19 Best Travel Tips That’ll Save You Money (& Stress)

Did you know that over 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded globally^{1https://www.unwto.org/international-tourism-growth-continues-to-outpace-the-economy} in a single year?

Travel is more than a leisure activity; it’s a global phenomenon.

Whether you’re going solo, budget traveling, or on a business trip, we’ll explore a variety of travel tips designed to enhance your adventures. We’ve covered you, from packing hacks to safety precautions, budget-friendly strategies, and business travel insights!

Planning Tips

In the Planning section of our travel guide, we’ll lay the groundwork for an unforgettable journey, covering everything from selecting your destination to finalizing your itinerary. Let’s dive into crafting a travel plan that’s not only efficient but also exciting!

Buy Tickets Like a Pro

Finding cheap flights can feel like uncovering hidden treasure, and with a few insider tricks, you can master it. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you snag those budget-friendly deals:

• Best Time to Buy Tickets: According to various studies, including one by CheapAir, booking your flight about 1-3 months in advance for domestic and 2-8 months for international travel often leads to the best deals. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
• Use Flight Comparison Tools: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are excellent for comparing flight prices across multiple airlines. They also offer features like fare alerts and price trend tracking.
• Consider Nearby Airports: Don’t just focus on major airports. Checking fares for nearby alternative airports can yield significantly cheaper options. You can even find another new city to fly to for cheap if you’re lucky!
• Flexibility Is Key: Being flexible with travel dates can save you a lot. Flight prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and upcoming holidays.
• Incognito Mode for Searching: Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to avoid dynamic pricing increases based on your search history. (Yes, it’s shady, but websites like to jack up prices for FOMO!)
• Utilize Airline Points and Miles: Sign up for airline rewards programs and use credit cards that offer travel points to save on future flights.
• Subscribe to Airline Newsletters and Deal Alert Services: Airlines often announce special deals to newsletter subscribers. Services like Scott’s Cheap Flights and The Flight Deal can alert you to amazing discounts.
• Avoid Peak Travel Times: Flying during peak seasons like major holidays can be more expensive. Plan your travel during off-peak times for lower fares.

Travel is awesome, but it’s often the people you meet that matter the most! That’s why we made this resource, especially for travelers like you:

Plan Using Themes, Not Locations

Need help with where to go? There may be too many places, or they’re all spread out. The next time you plan, try picking different themes! Here are a few examples:

• Culinary Delights Theme:
  • Research famous local dishes and must-visit restaurants using resources like Eater for global food hotspots.
  • Plan a day around a cooking class or a food tour. Websites like Cookly offer a wide range of cooking classes worldwide.
• Historical Hotspots Theme:
  • Use Atlas Obscura to find unique historical sites off the beaten path.
  • Schedule visits to major historical landmarks, and consider guided tours for in-depth insights.
• Nature Escapes Theme:
  • Explore nature trails, parks, and reserves using AllTrails, which provides detailed information on hiking routes.
  • Plan a day for activities like bird watching, guided nature walks, or eco-tours.

Organizing your itinerary around these themes makes each day a focused adventure instead of a wandering mess.

Pack With Cubes

You can pack everything you need by stuffing them into your luggage. That works (usually). But if you want to be extra efficient?

Start by investing in a set of quality packing cubes. They come in various sizes and are perfect for compartmentalizing different items.

For clothes, roll them before placing them in the cubes. This method saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Designate different cubes for different types of clothing: one for tops, another for bottoms, and a smaller one for underwear and socks.

But here’s the game-changer: Use a cube for your travel essentials: items you need easy access to during your journey, like chargers, travel adapters, a small toiletry bag, and important documents. This cube should go on top or in an easily accessible part of your suitcase.

Add a layer of versatility by including a foldable duffel bag inside your luggage. It’s perfect for bringing home souvenirs or if you end up with more than you started.

For toiletries, opt for travel-sized containers and a waterproof toiletry bag (and make sure the liquids on your carry-on are under 100mL for most airlines). This not only saves space but also keeps your belongings safe from spills.

