Beyond the Airfare Hacks, the Two Hidden Travel Savings You Don’t Want To Miss

The budget-minded hacks to travel smarter this summer

Some travelers think they already know how to save money, like booking the lowest fare or choosing budget airlines. But, according to a recent Credit Karma survey, on average, just 25% of travelers are exploring these and other airfare tactics like:

• Charging airfare to a credit card
• Booking earlier than usual
• Flying at off-peak times
• Using points or travel rewards to offset the cost
• Picking a destination based on cheaper airfare

That means most travelers are leaving airfare, one of the biggest line items in their trip budget, essentially unmanaged. We’re spotlighting them here so you don’t overlook them while planning your next flight.

And, sometimes, savings can come from somewhere else, not just airfare. Here are a couple additional strategies to add to the list above to help you stretch your travel budget even more.

Recommended reading

If you’re flying or traveling abroad, check out these posts for more tips on money-smart traveling:

• I’m Taking a Business Trip. What Can I Write Off?
• The Tax-Free Life: Duty-Free Shopping Tips for Travelers

The sticker price isn’t always the full story

A low airfare isn’t always a bargain.

Neither is a discounted hotel. Or a cheap Airbnb.

Travelers often focus on the lowest advertised price and assume they’ve found the best deal. But airline baggage fees, resort fees, cleaning fees, parking charges, airport transfer costs, and last-minute booking fees can quickly change the math.

Sometimes the “budget” option ends up costing more than the slightly higher-priced alternative once all the extras are added in.

Before you book, look at the total trip cost, not just the advertised price. That’s where many of the biggest savings are hiding.

Traveling like a local

One of the easiest budget travel hacks has nothing to do with flights or hotels. It’s transportation once you arrive.

Many travelers open the same ride share app they use at home. But local transportation options can often cost much less.

Before you default to a ride share, see how locals get around.

Many cities have public transportation that’s faster, cheaper, and easier than visitors expect, along with local apps that make getting around simple. That might mean buying a multi-day transit pass, taking a train, renting a bike, or walking more than you normally would at home.

And there’s a bonus: Once you’re moving around the way locals do, you’ll naturally discover neighborhoods and experience moments that most visitors sealed inside a ride share never see.

The savings others miss

This summer, plenty of people will be traveling.

Some will spend more than they planned. Others will wonder where the money went. The difference usually isn’t luck. It’s strategy.

The best summer budget travel tips aren’t about finding the lowest price. They’re about avoiding costly mistakes and making smarter choices before you ever leave home.

And if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll likely have a few extra costs to consider. For more family-focused ideas, check out 4 Ways for You and Your Family to Save on Summer Vacations This Year for practical tips on cutting vacation costs while still making the most of your time together.