How to Save Money for Your Vacation (Updated 2024)

A wide, open road curving around a towering mountain in moody Iceland

The key to any trip is being smart with your money – and that starts even before you hit the road! It’s important to know how to save and plan your trip so you don’t find yourself running out of money on the road. Here are my best tips and tricks on how to save money for any trip (even if you don’t make a ton of money). You’ll find a plethora of resources, interviews with other travelers, and secret ninja travel hacks that will jump-start your travel fund!

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

Below are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They are always my starting point when I need to book a flight, accommodation, tour, or vehicle!

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. It searches small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. It is hands-down the number one place to start.
Going.com – Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) finds incredible flight deals and sends them directly to your inbox. If you’re flexible with your dates and destinations, you can score some amazing deals and save hundreds of dollars in the process!
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all-around booking site. It constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates and has the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, it’s always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – This is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. It has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes and walking tours to street art lessons!
SafetyWing – This site offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. It has cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
Discover Cars – Discover Cars is a car rental aggregator that can help you find the best deals for your next road trip. It pulls data from over 8,000 car rental locations to ensure you always find a great deal!
Trusted Housesitters – Trusted Housesitters is a platform that connects you with people in need of pet and house sitters. In exchange for looking after their pets or home, you’ll get access to free accommodation.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!