Planning a holiday in 2025 but worried about the rising costs of travel? You’re not alone. As a mum of two and a long-time travel lover, I’ve picked up dozens of practical ways to save money on travel while still making the most of every trip. Whether you’re travelling solo, with kids, or as a couple, these tried-and-tested travel hacks will help you cut costs without cutting corners.
From flights and accommodation to food, activities and packing tips, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the best ways to travel smart, stress-free and on budget.
Smart Travel Hacks to Save Money On Travel in 2025
Booking Flights: Think Beyond the Basics
One of the easiest ways to save money on flights is to book midweek, typically Tuesdays or Wednesdays, when prices tend to be lower. Set up price alerts using tools like Google Flights so you’re notified when fares drop.
Use an incognito browser or a VPN when searching for flights to avoid price hikes due to repeated searches. Also, consider one-way flights instead of returns. You’ll be surprised how often it’s cheaper to book each leg separately.
Check foreign versions of booking sites like google.fr instead of google.co.uk. This lesser-known trick can sometimes reveal lower prices.
Think Outside The Booking Box
Ferry travel is an amazing way to save money on holidays. Most people go straight to comparing flight prices and stop there, but if you’re travelling as a family or with a few friends, a ferry can leave flying for dust on cost. You’re paying one fare for the car, not a separate ticket for every person in it, so there’s no hire car to bolt on once you land and no baggage allowance to plan your packing around. Pile the boot how you like, bring the big pram, the lot. On some routes the kids sail free too. Worth running the numbers on a crossing before you default to the cheapest flight, because once you add up the extras, the ferry usually wins.
Accommodation and Transport Tips
Accommodation with a kitchen is a must for families or longer stays. Cooking a few meals at home saves a fortune, especially breakfasts and quick dinners. Alternatively, book a breakfast-included package and fill up for the day.
For local transport, buy a 7-day public travel card or multi-day city pass instead of individual tickets. Apps like CityMapper or Moovit help you find the cheapest and most efficient routes around town.
Want to go further for less? Take a night train or coach. It covers your transport and a night’s stay in one go.
Tech Tools That Actually Save Money On Travel
Avoid roaming fees with a local SIM or eSIM. I use Airalo, which is simple to set up and much cheaper than UK data charges. Use code LARA7320 for free £2.50 sign up bonus.
Download offline maps before your trip. Google Maps lets you save entire cities for offline use, which helps if you lose signal or want to avoid data charges.
Use ChatGPT to build your itinerary. Give it details like your budget, family setup and travel goals. It can create a full plan including activity ideas and local recommendations so you save money and time.
Managing Money While Abroad
Always choose to pay in the local currency when using your card abroad. You’ll get a better exchange rate this way.
Use fee-free travel cards like Curve or Revolut to avoid withdrawal and transaction fees.
Planning a big purchase? Check if you’re eligible for a VAT refund before leaving the country. You’ll need to follow the correct steps at the airport but it can mean big savings.
If you’re booking excursions or attraction tickets, try Attraction Tickets Direct or GetYourGuide. Look out for city passes that include entry to multiple attractions at a discount.
Packing and Prepping Like a Pro
Pack light to avoid extra baggage charges. Compression cubes help you fit more into a smaller case. Share luggage between family members when you can.
Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. You’ll save money throughout the day and reduce waste. A small laundry kit means you can wash as you go and pack fewer clothes.
Wear your heaviest or bulkiest items on travel days to avoid paying to pack them. And instead of bringing books, load a Kindle with free titles from Prime Reading. It’s lighter and more practical.
Food and Eating Out
Eating out for every meal adds up quickly. Shop at local supermarkets for snacks and basics when you arrive. Plan to eat out once a day and fill up on your hotel or self-catered breakfast.
Street food markets are a great way to eat well without the high cost. They’re often more authentic and give everyone in the family a choice of dishes.
Stretching Your Travel Further
Use stopovers to your advantage. Some routes let you explore an extra city for no extra cost or very little more. It’s a clever way to extend your trip.
Check if your bank account includes travel insurance. Many paid accounts offer this as a free benefit and it saves you from buying a separate policy.
Budget Travel 2025
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little preparation and the right hacks, you can enjoy a fun, memorable and affordable trip and save money on travel in 2025.
Got your own favourite travel money-saving tip? I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment or connect with me on Instagram and let’s keep this community sharing smart ways to see the world.
What do you think?