20 Ways to Save Big on Your Next Vacation

For those who want to travel but fear that a vacation is too expensive, it’s actually quite within reach when you know just what strategies to apply. From getting cheaper flights and accommodations to finding free activities and utilizing travel rewards, the means for saving while having a memorable adventure are limitless. It’s really possible, in spite of any creative and strategically driven planning, to turn a dream getaway into an affordable reality, leaving more room in your wallet for memories that truly matter.

1. Book Flights Early (or Late!)

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Airlines publish tickets well in advance, and booking early can result in some fantastic deals. If you are flexible, last-minute flights can be very cheap when airlines are desperate to fill seats. Use fare-tracking tools to track price drops.

2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

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Visit popular destinations when most tourists aren’t around. Off-season travel means lower prices for flights, accommodations, and activities. Plus, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

3. Use Points and Miles

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Maximize your credit card rewards by redeeming points for flights or hotels. Join loyalty programs with airlines and hotel chains to earn perks. With strategic planning, you could save hundreds on travel expenses.

4. Consider Alternative Airports

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Save money by flying to smaller or nearby airports. They often have lower landing fees, which means cheaper tickets. Check ground transportation options to your destination to ensure it’s still a good deal.

5. Stay in Vacation Rentals or Hostels

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Skip traditional hotels and opt for budget-friendly accommodations like vacation rentals, hostels, or guesthouses. These options often have kitchens, helping you save on dining out. They can also provide a more homely or social atmosphere.

6. Pack Light

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Avoid checked baggage fees by traveling with a carry-on. Packing light also makes navigating airports and public transport easier. Invest in versatile clothing to reduce what you need to bring.

7. Shop for Bargains on Travel Sites

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Use Skyscanner, Hopper, or Google Flights to compare your travel prices across various platforms. Look for Expedia’s package deals on flight, hotel, and car rental. Don’t forget to clear cookies from your browser to avoid price gouging based on search history.

8. Cook Your Meals

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Dining out for every meal can quickly add up. Book accommodations with kitchen facilities and hit local markets for fresh ingredients. Preparing even one meal a day can significantly cut costs.

9. Use Public Transportation

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Taxis and rental cars are convenient but often expensive. To save money and immerse yourself in local culture, opt for buses, trains, or metro systems. Many cities offer day passes or multi-trip discounts.

10. Travel With Friends or Family

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Splitting the cost of accommodation, car rentals, or groceries can help you save a lot. Group travel also unlocks tour and activity discounts. Bonus: it’s fun exploring with family and friends.

11. Find Free Attractions

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Learn about free museums, parks, and events in your destination. Most cities offer free walking tours that are interesting. You will be surprised at how much you can explore without spending a dime.

12. Book Directly with Airlines or Hotels

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Sometimes, third-party booking sites may have hidden fees. Booking directly may give you better rates, flexible cancellation policies, or exclusive perks. Check both direct and third-party sites before committing.

13. Use a Travel Agent for Complex Itineraries

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With multi-destination trips, travel agents often have deals that cannot be found online, and they can also package your flights, hotels, and activities together for you to save some time and money, plus insider tips for enhancing the experience.

14. Use Local Apps and Discount Cards

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Some cities offer apps or tourist discount cards with reduced entrance prices for most attractions and transportation systems. You can consider purchasing the Paris Pass to cut down on money spent on museum tickets and metro entry fees. Plan in advance which destinations to visit.

15. Traveling While Working

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Consider remote work or freelancing to pay for your travel. Many digital nomads have coworking spaces around the globe to be productive and network. Other jobs can be teaching English abroad or even working on a farm, among others.

16. Dwell Outside of the City Centre

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In-town accommodations tend to be more expensive. Outer suburbs or satellite towns may be more budget-friendly. Public transportation makes it relatively easy to get around the city and to most attractions without spending a fortune.

17. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

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Sometimes, moving your departure or return date by just one day can make a huge difference in your savings. Use flexible date search tools to locate the least expensive travel days. For example, flying on a weekday is often cheaper than on weekends.

18. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

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Use credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees to save on every purchase abroad. Currency exchange booths at airports tend to have poor rates, so avoid them. Withdraw cash in local currency from ATMs for the best exchange rates.

19. Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

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Airlines and travel companies often send out flash sales and discounts via email. To stay informed without cluttering your inbox, create a separate email address for travel deals. Act quickly, as these deals are usually time-sensitive.

20. Mix Business With Leisure

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If you have to travel for work, extend your stay and have a mini-vacation. The employer pays for transportation; lodging and food will be left for you to pay for any extra days. This way, you can visit places you may not usually visit.

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• vacation
• savings
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