Travel can be expensive, whether it’s high gas prices during your road trip or increasing travel demand causing hotel and airline costs to rise.
But it doesn’t have to be as costly as you might think. Often, people end up spend more money than they should simply by making mistakes that aren’t immediately obvious at the outset. And some end up wasting time (and if time is money, then that’s just as annoying).
NerdWallet’s Smart Travel co-hosts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, outlined some common money mistakes in an episode:
Knowing the common money mistakes can held you save money. But that’s not all. We’ve also outlined 12 ways to save money on travel below:
So how do you pack light? Bring clothes that you can wash easily in a sink. Look for items that dry quickly, and pick clothes that you can mix and match. Default to basic items that go with pretty much any outfit, so you don’t need to cram four pairs of shoes into your bag.
Plus, packing light means you won’t be tempted to pay for souvenirs — because limited capacity in your suitcase or backpack will deter your urges.
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2. Shop at local grocery stores
Visiting local markets can be an adventure on its own. As grocery stores embrace local items and high-quality hot foods, a trip to a local market can allow you to uncover different types of foods that you wouldn’t necessarily come across at home. Often, it’s cheaper than equivalent-quality food at a waiter service restaurant (and you’ll avoid paying tax and tip).
Plus, having food on hand means you’ll likely save money, as you’ll be less tempted to buy the stale, overpriced muffin from the hotel cafe just because you were hungry.
If you can’t visit a local market, packing snacks from home is the next best thing.
Bottled water can also shape up to be a considerable expense when you’re on the go. Assuming you have access to a clean water source, pack your canteen, and consider a portable water bottle that can collapse to fit in your pocket.
4. Get yourself into the airport lounge
Top cards with Priority Pass
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Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.
Terms apply.
Beyond food, lounges can provide Wi-Fi speeds typically faster than what’s offered in the airport. In addition, some lounges offer showers, exercise rooms or massages. Get to the airport early to maximize the amenities.
Leave plenty of time to get to the airport early. If you’re running late, you might hail an overpriced cab in a panic instead of taking public transportation at typically a fraction of the cost. You may also find that rideshare prices could be higher for routes to the airport at certain times. Having more time allows you to avoid the surge pricing.
Don’t risk having to rebook a flight last minute because you arrived late.
6. Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership fees reimbursed
If approved, you’ll be able to use expedited lanes, which typically have shorter, quicker lines because travelers aren’t forced to remove their laptops, belts or jackets. According to TSA’s data, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in March 2025.
Cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck® fees
Cards that reimburse Global Entry fees
7. Take advantage of credit card free night certificates
Marriott cards with free night benefits
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) every year after account anniversary.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) every year after your account renewal month.
8. Book hotel rooms on points
Speaking of bonus points, it’s almost always a good idea to spend your hotel points rather than save them. Booking rooms on points versus cash is certainly a smart way to avoid dipping into your cash savings for a vacation, but there are a few other benefits:
9. Travel during the offseason or shoulder season
|
Booking window |
Average economy class cash airfare |
|---|---|
|
15 days out |
$576.51. |
|
180 days out |
$464.77. |
|
During the holiday season (Dec. 22-29) |
$655.32. |
Airfares for flight routes during the holiday season average 41% more expensive than other flights booked roughly six months out during non-holiday seasons.
10. Explore free tourist attractions
Even trips to notoriously expensive spots like San Francisco, New York City or Walt Disney World don’t have to break the bank.
Prioritize the free tourist attractions over the ones that have a fee. For example, tickets to San Francisco’s de Young Museum cost about $15, but you can go to one of its coolest rooms, the Hamon Observation Tower, for free panoramic views of the city.
And while there are dozens of excellent cultural institutions in St. Louis, start at the ones that have free admission, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo. If time permits, then turn to the attractions with a fee.
11. Don’t fall for the tourist tax
Knowing the general prices of things can help you avoid getting up charged with a so-called, unofficial “tourist tax.”
For instance, look up average taxi costs before you travel so you know the ranges to expect. Consider researching typical prices for items at the market so you can haggle with confidence. Avoid overpaying on a bus fare by knowing how to purchase official tickets in advance.
12. Consider travel insurance
How to save money on travel
Travel costs can add up. Your vacation might not be as cheap as that slick airfare deal may have led you to believe when you factor in other expenses. Often, vacation spending can rocket past your initial budget once you’re out on the road.
Saving money on travel with these tricks can give you more freedom to spend where you need, whether that’s on this trip or your next one.
How to maximize your rewards
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
