5 Simple Travel Hacks to Save Money (and Your Sanity)

Travel is supposed to be exciting, but too often it feels like a drain on both your wallet and your patience. Between skyrocketing flight prices, baggage fees, and hidden costs, even a “cheap” trip can feel overwhelming. The good news? A few simple travel hacks can make your next getaway easier and much more affordable. Here are five proven strategies to save money and protect your sanity along the way.

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is locking into rigid dates. Airlines and hotels price based on demand, so small changes in timing can mean huge savings.

• Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheapest.

• Avoid peak holidays: Even shifting by a day or two can cut costs by 20% or more.

• Set alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track deals.

Pro Tip: If your schedule allows, search by “flexible dates” and “flexible airports.” A quick drive to a nearby airport can save you hundreds.

Airlines make billions on baggage fees, but with the right strategy, you don’t have to contribute.

• Roll, don’t fold: Rolling clothes creates more space.

• Use packing cubes: Keeps things organized and compresses bulk.

• Max out your “personal item”: Many airlines allow a backpack or tote that’s almost as big as a carry-on.

Quick Win: Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on the plane. It saves luggage space and keeps you cozy mid-flight.

One of the smartest ways to save on travel is by booking through a Savings Club and then stacking your rewards with a cashback app. This double-dip strategy means you get upfront discounts and extra cash back after the fact.

• Book smart: Flights, car rentals, and hotels are often cheaper when reserved through a trusted Savings Club.

• Double-stack rewards: Pair your booking with a cashback app to earn back a percentage of what you spend.

• Example: With Smart Save Club, you can book travel directly at a discount and then double your rewards with the Smart Save Club Cashback app.

👉 Try Smart Save Club. It’s designed to help travelers save upfront and get money back after the trip.

Food is one of the easiest areas to overspend while traveling. Instead of falling into tourist traps, try these hacks:

• Grab groceries for breakfasts and snacks.

• Explore local markets and street food for authentic, affordable meals.

• Make lunch your big splurge instead of dinner—lunch menus are often half the price.

Pro Tip: Budget $25–$35 per day per person for food on a typical budget-friendly trip.

👉 Try Smart Save Club. It can help you save on restaurant costs, groceries, snacks, and more.

Transportation adds up quickly, but there are ways to keep it affordable:

• Opt for public transport instead of taxis or rideshares.

• Buy multi-day or unlimited transit passes for discounts.

• In walkable cities, skip transit entirely—walking saves money and gives you a better feel for the destination.

Sometimes it’s not just about money—it’s about peace of mind. These small hacks save you stress:

• Keep digital copies of your passport and tickets in cloud storage.

• Bring a portable charger and noise-canceling headphones.

• Invest in a travel pillow—good sleep saves your sanity.

What is the cheapest day to fly?
Generally, Tuesday and Wednesday flights are the cheapest. Sundays are the most expensive.

Are cashback travel apps worth it?
Yes—when combined with Savings Clubs, you can double-stack rewards and cut trip costs by 10–20%.

How do I avoid hidden travel fees?
Read the fine print on baggage, resort fees, and credit card foreign transaction fees before booking.

What’s the best way to save on family travel?
Bundle deals (flight + hotel), off-peak travel, and family-sized vacation rentals usually provide the best value.

Travel doesn’t have to drain your wallet or your patience. With a little flexibility, smart packing, savings clubs, local eats, and smarter transit, you can stretch your budget and enjoy your trip stress-free.

Get our free app to double stack and get cash back rewards—so every trip pays you back.