14 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Exploring a New City – Tried & Tested by Our Team and Readers!
Don’t miss our budget travel tips if you’re heading somewhere new!
The costs of your getaway may be interrupting the fun of a vacation! We’re sharing budget travel tips so you can save money while traveling.
Getting away is so much fun (until the costs start adding up). Regardless of where your travels take you, read on for these smart and easy ways to save money on activities, restaurants, transportation, and more, so you can enjoy your trip without limiting your experience!
Here are 21 ways to save money while traveling:
1. Be flexible with your travel dates as it could save you hundreds of dollars.
Always be conscious of what time of year or month you want to travel. Peak travel months can get extremely pricey for desirable destinations. Thankfully, Google Flights will show you the cheapest times to fly from numerous airlines.
This tip is super valuable because it even suggests which day of the month is the cheapest. One of our Hip readers shared how she used Google Flights to fly to Italy last September for just $400 roundtrip! 😱
If you can, try to find the cheapest time of the month you’re looking to travel and book for that timeframe.
2. Browse deals for hotels and flights on websites like Skyscanner & Hopper to potentially score deals like Shane’s $4 flight.
Websites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Skyscanner are some third-party websites that allow you to book flights and hotels through them instead of directly with an airline or resort. Sometimes, the prices are significantly lower than directly on the website itself, so be sure to check these out.
Hopper is also really helpful because it’ll tell you the best time to purchase a flight or hotel. I’m not sure how they do it, but in my experience, even if I don’t book with Hopper, I always use it to give me some insight on booking. The timing is almost always accurate, but be mindful that it doesn’t always include all airlines.
“I often use Hopper and even scored a $4 (yes, you read that right!) one-way flight during a huge sale they had!” – Shane, Hip Sidekick
3. Compare prices to low-cost airlines and bigger airlines depending on how you’re packing.
Low-cost airlines including Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier are great options when you’re flying solo or with friends who don’t mind getting creative with packing. Typically these airlines only allow you a personal item and there are fees for checked bags and carry-on bags. Even Jet Blue has been following a similar model recently.
“Layer-all-the-clothes” move to avoid extra bag fees—fashion? Questionable. But is it a budget win? Absolutely.
On the flip side, sometimes, airlines like Southwest or Delta include bags, seat selection, and snacks (yes, snacks!). So, before you book, compare prices with all those extras factored in—you might be surprised which option comes out cheaper.
“I’ve been booking with Frontier Airlines a lot lately and always opt to add their 1st tier ‘Perks’ package. It’s around $50, but it includes the cost of the seat plus both a carry-on and checked bag. It ends up being $10 more than a decent seat cost alone, which is usually $25-$40. And paying for a carry-on or checked bag alone is usually $40, so it’s really a no-brainer to bundle.” – Emily, Hip Sidekick
4. Try not to bring a carry-on and travel with your personal item instead.
There are a few low-cost airlines that charge a lot of money to bring a carry-on item and being able to fit your personal item under the seat in front of you is much more convenient.
This travel backpack is one of the best travel accessories that fits so much stuff
Hip Tip: If you’re carrying a purse and a backpack, be sure to tuck the purse into your backpack—having more than one item could get you hit with a gate fee!
5. Think about renting an Airbnb or VRBO instead of a hotel.
The more people you’re traveling with, the more it might make sense to look into booking an Airbnb or Vrbo. Plus, you’ll likely get way more space than a hotel room too. Our Hip Sidekick, Shane, found one in Phoenix, Arizona for just $30/night!
Be sure to research the neighborhood and read reviews before booking too. As a tip, Google Street View is a great tool to peek at the neighborhood.
Booking a rental with a kitchen will also help you save on the cost of food.
Hip Tip: Our cheap Airbnb rental post has lots of amazing way to save on your next stay!
6. Book with stays that offer free breakfast to save on food while traveling!
Meals can get expensive when traveling, so this is just another way to save money when traveling to a new city.
You’ll find that many hotels include breakfast and in very desirable destinations, you may even find some Airbnb’s include breakfast too! I recently stayed at an Airbnb in Santorini (where food is pricey) and it came with a daily 4 course breakfast and it was delivered to our room so we didn’t have to navigate through crowds. 🙌🏼
7. Choose to stay somewhere close to public transportation so you don’t have to rent a car.
Many hotels also offer complimentary airport shuttles to your destination and even popular tourist attractions which means you’ll save on a cab or a rental car during your trip.
When browsing on sites like Travelocity and Expedia, there’s usually a feature where you can filter the results to include these amenities.
8. Snag deals at restaurants, local attractions, entertainment, and more.
If you plan to check out highly-rated spots and attractions during your trip, places like Groupon and LivingSocial may have deals you can score so you can avoid paying full price!
