Expert-Approved Ways to Save Money on Travel in 2025

Travel costs continue to climb in 2025, but your wanderlust doesn’t have to suffer. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, strategic planning can help you save hundreds—even thousands—on your next trip. We’ve consulted travel experts, industry insiders, and budget-savvy globetrotters to compile these 25 proven ways to save on travel without sacrificing the experiences that make travel worthwhile.

Smart Booking Strategies

1. Try a Price Prediction Tool

Forget the myth about booking flights on Tuesdays. According to Nick Ewen, senior editorial director for The Points Guy, “that ‘day to book’ thing is largely a myth.” What matters more is when you actually fly. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays typically offer cheaper fares than Fridays or Sundays.

To find the best deals, use price prediction tools like Hopper, Google Flights, or Kayak. These platforms analyze historical data and current trends to tell you whether current prices are high or likely to drop in the coming weeks.

2. Cash in Those Airline Miles

If you’ve accumulated airline miles, now’s the time to use them. “Any opportunity to use your miles to keep cash in your pocket is a good redemption,” says Ewen. Many travelers suffer from “analysis paralysis,” constantly searching for the perfect redemption while their points lose value over time.

To determine if you’re getting a good value, use online calculators from NerdWallet, Omni Calculator, or The Point Calculatorto convert your miles to dollar value.

3. Track and Modify Your Trip

Here’s good news for flexible travelers: many major U.S. airlines, including United, Delta, American, and Alaska, have eliminated change fees on most fare types. This means if you book a flight and later find a better deal, you can modify your reservation and pocket the difference—whether you paid with cash or miles.

“Since the pandemic, just about every airline, aside from basic economy status, has made award tickets generally fully refundable,” explains Ewen. This flexibility gives you the freedom to book early and adjust as better options become available.

Maximize Your Credit Card Benefits

4. Keep Tabs on Your Credit Card Discounts

If your credit card comes with an annual fee, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. “Oftentimes there are many ways to offset that fee,” says Ewen. Many premium travel cards offer annual travel credits, companion passes, and lifestyle perks that can save you hundreds of dollars.

To maximize these benefits, Ewen suggests checking your account monthly and creating a spreadsheet of all available offers. Credit card issuers count on cardholders not using these perks—don’t let yours go to waste.

5. Look Into Living the Lounge Life

Airport lounges can save you money on overpriced terminal food while providing comfortable seating, charging ports, and sometimes even showers. Many premium credit cards include lounge access as a benefit, potentially saving you $30-50 per visit.

To determine if lounge membership is worth it, calculate how often you travel and how much you and your guests could save on airport amenities. Make sure your home or frequently visited airports have the specific lounges your membership covers.

Strategic Timing for Maximum Savings

6. Don’t Shrug Off Shoulder Season

Want to cut costs and avoid crowds? Travel journalist Kristin Luna, founder of the blog Camels & Chocolate, recommends traveling during shoulder season—the period between peak and off-peak seasons.

“Traveling in the off-season, or shoulder season, is my favorite way to travel—not only do you save money, but you avoid the crowds,” says Luna. On a November trip to Iceland, well outside the summer high season, Luna and her family paid roughly half what they would have during peak months while encountering far fewer tourists.

12. Search for Seasonal Deals

End-of-year savings aren’t just for holiday gifts. Many travel companies offer significant discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. The cruise industry extends these opportunities with “wave season” (typically January through March), which is “when cruise lines do big pushes to get sales up,” according to cruise expert Mikkel Woodruff of Sometimes Sailing.

During wave season, you might score not only discounted cruise fares but also perks like free internet or reduced airfare. Similarly, in spring, many car rental companies need to relocate their fleet from southern to northern locations, creating opportunities for one-way rental deals if you’re planning a northbound road trip.

Transportation Money-Savers

7. Skip the Gas Pump

Another way to save on rental cars: go electric. “It may wind up being cheaper than filling up with gas, especially if you’re outside the U.S.,” says Ewen, noting that gas in many European destinations can be “incredibly expensive.”

Before booking an EV, research charging infrastructure at your destination. If you’re primarily traveling between major cities, you should find adequate charging options. For rural areas, however, charging stations may be limited. Use EV-focused websites like Chargemap, Electromaps, and PlugShare to plan your route.

