Travel
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Book domestic flights approximately two months in advance.
Studies suggest prices are often lowest around this time, with some data pointing to 47-57 days out as the bottom.
- Some sources suggest buying about 3 months in advance or six weeks out.
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Reserve airfare right away and cancel within a day if plans change to get your money back without fees.
Airlines often allow free cancellations for the first 24 hours.
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Call your bank or credit card company before traveling to inform them of your destination.
Banks may freeze accounts or block cards if they see transactions in a new location and suspect theft.
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Select a debit card or bank account, like Schwab, that refunds global ATM fees.
Certain banks waive foreign exchange transaction fees and refund all ATM charges monthly.
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Use budget bus services for cheap long-distance travel.
One person reported a safe round-trip ride from Detroit to Chicago for $10.50 total.
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third-party, airlines, flights, directly39
Compare flight prices from alternative nearby airports to potentially save money.
Print your boarding pass at home when flying ultra-low-cost carriers.
Printing at the airport incurs a $10 fee.
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Consider driving or staying home instead of flying if costs are high.
Driving or staying home can be cheaper than flying.
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Fly at less popular times, such as red-eye flights or early morning departures.
These times are usually cheapest.
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Check the actual airline's website for the final price after finding a deal on an aggregator.
Aggregators may include fees upfront while airline sites add them later; the airline site could sometimes be cheaper.
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- After finding a deal on an aggregate site, book directly with the airline to avoid commissions and potentially pay less.1
- Check third-party sites like Agoda for deals that may be cheaper than direct booking, even after accounting for booking fees.1
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Understand that airlines are more likely to bump passengers who paid less when overbooking flights.
Airlines prefer to refund those who paid less.
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Apply for TSA Precheck for free if you are a military member.
Many military members do not know they get it for free.
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Avoid booking flights on foreign domains if you are not a citizen of that country.
You may be stopped at the counter and charged penalty fees.
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Travel with only a carry-on bag to avoid luggage fees.
Budget airlines charge high fees for checked bags, and methods like hidden-city ticketing do not work if you check a bag.
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Board early if traveling with hand luggage only to ensure overhead bin space is available before it runs out.
Late boarders often find no space and are forced to check their bags.
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Carry only a backpack to help with walking and avoid trouble navigating airports, buses, and taxis with large luggage.
There is lots of walking and large bags cause trouble in transit.
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Book directly with hotels rather than through third parties to simplify cancellations and changes.
Hotels view third-party bookings as belonging to the website, not the guest, and may refuse to assist with modifications.
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- Book directly with airlines and hotel chains to avoid complications during mass cancellations or disputes.1
Plan bus connections with significant time buffers because buses may not be on time.
Buses often run late.
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Call the airline directly to ask if they can beat the price found online.
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Be genuinely nice and friendly to airline and hotel staff.
Employees are often dealing with a hectic day of difficult clients.
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Read wikis and search forums on Flyertalk before asking questions.
It can be a harsh place for beginners.
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Compare flight costs against parking fees; consider ground transport to nearby airports if parking is expensive.
It can be cheaper to pay slightly more for a closer flight and use bus/train/cab than to pay for overpriced airport parking.
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Avoid traveling on prime holiday days to save money.
This option is not cheap compared to other strategies.
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Spend money early on travel reservations to force yourself to enjoy the trip rather than cutting costs on every corner.
Paying upfront helps you focus on enjoying the ride instead of worrying about expenses during the trip.
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Uncheck hidden boxes for proposed currency exchange rates when booking flights with airlines like Ryanair.
Accepting the airline's proposed exchange rate can result in paying an additional percentage on your flight cost.
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Ask the gate agent to reassign you to a better seat in the same class, such as an aisle or emergency exit row, for free if it is still available.
Airlines often charge extra to reserve these premium seats, but agents may waive the fee if the seat is unassigned.
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Travel in November to take advantage of cheaper flights and hotels.
Most people save their leave for December holidays, reducing demand in November.
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Read the fine print on third-party travel insurance plans before purchasing.