Lastly, always leave extra space in your luggage for items you might acquire during your travels. Overpacking is a common pitfall. Remember, less is often more when it comes to travel especially if you plan on buying souvenirs or other neat gifts!

Co-work With The Global Workplace Strategy

Here’s a unique, actionable tip for the professional business traveler: Embrace the “Global Workspace” strategy. This involves leveraging co-working spaces in your destination city for work and networking.

Here’s how to make it happen:

• Research Co-Working Spaces: Research co-working spaces in your destination city before your trip. This might be a WeWork space or even a local digital nomad cafe. Look for spaces that cater to your industry or have a vibrant community of professionals.
• Network and Collaborate: Use this opportunity to network with local professionals and other international business travelers. Even a simple smile and “hello” can go a long way! Co-working spaces often host events, workshops, and social gatherings–perfect for expanding your professional network and gaining local insights.
• Blend Work and Culture: Choose a co-working space reflecting local culture and vibe. In Vietnam? Motorbike to your local coffee hut. In a major city like Barcelona? Head to your local cafe by the sea.
• Share Your Experience: Post about your new space on LinkedIn or other professional networks. This is a GREAT conversation starter, especially for like-minded travelers!

This tip not only solves the dilemma of finding a productive workspace while traveling. Remember that you 100% do NOT have to spend a ton of money on a nice co-working space. Just see where the locals go or hit up Google Reviews to find where other travelers are headed!

Book Your Accommodation (Smartly!)

Securing the perfect accommodation can make or break your travel experience. Here’s a list of tips to help you find the best stay options without breaking the bank:

• Early Booking and Last-Minute Deals: Booking in advance often secures the best rates. However, if you’re flexible, last-minute bookings can also yield great discounts. Websites like HotelTonight specialize in last-minute deals.
• Use Reliable Booking Sites: Platforms like Booking.com and Expedia offer many options and often feature special deals or rewards programs.
• Consider Alternative Accommodations: Apart from hotels, consider rentals through Airbnb or budget-friendly hostels via sites like Hostelworld. These can offer more unique and affordable stays.
• Check Location vs. Price: Sometimes, staying further from major tourist attractions can save money. Ensure good public transport links to balance cost and convenience.
• Read Reviews: Before booking, read reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, safety, and proximity to amenities.
• Loyalty Programs: If you frequently travel, joining a hotel’s loyalty program can offer long-term benefits like free nights, upgrades, and other perks.
• Contact the Accommodation Directly: Sometimes, booking directly can be cheaper than through third-party sites. It also makes it easier to request specific room preferences.
• Consider Off-Season Travel: Accommodation prices can drop significantly during off-peak times. Enjoy reduced rates and fewer crowds by traveling outside of high seasons.
• Kitchen Facilities: Booking a place with a kitchen can save money on meals. Even simple breakfasts or packed lunches from your kitchen can reduce travel costs.
• Safety First: Prioritize accommodation with good safety records for solo and female travelers. Check for 24-hour reception and read up on the neighborhood’s safety profile.

Live Like a Local

For a truly immersive travel experience, dedicate a day in your itinerary to living like a local. This “Local Insider” Day Plan helps you see travel from a resident’s perspective.

Here’s the twist: Before your trip, connect with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing or Meetup, where you can find community events or local hosts willing to share their insights. Please plan to spend a day with them or follow their recommendations. Whether visiting a neighborhood café, a local market, or a community event, this approach offers an authentic slice of daily life.

Additionally, apps like Spotted by Locals, provide city guides curated by residents, giving you insider tips on the best local hangouts, eateries, and hidden gems that aren’t on the typical tourist trail.

By the end of this day, you’ll have enriched your travel experience with genuine connections and memories often missed in conventional sightseeing.

Flight Tips

Whether it’s mastering the art of quickly navigating airport security, sharing armrests like a pro, or discovering tricks to make your time in the sky more comfortable, we’ve covered you below.

Speak So Agents Will Listen

Let’s start right from the beginning of your travel experience. You have to think of counter agents and ticketing agents like the gatekeepers. Most people stomp to the counter, throw their bags at the agents, and puff when their flight is delayed.