8. Use Credit Card Rental Car Insurance

Many travel credit cards include rental car insurance, but you must follow specific steps to use this benefit. First, decline all of the rental car company’s protection offerings, including roadside assistance and collision damage waivers.

If you have an issue during your trip—like a cracked windshield—you can submit the claim directly to your credit card company. Before relying on this coverage, understand what’s included. “Coverage on car rentals through credit cards is limited to damage and theft,” Ewen explains.

9. Take Advantage of Public Transit

In many cities, using public transportation instead of rental cars or rideshare services can save you significant money. Travel blogger Katie Holden of Katie’s Travel Tricks recommends using navigation apps like Google Maps to navigate unfamiliar transit systems.

“Just toggle over to the public transportation icon after you enter your destination,” Holden advises. “In some countries, it even includes detailed instructions on which station exit to use.” Google Maps often provides rideshare price estimates for comparison, helping you see exactly how much you’re saving.

10. Check Out Deals for Your Wheels

Before booking a rental car, use comparison sites like AutoSlash, Expedia, or Momondo to find the best deals. These services incorporate your memberships (Sam’s Club, AAA, AARP) to recommend optimal rental options.

Always join the rental company’s free loyalty program to skip lines and expedite the check-in process. For city-only trips, consider renting bikes or e-bikes instead—many bicycle shops offer daily rentals at a fraction of car rental costs, saving you not only on the rental itself but also on gas and parking fees.

Flight Booking Hacks

11. Buy One, Get One Free with a Stopover

Several airlines offer stopover programs that let you experience an additional city for a few days while en route to your final destination—at no extra airfare cost. Travel blogger Kristin Luna has used these programs to visit Doha en route to Bangkok, Iceland while traveling to Germany, and New Zealand on the way to the Cook Islands.

“It doesn’t cost more money, so it’s basically buy-one-get-one-free flights to see two places instead of one,” Luna explains. This strategy effectively cuts your per-destination cost in half while enriching your travel experience.

20. Go Carry-On Only

Some travel credit cards offer one or two free checked bags. If you have this perk, use it. If not—or if you want to avoid the hassle of lugging heavy bags—opt for carry-on only travel.

“Nearly every U.S. airline charges for checked bags,” says Luna. “I haven’t checked a bag in more than seven years, mostly because I don’t trust the airline not to lose it.” Luna insists the carry-on lifestyle is easier than you might think: “Ditch all the unnecessary items like multiple pairs of shoes, purses, accessories, and stick to basics in neutral tones that you can layer.”

21. Expand Your Outbound Airport Options

Many Americans live within driving distance of multiple airports. If you can’t find affordable flights from your nearest airport, consider options within a few hours’ drive. Even with the drive, you might cut your total transit time—especially if you can get a direct flight instead of multiple connections—while saving money.

To avoid expensive airport parking, consider services like Wally Park, Park Shuttle & Fly, or The Parking Spot, which offer more affordable off-site parking with shuttle service to the terminal. Some even include a complimentary car wash before you exit.

Accommodation Money-Savers

19. Consider Alternative Accommodations

Hotels are convenient but often expensive. Consider alternative options like vacation rentals, hostels (many offer private rooms), or even couch surfing to save money and potentially make local connections.

“We’ve used the website Couch Surfing to stay with strangers for free,” says travel blogger Katie Holden. For those interested in house-sitting, services like Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and Mind My House connect travelers with homeowners who need someone to watch their property and pets in exchange for free accommodation.

Cut Daily Travel Expenses

13. Stay Ahead of Cell-Service Charges

International data roaming charges can add up quickly. Use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Signal to text or call via Wi-Fi instead of cellular networks.

“Internationally, many businesses will have an option to contact them via WhatsApp,” notes Holden. Consider a cell plan that includes international data and texting, or purchase a local eSIM card for faster, more affordable data service during your trip.

15. Stock Up at a Grocery Store

Dining out for every meal can quickly deplete your travel budget. Luna suggests hitting local grocery stores for breakfast items and snacks. “If we’re staying somewhere multiple days in a row, the grocery store will be our first stop. We stock up on yogurt, fruit, other breakfast items, coffee, and beverages,” she explains.

This approach allows you to save on breakfast and lunch while still enjoying local restaurants for dinner. For an authentic culinary experience without the high price tag, Luna recommends exploring “street food or bodegas” which “can be a great way to try the local flavors while not splurging on expensive meals.”

