How to Save Money When Traveling

April 19th, 2019

Updated: September 9th, 2019

There are many things to love about travel. From seeing a new place, experiencing a new culture or even traveling to see old friends, visiting a different location can turn into a transformative experience. However, you don't want that experience to break the bank. Follow these tips to save money while traveling so that you can go on the trips you've always wanted to without spending a fortune.

Tips to Save Money When Traveling

1. Find a Room With a Kitchen

Eating out is often one of the most expensive parts of traveling. Instead, try to find a room or apartment with a kitchenette where you can make your own breakfast and lunch. You can still eat out for dinner, but a microwave and a fridge can even help you heat those leftovers for the next day.

2. Use Points or Miles

Another money-saving tip for traveling is to use points or miles from hotels or airlines. If you travel frequently, sign up for these reward systems. Then, fly on those airlines and stay in those hotels exclusively when you travel. That will help you save up points to use for the next time you take a trip.

3. Take an Airport Shuttle

Parking at the airport can become very costly and yet public transportation can often take up too much time and delay you. One of the best ways to make sure you arrive on time, stay on schedule and still save money when traveling is to book a shared-ride shuttle to and from the airport.

4. Eat at Local Joints

Any travel budget tip list will tell you not to eat anywhere around a tourist trap. Instead, go off the beaten path at least six blocks away from a major attraction to find somewhere to eat. The food is often better, and it will definitely be cheaper. You can also stop the locals and ask them where their favorite place to eat is.

5. Use an App to Call Home

If you want to travel internationally, you will need a way to respond to calls and texts from home. Instead of paying for an international plan from your carrier, you can try Skype, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp or Viber to communicate with people from home. Also, try to find Wi-Fi where you can if you need to check email or see what's happening on the other side of the world.

6. Work While Abroad

What if you could actually earn money while you travel? The E.U. and the U.S. government have a program where anyone under 26 can work legally in Europe. Although you have to find the job yourself, it's a great way to travel throughout Europe and make money to fund your activities.

7. Start Budgeting Early

The best money saving tip for traveling is to start saving early. The earlier you start saving the easier it will be to save and budget the right amount of money for any trip.  One creative tip is each time you go to buy a coffee, skip it an instead put it towards your trip.  You would be surprised how quickly this can help you save for your trip.

Save Money with SuperShuttle

You can pinch pennies even more by using SuperShuttle. Our affordable ride-sharing options take you to the airport and home for less than a taxi. Book today to enjoy your vacation without thinking about the cost.