6 Easy Tips To Save Money While Traveling

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank — especially if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. That’s where we can help. From packing strategically to taking advantage of credit card perks, these easy tips can help you save money without dampening your experience.

Get Travel Perks Reimbursed

If you’ve ever stood in a seemingly endless line at a TSA checkpoint or customs and immigration after landing on an international flight, you’ll appreciate how much of a time-saver fast-track programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can be. These Trusted Traveler Programs allow you to access expedited lanes at the airport, meaning you spend less time standing in lines and more time relaxing at your gate — or better yet, relaxing in a lounge (more on that below). 

According to the TSA, 99% of travelers with PreCheck wait 10 minutes or less in security lines, compared with 30 minutes or less for those waiting in standard screening lines. Meanwhile, Global Entry travelers can skip the long lines to see a customs agent and clear immigration just by using a kiosk. As of mid-2025, TSA PreCheck costs $78 while Global Entry (which comes with PreCheck) costs $120; both memberships are good for five years.

However, some credit cards — including the American Express Platinum Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and many others — reimburse or provide a statement credit toward these programs, allowing you to save both time and money. The TSA has a helpful list of which credit cards offer this benefit.

Pack Light

There was a time when even domestic flight included at least one free checked bag. These days, many economy tickets don’t include a checked bag, even on overseas flights, and checked baggage fees are on the rise. 

Logically speaking, the easiest way to save money — and avoid the hassle of the baggage claim or the risk of lost luggage — is by packing light. Traveling with only a carry-on also makes it much easier to navigate a new destination. You’re less likely to splurge on a taxi if you’re not hauling large suitcases, and using public transportation can feel more manageable. To help you pack light, we’ve compiled a few clever tips to fit more in your carry-on.

Score Lounge Access

When considering a credit card to cover fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, also check if airport lounge access is included. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and the American Express Platinum Card offer these potentially lucrative benefits. 

While annual fees range from $395 to $695 for each of these cards, frequent travelers often save in the long run thanks to the many travel perks included. And, with airport food and drink prices soaring, lounge access can be a game changer. Most lounges offer complimentary buffets, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and a quiet, comfortable space to relax. Some even feature amenities like showers and sleep pods, adding a touch of luxury to your travel experience. If you don’t carry a credit card with lounge access, some lounges also sell individual day passes. 

Travel on Points

Sensing a theme? One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is to make your credit card points work for you. Many travel-focused credit cards offer generous bonus points on travel bookings that can be redeemed as statement credits toward future travel. While premium cards usually come with a hefty annual fee, there are excellent options with lower annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred, for example, has a relatively modest $95 annual fee, but it offers five points per dollar for travel booked through the Chase Travel platform and a $50 annual hotel credit. Those who earn points with this card can also transfer them directly to airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as United MileagePlus or World of Hyatt, which can unlock even more value out of every dollar you spend on the card.

Find a Free Walking Tour

Often, the best way to discover a new city is by simply walking around on foot. For a free walking tour in the city you’re visiting, check platforms like GuruWalk or do a quick online search to find a great local option. These locally guided tours are a fantastic way to see the highlights, get your bearings, learn about a destination’s culture and history, and meet like-minded fellow travelers. 

While technically free, these tours are often tip-based, as most guides are volunteers who earn through gratuities. So, it’s customary to tip at the end of the tour. Still, the benefit of these tours is that they are led by guides who are often passionate locals who go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy their city, knowing that good reviews will bring in more business. They’re also likely to serve as a great resource for insider recommendations on bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops — helping you avoid overpriced tourist traps and discover authentic local spots.

Be Flexible

At the end of the day, travel always requires some degree of flexibility, but being open-minded in the planning stage for your destination and travel dates can lead to significant savings. Visiting popular spots during the shoulder season can reduce flight and accommodation costs, and it often makes for a more enjoyable experience, as you’ll avoid peak-season crowds. 

If you’re also flexible about where you go, choosing a lesser-known destination, particularly if you plan to visit during the offseason, can save you even more. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of exploring hidden gems before they’re discovered by the tourist masses — which is something you can’t put a price tag on.