12 Practical Tips to Save Money to Travel

Okay, to some I may be known as cheap…which I don’t always deny, but it’s just that I try really hard to save money each month to put in my “trip fund”. I have become an expert (self-proclaimed…) on activities that do not involve spending money and using tips to stretch my teacher’s salary. I have created a list of my favorite 12 (realistic and easy) ways to save money to travel.

If you are interested in how much I spend when I travel, click HERE. Otherwise, keep reading for the super awesome tips 🙂

Free helpful printables included!

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Table of Contents

1. Check your credit card and bank account frequently.

This helps you to be aware of what you are spending money on/how much you have left. I know I sometimes think I am rich with my credit card. One look at my account and statement, I am quickly snapped back to reality.

2. Use credit cards that offer cash back bonuses.

I have Discover and you are able to get 1% back on all purchases and 5 percent back on a revolving basis. In two years, I redeemed 725 dollars in cash back.

I typically use it on Amazon for makeup/hair supplies that I need but hate spending money on. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but more than enough for one or two plane tickets! It’s a great credit card (with awesome rewards) for no annual fee.

Update! I recently took the plunge and invested in the Capital One Venture. It is 95 dollars per year, but the rewards FAR outweigh the fee. You receive 2 miles for every dollar you spend + awesome bonuses. Right now you can earn 60,000 bonus miles (equals 600 dollars)…just for using your card! Click here to sign up for this amazing travel card!

3. With this being said, pay off your credit card IN FULL each month.

Interest rates can quickly add up to unnecessary spending. Do NOT spend more than you are able to pay off. I use a credit card solely for the rewards, but I treat it as a debit card.

4. Stay home on the weekends.

I’m an introvert, so I understand this may be easier for me, but going out costs SO much money. Especially for a night, you might not even remember. We went out the other night and spent over 200 dollars on dinner and four drinks. Try to find an at-home hobby and save nights out for special occasions.

Here is a printable of 32 things to do instead of spending money!

5. Learn to cook.

I do not like cooking. But, I also do not like spending 35 dollars on dinner out. I have a revolving list of easy meals to make each night, but Pinterest also has so many easy ideas. I try to limit my take-out/restaurants to one night a week.

Update! We have been using EVERY PLATE for the past year and LOVE it. At only 5 dollars per serving, it is MUCH cheaper than eating out and almost the same price if you were to buy all the ingredients at the grocery store. They send you all the ingredients and all you have to do is follow the easy recipe to cook it up. Every single one we have tried has been delicious and healthy!

Click here to save 20 dollars on your first box!

6. Pack a lunch.

While at work, I see so many co-workers buying take-out each day. That can quickly add up… 10 dollars for the meal. 3 dollars for delivery. 3 dollars for a tip. 16×5=80 dollars per week!!! I will take leftovers from dinner the night before. If no leftovers, I make a sandwich or cook quick chicken breasts.

7. Make a list before you go grocery shopping!!!

Okay, I am terrible at this one too, but I save a significant amount of money when I do this. When I don’t, I tend to just grab whatever looks good at the moment. Then I end up with no dinner options for the week.

Here is a Meal Planning Printable to help!

8. Set up auto-pay for bills to avoid late fees.

I am guilty of making this mistake before. Definitely a waste of money!

9. Shop at Thrift stores

Okay, okay…. I used to be embarrassed to do this. I thought I was way too cool for that. But now it can actually be fun to hunt for exactly what you need at a fraction of the cost. And I don’t mean for everything… I don’t do that either, but for the occasional “wants” (clothes, books, home decor, DIY projects, etc).

10. Make coffee at home.

I honestly am way too cheap to ever spend money on a daily coffee, but I figured I would add it to the list because it can add up extremely fast…5 dollars per day times 5= 25 or 100 dollars a month.

11. Cancel any subscriptions you aren’t actively using.

Do you really need 4 different video subscriptions???

12. If you are going out or participating in an activity, check Groupon.

They sometimes have wonderful deals on activities you were going to pay full price for anyway.

Bonus!

Set a GOAL. Where do you want to go? When do you want to go? WRITE it down to motivate you to use these tips. Check out my trip planning guide as well!

These fun travel journals will make your goal to save money to travel more attainable!

I know I am not an expert, and sometimes I spend my money on really silly things, but when you have a goal and a plan it is possible to save enough money to travel.

I have used each and every one of these tips and they DO work. It’s really easier than one may think to save money to travel!

Now you have ideas of how to save money BEFORE you travel. Click HERE to learn how I save money WHILE I travel.