Obviously, no one wants a vacation to drain their bank account. Travel is already expensive enough, so it’s natural to want to employ a few tricks to save some money on an upcoming getaway. But what seems smart in the short-term can sometimes cost you hundreds—if not thousands—more in the long run. Trying to save money upfront by cutting corners can derail your budget and turn your trip into a financial nightmare.
To help you avoid “budget-friendly” hacks that backfire, I’ve rounded up 14 travel mistakes you’re making to save money that can actually cost way more in the end. Keep scrolling to learn more.
1. Booking rentals over hotels
Booking a vacation rental instead of a hotel may seem like the cheaper option, but you’ll likely pay more in the end. On top of the nightly rate, rentals charge cleaning fees, service charges (often up to 15 percent), and taxes—and you’re paying these fees while forgoing amenities like complimentary toiletries, daily housekeeping, and on-site facilities like a pool or gym. The next time you’re shopping around for accommodations, be sure to compare the total costs, including all fees and taxes. Plus, consider the value of having a secure entrance and a 24/7 front desk staff to handle requests, check-ins, or emergencies instantly (no more waiting for an unreliable Airbnb host to answer the phone). More often than not, the hotel wins on overall price and value, and the “cheap” rental becomes expensive after accounting for hidden costs, lack of service, and the stress of managing a temporary home.
2. Waiting to book flights on a certain day or at the last-minute
In case you haven’t heard, “best day to book” wisdom has largely been debunked. Airfare changes with demand and purchasing trends, so trying to snag a cheap ticket on a certain day or at the last minute is usually not worth the effort and stress. The best time to book flights ultimately comes down to finding the right price for your budget and when you’re traveling. Booking 1-2 months in advance for domestic travel and 2-6 months in advance for international travel usually gives you the best bang for your buck.
3. Flying budget airlines
Budget airlines lure you in with cheaper flight prices, only to charge you extra for basics like luggage, seat selection, snacks, and printing boarding passes. Plus, low-cost airlines typically fly in and out of smaller airports instead of major hubs, which can force you to pay more for transportation to get from the airport to your final destination. Flying a budget airline will almost always be more costly and stressful for long or international travel, business trips, and family vacations. However, if you’re booking a flight for an ultra-short trip, compare total flight costs from multiple airlines against one another to find the best deal.
4. Buying tons of groceries to replace meals
Visiting a local grocery store can be a fun, new experience, but buying tons of items while you’re there to try and save on meal costs is usually wasteful and fruitless. You can’t exactly cook a full meal without a kitchen, and you’ll likely still buy food when you’re out and about, even if you have a pre-made spread in your hotel mini fridge. Instead, travel with snacks that have a long shelf life and can be easily transported, like granola bars, nuts, chips, and more. This will give you something to munch on between meals or when you’re at the hotel and keep you from getting hangry.
5. Not purchasing travel insurance
Not purchasing travel insurance is one of the most common mistakes travelers make, and it’s easy to see why. Booking flights, hotels, and activities adds up, so it can be tempting to forego the additional 4-10 percent in travel insurance. But life happens, and you’ll lose out on the money you’ve already paid if anything derails your trip. That includes trip cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, or even medical emergencies. Especially for big international trips or extended stays, purchasing travel insurance is almost always a good idea. Look into purchasing a policy from a travel insurance company, or check whether your credit card offers complementary coverage. You work hard for your money, and you don’t want to lose thousands of dollars because of an unforeseen circumstance.
6. Traveling without backup payment methods
If you have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, that will likely be your go-to payment method when traveling internationally. However, don’t let that be your only option for payment. Being unable to pay for something because your card isn’t working is less than ideal, which is why experts recommend having at least one backup card on hand when traveling. Ideally, you should bring at least two cards from different networks (think: Visa and Mastercard) so you’ll be covered if you run into any issues with one payment method. Likewise, it’s also a good idea to bring some cash with you as well. This will ensure you’re covered in a pinch or when you’re buying from a “cash only” vendor.
7. Skipping guided tours
For big bucket-list attractions, guided tours are often worth the splurge, and skipping them to save money actually backfires. Not only are you liable to miss out on crucial historical context and not fully grasp what you’re viewing, but you’ll also spend hours waiting in line to get into places like the Vatican, the Duomo di Milano, and the Acropolis of Athens. In contrast, a guided tour will give you a much more well-rounded perspective and likely come with perks, like skip-the-line access and a designated entry time.