Plans only cover refunds for very specific reasons and may exclude events like pandemics.
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Use hotel search sites to identify options and price ranges, then book directly on the hotel's website.
The price is usually the same as on third-party sites.
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Begin monitoring flight prices months ahead and check daily, since rates shift frequently.
- Buying two weeks out may sometimes yield a better deal than three or four weeks out.
- Some deals are not available until August or September.
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Do not delay travel plans, as people often go too late to fully explore destinations.
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Ask for a free upgrade when booking directly with the hotel.
Direct bookings increase the likelihood of receiving an upgrade.
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Compare flight prices from alternative nearby airports to potentially save money.
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Be prepared for potential financial loss or delays if resorts included in Groupon travel deals go bankrupt.
- One person reported an 8-month delay in getting money back after a resort went broke.
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Use credit card benefits, such as the Amex Platinum or certain airline cards, to gain free or discounted access to airport lounges.
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Do not inform airlines that you are using throwaway ticketing.
Airlines dislike this practice, even though it is not illegal.
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If you cancel a reservation through a third-party site, be prepared to pay their cancellation fee even if the hotel waives it.
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Buy separate tickets for multi-leg international trips to potentially save money.
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Initiate a credit card chargeback if a third-party booking site fails to deliver service and refuses a refund.
It is considered a legitimate chargeback scenario.
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Verify bed types carefully when booking through third parties, as specific arrangements may not be guaranteed.
Third parties may specify that bed numbers cannot be guaranteed, leading to unavailable room types.
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Check your tire pressure regularly.
Tire pressure is extremely important for safety and efficiency.
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Join free hotel loyalty programs to access member-only discounts and priority for room assignments during overbooking.
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card, cash, bank, atms27
Steer clear of Euronet ATMs completely.
Pay with a credit card as much as possible instead of exchanging money for cash.
Credit cards usually offer better foreign exchange rates than cash and are safer to carry.
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- Pay in cash whenever possible, especially in regions where it is more widely accepted than debit cards.1
Make fewer, larger withdrawals from reliable ATMs to cut down on per-transaction fees.
Reducing the number of transactions avoids accumulating 'per transaction' charges.
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- Use ATMs for cash withdrawals instead of carrying large amounts of currency, provided your credit card does not have high fees.1
Keep around 100 EUR in cash on hand while traveling in Europe.
More is rarely needed, even in places like Spain.
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Bring a credit card with enough funds to cover incidentals even if you plan to pay for the room with cash.
Hotels require an insured way to charge you and will not let you stay without it.
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- Be aware that some travel agents and hotels may require credit cards for reservations even if you intend to pay cash later.1
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Pay using local currency when abroad to sidestep unfavorable exchange rates imposed by vendors or ATMs.
Merchants and ATMs frequently apply poor rates, while your bank typically converts at the day's accurate rate, which is usually cheaper.
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- Use local ATMs in foreign countries for the cheapest cash withdrawals.1
- Withdraw money from ATMs rather than exchanging cash at banks to get better rates.1
Withdraw cash from ATMs inside bank branches rather than random street machines to avoid higher charges.
Random ATMs, such as those in bars, reap more charges.
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Steer clear of Euronet ATMs completely.
These machines are considered scams due to excessive fees and poor conversion rates.
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Bring several different bank cards when traveling.
If one card is eaten by an ATM machine, having a backup ensures you still have access to funds.
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Order foreign currency from your bank about a week before traveling instead of using airport kiosks.
Banks might order the needed currency for little or no fee, which is cheaper than exchange kiosks.
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Use Multibanco ATMs in Portugal for cash withdrawals.
The network is reputable and does not impose high fees.
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Check your credit card terms for foreign transaction fees before deciding whether to use a merchant's currency converter or your bank's.
Some cards have high foreign transaction fees that can exceed the merchant's conversion fee.
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Compare the merchant's exchange rate against your bank's actual buy/sell rates rather than the mid-market rate shown on search engines.
Search engines show a 'mid' rate, which is not the rate at which financial services companies buy or sell currency.