Your ticketing agent has nothing to do with your late flight, an oversold plane, or a lost bag. However they have A LOT to do with free upgrades, rebooking seats and bag surcharges.

Use the friendly three: use their name, ask how they are doing, and thank them.

Set yourself apart from the crowd by engaging agents in a personal way. Try one of our killer conversation starters other than “How’s the weather?”

Bonus Tip: Add a smile (and not the fake kind). As humans, we naturally mirror others’ facial expressions meaning that when we see an angry face, we make an angry face or when we see a smile, we smile too. Smiling at an agent upon approach will cause their facial muscles to react similarly and foster happiness–leading to a more pleasant interaction (and maybe even a flight upgrade or perk!)

Don’t Get Picked Out of Line by Airport Security

Do you want extra security checks? Do you want to be placed in the slower line? Do you want your bags to be searched?

No! Make the TSA agents’ jobs easier (if they are in the USA).

Here’s how: TSA agents are trained to look for terrorist behavior, which can get you pulled out of line for extra checking. Suspicious behavior is people looking down, having stiff upper body movement, and making little eye contact with agents. You should do the opposite (luckily, this is also friendly).

Look up and around when moving through the lines—approach with your head up and with a smile. Make friendly eye contact as much as possible with agents.

Make Sure No One Cuts You in Line

A dance happens while waiting for your boarding group or entering the bathroom. The most important thing to remember is to use assertive body language. Wishy-washy waiting confuses people.

Never timidly approach a line or “half-wait” along the side. That’s not waiting; that’s confusing people. Always claim your spot with 2 feet on the ground, with your body angled towards the endpoint, and, if possible, place your bag next to you to claim horizontal space.

This type of assertive body language makes it less likely that you’ll be cut in line, jostled, or pushed by other waiting passengers. Fight the urge to “get small” (think rolled shoulders, narrow stance), and keep your shoulders and stance wide instead.

Claim Your Seat Space

On a plane, you have two precious space areas–your armrest and your foot space. Three if you count baggage storage. But I want to focus on the body language cues of claiming your seat space. This is a multi-level approach.

• Level 1: Sit with both feet on the floor to claim the foot area. Gently place your elbows on the armrest–don’t be a hog. Take up the back or front. Don’t over-claim or you will get into an elbow war.
• Level 2: If you have a hog, gently tap their arm with your elbow, either in the front or back of the armrest. Not the middle. This is a signal to share. You can do the same with your knee if they are sprawling.
• Level 3: Do NOT use your body if they are not sharing. Pressing your leg against theirs or jabbing them with your elbow will not work. It will just make them claim harder. Level 3 reminds them of their humanity. Say in the nicest possible voice, “Excuse me, may I have a turn on the armrest?” It works.

Make Friends Who Fly

The flight attendants are angels and can make your flight so much better. Plus they have a hard job so help them out. I always say hello to them with a smile and thank them when they serve me.

When you go to the bathroom, chit-chat and ask them if they have a long travel day. When they serve your drink or take your trash, say thank you! Sure, they might give you extra pretzels, but this is a way to fly during the holiday season.

What should I say? Check out our guide on great conversations.

Local Transportation and Cultural Tips

Let’s move on! We aim to guide you smoothly and respectfully through your destinations, ensuring you reach your spots efficiently and connect meaningfully with the culture and people. 

Become a Transit Master

with the right tools and strategies, it becomes an opportunity to explore like a local, no matter where you are. Here are some universally helpful tips:

• Research Local Transportation Options Beforehand: Familiarize yourself with the standard modes of transport in your destination. Whether it’s tuk-tuks in Thailand, the Metro in Paris, or buses in Brazil, a little research goes a long way.
• Use Versatile Transit Apps: Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps offer comprehensive transit options in numerous cities worldwide. They provide routes, estimated travel times, and sometimes fare information.
• Download Offline Maps: Internet access can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline access to maps and transit routes. Apps like Maps.Me and Google Maps’ offline features are invaluable.
• Learn Key Phrases in the Local Language: Knowing how to ask for directions, ticket prices, and basic greetings can enhance your experience. Language apps like Duolingo or Google Translate can be beneficial.
• Carry Small Change for Fares: Many places require exact fares for buses or other public transport. Having small denominations in the local currency is always handy.
• Look into Multi-Use Transit Passes: Many cities offer day or week passes that provide unlimited travel within a certain period. These can be cost-effective and convenient.
• Stay Updated on Local Travel Advisories: Websites like Travel.State.Gov provide travelers with updated safety information and advisories.
• Embrace Public Transport as a Cultural Experience: Local transportation is not just a means to get around; it’s a way to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals.

