Ways to save money on vacation

Let's be honest: when it comes to vacations, most of us spend a lot — often more than we planned. There is a way to have a great time without spending a fortune. Here are 8 tips on how to save money on your next trip.

1. Plan a budget for your trip

A budget made before you leave is half the job. List the main expenses: visa, insurance, tickets, accommodation, transport, food, entertainment, shopping. Then add or remove whatever fits your trip.

Use real prices: Numbeo collects the cost of living in cities around the world, from a café lunch to a transport pass. Once everything is estimated, add 10–15% for the unexpected. The total is your vacation budget.

In Moneon, a tag makes this easy. Create a "Vacation" tag and a budget for the dates of your trip with that tag — every expense on the road will show how much is left. Learn how tags work in our help center.

2. Find cheap flights

Aggregators like Skyscanner and Google Flights compare prices across hundreds of airlines. Use the low fare calendar: it shows prices for a whole month, and moving your departure by a day or two often makes a real difference. If you haven't picked a destination yet, use Skyscanner's "Everywhere" search or the destination map in Google Flights.

Set up price alerts for your route and subscribe to airline newsletters to catch deals as soon as prices drop.

There is no universal "best time" to buy: book early, but not too early. Watch the price for a few weeks, and you'll see what a good fare looks like for your route.

3. Consider travel credit cards

Many banks offer cards that earn miles or cashback on everyday purchases, and miles can be spent on flights or hotels. Some cards add perks like free checked bags or airport lounge access.

Card terms change often and vary by country, so we won't recommend a specific one. Compare annual fees, earning rates and where the miles can be redeemed. And check in advance that your card works in the country you're visiting.

4. Choose the right place to stay

Your accommodation becomes your home away from home, so pick it carefully. Compare prices across several booking sites. A vacation rental is often cheaper than a hotel in the same area, and hosts are usually happy to share tips on where to eat and what to see.

Look at location, not just the nightly rate. A place in the city center may cost more but save you money and time on transport. Many vacation expenses are connected, so it helps to look at the whole picture.

5. Cut transport costs

Public transport is usually the most affordable way to get around, but tickets can be pricey in some cities. Check which passes are available: a multi-day tourist card often beats single fares. Google Maps or local maps will plan your route from A to B with metro, buses and trains.

For trips to nearby towns, try ride-sharing services and bus and train search engines like Omio. In some cities, a bike is the cheapest option of all — no parking issues and good exercise. A rental car takes the hassle out of getting around, but rental and fuel can put a dent in your budget. In hot Asian countries a scooter is often handier, if you hold the right license.

6. Eat without overspending

The easiest way to save on food is to cook. Choose a place with a kitchen, shop at local markets and try a dish from the local cuisine — it's cheaper, and you bring home a new recipe.

If cooking isn't part of your perfect vacation, look for places off the tourist trail using review maps like Tripadvisor or Google Maps. Watch for lunch specials and happy hours. And check the local tipping culture before you go to avoid awkward moments.

7. Look for affordable entertainment

Great memories don't have to be expensive. The places that stay with you are often the ones without crowds, and many of them are free.

Spend a couple of hours before the trip reading guides, forums and local social media groups — they often post about events and free things to do. Review maps help here too. And don't stick to one city: the surrounding area can be just as interesting.

8. Keep souvenirs under control

Souvenirs are where budgets often fall apart. Make a list of who you're buying for and how much you're ready to spend on each gift. Something meaningful for family and close friends, small tokens for colleagues — a postcard from abroad is simple and sweet.

Think about what you'd like to get yourself. A practical gift usually beats a fridge magnet. Every country is famous for something — cheese, wine, oil, sweets — and such a gift is a nice way to share your trip with people you love.

Record your vacation expenses in the local currency: Moneon converts them to your wallet currency at the rate for the expense date. If there is no rate for that day yet, the app temporarily uses an available one and recalculates the amount once the rate loads — so you see what you actually spent.

Summary

A great vacation without spending all your money is more than possible. But don't make your trip all about saving: allow yourself small treats along the way. The budget will survive, and the memories will last.