Hello, fellow travelers! We’re Ange and Zee from Our Travel Journey. Over years of globe-trotting, we’ve tested countless money-saving strategies so you don’t have to. In this post, we share our 15 favorite travel hacks—backed by real-world experience—that will stretch your budget further on your next adventure.

1. Leverage Airline Miles Strategically

• Earn sign-up bonuses from credit cards offering 50,000+ miles

• Consolidate spending on one card to accelerate mile accrual

• Book award seats early (6–9 months in advance) for best availability

2. Maximize Hotel Loyalty Points

• Join free loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards)

• Stay at brand properties to earn elite night credits and free nights

• Use point multipliers during promotional periods to boost balances

3. Use Meta-Search + Incognito Mode

• Search in private browsing to avoid price inflation

• Compare Trip.com, Google Flights, and Agoda for best fare deals

• Set price alerts and snag tickets when rates dip

4. Capitalize on Mistake Fares

• Follow fare-alert accounts on Twitter and dedicated forums

• Act fast—mistake fares often vanish within hours

• Book refundable tickets for risk-free exploits

We once snagged a $350 mistake fare from Los Angeles to Sydney—true game changer!

5. Book “Hidden-City” Flights with Caution

• Use Skiplagged to find cheaper connecting flights where layover is your destination

• Travel light—carry only a personal item to avoid checked-bag complications

• Avoid round-trip tickets on hidden-city bookings

6. Travel in Shoulder Seasons

• Visit Europe in April–May or September–October for mild weather and 30%–50% lower prices

• Explore Asia in March or November before peak monsoon and peak holiday crowds

• Book two weeks in advance for best midseason rates

7. Opt for Overnight Trains and Buses

• Save on one night’s accommodation by traveling overnight

• Book couchettes or cabin berths for comfort and privacy

• Reserve early for lowest fares

8. Use Vacation Rental Discounts

• Try first-time user coupons on Airbnb (often $40–$60 off)

• Negotiate weekly discounts directly with hosts

• Compare Vrbo and local rental platforms for best deals

9. Embrace Local Transportation Cards

• Purchase transit passes (e.g., London’s Oyster, Tokyo’s Suica) for unlimited rides

• Preload cards online for bonus travel credit

• Use contactless payment options to avoid foreign transaction fees

10. Dine Like a Local

• Skip tourist traps near major sights in favor of neighborhood eateries

• Seek daily specials and prix fixe menus for three-course meals under $15

• Visit local markets and street food stalls for authentic flavors at minimal cost

11. Share Rides and Accommodations

• Use ride-sharing apps with split-fare options (Uber Pool, Bolt)

• Book private rooms in hostels and share common kitchens

• House-swap or home-share through trusted platforms

12. Use Free Walking Tours

• Tip-based walking tours cover top attractions without upfront costs

• Book tours in advance to guarantee your spot

• Tip based on value received—typically $5–$10 per tour

13. Take Advantage of City Tourist Passes

• Purchase combo cards offering museum entries and transit (e.g., Paris Pass)

• Calculate break-even: if you visit 3+ major attractions, passes pay for themselves

• Use digital passes on your phone to avoid paper hassles

14. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

• Use credit cards with no fees 

• Pay in local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion surcharges

• Withdraw larger sums in local ATMs to minimize withdrawal fees

15. Plan Activities with Apps and Communities

• Join Meetup and Couchsurfing events for free cultural experiences

• Use Groupon and Klook for discounted tours and activities

• Follow local expat blogs for insider discount codes

Final Thoughts from Ange & Zee

Traveling smart doesn’t mean traveling cheap—it means maximizing value. By combining airline miles, hotel points, and these 15 tested hacks, you’ll unlock significant savings without sacrificing experience. Start planning with intention, stay flexible, and track your rewards to make every trip your most affordable yet.