9 tips on how to save money while traveling

Plan your budget in advance

If you want to save money during a trip, you’ve got to be prepared to spend some time planning your budget before you even leave. How much are you willing to spend on flights? What sort of accommodation are you expecting, and how expensive will it be to match your expectations? How much do you want to spend on food, drinks, museums, shopping, transport, and gifts? Are you going to set aside money in case of unexpected events? Take into account every tiny detail that might require you to empty your pockets and see where it gets you.

Don’t give up on your dream vacation just because the trip is starting to look a little pricey, or it might require dipping into your savings. Instead, look for areas where you can cut costs — maybe swap a fancy dinner for street food, or skip a pricey tour in favor of a self-guided walk. Small changes can make a big difference.

However, budgeting doesn’t mean much if you don’t actually keep track of your spending while on vacation. It’s easier when you stick to cash — you can only spend what’s in your wallet, and that’s it. But let’s be honest, you’re probably not leaving your credit card at home. So instead of spending willy-nilly and ignoring your bank account’s limits, try writing down your expenses in your notes or a budgeting app. That way, you can stick to your plan and make smarter financial decisions on the go.

Try free activities

One of the best ways to truly experience a place is to dive into its culture, and in many big cities, the most memorable cultural events are actually free. From free museum days to open-air concerts in the summer, there’s plenty to enjoy without spending a dime. With a bit of research, you can find out what’s happening during your stay in your vacation destination. It’s not only rewarding and budget-friendly, but also a great way to meet locals, discover new artists, and explore places you might have missed otherwise.

Even in smaller towns, you can usually find free events. Local markets, museums, and historical sites often have activities that don’t cost anything. You can also plan your own walking tour and enjoy the sights from the outside — sometimes, that’s when they’re most impressive. Just make sure to check in advance to see what’s available and decide which places are actually worth paying to enter.

Do it like a local

Before you travel, think about who you know that’s maybe already been to this place. Does anyone live there now, or maybe grew up there? Then reach out and ask for recommendations. Most people love sharing their favorite spots, and firsthand advice can lead you to places no guidebook or travel vlog will ever mention. If that’s not an option, it’s not a bad idea to turn to the internet and search for ideas online — Reddit, travel forums, Facebook groups, and sometimes TikTok are great places to find local voices and up-to-date tips.

Why go through the extra effort? Because local insight helps you avoid the usual tourist traps — overpriced restaurants that rely on influencer hype, underwhelming attractions with flashy marketing, and souvenir shops packed with mass-produced trinkets. Instead, you’ll discover the spots that actually reflect the local culture — family-run restaurants, neighborhood cafés, markets, and shops with handmade, locally crafted goods. And most of the time, it’s usually cheaper too. 

If you’re staying at an Airbnb, ask your host for recommendations — they might just be someone who knows the city inside out. If you’re a hotel guest, take advantage of the concierge or front desk staff, who often have tips you won’t find online. And don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation while you’re out. A quick chat with a bartender, barista, or bookstore owner can lead to unexpected finds and often, a more authentic experience.

Take advantage of free hotel amenities

Airbnbs and hostels might seem like the cheaper choice at first, but hotels often come with perks that travelers forget to take advantage of — and no, we’re not talking about stuffing your suitcase with slippers and bathrobes. We’re talking about real, money-saving extras.

Complimentary breakfast? Absolutely. Even if it’s just toast, fruit, eggs, and instant coffee, that’s one less meal to pay for. Spa and pool access? Yes, please — especially after a full day of exploring. Hotel Wi-Fi? Use it to download maps and translation apps.

Are you staying in a hotel that has a concierge? Use their service. They can help you with dinner reservations, museum tickets, and solid local suggestions (see tip #3). And don’t forget about hotel shuttles — they’re often free or way cheaper than taxis, especially in big cities.

Be strategic about your food and drink options

When you’re away from home, it’s harder to plan meals and avoid overspending on food and drinks. Nobody wants to spend US$10 on an airport bagel, but what do you do if you left home early and now are incredibly hungry? Well, a little planning in advance can save you a lot of money!

First, pack some nonperishable snacks from home or get some at a local supermarket. A Tupperware full of protein bars and nuts is a great option. Stashing them in the hotel room means you won’t be tempted by snacks in the mini bar just because you woke up starving. Just be aware that some tourist attractions don't allow food in bags, so eat it beforehand if needed.

Bring a refillable water bottle — you can fill it up at most restaurants, and you’ll avoid spending money on water and help the environment. Win-win. Also, don’t eat all of your meals at expensive places. Designate one meal a day to be a splurge at a nicer restaurant, then opt for snacks or takeaway for the others. If the hotel offers breakfast, always take advantage of it, then swing by a local grocery store for sandwich fixings and veggies — perfect for an impromptu picnic lunch.

