Top Money Saving Hacks to Travel Cheap in Summer
Traveling in the summer can get expensive fast, but there are clever ways to keep costs low. While most people stick to the usual tips, there are some lesser-known tricks that can save you big. Whether you’re hitting the road or hopping on a plane, thinking outside the box can really pay off.
From finding free places to stay to scoring surprise flight deals, there are smart ways to travel without spending a fortune. These unusual tips can help you stretch your budget and maybe even have more fun along the way.
If you’re ready to travel cheap and still make the most of your trip, these ideas are worth a look. Let’s dive in and explore some travel hacks you might not have heard before.
Use relocation deals for rental cars and RVs
Some rental companies need to move their cars or RVs to other cities. Instead of hiring someone, they offer super low rates to folks willing to drive them there. It’s a smart way to get cheap travel if you’re flexible with where and when you go.
The catch is you have to stick to their timeline, but the savings are big. This works well if you want to visit new places without paying full price for a rental. It’s one of those frugal tricks that can make a big difference.
To learn more: How to Make 500 Dollars Fast: 40 Ways to Earn Quick Money
Fly out on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for cheaper fares
Airlines often charge less for flights in the middle of the week. Most people fly out on weekends, so prices tend to go up then. Choosing to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save a lot of money. It’s a simple change that can make your trip much more affordable.
This is one of those cheap travel tips that will work for almost any destination. If you want to travel without spending too much, keep this in mind when booking flights.
To learn more: Top 20 Frugal Hacks to Save Money
Search for flights in incognito mode to avoid price jumps
My favorite tip! Flight websites often track what you search and raise prices if you keep checking the same routes. If you use incognito mode, your searches stay private, and prices stay lower. It’s an easy way to avoid paying more just because you’re shopping around.
This trick doesn’t cost anything and could save you a lot. It’s a solid tip for cheap travel, especially when trying to stick to a budget. Every little bit helps when you’re trying to spend less.
To learn more: 15 Brilliant Tips to Cut Expenses and Save $500 Fast
Volunteer at events or festivals in exchange for free entry or lodging
Some festivals and events offer free tickets or even a place to stay if you help out for a few hours. You might hand out flyers, clean up, or help with setting things up. It’s a great way to have fun and see new places without spending much.
Plus, you get to meet new people and enjoy the event from a different view. It’s a solid way to stretch your travel budget and still have a good time. If you’re trying to travel cheap, this can be a fun and useful option.
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Pack snacks and refillable water bottles to avoid high rest stop prices
Food and drinks at gas stations or airports cost way more than they should. If you pack snacks and bring a refillable water bottle, you’ll spend way less. It’s a small thing, but it adds up fast.
You won’t need to stop as much or pay for overpriced items. This is a smart move for frugal living and cheap travel. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your spending low.
To learn more: 20 Simple Tips to Save Money on Road Trips
Use local public Facebook groups to find rideshares or travel buddies
Some folks post rideshare offers or travel plans in public Facebook groups. You might find someone driving the same way and split gas money. It’s also a way to meet others who want to travel cheaply.
Just make sure it’s a trusted group and talk ahead to stay safe. This can cut down on travel costs, especially if you’re going a long way. It’s a frugal trick that helps both your wallet and your social life.
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Book one-way tickets on different airlines to save money
Sometimes two one-way tickets on different airlines cost less than a round-trip with the same one. It takes a little more work to compare, but the savings can be big. You can mix and match to get the best deal.
This is one of those cheap travel tips that people often miss. If you’re flexible and willing to check a few options, it can really pay off. It’s a smart way to travel without overspending.
To learn more: 10 Affordable Ways to Have Fun This Summer
Use apps that alert you to mistake fares or flash sales
Some apps and websites track airline mistakes or surprise discounts. These deals don’t last long, so the app alerts you right away. You might snag a flight for half the normal price or even less.
It’s one of the best ways to score cheap travel without doing all the work yourself. If you check alerts often, you can grab deals before they’re gone. It’s a smart tool for anyone trying to keep travel costs low.
To learn more: Tips to Travel Cheaper & Not Cheapen the Experience
Stay overnight in college dorms during summer breaks
This one may sound crazy, but it works well! When school’s out, some colleges rent out dorm rooms for cheap. It’s usually a lot less than a hotel and still gives you a place to sleep and shower. Some even have a little kitchen or shared spaces.
If you don’t mind basic setups, it’s a good way to save money. This is a solid option for budget travel and can keep lodging costs down. It’s not fancy, but it works if you’re trying to travel cheap.
To learn more: The Best Money Saving Habits for Financial Freedom
Bring a bike to avoid paying for parking or public transit
Having a bike lets you get around without paying for buses, trains, or expensive parking lots. You can find bike-friendly spots in most cities. It’s a good way to save money and still get where you need to go.
