8 Unexpected Travel Hacks for Saving Big on Your Next Trip

Travel is one of the best investments you can make, especially if you value unique experiences, meeting new people, and roaming the world. That said, it can be quite expensive, especially factoring in airfare, gas money, and paying for accommodations. The good news? It doesn't have to be, especially if you're willing to think outside the box.

The following list of unexpected travel hacks (no, we aren't just recommending basic economy) will help you travel to some of the best destinations throughout the U.S. without sacrificing comfort—or depleting your bank account.

1. Consider a House Sitting Program

Accommodations are perhaps the most expensive part of planning a trip. But there's a hack that lets you stay in someone's home for less than the cost of a traditional vacation rental. If you've seen The Holiday, then you're familiar with house swapping. And yes, there are real-life versions of house swapping, but there are also other ways you can house sit without having to swap properties.

One option out there is especially appealing to animal enthusiasts. TrustedHousesitters connects pet owners with trusted sitters who are committed to pet-sitting as part of an affordable stay. Rather than paying for a nightly rate, you can sign up for an annual membership (snag your discounted rate with the code THS20SC) to unlock unlimited stays around the globe. Providing quality care for pets while experiencing a new place as a local will make your travels all the more rewarding.

If you're not looking to pet sit, other programs like Kindred and HomeExchange are also worth considering for a free and/or low cost stay where you take care of someone's home.

2. Track Your Flights

Finding the best price for a ticket to any given U.S. destination is a bit of an art. Fortunately, it's possible to track prices via Google Flights so that you can pull the trigger on your flight itinerary as soon as the prices seem within your budget. Simply choose a destination, your approximate flight dates, and Google will send you an email when the price for your trip has increased or decreased. The trick here is to stay flexible with dates.

3. Go Out to Lunch

Food can be notoriously expensive when traveling. It's all too convenient to grab something on the go, but these small purchases really can add up. At the same time, you don't want to deny yourself the experience of local cuisine or a really special restaurant that's been on your radar.

The solution? Opt for a big lunch out. Many restaurants offer a lunch special, and there's usually not a long wait to snag a table. On a recent trip to Miami, my friend and I visited a sushi restaurant we had both wanted to try, only we went for lunch rather than dinner. The prices were much more in line with our budget, plus, we didn't have to wait for a table. Win-win!

4. Opt for Local Transportation

Ride shares are wonderfully convenient, but they're often much pricier than the public transportation system, especially if you're visiting a major city. It's worth getting to know the local bus, train, or tram system so that you can get to your destination quickly and on time. And if you're in a city, check out local bike rideshare or scooter platforms.

5. Bring Your Own Coffee Cup

Okay, this one may seem small, but traveling with your own reusable coffee cup or mug has lots of benefits. You can make coffee at your accommodations, taking it with you as you continue on your day. Also, many local coffee shops offer a bit of a discount for bringing your own mug. Not to mention the fact that it's an eco-friendly choice! The same goes for water bottles—bring your own bottle and you won't need to buy any single-use bottles during your trip.

6. Consider Off-Season Travel

When it comes to budget travel, flexibility is key. Is there a famous city or landmark you wish to visit? Consider booking a trip there during the off-season or shoulder season. Not only will you enjoy discounted rates, but you'll also experience a quieter side to your destination.

7. Book a Walking Tour

There are so many free or low-cost adventures to be enjoyed, and walking tours are a personal favorite of mine. Not only do they give you the chance to stretch your legs, but they also tend to highlight local or little-known attractions from a local's perspective.

When I visited Charleston, South Carolina, I opted for a walking tour led by a local guide, and it was the highlight of my trip. Also, it's helpful to plan one activity per day, rather than load in as many adventures and activities as possible. This will allow you to be intentional about your time, and it goes hand-in-hand with the concept of slow, meaningful travel.

8. Save on Pet Boarding Costs

We know it's hard to leave your pet, and many people travel less once they have one. But you can also use house sitting services when you leave home to help save on pet sitting costs or just to have peace of mind while you're on the road.

TrustedHousesitters also works for those looking to save on pet boarding costs while you're on vacation. Instead of searching through pet-sitting apps, boarding in a kennel, or relying on family friends, you can pay one membership fee and have someone stay in your home with your animal. The sitter doesn't charge any extra fees as they're using your home as a place to stay in a city or town they want to explore.

So there you have it: some unexpected tips for helping you travel on a budget. If you're ready to start planning your next getaway, be sure to share this article with a fellow travel enthusiast!