Rethink your souvenir strategy

We’ve all been there — you start listing the people you want to bring presents for, then look at your budget, and suddenly that art gallery you were excited about feels... out of reach. Sure, bringing souvenirs for friends and family is a nice gesture, but not everyone needs an expensive gift from your vacation. It really is the thought that counts, right?

If you want to save money and avoid the stress of crowded shops, skip the airport, tourist hotspots, and stores on the busiest streets. These places usually charge more for souvenirs that often aren’t worth it. The best finds are waiting for you at little shops tucked away from the masses, or even local grocery stores. Consider thoughtful gifts like a unique spice blend, locally-made tea, regional cookies, a bottle of olive oil, or a beautiful postcard. These souvenirs are often more meaningful and cost less than mass-produced trinkets.

Also, stick to your budget and don’t overdo it. If money’s tight, remember that sometimes the simplest souvenirs are the most meaningful, and a pricey trinket often ends up collecting dust. After all, a souvenir can be anything, so instead of a thing, bring back a story. A beautiful photograph, a handwritten journal entry, or even just sharing your experiences with loved ones can be priceless souvenirs that won't cost anything.

Don’t overspend on mobile data

You want to stay connected while abroad — actually, you need to. How else are you going to text your group chat about the guy with a pet monkey, pull up directions when you’re hopelessly lost, or call an Uber when your legs have given up halfway through a “short walk” that turned into a 14K hike? However, you might run into one problem — data roaming fees, which will gut your travel budget quite fast. And unless you're really into chaos, skip the post-arrival SIM card scavenger hunt. That first hour in a new country should be spent finding coffee and marveling at the scenery, not standing in a line and trying to guess which plan won’t bankrupt you.

Here’s a better option — try an eSIM, a digital SIM card! You can get the Saily eSIM app before you even leave home, and it’ll give you instant access to mobile data the moment you arrive. No roaming charges, no physical SIMs, no hassle. Just tap, activate, and you're online.

To save even more money, you can participate in Saily’s refer a friend program. You and your travel buddy each get US$5 in credit just for signing up with a referral code. The best part is that you can keep stacking credits every time someone signs up with your code. Rack up enough, and you might just travel with free data. And that’s how you save additional money for souvenirs! 

Refer a friend and earn Saily credits

A referral earns you US$5 in Saily credits while your pals get a US$5 discount on their first plan.

Learn more

Get a little creative when hunting for deals

Sure, traveling can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price for everything. With a little imagination and internet sleuthing, you can unlock all sorts of extras without selling your soul. 

Start with your credit card. You don’t need to rack up credit card points like your life depends on it, but if you’re planning a trip, it’s smart to peek at the travel section on your card’s website. Some of them sneak in perks like free breakfast for two, a cheeky US$100 hotel credit, or even airport lounge access that’ll make you feel like you’re flying first class. But be careful and don’t get lured into booking a pricier place just for a few extras. A free breakfast isn’t that free if you’re paying an additional US$100 a night for it.

The same goes for your employer. If you work for a big company, there might be corporate discounts — hotels, flights, rental cars, maybe even airport shuttles. It’s worth checking. You might be able to get discounts on hotels, flights, or rental cars just because of where you work.

Besides, saving money on tours and events is surprisingly easy these days — a little research can go a long way. Before you book anything, take two minutes to Google “[Destination] discount codes” or check if the attraction has a mailing list. You never know what deals you can find. You’d be surprised how many coupons are floating out there just waiting to be clicked. Being clever costs nothing — and sometimes it saves a lot.

Save your splurges for the last day

One important travel trick no one tells you — delay the luxury. In a way, the last day of a trip shapes how you remember the whole thing, and honestly, it makes sense. So always save the best for last. A hotel with fluffy robes and blackout curtains, a candlelit dinner in a fancy restaurant, maybe a fun activity that doesn’t involve three-hour lines? Book it for the last night, and it’ll feel like a celebration, not just an unnecessary waste of money. Plus, it’s quite poetic to end your trip with a bang. A final toast to public transport, hostel showers, and the amazing street food you found.

It also keeps your budget in check. If you splurge on day one, you’ll spend the rest of the trip rationing your money like it’s the Oregon Trail. But if you hold out, you’ll know exactly what you’ve got left to spend — and you can go all in without guilt. Steak, cocktails, dessert, and a taxi back? You’ve earned it. And when you fly home, slightly sunburned and very happy, you’ll remember the trip as an amazing time spent away from home.