Plus, you can stop wherever you want without worrying about meters or tickets. This is a great frugal travel trick, especially if you’re staying in town for a few days. It keeps your trip easy and affordable.
To learn more: 20 Brilliant Ways to Save $500 Fast
House-sit in another city in exchange for free lodging
Some people need someone to watch their home while they’re away. In return, you stay for free. You might water plants, feed pets, or just keep things safe. It’s a great way to visit a new place without paying for a hotel or rental.
If you like quiet time and don’t mind small tasks, this is a smart way to travel on the cheap. It’s one of those budget hacks that also gives you a real home feel.
To learn more: Get Paid to House Sit and Find Lucrative Housesitting Gigs Easily
Travel with just a personal item to skip baggage fees
Many airlines let you bring one small bag for free. If you pack light, you can avoid paying for extra luggage. It takes a bit of planning, but it saves money and hassle at the airport.
You won’t have to wait at baggage claim or worry about lost bags either. This is one of the best ways to save when flying. It’s a smart move for cheap travel.
To learn more: One Simple Way to Save Big on Airline Baggage Fees
Look for hidden city flights using Skiplagged
Ready for an interesting thought… Some websites show cheaper flights where your stop is the place you actually want to go. You book a longer trip, but just get off at the layover. It sounds odd, but it works and can save a lot of money.
Just don’t check a bag, or it’ll go to the final stop. This trick isn’t for every trip, but it’s a helpful option when flights are too expensive. It’s a bold way to travel on the cheap.
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Drive at night to save on hotel stays and beat traffic
Driving overnight means you don’t have to pay for a place to sleep. You also avoid crowded roads, which saves gas and time. It’s not for everyone, but it works if you’re comfortable with long drives.
You’ll get more miles in with fewer stops. It’s one of those frugal living tips that can stretch your budget. Just plan it right and stay safe.
To learn more: 20 Simple Tips to Save Money on Road Trips
Swap homes with a friend in another state for a week
If you know someone in another city, try swapping homes for a few days. You both get a change of scene without spending on hotels. It’s a fun and simple way to travel cheaply. You still get your own space and maybe even a kitchen to cook meals.
This helps cut down on food and lodging costs. It’s a smart idea if you both trust each other and want to save money.
To learn more: 30 Best Travel Essentials Everyone Wants For Your Next Trip
Book early morning or red-eye flights for lower prices
Flights late at night or super early are often cheaper than mid-day ones. They’re not always fun, but they get you where you’re going for less. Airports are quieter, too, so you get through faster.
If you don’t mind odd hours, it’s worth it. This is one of those cheap travel tips that can really stretch your dollar. Every bit of savings helps.
To learn more: 5 Tips to Save Money for Travel with a Vacation Fund
Use truck stop showers and rest areas when road tripping
Long drives don’t mean you need a hotel every night. Truck stops often have clean showers you can pay a few bucks to use. Rest areas are free and good for breaks or naps.
It’s not fancy, but it saves money. If you’re road tripping, this is a great way to stretch your budget. You stay clean and rested without big costs.
To learn more: 14 Top Secret Tips to Stop Overspending and Save Money
Plan routes that avoid toll roads and pricey gas stations
Use one of the map apps that let you skip toll roads and find cheaper gas stops. This can cut costs without adding much time. A little planning saves money mile after mile. It’s a solid move for anyone driving a long way.
When you’re trying to stick to a budget, small choices like this really help. It’s one of the easiest ways to lower travel costs.
To learn more: 12 Straightforward Ways to Become Minimalist and Save Money
Use campground membership apps for cheaper stays
Before booking, look for discounts on campgrounds if you sign up. You pay a small fee once, then get deals at places across the country. It’s great if you plan to camp more than once.
These savings can add up fast compared to hotels or rentals. This is a smart frugal trick for road trips or longer travel. It keeps costs low while still giving you a place to rest.
To learn more: 14 Fun Budget-Friendly Activities to Do with Your Family
Download offline maps to avoid using data or getting lost
When you don’t have Wi-Fi or signal, offline maps help you stay on track. You won’t waste data or time getting lost. They’re easy to use and free on most apps.
This keeps your phone bill lower and your trip smoother. It’s one of those small steps that make cheap travel easier. Planning ahead saves both money and stress.
To learn more: 25 Fun Ideas for a No Spend Weekend: How to Have Fun for Free
Traveling in the summer can be made affordable
Traveling doesn’t have to cost a ton if you use smart tricks like these. From flying on the right days to finding free places to stay, there are lots of ways to cut costs.
Even small changes can add up and help you stick to a tight budget. Whether you’re driving or flying, these tips make it easier to travel without overspending.
For more ideas that actually work and keep money in your pocket, follow Money Bliss. It’s full of simple ways to live well without spending a lot.
To learn more: 20 Budget-Friendly Summer Getaways to Enjoy
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