Life on the road can get expensive, but with a few clever strategies, you can stretch your budget, enjoy better experiences, and travel longer. Here are some tried-and-true hacks to help you save money while traveling the world as a digital nomad:
Flights & Booking Tips
- Use the Booking.com App (Not the Website): The app frequently provides lower rates or exclusive deals that are not available on the website.
- Google Flights > Skyscanner: Always cross-check flights. Google Flights often lists airlines that Skyscanner misses.
- Book Flexible Rates, Then Cancel Smart: If Booking.com gives a “flexible” option, book it, change the date, and sometimes cancel for free. You can also cancel a free cancellation booking a few days before arrival and switch to a cheaper non-refundable version.
- Check for Empty Flights Before Boarding: Use the airline’s website or seat map tools to see how full the flight is. If it’s empty, you can decline upgrades and still end up with an entire row.
- Sliplagging (Hidden City Ticketing): Use services like Skiplagged to find cheaper flights where your destination is a layover, not the final stop. Just bring a carry-on only.
- Always Do Online Check-In (Carry-On Only): It helps you avoid weight checks on budget airlines. They rarely check if you’re not checking in at the counter.
Accommodation Hacks
- Offer to Take Drone Photos for Hotels: Some hotels will give you a 50% refund in exchange for professional-quality photos.
- Buy a Drink at a 5-Star Hotel: It gives you access to luxury spaces like the pool or lounge for just the cost of a coffee or beer.
Ground Transport & Connectivity
- Check Local and App-Based Taxis: Always compare Uber-type apps with local taxi prices for the best deal.
- Use 12Go, Rome2Rio, and Other Comparison Tools: These help you find the cheapest and fastest options between cities and countries.
- Buy a Local SIM Card: Use sites like TravelTomTom to find the best SIM in each country. It’s usually far cheaper than international plans.
ATM & Currency Hacks
- Use ATMs at Major Banks Only: These have lower withdrawal fees and better exchange rates than small bank ATMs.
- Always Choose Local Currency Option at ATMs: Don’t let the ATM convert currency for you—it’s usually a worse rate.
- Use a Charles Schwab Debit Card: It reimburses international ATM fees and gives excellent exchange rates, saving you money every time you withdraw abroad.
- Load Leftover Currency on a Starbucks Card: If you’re leaving a country with leftover bills, add them to your Starbucks card. Most major airports have a Starbucks, and you won’t lose money in exchange fees.
Luggage & Packing Tricks
- Board Last and Snag Empty Rows: If you know the flight is empty, boarding last allows you to spot and grab empty 3-seat rows.
- Pack Like a Pro with Hidden Storage: Wear a neck pillow filled with clothes or use a coat with hidden pockets and store compressed clothes. Works well on budget airlines that don’t weigh clothing or accessories.
- Backpack Only Travel: Keep it minimal to avoid checked luggage fees and speed up your airport experience.
- Toiletries on the Cheap: Visit Sephora to grab travel-size samples. You can refill them as needed by visiting different locations. This hack worked for a 5-week Europe trip.
- Do Laundry While Showering: Use hotel hand soap or dish soap to wash clothes like underwear and t-shirts daily. A gallon Ziploc bag also works well as a mini washing machine. Dry with a hair dryer if needed.
Lifestyle & Local Experience
- Use Priority Pass for Lounge Access: A Priority Pass membership gives you free access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide. Worth it if you fly often.
- Join an Online School for Student Discounts: Enroll in an inexpensive online school to get a student card. Many tourist attractions and museums offer steep discounts to students.
- Check Free Events in Every City: Look for free or low-cost events using Facebook groups. Travelers organize meetups like comedy shows, dinner parties, and holiday picnics.
Bonus Tips to Consider
- Use Travel Credit Cards: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture offer points, no foreign transaction fees, and travel insurance.
- House Sit or Pet Sit: Sites like TrustedHousesitters offer free stays in exchange for watching someone’s home or pets.
- Use Public Libraries or Co-Working Spaces: Some offer free trials, coffee, Wi-Fi, and a comfortable workspace.
- Bring a Refillable Water Bottle and Collapsible Tupperware: Save on bottled water and food waste. Some airports and cities have refill stations.
- Use Cashback and Discount Sites: Always check Rakuten, Honey, or local equivalents for cashback or coupon codes before booking anything.
What are your favorite money-saving travel hacks? Drop yours in the comments below and share this post with a fellow traveler!