How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation

If you’re anything like us, you spend a lot of time dreaming up your next adventure. And then reality hits and you realize that your bank balance is a little low...

As Canadians continue to grapple with the cost-of-living crisis, it’s more important than ever to explore on a budget and stretch your travel fund as far as possible. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to help you save money, avoid unexpected costs and have an unforgettable time on your next vacation.

• Create a savings goal and vacation fund
• Work with a Flight Centre Travel Expert
• Take advantage of loyalty programs and credit card rewards
• Travel during “off-peak” seasons
• Stick with your assigned seats
• Exchange currency before you leave
• Pack smart and light
• Bring a reusable water bottle
• Choose affordable accommodation
• Opt for free (or mostly free) attractions
• Walk or use public transportation
• Shop and eat local
• Minimize roaming fees

This first tip may seem a bit silly to some, but it’s necessary when planning a big trip. Estimate what your travel-related expenses will be, establish a budget and then create a monthly savings goal so that you can consistently grow your travel fund in advance of your vacation.

Do you really need to book yourself a table at that Michelin-starred restaurant or will you be just as satisfied with street food? Knowing how much money you’ll need (and ultimately have by the time you depart) can help you identify essential expenses and opportunities to reduce your spending.

There are a lot of great reasons to work with a Flight Centre Travel Expert. From providing personalized travel recommendations to navigating complicated booking processes, they can help you plan your dream vacation. Plus, they’ll always ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

They know the cheapest seasons to travel in, how far in advance to book for the lowest prices, which vacation packages and insurance plans are the most valuable and more. Our Travel Experts can also give you the scoop on our best deals, promotions, discounts and other perks.

You might as well make some extra money while you spend money. Okay… you’re not technically making money, but since points can be used to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more, it kind of feels like you’re being handed free cash.

Each loyalty program and travel credit card is different, so do a bit of research before signing up to ensure the rewards align with your travel goals. Trust us, this one can really pay off.

Think of summer in the Amalfi Coast and an idyllic picture likely comes to mind: colourful hilltop towns, azure seas and lemon trees rustling in the breeze. Now, add a few hundred people to the mix. When you travel during a destination’s peak season, you’ll be one among many, many tourists. Not to mention, you’ll pay way more for flights and hotels.

Our advice? Travel during the shoulder seasons (typically spring/fall) instead. Not only will flights and luxurious accommodations be more affordable during these times, but you’ll get to soak up the scenery with way fewer people around. Sure, you’ll need to be a bit more mindful of the weather — but a little rain never hurt anybody.

You’ve probably noticed that some airlines will charge you extra money for selecting your seats… but you don’t have to actually take this step during the booking process. If you’re happy just being on the plane (be it in a middle seat or 10+ rows away from your travel partner), you’ll have a little more to spend once you land.

Do you and your savings account a favour and exchange your money in advance of your trip.

Currency exchange counters (especially ones in the airport) typically require you to pay a ton of additional and hidden fees — so try to avoid them. Instead, compare currencies and exchange rates in the weeks leading up to your vacation and head into your local bank at a favourable time to convert your hard-earned cash.

Exchanging currency before travelling also helps you steer clear of the ATM transaction fees that are charged by most foreign banks. These add up quickly if you’re not careful! And remember: always pay in the local currency when given the option.

Packing light to avoid incurring extra luggage costs at the airline counter is a no-brainer — but you can also take this one step further and only travel with a carry-on. In addition to saving you from paying a checked baggage fee, this allows you to easily maneuver through the terminal.

Here are a few things you can do to streamline your suitcase:

• Make a packing list following the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule
• Check the long-term weather forecast for your destination
• Build a capsule wardrobe with items that can be mixed and matched
• Keep things organized with packing cubes and compression bags

It’s the little everyday purchases that cause travellers to go over their vacation budget. Think about how much water you drink in a day and now think about how much each individual bottle of water will set you back. Like ATM fees, these small costs can add up. By bringing a reusable water bottle on your journey, you’ll save some cash and reduce your environmental footprint. 

You don’t need to blow your entire travel budget on hotels in order to have an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re budgeting for a family vacation, romantic getaway or solo trip, consider smaller, off-the-beaten path properties that are cheaper and more unique than the chain resorts you usually stay at. You probably won’t spend much time in your room anyway.

Hostels, vacation rentals and RVs are great alternatives to hotel stays as they’re usually equipped with kitchens and allow you to cook some of your own meals — another good way to save money while travelling. Or why not give international pet sitting or volunteer tourism a try?

If you can save a bit of money on essential expenses, such as accommodation, you’ll have more flexibility to cover unexpected expenses if/when they arise.

It’s tempting to tick off all the “must-sees” in a destination, but you’ll quickly burn through your travel fund by only checking out a city’s most popular attractions. So, look for activities and attractions that won’t cost you anything. Think parks and greenspaces, public art installations and free walking tours. Just remember to bring a bit of cash for the latter — you should always tip your guide!

Love history? Many museums around the world offer free entry at certain times of day, as well as senior and student discounts. Libraries, city squares and markets are also fun and completely free to explore (assuming you don’t pick up any souvenirs along the way). It’s worth checking to see if any local festivals or cultural celebrations are happening during your visit, too.

Swapping taxis, ride shares and rental cars for public transit can not only help you save money but will also give you a better sense of how the locals live in your destination. You may even get to experience some truly unique modes of transportation — from suspended monorails to colourful jeepneys.

Make sure to do a bit of research before you depart. Depending on the length of your trip and how many times you plan to use public transit, there could be some cost-effective tickets or passes for you to take advantage of. In London, for example, you can purchase a 7-day unlimited Travelcard instead of paying for each individual journey on the Tube.

Walking is also a great option when visiting a new place, particularly if you want to increase your chances of stumbling upon quaint cafés, vintage shops and other hidden gems. And it’ll keep you active while on vacation. Talk about a win-win.

Much like at home, cooking is more affordable than going out. That’s why we recommend you make like the locals and buy some of your meals from neighbourhood grocery stores and markets. Is your hotel room equipped with a mini fridge? Pick up some fruits and vegetables to snack on. Going for a hike? Grab a few sandwich fixings to make yourself a post-climb treat — you’ll need it at the summit! This is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in a destination’s culture, taste new cuisines and cut down on your food budget.

When you do go out for meals at restaurants (because you definitely still should!), take advantage of happy hour menus and try the local wine or beer — it’s often cheaper than the well-known international brands. 

Have you ever returned from a trip and celebrated the fact that you stuck to your travel budget, and then gotten dinged with a hefty phone bill the following month? The cost of roaming in a foreign country can be sky-high, but a bit of early planning can help you save money.

First and foremost, check if your phone provider offers free international roaming in the country you’re visiting. If it doesn’t, buying a local SIM card will allow you to keep in touch with people while you travel. Alternatively, you can try to only use your phone when you have access to Wi-Fi — just be wary of using passwords and other sensitive information when you’re connected to public networks.

Ready to start planning and saving on your next trip? Check out our latest deals or chat with our Travel Experts today!