Travel can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but the costs can quickly increase. Whether planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, saving money without sacrificing quality is a top priority. With travel demand surging and rising costs, these strategies will help you save big on your next trip. From airfare hacks to accommodation deals, here are six tried-and-tested methods to reduce travel expenses in 2024.
1. Leverage Flight Aggregators & Secret Deal Sites
Finding affordable flights is often the first hurdle for any trip, but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Start by using reliable flight search aggregators like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo. These platforms provide a comprehensive view of available flights, making finding the cheapest options or alternate routes to your destination easier.
To go further, subscribe to flight deal websites such as Scott’s Cheap Flights or Secret Flying. They offer real-time alerts on ridiculously low fares, often finding mistake prices or discounted routes before they disappear. While some services have a subscription fee, the deals you’ll find can save you hundreds—even on international trips.
Pro Tip: Follow social media accounts specific to your local airport for hidden deals. For example, accounts like NYC Flight Deals for New York flights regularly post exclusive discounts.
2. Hack Your Car Rental Costs
Car rentals have become notoriously expensive, but there are ways to sidestep these high costs. Costco Travel is a go-to resource for affordable rentals if you’re a member. Their site compares prices across major rental companies, offering exclusive discounts and perks like free upgrades. Even if you’re not a Costco member, sites like Autoslash and Turo (often referred to as the Airbnb of cars) are excellent alternatives for comparing rental deals or finding affordable peer-to-peer vehicle rentals.
Turo also offers more unique vehicles—from luxury sports cars to budget-friendly compacts—at rates that often beat traditional rental agencies. Plus, with no surge pricing during peak seasons, it’s a practical choice when rental prices spike elsewhere.
3. Optimize Your Stay: Hotels vs. Airbnb
The choice between a hotel and Airbnb can be tricky, and the best option depends on your trip type. Hotels offer amenities like housekeeping, loyalty points, and concierge services, but Airbnbs can often be more economical, especially if you’re traveling with a group or planning a longer stay.
If you’re traveling solo or prefer convenience, hotels may be your best bet—especially if you have a credit card that offers hotel perks. However, if you’re aiming for a homier experience with access to a kitchen to save on dining out, Airbnb is likely your go-to option.
Pro Tip: For longer trips or larger groups, the savings with Airbnb add up. You can cut down on food costs by cooking, and many properties have no hidden fees like hotels’ resort or parking charges.
4. Pack Light and Save on Baggage Fees
Checked baggage fees can be a silent killer to your travel budget. If you tend to pack light, skipping the checked baggage entirely and sticking to a carry-on can save you significant cash. Every airline has different rules for carry-on sizes, so double-check your flight’s requirements before packing.
For those who prefer traveling with checked luggage, consider getting an airline credit card that offers free checked bags. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offer free checked baggage for both the cardholder and a companion, saving you up to $60 per person on round-trip flights.
5. Be Flexible with Airports & Travel Dates
One overlooked yet highly effective travel hack is choosing alternate airports or adjusting your travel dates. Major cities often have multiple airports, and flying out of a less popular one can save you hundreds of dollars. For instance, if you’re flying from Southern California, flying out of LAX instead of San Diego (or vice versa) could yield significant savings.
Similarly, being flexible with your travel dates—such as flying mid-week instead of over the weekend—can greatly reduce airfare and accommodation costs.
6. Maximize Points, Miles, & Travel Credit Cards
One of the easiest ways to save big on travel is by maximizing points and miles. Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel brand or prefer to earn flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, these currencies can drastically cut your out-of-pocket expenses.
For example, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can earn up to 60,000 bonus points—worth $750 in travel—just by meeting the minimum spending requirement. Use points for flights, hotels, or car rentals, and pair them with your loyalty programs to maximize savings.
Pro Tip: Travel credit cards also offer built-in perks like travel insurance, rental car coverage, and airport lounge access, which can save you even more money and improve your travel experience.
Bottom Line
Travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Using flight deal websites, smart car rental strategies, flexible lodging options, and maximizing credit card rewards, you can still enjoy high-quality trips at a fraction of the cost. With just a little research and planning, you’ll be surprised how much you can save without compromising on your travel experiences.