6 little ways you can save a ton of money when you travel (2024)

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Buy groceries instead of eating out.

The first six weeks I lived in Australia, I bought groceries, but I also ate out way too many times a week. Cooking your own food can save you lots of money — and it's usually healthier too.

Make an effort to commit to cooking a certain amount of times per week to stay within your budget.

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Stay in hostels.

Sometimes you really just want your own personal space, but trust me, if you want to save money while traveling — and make new friends — hostels are the way to go.

When I was in Southeast Asia, my hostels cost an average of $9 a night. Even in New Zealand, they're only around $20 a night.

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Carry a water bottle.

This is a trick that took me far too long to get on board with. Carrying your own water bottle will save you money and help the environment, which is quite a winning combination.

I recommend investing in an insulated bottle so you can't use the excuse that your water isn't cold enough when you use your own bottle. The small extra expense will save you loads in the long run.

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Skip the alcohol when you can.

For many, vacations means having fun and treating yourself. And while that's all well and good, if your definition of treating yourself is going out every night and buying loads of drinks, you'll come back to a very scary number on your credit card bill.

If you want to drink, either limit the number of times you go out or buy alcohol at the supermarket instead of at the bar.

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Work for your accommodations.

Although only relevant if you plan on traveling long term, working for accommodation can be a great way to experience a new place without breaking the bank. Normally, this involves working for a certain amount of hours a week at a hostel and, in return, the hostel allows you to live there for free.

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Visit inexpensive destinations.

While Paris and Milan may be calling your name, if you're worried about spending too much money on your trip, think about heading somewhere a bit cheaper. The culture you will witness and the experiences you will have are not determined by price tag.

Try places like Central or South America if you want to stay close to the states. Looking to head a bit farther? Southeast Asia or India are great options.

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Travel during off-season.

While peak season is dubbed as such for a reason, traveling somewhere during off-season can be just as much fun — and a lot cheaper. I went to Greece in March once and the weather was beautiful, but, because most people visit during the summer months, we paid $30 less a night for our accommodation.

The other great thing about traveling during off-season is that you'll see a lot less tourists and have a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and talk to the local people.

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