With these general tips, you can confidently navigate the transportation systems of virtually any destination, adding efficiency and authenticity to your travel experiences.

Embrace Cultural Etiquette

Understanding cultural etiquette is key to an enriched and respectful global travel experience. Here’s a restructured guide to help you seamlessly navigate the customs of your destinations:

• Pre-Travel Cultural Homework: Dive into understanding the cultural dos and don’ts before your journey. Resources like Culture Crossing Guide offer insights into various cultural norms.
• Language Essentials: Pick up basic greetings and polite phrases in the local language using tools like Duolingo or Google Translate. A simple “thank you” or “hello” can open doors to heartfelt interactions.
• Adapting to Local Traditions: From bowing in Japan to the Namaste in India, observe local greetings and reciprocate respectfully. Being adaptable in your interactions showcases your respect for local customs.
• Dressing with Respect: Especially important for religious sites, dressing appropriately signifies reverence. Research the local dress codes to blend in respectfully.
• Body Language Awareness: Non-verbal communication varies widely across cultures. Be observant and sensitive to practices like eye contact and physical greetings and check out our guide on body language.
• Dining Etiquette Mastery: Each culture has unique dining traditions. Whether using chopsticks in China or eating with your hands in Ethiopia, mirroring local dining etiquette is a form of cultural appreciation. Want more dining tips?
• Photography Etiquette: When capturing moments, especially of locals or sacred sites, always ask for permission first. This small act of consideration can make a big difference.
• Legal and Traditional Compliance: Stay informed about local laws and traditions to avoid unintentional offense or legal troubles.
• Beyond Stereotypes: Approach each culture with an open mind, ready to learn and dispel preconceived notions.

Incorporating these practices into your travel routines demonstrates respect for the cultures you visit and greatly enriches your travel experience, leading to more authentic and memorable adventures.

Ask People For Directions (Instead of Googling)

Google Maps has made it easy for anyone to get from Point A to Point B without mishap (for the most part!). But that comes with a cost!

Let me share a travel experience that reshaped my perspective on cultural immersion. On a solo trip to Italy, I decided to ditch the typical tourist transit options and take on what I called the “Local Commuter Challenge.” The goal was simple yet fun: navigate the city as the locals do, entirely using public transportation.

One sunny morning in Rome, armed with just a transit map and my bad Italian, I hopped onto a bustling city bus, aiming to reach the Trastevere neighborhood. Navigating the crowded bus, I stood beside an elderly gentleman. With a mix of broken Italian and hand gestures, I asked for confirmation about the next stop.

Not only did he affirm the route, but he also shared his favorite spots in Trastevere, places I’d never find in a guidebook.

Upon reaching Trastevere, I realized my cultural adventure had just begun. Following the gentleman’s recommendations, I discovered a nice little café tucked away in a narrow alley, buzzing with locals and the aroma of authentic Roman coffee. Best coffee ever!

Pro Tip: Embrace public transport as a cultural journey, not just a means to get from A to B. Start conversations, ask for recommendations, and you might uncover hidden gems of the city that only locals know.

Technology and Connectivity Tips

In this era of constant connectivity, staying in the loop is essential, whether for keeping up with work, staying in touch with family, or simply sharing your experiences. We’ll dive into the best tech hacks and tips to keep you plugged in and productive, no matter where your journey takes you.

Craft Your Ultimate Entertainment Kit

Have you ever been stuck on a long flight without anything to do? You can use this as a great time to meditate and go deep. But otherwise? Here’s a creative approach to ensuring you have all the digital fun you need without relying on in-flight Wi-Fi or spotty transit hotspots.

