Vacations always entail extra expenses for travelers who can’t stop for a second and want to explore new places. But there are always some tricks that allow us to save on vacations so that our wallets don’t suffer for the rest of the year.

The final budget of a trip is the sum of many factors, and if we reduce a little here and there, the total expense for our vacation can be significantly reduced. Here are some tips to save on vacations.

• Buy in advance. If you have clear travel dates and are not afraid of any unexpected events that might occur over time, buying in advance can be a good option. Transportation companies, accommodations, and travel agencies often offer good prices if booked well in advance.
• Buy at the last minute. Conversely, if we wait until the last minute, it is also possible to find deals on transportation or accommodations that need to be filled. It’s risky, yes, but if we don’t have any specific destination preference, it could be the best option. On sites like Atrapalo or Lastminute, we find last-minute deals, apart from individual company websites.
• Search, compare… Whether we book in advance or not, we shouldn’t settle for the first option found. Haste is often a bad advisor when it comes to organizing a trip. We should compare various agencies, search engines, companies, accommodations… note down prices and choose the option that benefits our wallets the most.
• The importance of accommodation. Accommodation takes up a large part of the travel budget. Hostels, apartments, or hostels are economical options, and we don’t necessarily have to give up many comforts.
• Exchange networks. My place for yours, for free. There are communities that can help us save on accommodation, such as Erasmoos, Travelers for travelers, Mi casa tu casa, Itamos, or projects like Couch Surfing… Sites like Homelidays, Homeaway, or Niumba connect owners who want to exchange accommodation.

• Public transport. Let’s forget about taxis or rental cars for getting around. Most destinations have good public transport services, trains, and buses, that take us wherever we want.
• Opt for cheap food. Eat where the locals of your destination eat, don’t fall for the most touristy places, shop at supermarkets to save on snacks and some meals of the day. A baguette and good French cheese at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable and affordable experience.
• Shop where the locals do. For whatever we need, for gastronomic “souvenirs” or other typical products (crafts…), the best choice is to visit local shops not targeted at tourists. Asking at our hotel or local residents will lead us to alternatives.
• Discount passes. Almost all city destinations offer discount passes for transport and/or cultural visits. We need to weigh how many museums and monuments we wish to visit, how much we will need to use public transport, and in general, the passes and discount vouchers are worthwhile and are the best option. Some even save us from lines to enter certain places and offer discounts at restaurants and stores.
• Enjoy the free stuff. Aside from the paid attractions, every place has a lot of free offers to enjoy, from walks to monuments or some shows. Most museums and monuments have a day of free entry. The best is to check official tourism sites and find out what we can enjoy for free during our stay. The free offerings will surprise you.