Ever feel like travel is just too expensive? Flights, hotels, food—it all adds up fast. But guess what? You don’t have to spend a fortune to explore the world. With a few smart hacks, you can cut costs without missing out on amazing experiences.
I’ve rounded up 25 of the best cheap travel hacks to help you save money on flights, accommodations, food, and fun. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list trip, these tips will help you stretch your budget and travel more for less.
Cheap Flight Hacks
Flights are usually the biggest travel expense, but with a few tricks, you can score cheap tickets and even fly for free! Here are some of my go-to hacks for saving money on airfare.
1. Use Google Flights & Skyscanner for Price Alerts
Instead of checking prices every day, let Google Flights or Skyscanner do the work for you. Set price alerts, and they’ll notify you when fares drop. This helps you book at the cheapest time instead of guessing.
2. Book Flights on the Right Day (Midweek is Cheaper!)
Flight prices fluctuate like crazy, but Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have the best deals. Avoid booking on weekends when prices spike. Also, flying midweek is usually cheaper than flying on Fridays or Sundays.
3. Fly Budget Airlines & Pack Light to Avoid Fees
Big airlines charge extra for everything, but budget airlines like Spirit, Ryanair, and AirAsia offer crazy low fares. The catch? They charge for bags, so pack light and stick to a free carry-on to avoid fees.
4. Use Points & Miles for Free Flights
If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you could be sitting on a free flight without even realizing it. Sign up for a travel card, earn points on everyday purchases, and use them for flights! Pro tip: Some cards offer bonus points just for signing up.
5. Consider Alternative Airports for Lower Prices
Flying into smaller or nearby airports can save you a ton. For example, if you’re going to NYC, compare flights into JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—sometimes one is way cheaper. Always check surrounding airports before booking!
Budget Accommodation Tips
Hotels can eat up your travel budget fast, but there are plenty of ways to stay somewhere nice without spending a fortune. Whether you prefer budget hotels, hostels, or free stays, here’s how to save big on accommodations.
6. Stay in Hostels or Budget Hotels
If you’re open to it, hostels can be way cheaper than hotels, especially in expensive cities. And no, they’re not all party dorms! Many offer private rooms for way less than a hotel. For budget hotels, check sites like Booking.com or Agoda for deals.
7. Try Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or House Sitting for Free Stays
Hotels are nice, but Airbnb or house sitting can be cheaper (or even free!). If you’re open to meeting locals, Couchsurfing lets you stay with hosts for free—just be respectful and maybe bring a small gift! TrustedHousesitters is another great option for free stays if you don’t mind watching someone’s pet.
8. Book Hotels with Free Breakfast to Cut Meal Costs
A free breakfast might not seem like a big deal, but it can save you $10-$20 a day—especially in pricey cities. Always check if your hotel or hostel includes breakfast before booking.
9. Travel in the Off-Season for Lower Prices
Want to stay in a nice place without paying peak-season prices? Travel in the off-season! Hotels are way cheaper when fewer tourists are around. Plus, you’ll avoid crowds. Win-win!
10. Check Hotel Deal Websites Like Hotwire & Priceline Express Deals
If you’re flexible, Hotwire and Priceline Express Deals can get you major discounts. The catch? You won’t know the exact hotel name until you book—but you’ll know the star rating and location. It’s a great way to score luxury hotels at budget prices!
Food & Drink Savings
Eating out while traveling can get crazy expensive, but you don’t have to survive on instant noodles to stay on budget. Here are some easy ways to eat well without overspending.
11. Eat Where the Locals Eat (Avoid Tourist Traps!)
If a restaurant is right next to a big attraction and has English menus with pictures, chances are it’s overpriced. Instead, walk a few blocks away, check Google reviews, or ask locals where they actually eat. The food will be cheaper and way better!
12. Buy Groceries Instead of Eating Out for Every Meal
Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you can still save a ton by buying snacks, breakfast items, and drinks at a local grocery store. If your accommodation has a fridge, even better! Things like yogurt, fruit, bread, and cheese can make a cheap DIY breakfast.
13. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle to Avoid Buying Water
Buying bottled water every day adds up fast—especially in countries where tap water isn’t safe to drink. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter (like a LifeStraw) can save you $5-$10 a day and keep you hydrated.
14. Try Street Food – It’s Cheap & Authentic
Street food isn’t just cheap—it’s some of the best food you’ll eat while traveling! Many places have famous street food markets where you can get a full meal for just a few bucks. Just go where the locals are eating, and you’ll be good to go!
15. Use Apps Like Too Good To Go for Discounted Meals
Want restaurant food for super cheap? Apps like Too Good To Go and EatWith let you buy leftover meals from bakeries and restaurants at huge discounts. It’s a fun way to try good food while saving money!
Free & Cheap Activities
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing trip. In fact, some of the best experiences are totally free! Whether you love sightseeing, adventure, or just soaking up local vibes, here’s how to have fun without blowing your budget.
16. Take Free Walking Tours (They’re Everywhere!)
Almost every big city offers free walking tours—just Google “free walking tour + [city name].” These tours are led by locals, packed with cool facts, and a great way to explore without spending a dime. Just tip your guide at the end if you can!
17. Visit Museums on Free Admission Days
Many museums have free entry days or discounts at certain times. Some are always free (like the British Museum in London or the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.). Check their websites before you go!
18. Use City Passes for Discounted Attractions
If you do want to visit paid attractions, look into city passes. They bundle multiple sights into one ticket, saving you 50% or more. Great for places like New York, Paris, and Rome where attractions are pricey!
19. Hike & Explore Nature Instead of Paid Attractions
Why pay for expensive tours when you can hike, swim, and explore for free? National parks, beaches, and scenic trails offer some of the most beautiful and memorable experiences—without the hefty price tag.
20. Check Airbnb Experiences for Affordable Local Activities
Want to do something cool but avoid tourist traps? Airbnb Experiences offers unique, locally-led activities—like cooking classes, street art tours, or night markets—often for way less than big tour companies charge.
Smart Money-Saving Travel Hacks
Flights, hotels, and food can eat up your budget, but the hidden costs of travel can sneak up on you, too. The good news? A few smart moves can help you avoid fees, stretch your money, and keep more cash in your pocket.
21. Use Public Transportation Instead of Taxis & Uber
Taxis and rideshares add up fast, especially in big cities. Instead, learn how to use the local bus, train, or metro system—it’s usually way cheaper and more of an adventure! Many cities also offer unlimited day passes for public transport.
22. Get a SIM Card or eSIM Instead of Paying for Roaming
International roaming fees can be outrageous. Instead, buy a local SIM card or use an eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) to get cheap data while traveling. This way, you can use Google Maps and stay connected without paying crazy phone bills.
23. Avoid Currency Exchange Fees – Use a No-Fee Travel Card
Airport currency exchange counters are a scam—they charge terrible rates! Instead, use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture) to get the best exchange rate with no extra charges.
24. Book Travel Insurance – It Can Save You Thousands
Skipping travel insurance might seem like a way to save money, but one medical emergency abroad could wipe out your entire savings. Plans from World Nomads or SafetyWing are super affordable and can cover lost luggage, flight cancellations, and medical emergencies. Better safe than sorry!
25. Plan & Book in Advance for the Best Deals
Last-minute travel can be expensive, especially for flights and accommodations. If possible, book big-ticket items at least a month or two ahead for the best prices. But if you are booking last minute, use sites like Skyscanner, HotelTonight, and Hopper to find hidden deals.
Final Thoughts: Travel More, Spend Less!
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive—you just need to know the right hacks! By using these budget-friendly tips, you can stretch your money, find the best deals, and still have an amazing experience without feeling like you’re missing out.
Whether it’s scoring cheap flights, finding affordable places to stay, or eating great food without overspending, small changes can make a huge difference. The more you save, the more you can travel longer and more often!