• Movies and More: Before you set off, dive into the world of streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. The trick is to download a mix of genres–think a thriller for when you’re wide awake, a comedy for light-hearted moments, or a documentary to learn something new.
• Reading Haven: Turn your e-reader or tablet into a portable library. You can store various books and audiobooks with apps like Kindle or Audible. Imagine unwinding to a novel or indulging in a personal development book while cruising at 30,000 feet.
• Podcast Paradise: Create a playlist of podcasts across various themes using Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Whether it’s catching up on the latest tech talks, tuning into a travelogue, or laughing along with a comedy show, podcasts can be your perfect travel companion.
• Music for the Soul: Compile playlists that fit different moods on Spotify. From upbeat tracks to soothe your travel anxieties to calm melodies for dozing off, having your music sorted can be a game-changer.
• Engage and Educate: Keep your mind active with interactive apps. Whether learning a new language with Duolingo or challenging yourself with brain games, these apps can make time fly.
• Learning on the Go: Lastly, enrich your mind by downloading insightful content from TED Talks or our courses. This way, you’re not just entertained but also intellectually stimulated.

Pro Tip: With all this great entertainment comes a lot of power! Literally, make sure to grab a spare power bank for those long hauls.

Master Your Travel Photography

Capturing the essence of your travels through photography is an art and science combined. Whether you’re a pro or just snapping pics for memories, integrating the right technology with a few tried-and-true techniques can elevate your travel photography game.

Here’s how:

Savvy it up: Consider carrying a different camera for different shots (you don’t have to go overboard). Alongside your smartphone, think about including a 360 camera like Insta360 for capturing stunning 360-degree photos and immersive videos. Or, opt for a GoPro or DJI camera for more durability and action shots.

Easy-to-Use Editing Apps: Transform your photos with user-friendly editing apps on your phone. Apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed offer powerful editing tools to enhance your photos. Play with filters, adjust lighting, or crop for the perfect composition, all within a few taps.

Travel Photography Hacks:

• The Golden and Blue Hours: Capture the magic of early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden–perfect for landscapes and portraits.
• Rule of Thirds: Use your camera grid lines to frame subjects off-center for a more engaging composition.
• Perspective Play: Don’t just shoot from eye level. Try different angles- shoot from above or below, or even find a unique vantage point for an intriguing perspective. Want more photography tips? Check out our article here: Photoshoot Shot List: 30 Ideas for the Perfect Photo Shoot.

Common Questions Answered:

• What is the best time for photography on a sunny day?: Shoot during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun.
• How do you avoid blurry photos? Use a higher shutter speed, steady your hands, or use a tripod for sharp images.
• Are you dealing with Crowded Tourist Spots?: Get creative with angles to minimize crowds or choose off-peak times for popular attractions. You can also use some apps to remove people (results may vary).

Backup and Storage: Always back up your photos. Use cloud storage like Google Photos or portable hard drives. Losing photos can be heartbreaking, so regular backups are crucial.

Create a Digital Trip Journal

When I travel, I always try to track my thoughts and memories via journaling. Whether digital or pen and paper, journaling is a great way to process things that happened. Let’s talk about how to make the digital side of journaling happen:

Choosing the Right App: Journey and Day One are fantastic options, and I like Journey the best. These apps are user-friendly and offer a blend of text, photo, and even audio entry options.

Real-World Use: Say you’re exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul. With the journey, you can quickly type up a note about the vibrant bazaars, attach a photo of a colorful spice stall, and tag your location. It’s straightforward–see something you love, make a note, add a picture, and move on.

Why It Works: These apps keep your memories organized. You won’t just have many photos lost in a gallery; you’ll have them neatly stored with context and location. You can even see in the app a world map and all the places you’ve journaled in!

Leisure and Entertainment Tips

Here, we dive into the art of genuinely unwinding and soaking in each destination’s unique pleasures. From hidden local gems to rejuvenating activities, we’ll explore how to infuse your travels with unforgettable leisure experiences.

Embrace Downtime

Traveling can be thrilling, but what about downtime? Rest is key to maintaining your high energy levels for travel.

Let’s craft a downtime plan to maximize those in-between moments of your journey.