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Check the UK version of airline websites for potential savings, even after accounting for foreign transaction fees.
One person saved money despite fees.
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Check if your destination has a departure tax and carry cash specifically for it.
Credit card payments may incur cash advance fees.
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Jiggle the card slot before inserting your card.
To check for tampering or skimming devices.
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Be prepared for cash requirements in Germany and other countries.
Germany is problematic for cashless payments, and many shops have minimum thresholds for card payments.
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Save every receipt from ATM withdrawals while abroad.
Receipts allow you to pinpoint which specific ATM was used for fraudulent transactions and prove your physical location at the time.
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Carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup in case your primary card is declined abroad.
Some merchants decline certain cards (like Amex) due to fees, even if their terminals technically accept them.
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Manually compare the amount PayPal suggests versus what is actually withdrawn by your bank to determine which method is cheaper.
PayPal usually charges a currency conversion fee that depends on the target currency.
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Use other global chains to spend leftover foreign currency if they offer similar options.
Other shops may accept foreign currency and give back change in the local currency, providing a useful alternative to exchange kiosks.
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Use ATMs located inside post offices abroad.
They are typically less used by tourists and considered safer.
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Avoid using traveler's checks, as they are rarely accepted outside of major tourist areas.
Acceptance is limited primarily to 'the deepest of tourist traps.'
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accommodation, stay, saves, hostels28
Stay off the main tourist strip to save money on accommodation and buffet meals.
Buy groceries and cook in hotel rooms equipped with fridges and hot plates instead of eating out while traveling.
One person spent only $50 for three people for a week on food using this approach.
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- Book accommodations with kitchens instead of hotels to cook breakfast and lunch.1
Speak with and vet hosts before using Couchsurfing to ensure comfort.
One person felt comfortable after doing so.
- Be careful and read reviews.
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Bring a blender or toaster oven to hotels to make your own drinks and breakfast.
Making frozen daiquiris with your own supplies pays for itself compared to hotel pool bar charges.
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Avoid rest stops when sleeping outdoors in bushes or sheltered spots due to potentially unsafe crowds.
Rest stops may have people you would not want to sleep near.
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Stay off the main tourist strip to save money on accommodation and buffet meals.
Off-strip buffets are cheaper.
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Cook your own meals in hostel kitchens when staying at hostels.
Saves a significant amount of money.
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Stay in hostels instead of hotels when traveling to reduce accommodation costs.
Hostels cost a fraction of regular hotel rooms; you may even get a private room during off-seasons.
- Requires willingness to share a room with others.
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Book only the first few nights of accommodation online, then ask locals for cheaper off-internet rentals after arriving.
Local-owned places not listed online can cost half as much as hostels.
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Choose mid-tier chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Fairfield, or Hampton Inn over high-end hotels.
Mid-tier chains are more likely to include breakfast and WiFi, whereas high-end hotels often charge for WiFi.
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Always eat where you plan to use the restroom, as public bathrooms are hard to find and often cost money.
Public restrooms are scarce and frequently charge fees.
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If staying outside the city to save on hotel costs, calculate whether rental car and parking fees offset those savings.
Parking and rental car costs can negate the money saved on a cheaper hotel.
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Spend like a local rather than a tourist to extend your budget in Japan.
Spending like a Westerner can lead to running out of money quickly, whereas spending like a Japanese person allows a little money to go a long way.
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Consider staying at nunneries or Mennonite guesthouses for low-cost, safe lodging.
They offer warm places to stay at very low rates.
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Collect pens from hotels.
They are useful, usually decent, free, and small.
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Camp by buying a tent locally and leaving it behind to save on accommodation.
Allows for cheap travel.
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Buy ceramic mugs at thrift stores while traveling to use in hotel rooms for coffee and tea.
It is less expensive than buying beverages from vendors and nicer than drinking from provided cups.
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If the price difference is small, focus on convenience and safety over extreme savings for short stays.
Convenience and reasonable safety are worth it, especially if breakfasts are decent.
