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Does your heart say, “overseas getaway” but your wallet says, “weekend day trip”? Fear not, frugal flyer! You don’t need a first-class fortune to chase world-class holidays. These ten wallet-friendly travel hacks are your golden ticket to budget globe-trotting without skimping on the adventure.
Travel doesn’t have to come with a credit card hangover. With a little planning, a pinch of flexibility, and a dash of street food, you can take your dream trip without draining your savings.
1. Be flight-flexible
Don’t be afraid to wing it with your flight bookings when one of the easiest ways to save big bucks is to be flexible with your departure dates. Mid-week flights or off-peak travel times often come with major markdowns.
Who says you have to jet off on a Friday? Tuesdays and Wednesday often come with sky-high savings and far fewer seatmates. Tools, such as Skyscanner, can help you compare fares across dates and various airlines, so you can pounce when prices dip. Bonus: set up fare alerts and let the deals literally fly to you.
2. Dodge baggage fees
Pack light to keep the wallet heavy! Many airlines will charge higher fares for extra check-in weight, don’t let your suitcase be the reason your holiday fund takes a nosedive. If you’re super serious about saving, embrace the minimalist lifestyle and go carry-on only – it’ll lift weight off your shoulders both financially and physically. You’ll thank us later when you’re lugging around your bags on public transport (read: hack 3). Need a carry-on to carry all? Pick up one to last the journey from Samsonite.
3. Navigate public transport like a pro
Don’t let taxis and rideshares drive your travel budget into the red. Buses, trams, and trains are often a fraction of the cost and way more fun for those who like to explore on their escapes. Many cities will also offer visitor transport passes, so make sure to do a little research before you go and see what transport options are best for you and your souvenir savings.
If you really want to stretch out your dollars, and your legs, hit the pavement! Walking is free, fantastic for your step count goal, and helps you discover charming neighbourhood favourites that haven’t made it on to the tour map or TikTok feed.
4. Step off the beaten path
Accommodation outside of tourist-heavy areas in major cities might mean a couple of extra minutes on public transport but staying on the metro for an extra stop or two can make your accommodation cost significantly less. Plus, going the extra mile (literally) will gift you with a slice of local life to accompany your morning coffee, by staying in areas locals actually live in. Not sure where to start your authentic accommodation search? Research and book your stay with Booking.com.
Want to slice the prices by skipping the travel icons topping everyone’s itinerary altogether? Discover our ten favourite offbeat destinations to visit for your next #EuroSummer.
5. Consider house-sitting
A free stay, plus furry friends? No, you’re not dreaming! House-sitting platforms, such as TrustedHousesitters, connects travellers with homeowners needing someone to care for pets or plants. If you’re prepared to trade hotel room service for litter box duty, it’s a win-win in our eyes: you get a free roof over your head and a four-legged friend to explore with too!
6. Eat like a local
If a restaurant has an English menu (in a non-English speaking country) and someone waving you inside, it’s probably not where the locals are lunching. Skip the tourist traps with inflated prices and watered down flavours and hit up street vendors, night markets, or local canteens. You’ll spend less and taste more of the authentic cuisines.
Is food your #1 travel motivator? Read a foodie’s getaway guide to New Zealand to chew your way through Aussie’s closest international escape.
7. Sightsee and save
Planning to check multiple attractions off the bucket list? City passes like The Paris Pass or The London Pass are your new best friend. These handy passes bundle big-ticket attractions and public transport into one discounted package. Instead of paying full price at every door, you can flash your pass and feel like a VIP (Very Informed Planner) – all while seeing more sights with less spend!
8. Use a travel-friendly bank card
Foreign transaction fees can slowly chip away at your gelato fund without you realising. Opt for a travel-savvy card with no international fees and decent exchange rates – think Wise, ING, Revolut, or your bank’s travel card equivalent. Those tiny transaction fees might not seem like much per purchase, but when you’re spending as if you’re on holiday, the 2-3% adds up faster than you buying that third fridge magnet of the trip.
9. Buy a local SIM or eSIM or use free WiFi (wisely)
Stay connected, not shocked by your roaming bill and grab a local Sim or eSIM as soon as you land (some you can even download before take-off).
Or, for those penny-saving pros, make the most of free WiFi. Cafes, libraries, and hotels often dish out free Wifi with your latte or lounge chair. Just make sure to put your commonsense cap on when it comes to trusted networks overseas.
10. Set a daily budget
Make every cent count and every journey priceless by tracking your spend as well as collecting souvenirs. Whether you use a travel budgeting app or the trusty Notes app in your phone, having a rough daily allowance helps keep impulse splurges in check (we see you, overpriced airport Toblerone). We’re big fans of holiday spending “not counting”, but it sure is helpful to have a little cash leftover for the Duty-Free shopping on the way home!