25 Ways to Save Money for Travel

Are you looking for creative ways to save money for travel? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Since my divorce, I’ve had to take a hard look at my finances. Juggling the responsibilities of starting over, living on my own, and quickly approaching 60 has forced me to be more mindful of my spending.

Balancing a desire to travel with the need to stay focused on saving for retirement has been challenging, but it’s not been impossible. By making some smart, creative changes to my lifestyle, I’ve found ways to enjoy the adventures I love without sacrificing my long-term financial goals.

25 Ways to Save Money for Travel

Before you start booking flights and hotels, having a realistic travel budget is one of the first steps to planning a solo trip. I share more about the planning process, from figuring out costs to booking the details, in my guide to planning your first solo trip.

Below are some of the most effective and inventive strategies that have helped me save money for travel, even while staying on track for the future.

1. Downsize and Cut Housing Expenses

One of the most impactful and difficult changes I made was selling my condo. I loved living the condo lifestyle and really tried to stay in it after the divorce. But the monthly maintenance fees, utilities, and property taxes were eating away at my budget. When it got to the point of considering selling my plasma (for real!) to be able to afford to stay in the condo and still travel, I had to throw in the towel. I found more affordable housing, significantly lowered my monthly expenses, and freed up hundreds of dollars every month. I couldn’t be any happier with this decision!

2. Say Goodbye to Cable

Cutting out cable was another smart move. It was my (ex)husband who watched TV all the time anyway, not me. I am perfectly fine using the free streaming apps on smart TVs. My local library even has an app that allows me to check out movies and audiobooks directly on my TV. Cutting cable has saved me a considerable amount of money each month, and that savings adds up quickly when it comes to travel funds.

3. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials

Going out during happy hour is a great way to enjoy a meal at a fraction of the cost. Many restaurants offer discounted drinks and appetizers, so I can still indulge in delicious food without paying full price. And since I’m dining solo, I sit at the bar and sometimes get a free drink. Wink, wink.

4. Maximize Credit Cards That Earn Points and Miles

Using credit cards that offer points or miles has been one of my most effective strategies for reducing travel costs. By putting regular expenses on a travel rewards credit card and paying it off each month, I accumulate points that I can use for flights, hotels, and more. It’s a simple way to make your everyday spending work toward your travel goals.

5. Leverage Free Resources: Local Libraries and Free Apps

Your local library is a hidden gem when it comes to saving money. Beyond books, libraries offer access to digital resources like eBooks, audiobooks, and even ancestry and streaming services. You can also find free classes on everything from language learning to photography. I’ve taken several classes through my library’s free access to LinkedIn Learning.

6. Travel Off-Peak

Planning your trips during the off-peak season can result in substantial savings. Flights, accommodations, and even tours are often cheaper during these times, and you’ll also avoid the crowds. I’ve found that shoulder seasons, like early spring or late fall, offer great weather and more affordable options.

7. Sign Up for Free Travel Alerts

I always sign up for free travel alerts through websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. These alerts notify me when flight prices drop, helping me snag deals I might have otherwise missed. Staying flexible with your travel dates and watching for deals can lead to big savings on airfare.

8. Cut Out the Daily Coffee

I was never one to buy coffee every morning but, if I did, that daily habit would certainly add up. If you can cut out one coffee a week, only one, you will save a couple hundred dollars a year! So, make your coffee at home instead. Small, consistent changes like this can make a big difference over time.

9. Bring Your Own Lunch to Work

I saved a significant amount of money by bringing my own lunch to work instead of eating out. Even a modest $10 lunch adds up over the weeks, and by packing my own meals, I could redirect that money toward travel savings. Plus, homemade meals are often healthier, so it’s a win-win.

10. Track Your Spending for 30 Days

For 30 days, I tracked every penny I spent, from groceries to impulse buys. It was eye-opening to see how much money was going toward non-essential items. By cutting out unnecessary expenses, I was able to save more each month and build up my travel fund faster.

11. Change Your Cell Phone Plan

One area where I was able to cut costs was by switching to a lower-cost cell phone plan. I realized I wasn’t using nearly as much data as I thought, so I downsized my plan and saved a considerable amount each month. Many carriers now offer affordable plans tailored to lower data usage, which is perfect if you’re often connected to Wi-Fi at home or work.

