: I paid nearly double for a taxi from the airport on a trip abroad because I hadn’t taken five minutes to check the local rate. A bit of research could have saved me money and stress. Use apps like FerryScanner or Google Maps to compare transport options in real-time, and TripAdvisor forums or Reddit travel threads for honest price guides from other travellers.

💡 Hack: Screenshot key info — like price ranges, emergency contacts, and local scams — and keep it in your phone’s photo gallery or notes. That way, even if you’re offline or can’t connect to Wi-Fi, you’re still prepped to make wise choices and avoid getting ripped off.

Bonus – Tours can work out cheaper sometimes

Sometimes, booking a tour can be more economical than arranging everything independently, particularly if you keep an eye out for special deals. Websites like Tourradar frequently offer discounts on guided trips, making it worthwhile to check them out before finalising your travel plans.

✈️ Bonus tip: Sharing accommodation can further reduce costs, as splitting expenses with a fellow traveller can lead to significant savings on lodging. By combining these strategies, you can enjoy a more affordable travel experience without sacrificing the quality of your adventure.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips, or advice, I’d love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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