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 often offers cheaper rates or special deals not found 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 to yourself.
- Sliplagging (Hidden City Ticketing): Use services like Skiplagged to find cheaper flights where your destination is a layover, not the final stop. Just bring 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!