12. Grocery Shop Around What’s on Sale

Grocery shopping on a budget is another simple way to save money. I started planning my meals around what’s on sale and using BOGOs whenever possible. By being more strategic with my grocery shopping, I’ve been able to reduce my food costs and put that savings toward travel.

13. Look for Free Admission Days

When I’m traveling (or at home!), I always look for museums, parks, or attractions that offer free admission days. Many popular sites have certain days of the month or week when admission is free or discounted. I’ve visited some amazing places without spending a dime simply by planning my visit around these dates.

14. Stay at Hotels with Free Breakfast

Ok, this may not be a creative way to save money for travel, but it does save money when you are traveling. 

Having one meal covered each day can save you a lot of money over the course of a trip. When I book accommodations, I look for more than just price. Location, safety, and convenience matter too. Here’s how I choose hotels when traveling solo.

15. Utilize Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a fantastic way to save money. Whether you’re looking to sell items you no longer need or pick up travel essentials at a fraction of the cost, the marketplace can be a great resource. I’ve sold and even purchased furniture, electronics, and even travel gear.

16. Avoid Credit Card Interest

One of the most important financial habits I’ve adopted is paying off my credit card balance in full every month. This practice not only helps maintain good credit, but it also saves me a significant amount of money in interest. High-interest charges can add up quickly, eating into your travel budget.

17. Shop Around for Car Insurance

Car insurance rates can vary widely from company to company, so it pays to shop around. I review my car insurance policy annually and compare rates to see if I can find a better deal. Even small savings on your premiums can add up over time. Switching to a different provider or adjusting my coverage has saved me hundreds of dollars. I even took a safe driving course for seniors to get a reduction in my premium.

18. Hide Money from Yourself

Don’t let money burn a hole in your pocket. Start a separate travel savings account and set up an automatic transfer from your regular bank account or paycheck every month. If you don’t see the money, you’re less likely to spend it. Start small and slowly increase the amount each month. You won’t even miss the money!

19. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Take a hard look at your monthly subscriptions. Whether it’s for streaming services, magazines, apps, or memberships and cancel any that you’re not using. I realized I was paying for services I rarely used, so I canceled them and immediately saw the benefit in my budget.

20. Use Public Transportation

I don’t live in an area where I can do this but, if you live in an area with reliable public transportation, consider ditching your car or reducing your reliance on it. Cars are expensive to maintain. Between insurance, gas, and repairs, the costs add up quickly. By using public transportation, you can save a considerable amount of money and direct those savings toward travel.

21. Rent Out Your Home or Room

If you’re comfortable with the idea, renting out your place is a great way to offset your trip expenses. This can be a more permanent situation like getting a roommate. Or you could go the Airbnb route if you live in a desirable location.

22. Review Your Health Insurance Benefits

One surprising way I’ve saved money for travel is by reviewing my health insurance benefits. I discovered that I could earn points for completing certain tasks, like attending health checkups, participating in wellness programs, or going to health fairs. Those points could then be redeemed for gift cards, which I then used to purchase Christmas gifts.

23. Adjust the Thermostat

Another easy way to save money for travel is by adjusting the thermostat in your home. Lowering the heat slightly in winter and raising the temperature a few degrees in the summer reduced my energy bills significantly. These small adjustments add up over time. Plus, with smart thermostats, it’s easy to program temperature changes while I’m away to save even more.

24. Ride Your Bicycle

Instead of paying for a gym membership, I’ve started riding my bicycle more often and exercising at home. It’s a great way to stay in shape, get some fresh air, and save money.

25. High-Yield Savings Accounts and CDs

I’ve also maximized my savings by putting extra cash into high-yield savings accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs). These accounts offer better interest rates than standard savings accounts. By being strategic about where I keep my savings, I’m able to earn more interest and make my money work for me, which helps when it’s time to book flights or accommodations for my next trip.

And if you did want to sell your plasma?

You could actually make about $400 a month! This is legitimately a thing. There are many pros and cons to selling your plasma, so I encourage you to do some research to see if this is right for you.

Do you have other creative ways to save money for travel? Let me know in the comments below!