Our Hip sidekick, Kelli, also uses a website called Roadside America to find quirky and inexpensive places whenever she travels to a new city.
9. Book a food tour when you arrive to get the low down on the best spots and save on overpriced places.
Booking a food tour early in your trip is a smart way to save money while exploring a new city. You’ll discover local favorites, hidden gems, and budget-friendly eats you might not find on your own. Plus, you’ll get a better sense of portion sizes and prices, helping you avoid overpriced tourist traps later. It’s like tasting your way through a city while gathering insider tips for affordable, delicious meals throughout your stay.
Use reputable travel sites like Viator, GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or ToursByLocals for highly rated food tours.
Check out these verified places kids eat free!
Our Hip sidekick, Madison, was previously a food tour guide and always uses this savings tool when traveling to a new city:
“A food tour is a great way to learn a LOT about a new city quickly. You’ll try a ton of different restaurants at a really good deal, and usually the tour guide gives you a booklet of coupons at the end for the places you tried out if you want to revisit! I’ve done this in Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, and more, and especially recommend a food tour when traveling as a couple.” – Madison
Don’t forget that food trucks can also be a frugal way to feed yourself while exploring a new city.
10. Enjoy free access to museums if you’re a Bank of America cardholder.
Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free access to a variety of museums on the first weekend of every month! There are 225 museums and institutions to visit, and you can find a full list of the museums state-by-state on their website.
11. Check out CityPASS for discounts in larger cities with lots of attractions.
CityPASS‘s awesome discount booklets include tickets to the best museums, zoos, and more — all for up to 50% off what you’d pay at the ticket booth! You can even plan out what you’d like to do during your stay by using their packages as an itinerary.
12. Opt for an alternative destination altogether that will be similar, but cheaper overall.
Choosing a travel destination similar to a popular hotspot but less expensive can stretch your vacation budget while offering a comparable experience. These alternatives often have fewer crowds, lower accommodation costs, and similar attractions. For example:
Consider some of these popular alternatives along with an estimate on how much more affordable your trip could potentially be:
North/South America:
- Instead of New York City, go to Philadelphia – Historic landmarks, arts, and dining for 20-30% less.
- Instead of Miami, USA, go to Tampa – Beaches and nightlife at about 25% less.
- Instead of Los Angeles, go to San Diego – Coastal vibes and attractions at 20-30% less.
- Instead of Cancun, Mexico, go to Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Beaches and resorts with 30% savings.
Europe:
- Instead of Santorini, Greece, go to Paros, Milos, or Naxos, Greece – Similar Cycladic charm at 30-40% less.
- Instead of Rome, Italy, go to Bologna, Italy – Historic sites, amazing food, 25% cheaper.
- Instead of Paris, France, go to Lyon, France – French culture and cuisine at about 30% less.
- Instead of Venice, Italy, go to Annecy, France – Canals and old-world charm at 40% lower costs.
Asia:
- Instead of Bali, Indonesia, go to Lombok, Indonesia – Tropical paradise with fewer crowds at half the cost.
- Instead of Phuket, Thailand, go to Koh Lanta, Thailand – Beautiful beaches at 30% less.
- Instead of Tokyo, Japan, go to Osaka, Japan – Vibrant city life, street food, and culture at a lower price.
Australia & Oceania:
- Instead of Sydney, Australia, go to Brisbane, Australia – Urban beaches, culture, and dining at 20-25% less.
- Instead of Queenstown, New Zealand, go to Wanaka, New Zealand – Adventure and stunning landscapes at a lower cost.
13. Consider renting a car with Turo to save even more than when you book through Costco.
Turo offers lower prices since private owners set rates, while traditional rental companies charge higher fees due to corporate overhead and mandatory add-ons. It’s also more convenient, with flexible pick-up and drop-off options, including delivery to airports or hotels, unlike traditional rentals that require visits to rental offices and long waits.
Additionally, you’ll find a wider selection with Turo, from economy cars to luxury and specialty models, compared to the standard sedans and SUVs found in typical rental company fleets.
“We have used Turo the last several times we’ve traveled, and it has been great! We haven’t had any issues at all, and it has been a decent bit cheaper than booking through Costco. Highly recommend it!” – Cindy, Hip reader
14. Be mindful of how you’re paying overseas so you don’t pay unnecessary foreign transaction fees.
Using a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you 1-3% on every purchase made abroad. Look for cards that offer travel rewards, cash back, or points on purchases like dining and transportation.
Additionally, use ATMs affiliated with your bank to avoid hefty withdrawal fees and choose to pay in the local currency when using credit cards to get the best exchange rate. Before your trip, notify your bank about your travel dates to prevent unexpected card freezes due to suspicious activity. These small steps can add up to significant savings over the course of your trip.
Learn how to get cheap flights using our pro tips.
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