Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. While most people know the basics—book flights in advance, stay in hostels, and eat street food—there are lesser-known budget travel tricks that can save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing comfort or experience.
I’ve personally used these hacks on my trips, and they’ve made a world of difference. If you’re ready to travel smarter (and cheaper), here are five travel hacks nobody tells you—but you’ll wish you knew sooner!
1. Use Hidden City Ticketing for Cheaper Flights
Most travelers book direct flights, but did you know that booking a flight with a layover in your actual destination can be way cheaper? This is called hidden city ticketing, and sites like Skiplagged help you find these hidden deals.
How it works:
- Instead of booking a direct flight to your destination, look for flights where your city is a layover stop.
- Simply exit the airport at your layover instead of continuing to the final destination.
🚨 Caution:
- This only works if you don’t check luggage (since your bags go to the final destination).
- Avoid using your frequent flyer account, as airlines might track and penalize repeat use.
💰 Potential Savings: $100–$400 per flight!
2. Book Accommodation Through Local Facebook Groups
Forget overpriced hotels and even Airbnb—one of the best ways to find cheap, safe, and local places to stay is by joining Facebook travel groups for your destination. Many locals rent out rooms or apartments at a fraction of hotel prices, and some even offer home-stays!
Steps to find budget stays:
- Search for groups like “Expats in [Destination]” or “Backpackers in [Destination].”
- Look for posts offering short-term rentals, or make a post asking for budget accommodation options.
- Always negotiate—many locals prefer renting directly instead of dealing with platforms that take commissions.
💰 Potential Savings: $20–$80 per night!
3. Leverage VPNs to Get Cheaper Prices
Did you know that airlines, hotels, and booking sites charge different prices depending on your location? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you access lower prices just by changing your IP address.
How to do it:
- Get a VPN service (like NordVPN or Surfshark).
- Set your location to a country where prices tend to be lower (e.g., Mexico, India, or Thailand).
- Refresh the travel booking website and compare prices.
🚨 Pro Tip: Also clear your cookies or use incognito mode before searching for flights and hotels to avoid price hikes based on browsing history.
💰 Potential Savings: $50–$300 per trip!
4. Sign Up for Airline Mistake Fare Alerts
Airlines sometimes accidentally publish ultra-cheap fares due to technical glitches or human errors—these are called mistake fares. But unless you know where to look, you’ll never find them in time.
How to find mistake fares:
- Subscribe to sites like Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Flights, or Hopper for alerts.
- Follow Twitter accounts that post mistake fares.
- Be ready to book fast—these fares don’t last long!
💰 Potential Savings: $200–$800 per ticket!
5. Get Free Transportation with Relocation Deals
Did you know rental car companies and campervan businesses need people to move their vehicles between cities? They often offer them for free (or super cheap)—sometimes even covering fuel!
Where to find relocation deals:
- Check websites like Imoova, Transfercar, or Coseats.
- Be flexible with dates and destinations for the best deals.
🚨 Pro Tip: Some companies even throw in free gas and a travel stipend to make it worth your while.
💰 Potential Savings: $100–$500 per trip!
6. Use ChatGPT or AI Assistants for Instant Local Recommendations
Yep, just like you’re doing now.
Instead of spending hours scrolling TripAdvisor threads, ask an AI assistant for restaurant recommendations, hidden gem spots, or even local phrases.
Pro Tip: You can even ask for custom walking tours based on your interests (e.g., “give me a 3-hour foodie walk through Lisbon with minimal tourists”).
7. Pack Dryer Sheets or a Bar of Soap in Your Luggage
Nothing screams “I’m a backpacker” like clothes that smell like they’ve been on a jungle trek—even if they haven’t.
Hack it: Toss a few dryer sheets or a wrapped bar of soap into your bag.
It keeps everything smelling fresh, especially in humid climates.
Bonus: soap bars work as emergency laundry detergent too.
Dryer Sheets
Buy on Amazon8. Book Two One-Way Flights with Different Airlines
Round-trip flights aren’t always the cheapest.
Hack it: Search for one-way tickets on different airlines (or from nearby airports) to mix and match for savings.
Tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature or Kiwi.com make this easy.
9. Use WhatsApp to Book Local Tours and Transport
In many countries, WhatsApp is the go-to communication tool for everything—especially local businesses.
Hack it: Once you arrive, use WhatsApp to contact tour guides, taxi services, or even hotels.
You’ll often get better prices and faster responses than via email or booking platforms.
10. Wear Compression Socks on Long-Haul Flights
Not just for the 60+ crowd—seriously.
Hack it: Compression socks reduce swelling, improve circulation, and help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long flights.
You’ll arrive with less jetlag and happier legs. Plus, they’re weirdly cozy.
Compression Socks
Buy on Amazon11. Turn Old Glasses Cases Into Travel Organizers
Those cheap plastic cases from old sunglasses? Don’t toss ’em.
Hack it: Use them to organize cords, lip balm, painkillers, tweezers, or even snacks like almonds or tea bags.
They’re compact, protective, and easy to find in your bag.
12. Use Your Phone’s Voice Recorder for Instant Journaling
Too tired to write in a travel journal at the end of the day?
Hack it: Open your phone’s voice recorder app and just talk.
Capture your impressions, mishaps, and moments while they’re fresh.
Later, transcribe them (or have AI help you turn them into a blog post or memory book!).
Final Thoughts
These travel hacks might not be widely known, but they’re absolute game-changers for budget travelers.
Whether it’s tricking airlines into giving you cheaper flights, scoring free transportation, or finding hidden accommodation deals, these tips can make your dream trip more affordable than you ever thought possible.
So next time you plan a trip, put these hacks to use and watch how much you save! Have you tried any of these before? Or do you have your own secret budget travel tips? Let me know in the comments! ✈️💰