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Walk everywhere or rent bikes to avoid paying for taxis or buses.
Saves on transportation costs.
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Stay in Japanese hostels for clean, private, and affordable accommodation.
One user found them very clean with decent amenities like laundry, lockers, showers, and sometimes kitchens, at rates between 1500-2500 yen per night.
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Use penny-pressing machines to create unique, super cheap keepsakes.
They provide a unique memento at a low cost.
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Use websites that map free campsites worldwide to reduce lodging costs.
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Walk to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes instead of taking the train.
Traveling to Machu Picchu can be expensive.
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Travel with a partner or friend who also saves money to split accommodation costs.
It makes accommodation cheaper and leaves extra money.
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Ask for tap water instead of accepting carbonated water to avoid paying for refills.
Most places serve carbonated water by default and refills are not free.
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Stay at cheap motels or campgrounds instead of rentals that require you to act as housekeeping staff.
To avoid extra charges for cleaning responsibilities.
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Create a detailed profile and tailor your housing requests to the specific host's interests.
Increases acceptance rates.
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Walk into motels to negotiate rates that are often lower than online prices.
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people, avoid13
In Los Angeles, avoid the 'Chinese blessing scam' where sellers claim you must keep a relic sealed for a week.
The relic is switched during the ceremony while it is sealed.
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In Boston, refuse bracelets or trinkets offered by people claiming to be 'Tibetan Monks'.
Accepting the item leads to a request for a signature and a demand for a $20 donation.
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Walk away from English-speaking areas in foreign countries to find stores owned by immigrants selling identical souvenirs for a fraction of the price.
Stores further from tourist centers sell the same items for a quarter of the price.
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Search YouTube for local scams in any country you plan to visit.
There are many videos available that warn people about specific local scams.
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Hide cash in various locations rather than keeping it all in one place.
To avoid losing everything if mugged.
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Consider Bolivia as a cheaper travel alternative to Peru.
It is less expensive and features spectacular landscapes like salt flats.
- Dress warmly.
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Do not buy souvenirs for people back home.
It is unnecessary; do not feel guilty about it.
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Shop at local open-air or flea markets for cheap, authentic finds.
One person reported rarely being led astray and finding great things there.
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Disregard urgency messages like 'only X seats left' as they are typically misleading sales tactics.
These messages are designed to pressure buyers rather than reflect true availability.
- Actual availability in a specific booking class can sometimes be verified through specialized tools.
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Keep cash and cards separated; after experiencing pickpocketing, one approach is to carry only minimal money and cards in a front pocket.
Getting pickpocketed taught me to avoid keeping all money in one place.
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Do not rely on BBB ratings to judge travel agencies.
The BBB is considered a questionable organization that does not mean anything.
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Play low-stakes slot machines to earn complimentary drinks and tip waitstaff periodically to maintain service.
Gambling activity generates free drink credits, and tipping ensures consistent refills.
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Discreetly ask store employees for directions rather than looking lost or asking random pedestrians.
Store employees are practiced in answering questions.
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items, food, eat8
Eat a substantial meal before going to the airport.
Airport food in Europe is expensive.
- Based on experience in European airports.
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Shop at local grocery stores and bakeries for meals instead of restaurants.
It is very cheap and allows you to try local cheeses and baked goods.
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When traveling to cold climates from a warm one, buy second-hand clothing at local thrift stores.
Items are often higher quality, cheaper than malls, save packing space, and support local charities.
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Transition from a high-paying job to part-time remote consulting to support a low-budget travel lifestyle.
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Buy discounted food from supermarkets in Japan after 7 or 8 PM.
Supermarkets start discounting items like bentos and pastries during these hours.
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Pack shelf-stable snacks like protein bars, nuts, or instant oatmeal for international trips.
This helps avoid buying expensive food abroad and items won't get confiscated.
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Eat mostly fruits, vegetables, and rice to reduce food costs and refrigeration needs.
These items do not need to be refrigerated.
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Eat dried sausage and cheese, which are energy-dense foods traditionally eaten by migrating shepherds.
They are energy dense.
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