Accrue points: Some credit cards offer specific travel perks
The card that I use is the Chase Sapphire Reserve (referral link:—), which offers 3x the points on travel (food, Uber, hotels, Airbnb, etc) and 1x the points on other purchases. You get 50% more for your points if you redeem for travel as well as a $300/yr travel credit that you can use on anything travel-related. They are currently running a 50K bonus for sign-up, which roughly translates to $750. It costs $450/yr, which was almost a deal-breaker for me, but it has been a big money-saver so far.
Check if your work offers any deals
My office uses “Perks at Work,” though there are multiple promotional services that your office might offer. When I double up on Perks at Work and use my Chase CC, I get 3x the points as well as the promotional amount.
Airline loyalty
If available flights from multiple airlines are essentially the same amount, choose an airline and continue to use it whenever possible. This increases your chances of reaching some sort of airline status, which can add comfort and convenience to your trip as well as saving money.
Check multiple sites/use incognito mode when searching for tickets
I’ve found google flights to be an excellent source for flights, but I’ve also found cheaper tickets on other sites before. Make sure to at least compare your flight cost to the cost on the airline site and check for promotions before purchasing. Some smaller airlines run spectacular deals that aren’t always picked up by google. For example, in January, I purchased $200 round trip tickets to Ireland from Stewart International Airport when Google Flights was advertising that the cheapest tickets were $657 from New Jersey/NY.
If you search a flight and then return to check that same flight again, the airline can inflate the price of the ticket. Use incognito mode on your web browser when searching for flights to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Check hotels and Airbnb
Depending on how many people are on your trip, sometimes hotels can be cheaper and sometimes Airbnb can be cheaper or fit your needs better. I’d say we switch off between hotels and Airbnb probably 50-50. The biggest deterrent to hotels for 2+ people on a trip is the European aversion to double Queen beds in a room.
Map out an itinerary early and with travel distance/time to the things you want to do
Ubers can add up quickly. Sometimes it’s cheaper to pay a little more and stay central if most of your activities are within a certain area.
Rent a car vs ubers/taxis
Research the area and determine if you are comfortable driving in an area (population, type of streets, automatic vs manual, right or left side of the road, etc). Renting a car can save money if your locations are spread out, and can give you the freedom of stopping when you want/changing your plans at will.
Research activity costs early
If you know where you are going and when, you can purchase tickets early/skip lines/etc., which can save you both money and time.
Inclusive tours
I have fought this one on most of my trips, but having caved to a few tours on my past trip, I do see the appeal both in money and convenience.
Haggle
If you’re willing, you can sometimes save a considerable amount by negotiating on goods, tours, cart food, etc.
Don’t buy too much stuff
Unless you’re going to mail a postcard or you have a Texas-sized house, you’re probably going to waste space storing those shot glasses you’ll never use. Leaving with only pictures and memories can save you in money and clutter.
Share the cost
Harass as many friends as possible into going with you. Don’t be afraid to use their FOMO against them.
Avoid roaming costs
Purchase a travel plan if your company allows it. I use TravelPass for Verizon, which charges $10/day for you to use the exact plan that you have now, but in a different country (I believe it is $5/day for Canada/Mexico).
If you can’t afford TSA precheck/Global Entry, try Mobile Passport
Sometimes the line is as short as Global Entry, but not always. It’s at least typically quicker than the general line, and it’s free even if the photo is atrocious.