Begin with Mindful Planning: As you outline your itinerary, consciously allocate time slots for downtime. This isn’t wasted time! Be careful to label downtime as “bad.” Whether it’s a lazy morning in a café, a leisurely stroll in a local park, or simply some time to people-watch, make sure these moments are part of your plan.

Embrace Local Leisure Activities: Research activities popular with the locals for relaxation. It could be a public bath experience in Japan, a siesta in a Spanish town, or a quiet afternoon in an English garden. Engaging in these activities offers a taste of the local lifestyle.

Create a Relaxation Kit: Pack a small relaxation kit for your trip. Include items like a good book, a travel journal, a compact hammock, or even a small sketchpad. These items can be your go-to for enjoying downtime.

Use Relaxation Apps: Apps like Calm or Headspace can help you unwind during your downtime, offering guided meditations or soothing soundscapes perfect for a quick mental reset.

Find Cozy Corners: Every destination has cozy spots–quaint bookstores, serene coffee shops, or scenic benches. Part of your downtime delight is discovering these nooks where you can unwind and absorb the ambiance.

Documenting Downtime: Sometimes, the quiet moments of a journey are the most reflective. Use your downtime to document your travels in a journal or a blogging app. This can be a time for introspection and processing your experiences.

By thoughtfully incorporating downtime into your travels, you recharge and enrich your overall experience.

Go For an Unexpected Adventure Day

To cap off your travel experience with something truly memorable, dedicate a day to what I like to call the “Unexpected Adventure” Day. This is a day with no fixed plans, no set itinerary, just pure, unscripted exploration.

Here’s how you can make the most of this spontaneous adventure:

• Wake Up Without a Plan: Let go of your planner’s mindset for this day. Wake up, step out, and let your instincts guide you. Whether it’s turning left instead of right or hopping on a random bus to see where it takes you, embrace the uncertainty.
• Talk to Locals for Suggestions: Today, your best resource is the people around you. Strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers. Ask them about their favorite spot in the city or a place they’d recommend for a surprise adventure.
• Explore Beyond Tourist Zones: Use this day to venture out of the well-trodden tourist paths. Walk into neighborhoods you have yet to explore, visit local markets, or find a park where residents relax. These places often hold the true essence of a destination.
• Capture the Moments: Keep a camera handy while you’re letting the day unfold organically. Spontaneous days often lead to the most memorable photos–a hidden alleyway, an impromptu street performance, or a beautiful sunset spot you stumbled upon.
• Dine Wherever You Find Yourself: Forget the researched restaurant list. Eat wherever you happen to be when hunger strikes. It could be a street food stall, a quaint café, or a busy local eatery. Sometimes, the best meals are found in the most unexpected places.
• Reflect on Your Adventure: At the end of the day, take a moment to reflect on your experiences. An “Unexpected Adventure” Day often leads to discoveries, not just about the place, but about yourself and your ability to embrace the unknown enthusiastically.

Bonus Quick Travel Tips

• Towel: Always pack a quick-dry travel towel; it’s handy for beaches, impromptu picnics, or accidental spills.
• Water Bottle: Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. Consider a bottle with a built-in filter for extra safety.
• Lock: Bring a small combination lock for securing your luggage or hostel lockers.
• First Aid Kit: Keep a basic kit with essentials like pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and allergy medications.
• Copy of Your Passport: Always have a physical and digital copy of your passport in case of loss or theft.
• Backpack: Choose a comfortable, durable bag for day trips. Look for theft-proof features for added security.
• Wear Sunscreen: Protect your skin daily, even on cloudy days.
• Bandages: Pack a few applications for minor cuts or blisters.
• Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including family and your country’s local consulate.
• Visa: Ensure you have the correct visa for your destination and understand the entry requirements.
• Travel Documents: Organize all your documents in one accessible but secure place.
• Credit Card Company: Notify your credit card company of your travel plans to avoid fraud alerts on your account.
• VPN: Use a VPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Consulate: Know the location and contact info of your country’s consulate or embassy in your destination for emergencies.

Want more exciting tips, especially when it comes to meeting people? Check out How to Make Friends While Traveling