How to save money while travelling without sacrificing the fun (2025 Guide)

Taking an overseas holiday these days can feel as pricey as buying front-row tickets to a world tour. But don’t let that scare you off — there are heaps of ways to save money while travelling and still have an unforgettable adventure. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tried-and-tested tricks to help stretch my travel budget without missing out on the fun. Here’s how I do it.

Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Insurance: Cover-More
SIM Cards: Simify

I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.

---

---

1. Shop around for travel insurance

It’s tempting to just tick “yes” when a travel agent or airline asks if you want insurance, but don’t do it blindly. The policy they offer often isn’t the cheapest or the best. Take the time to shop around and make sure your cover suits where you’re going and what you’ll be doing.

Tip: Sort out your insurance as soon as you book your flights or hotels — it can protect you if plans fall through before you even leave.

2. Skip the baggage insurance upsell

Airlines love to tack on extra baggage insurance, but you might already be covered. Most travel insurance policies include lost or damaged baggage, and many airlines (like Jetstar or Qantas) have built-in compensation. Always check before you pay for something you’re already getting.

3. Book flights early

The earlier you book, the cheaper the flights. It’s usually best to grab tickets 6–12 months out if you can. As the flight date creeps closer, prices only go up. Found a great deal online? Take it to a travel agent — sometimes they can beat it.

4. Let cheap flights decide your destination

Sometimes I’ll choose where to go based purely on cheap flights. In Australia, airlines like Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and even Qantas run regular sales — often on Fridays. Keep an eye out for flash sales and be ready to pounce.

5. Ask for a better hotel rate

Don’t be shy — it’s always worth asking the hotel directly if they can offer you a better price, especially if you’re booking a few rooms or celebrating something special like a birthday or anniversary. You’d be surprised how often they say yes.

6. Experience luxury in stages

If you want to taste a bit of luxury without blowing your budget, try this trick: start your trip in budget accommodation, step up to mid-range, and finish with a night or two somewhere luxurious. After a long flight, even a simple comfy bed can feel five-star.

7. Book rooms with breakfast included (but check the math)

Sometimes rooms with breakfast included work out cheaper — sometimes they don’t. Compare prices carefully. If you love a big café breakfast every day, booking one with the room might save you a stack of cash.

8. Picnic like a local

One of my favourite travel memories? Sitting on a grassy hill near Sacré-Cœur in Paris, watching the sunset, eating supermarket pasta that cost about five bucks. Grabbing snacks and drinks from a local supermarket and finding a scenic spot for a picnic is an unbeatable (and cheap) experience.

9. Don’t get sucked into buying travel-sized products

Travel minis are cute, but they’re a rip-off. Buy reusable bottles and refill them with your own products, or reuse little bottles from past hotel stays.

10. Stock up on snacks and water

Hit up a supermarket when you arrive. Grab bottled water, snacks, maybe even a few drinks. Having a stash in your room saves you a fortune compared to minibar prices or convenience stores.

11. Fine dining without blowing your budget

If you love a fancy meal but don’t want to go broke, plan for one splurge meal a day. Eat cheaper meals for breakfast and lunch so you can go all out for dinner — no guilt, just great food.

12. Split gear with your travel buddy

Travelling with a mate or partner? Divide and conquer. No need to double up on things like sunscreen, chargers, or toiletries. Share the load and save space (and baggage fees).

13. Skip the cabs

Airport taxis can cost a small fortune. Ask a mate for a lift and shout them lunch or fuel money. Alternatively, check out hotel shuttle services or airport transfer apps — they’re often way cheaper.

14. Save on ATM and currency fees

Before you go, set yourself up with a debit or credit card that has no overseas transaction or ATM fees. Make bigger withdrawals when you can and keep extra cash safely locked away in your hotel safe.

---

---