Top Travel Hacks to Save Money on Your Next Holiday

Think of summer in South America, and an idyllic picture likely springs to mind – white-sandy beaches, sky-high waterfalls, and flavour-packed cuisine. But frequent travellers will know that when you take long-haul flights in peak season, you can also throw a throng of tourists and hefty prices into the mix.

With a little planning around your departure date, you can save cash by travelling to traditionally expensive destinations during off-peak times. Plus side? You'll also soak up the scenery with fewer people around. Sure, you’ll need to be mindful of other elements, such as the rainy season in Southeast Asia, but on the flip side, that happens to be one of the best times to see the lush paddy fields in all their glory.

Also, don’t forget to research flying into nearby airports, rather than a city's main hub, as this could save you precious pennies too. Compare prices and research affordable destinations – one of our Travel Experts can help you find the best flight deals and assist with travelling on the day with the cheapest fares.

Free flights and free accommodation would be the dream… And while we can't conjure up a free stay, you don’t always need to spend a small fortune on the best hotel room to have an unforgettable adventure. Ask our Experts about considering smaller, off-beat properties for a more cost-effective trip. Or why not hire a campervan and explore a destination completely under your own steam? The added benefit of your own space and kitchen means you will also save cash on eating out (plus, you can have a cup of tea whenever you fancy).

If you’re willing to be flexible when it comes to air travel, you stand a higher chance of scoring a cheap flight and more savings. Depending on which airline you travel with, you could be charged to select your seat. If that doesn't bother you, and you're prepared to sit alone, your wallet will thank you for it.

Ever got home from a holiday and realised you haven’t worn half the items you packed? Us too! Packing smart and light to avoid extra baggage charges is a no-brainer. Plus, by packing just the essentials and taking carry-on luggage, you can avoid checked luggage fees and save money for your holiday: win-win. Plus, travelling with hand baggage only is so much easier if you're taking a connecting flight. Get organised before you fly and pack your own snacks, along with food and drink to take onboard – it might not be quite the same as ordering a chilled glass of wine once you’re in the air, but financially, it’s a no-brainer.

One of the best travel hacks to save money comes down to the cash you carry. It can be all too easy to exchange cash at an airport – after all, the currency exchange is right there. But a bit of early research into exchange rates will help you avoid hefty conversion fees. Make the most of favourable exchange rates and compare conversion fees on your bank cards in advance, so you’re not trying to figure out which is the best option once you’re on holiday. Always pay in the local currency where possible, and watch out for ATM fees.

A prepaid travel money card is a good option, to save you money and foreign transaction fees. You can also use a digital bank, like Revolut, which allows you to exchange money in-app as and when you need it, utilising live exchange rates and, crucially, no fees. And remember, unless it’s an emergency, don’t exchange cash at the airport! Your bank account won't thank you for it.

Oh, the breakfast buffet – a definite holiday highlight, and one of the easiest ways to save money on your trip. Be sure to take advantage of the endless options and unlimited plates – yoghurt and fresh fruit, followed by pancakes and eggs? Don’t mind if we do. Most hotels will happily let you take away a banana and croissant for the road too.

Take full advantage of the buffet and you can head out for a day of exploring with a full stomach. If you’re in self-catered accommodation or have access to a kitchen, eat before setting off and take a packed lunch and your own meals with you. Watching the world go by in a new city over a picnic lunch with my best friend is one of my favourite travel memories. Restaurants also occasionally offer a money-saving lunch deal, so a little research could save you more cash.

It can be all too tempting to get carried away with the tourist ‘must-sees’ you want to tick off your travel list. We’ve all been there! But you can quickly burn through your budget racing around the most popular attractions. Look into free museums and activities, instead. Embrace parks and open spaces, or book onto a free walking tour – most cities offer them, just don’t forget to take a bit of cash to tip your guide.

Many museums and galleries also have free entry at certain times of day, and often offer senior or student discounts. Don’t underestimate the power of researching your destination for free walking tours and top travel hacks ahead of time – swap the top of New York’s Rockefeller Center for gorgeous (and free) views along the High Line instead, and save hundreds for the rest of your trip.

Want to fully immerse yourself in the culture of your destination? There's no better way to do this than onboard public transport. Swap taxis and a rental car for local buses and trains for the cheapest way to travel around in your destination. There’s a theme emerging here, but remember to do your research again before you arrive – depending on how many trips you’re taking, there could be cost-effective travel passes you could take advantage of. Heading to one of the major cities? Tick off sightseeing and cheaper public transportation with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, or snap up train tickets for a scenic way to travel.

Another top travel hack is to experience life like a local (and make the most of great savings at the same time), and shop at the local market. Much like at home, choosing seasonal produce from the local markets is a lot cheaper (and tastier) – plus it’s a brilliant way to spend a few hours really soaking up the culture, street food, and local language of your destination. And don’t forget to haggle for great deals! Another top money-saving tip is to buy local brands when ordering beer or wine – it’s often cheaper than the more well-known international brands – and embrace happy hour at nearby bars and restaurants.

Ever returned from an incredible adventure with the best memories, only to find an unexpected hefty phone bill also waiting for you? It’s never fun to be caught out with sky-high roaming charges abroad – but a bit of early planning can save you cash (and headaches) further down the line. Check if your phone provider offers free international roaming in your destination. If it doesn’t, buying a local SIM card in your new city could be a good option if you’re hoping to stay connected while travelling (just remember to make sure your phone is unlocked before you go). A key money-saving tip is to use free Wi-Fi where possible – this travel hack has saved us countless times when abroad. Just be wary of using passwords and sensitive data while connected to public networks.

Feeling inspired, but not convinced you’re really getting the best deal? Reach out to a Flight Centre Travel Expert to ensure you secure the best deals, great-value holidays and flight prices in the market. What’s more, when you book flights and hotels together with one of our Travel Experts, you’ll benefit from Flight Centre Package Protection, for added peace of mind! Our Experts can help with cheaper flights with low-cost airlines, direct you towards a suitable travel insurance provider, as well as providing first-hand travel hacks for your chosen destination. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and get ready to put your best money-saving tips into action!