8. Booking non-refundable tickets
As with travel insurance, booking non-refundable airfare, lodging, and activities might save you money upfront, but you’ll pay more in the long run if something goes awry. After all, the money you save by doing this really isn’t money in your pocket unless the trip happens successfully. You have zero wiggle room in your itinerary, so you can’t change the time of a boat tour if you’re jet-lagged and want to sleep in, or adjust the timing of your trip if something comes up. Especially when it comes down to big-ticket items like airfare, the small discount isn’t worth the risk. Plus, vacation should be relaxing, and the last thing you want is to stress about losing money if you need to make a change.
9. Overpacking
I sympathize with wanting multiple outfit choices for every day of your trip, but overstuffing your suitcase is a sure-fire way to incur overweight baggage fees at the airport. To prevent this from happening, check the weight limit for whatever airline you’re flying, and weigh your luggage before you leave home. That way, you can remove excess items without holding up the line at the airport. When in doubt, packing versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched is your best bet.
10. Not buying a foreign SIM card or travel phone plan
Going off the grid is great and all, but we use our phones for literally everything. If you’re traveling internationally, whipping out yours to navigate a new city will quickly run up a hefty amount in roaming fees. You can try to rely on public Wi-Fi and airplane mode to avoid charges, but getting stuck without service can lead to getting lost, missed reservations, and other mishaps. You don’t want to be unable or afraid to use your phone, so look into purchasing a foreign SIM card or travel pass through your phone carrier. For a budget-friendly option, download an eSIM through an app like Airalo, which lets you use your phone’s cellular data as usual and often costs around a dollar a day. You’ll be able to communicate with people back home, pull up reservations and confirmations, and open up Maps stress-free.
11. Exchanging currency at the airport
Airport currency exchange kiosks not only have atrocious exchange rates, but they also pile on additional fees, meaning you can lose anywhere from 10-20 percent of your money in a single transaction. While the airport exchange may come in handy if you need a small amount of cash immediately—like for a taxi ride—you’re better off exchanging your money elsewhere. You’ll likely get a much better exchange rate by taking out foreign currency at your local bank before your trip. You could also locate an ATM once you arrive (and expect to pay a small fee), or pay with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
12. Buying travel-sized toiletries and cosmetics
Obviously, having a full bottle of shampoo explode in your suitcase during your flight is the last thing you want. However, buying brand-new travel-sized toiletries and cosmetics to mitigate that risk will run you a pretty penny. Instead of buying marked-up mini sizes of your favorite products, grab a set of reusable travel containers you can refill with products you already own. If you’re worried about leakage, try taping the caps shut or placing liquid items in waterproof plastic bags to protect the rest of your stuff.
13. Waiting to book local activities
Pre-booking local activities usually requires research that can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the end. Activities like cooking classes, walking tours, and boat rentals often sell out, and you won’t get the best price by booking at the last minute anyway. Ticket resellers upcharge, and booking through your hotel concierge almost always costs more because they typically mark up prices so they can receive a commission. Time is money, so do yourself a favor and book (refundable if possible!) activities for your trip ahead of time.
14. Winging transportation
Booking a private airport transfer directly to your hotel is ultra-convenient but also can be quite pricey. If you opt to skip this travel expense, make sure you have an alternate plan in place. Transportation is different in every city, and trying to “wing it” during your trip can be costly. You might end up paying for a pricey rideshare or taxi service when you could be using public transportation for a much lower cost. Sorry, type B planners—tickets for trains and boat rides are also best booked in advance to avoid paying extra. Make sure you understand how to get to, from, and around your destination, and book tickets and reservations ahead of time to save more.
Want more travel hacks and tips? You’ll love these:
- 10 Game-Changing Hacks That Will Save You Money on Vacation
- 11 Crucial Things to Know Before Your Next International Trip
- These Doctors Have the Best Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling—And They Actually Work
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a freelance writer and journalist, and the self-proclaimed hot and dirty martini queen. At The Everygirl, Arianna uses her authenticity and relatability to empower, inspire, and motivate women everywhere. Whether she’s writing about sex and relationships, career and finance, beauty and fashion, wellness, or home and living, Arianna’s passion shines through in all her work.
We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that’s unforgettable—not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We compiled our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl’s Ultimate Guide to Travel, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