18. Save on Souvenirs

To save on souvenirs, skip the overpriced airport and resort gift shops. Instead, visit local craft markets, thrift stores, or even grocery stores where prices are typically much lower for authentic items.

Holden recommends having a specific collection strategy: “Everyone in our family has a certain small item they collect and we buy that—a statue for my daughter, a magnet for my son. We also visit thrift stores and the local equivalent of a dollar store.” This approach prevents impulse buying while still preserving memories of your travels.

Save on Experiences Without Sacrificing Quality

14. Save Big with Senior Passes

Memberships and passes can lead to substantial savings, whether it’s using your AARP membership for discounts on car rentals and hotels or taking advantage of senior rates at museums and attractions.

For national parks enthusiasts, travel writer Emily Pennington recommends the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass covers entrance fees for all National Park Service sites plus lands managed by several other federal agencies. Travelers age 62 and older can purchase an annual senior pass for just $20 or a lifetime pass for $80—compared to the standard $80 annual fee for younger visitors.

16. Look for Budget-Friendly Tours

If you want to explore a new destination but can’t afford a private guide, consider joining a “free” guided walking tour. Services like Free Tour, Free Tours by Foot, and GuruWalk offer tip-based tours led by knowledgeable locals.

For more specialized experiences, Holden recommends Airbnb Experiences. “These are experiences run by locals who are experts in one area,” she explains. “We learned to play Japanese card games in Nara, Japan, and dyed silk scarves in a marbled pattern in Florence, Italy.” Other locally-led options include Tours by Locals and With Locals.

17. Download a Free Audio Tour

For a completely DIY sightseeing option, look to podcasts or audio tours. Well-known travel expert Rick Steves offers free self-guided walking tours that use narration to immerse you in new destinations.

Apps like SmartGuide provide digital tours with audio guides, city maps, and insider tips. The website VoiceMap features hundreds of audio walks, bike rides, and drives, helping you experience the highlights without the expense of joining a guided tour.

Protect Your Travel Investment

22. Invest in Travel Insurance

Don’t risk losing your hard-earned money if you need to cancel a trip. Instead, invest in travel insurance to protect your investment. “Travel insurance is important for any kind of travel where you have nonrefundable trip costs at stake,” explains Stan Sandberg, cofounder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

“When you’re traveling internationally, it becomes even more important for the traveler because with international travel, you’re going to have a more expensive trip.” Travel insurance typically costs 4-8% of your total trip cost but can save you thousands if something goes wrong.

Maximize Loyalty and Points

23. Know When to Be Loyal

Brand loyalty can pay off in travel, whether through airline upgrades or complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. For airlines, Ewen recommends determining your loyalty based on where you live. If your hometown airport is a hub for a specific airline, prioritize that carrier to maximize rewards.

However, loyalty programs primarily benefit frequent travelers. “The valuable perks of earning elite status really come for those who travel a ton for work—like once every other week,” Ewen explains. For occasional travelers, it’s often better to prioritize price and convenience over loyalty.

24. Rack Up Points and Miles on Everyday Purchases

You can accumulate credit card points and miles not only by flying but also through everyday spending. Travel blogger Kristin Luna’s first rule: ditch debit cards. “Use credit cards for everything: home purchases, groceries, renovation, and gas,” she advises.

With many travel credit cards, such as American Express Business Gold, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred Credit, “those small bills can add up to a lot of points.” Consider putting recurring expenses like property taxes, insurance premiums, gym memberships, and utility bills on your rewards card to accelerate your points accumulation.

25. Outsource Your Travel Hacking

Travel hacking—the art of maximizing points, miles, and deals—can unlock significant savings, but it requires knowledge and time. If you want the benefits without the learning curve, consider outsourcing to experts.

Companies like I Fly With Miles, Point.Me, and Jet Better specialize in optimizing travel rewards. “You can basically hire them and pay them a small fee to maximize your points,” Ewen explains. These services typically charge $100-200 but can potentially save you thousands on premium flights and accommodations.

Start Saving on Your Next Adventure

Implementing even a few of these 25 ways to save on travel can significantly reduce your vacation costs without sacrificing quality experiences. The key is planning ahead, staying flexible, and being strategic about where you spend your travel dollars.

Remember that the best travel savings strategy combines multiple approaches—use price prediction tools to book flights during shoulder season, leverage credit card points for accommodations, and explore destinations like a local with free walking tours and grocery store visits.