7 Overlooked Ways to Reduce Travel-Related Costs (Without Sacrificing Quality)

*Collaborative Post

Travelling has always been a popular pastime, but arguably never more than right now. According to one study, 66% of people are more interested in travelling now than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, while another report from Condor Ferries found that 64% of Millennials were planning to cut spending in other ways so that they could give their travel budget a boost.

So yes, travel is in. The problem? While travel might be more popular than ever, it’s also more expensive than ever.

As such, many people believe that they have to choose between not going away at all or travelling and causing damage to their bank account. But are they really the only options? We don’t think so. There are plenty of ways for travellers to keep their travel-related costs as low as possible without having to sacrifice quality. In fact, in many cases, these cost-saving measures can actually lead to a trip that’s even more enjoyable. 

In this post, we’ll run through some of our favourite ways to keep travel costs down while also ensuring that you live life to the fullest while on your trip. 

Book a Flight at a Reasonable Time

Our first tip is to recommend that you actually spend…more money? Yes it is. Hear us out. Many people opt for the cheapest flight they can find, even if it departs at a horribly early hour or involves multiple layovers and takes much longer than if it were a direct flight.

We say that you should just become a direct flight that departs at a reasonable time. Why? Because while it can seem like you’re saving money by departing at 3 am, you’ll only end up spending more money on other things, such as coffee/food at the airport, both before your initial flight departs and during layovers.

And the worst part? You won’t even be having a good time. Paying the extra for the good flight will have basically the same impact on your wallet, and you’ll arrive at your destination in a good mood. 

Limit Your Airport Costs

Airports can be as affordable or as expensive as you want them to be. First of all, choose how you’ll get there. Unless you have fast and affordable public transport from your home to the airport, then you’ll be better off driving, which is much less stressful than trying to navigate trains and buses with heavy suitcases. Many people avoid driving to the airport because of how much they assume the parking charges will be, but services like Parking Up can help to keep costs down — in some cases, saving as much as 60% when you prebook. Beyond that, it’s all about navigating the airport without spending too much cash before your flight departs. Eating a big meal at home beforehand and carrying a water bottle will ensure that the basics have been taken care of. From that, it’s all about avoiding the temptation to splurge on holiday treats. 

Select Accommodation Wisely 

Accommodation can be a bit like flights; many people choose the most affordable option, failing to realise what the true cost of their decision may be. You’ll save money if you stay at a hotel located far from the action, but you’ll only be likely to end up spending more money than you’d like on taxis and public transport to the places that you want to go. Opt for somewhere central; even if it’s slightly more expensive, it’ll be worth it.

Another tip? If possible, book yourself accommodation that comes with a kitchen. You can save a lot of money by giving yourself the option to prepare breakfast and light meals yourself, rather than having to eat every meal out.

Understand Where the Tourist Hotspots are Located 

All major destinations have tourist hotspots that are mostly filled with visitors, not locals. While it can be nice and recommended to visit those places (tourists visit for a reason), it’s best to at least understand that you are in a tourist hotspot. Those areas tend to have prices that can run twice (or more) as expensive as other parts of the city, often for food and drinks that are inferior in quality. 

Get a sense of where the tourist traps are, and avoid eating/drinking there. You’ll likely get a better, more affordable meal by walking five minutes in any direction until you’re in a non-tourist zone.

Look for Discounted (Or Even Free) Entry to Attractions

After flights, accommodation, and food, it’s usually visiting attractions that put the biggest dent in the traveller’s wallet. There are a few handy ways to keep these costs down. First, look for discounted or even free entry. Many paid museums, art galleries, and other attractions offer discounted or free entry during select days/times. It’s also recommended to book online before you visit — this is usually cheaper, plus it gives the added benefit of not having to queue up to get tickets once you arrive. 

Consider Visiting During Shoulder/Off Seasons

Visiting a destination during the quieter periods of the year is a great way to save money on flights and hotels, and you’ll also likely find far fewer crowds. In some cases, visiting during the off-season can even be better than during the peak period, especially for year-round destinations like Las Vegas. Just be sure you understand what off-season means for the destination before you visit — it’s not so fun to arrive and realise that all the attractions are closed! 

Do What You Want To Do 

Finally, an underrated way to keep costs down: do what you want to do, not what you think you should do. There may be some attractions and experiences that every tourist must do when they’re visiting a destination, but their number will be few, if they exist at all. If you don’t like art, then it doesn’t make all that much sense to spend 20 dollars/euros/pounds to visit an art gallery, no matter how impressive it might be. You’ll have a better time simply doing the things that you want to do.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.