Ways to save money when traveling: save money during your trip

Planning a trip is exciting, but the fear of overspending can quickly turn that excitement into stress. With the right strategy and an app like ours, travel doesn't need to be a luxury reserved for the few. It's about making conscious choices before you leave and having the right financial tools when you're on the go.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of different ways to save money when travelling, split into a simple, actionable 3-step process.

Ready to see how you can make your holiday budget go further? Download the Revolut app and start planning your trip today.

The information provided is accurate as of 4 December 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut isn't a financial adviser.

Our 3-step strategy: practical ways to save money when travelling

Achieving your travel goals comes down to mastering 2 phases: the saving phase (before you book), and the spending phase (during your trip). Our strategy covers both:

1. Build your travel fund. Focus on boosting your income and cutting fixed and variable costs at home. This is where you create the initial savings for your trip.
2. Smart planning and booking. Use budget-friendly travel hacks to ensure every pound you spend on flights, hotels, and insurance gets you the best value possible.
3. Optimise your spending abroad. Eliminate additional fees, manage currency exchange smartly, and use local knowledge to cut daily expenses on food and transport.

By combining financial discipline at home with savvy spending abroad, you'll uncover the most effective ways to save when travelling and get the relaxing holiday you deserve.

Step 1: ways to save money before you travel

Your journey to a cheaper holiday starts long before you pack your bags. The most successful travellers are those who view saving for travel as a dedicated financial project.

Become familiar with your finances

You can't cut costs if you don't know where your money's going. The first step is always visibility.

• Track every penny: for one month, use budgeting tools like ours to track every single item you spend money on. Don't judge the spending yet — simply record it.
• Analyse your categories: once the month is over, group your spending into clear categories like rent, utilities, food, entertainment, subscriptions, and travel. You’ll quickly see where most of your discretionary income is going.
• Automate your savings: treat your travel fund like a mandatory bill. Set up a standing order to move a fixed amount into a separate savings account or a Revolut Pocket the day after payday. This ensures you save first and spend the rest.

Budgeting and expense tracking

Once you know your spending habits, you can set a target. Budgeting means putting your travel goals first, over short-term enjoyment.

• Set a date and a goal: determine how much your trip will cost (the goal) and when you want to leave (the date). See how much you need to save per month by dividing the cost by the number of months you have left until your trip.
• The 50/30/20 rule (adapted): allocate your monthly income, putting aside 50% for necessary costs (rent, bills, food), 30% for wants (hobbies or entertainment), and 20% for savings. For a big trip, you might need to adjust this to 50/20/30, shrinking your 'wants' budget until you reach your goal.
• Use our budgeting tools: our in-app tools automatically track your spending, allowing you to set a monthly budget for different categories, like eating out. We'll send you a notification if you're approaching your limit, helping you stay accountable to your travel goals. You can also create Pockets that act as piggybanks for different expense types or savings goals.

Cutting down on unnecessary monthly costs

Many of us pay for subscriptions or services we barely use. Reducing these can feel like finding free money.

Step 2: find smart ways to save money when planning and booking

Once you have your travel savings sorted, the next phase is spending them wisely. This involves strategic planning to get the best value on the largest expenses: flights and accommodation.

Be flexible with dates, destinations, and duration

Flexibility is currency in the travel world. The more adaptable you are, the cheaper your trip becomes.

• Avoid peak travel days: travelling mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) is often cheaper than flying on Friday or Sunday. The same applies to early morning or late-night flights.
• Choose alternative airports: instead of flying directly into the major airport for your destination, check prices for nearby smaller or secondary airports. Taking a short, low-cost train ride might save you some pounds on the flight cost.

Mastering flight and accommodation hacks

There are many budget travel tips that help you navigate complex booking systems to get the lowest prices.

• Book at the right time: booking flights for long-haul trips 6–12 months in advance, and short-haul flights 2–4 months in advance could reduce the amount you pay.
• Compare accommodation types: don't limit yourself to hotels. Hostels offer private rooms and shared facilities, while holiday rentals (like an apartment with a kitchen) often provide more space and the ability to cook, which is a key way to save money on food when travelling.
• Avoid dynamic pricing: clear your browser cookies or use an incognito window when repeatedly searching for flights. Some booking sites may increase prices when they see you looking at the same flight again.
• Maximise your leave: strategically booking annual leave around public holidays allows you to maximise your time off work for fewer days taken, stretching your holiday duration without affecting your savings goal.

Protecting your investment (insurance and safety)

Travel insurance isn't an expense — it's a way to protect yourself from losing money.

• Get covered early: get ‌travel insurance as soon as you've booked your flights and accommodation. This is crucial because it ensures you don't lose money on a cancellation if you can't travel for a covered reason.
• Check plan inclusions: if you’re a Revolut Metal or Ultra plan customer, you get access to comprehensive travel insurance included as a plan benefit. This can save you the cost of a standard policy. Insurance T&Cs (including exclusions) apply.
• Pre-empt passport issues: ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining after your return date. For some EU countries, you'll need at least 3 months left after the day you plan to leave. Renewing your passport in good time prevents expensive last-minute fees or having your trip stopped at the airport.

Step 3: save money when spending abroad

This is where your Revolut account becomes your secret weapon. Unexpected travel costs often come from fees you didn't know you were paying.

Avoiding additional account fees and charges

Some traditional bank fees can be budget killers for UK travellers. Here's how to avoid them:

• Ditch foreign transaction fees: standard UK providers may charge a fee every time you use your card abroad. Using a dedicated travel money card like ours removes the risk of these charges.
• Always pay in local currency: when a merchant or ATM offers you the choice to pay in pounds (GBP) or the local currency (e.g. EUR), always choose the local currency. This avoids DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which is a service that often applies a poor exchange rate, costing you more.
• Know your ATM limits: be aware of the fee-free ATM withdrawal limits on your plan. Withdrawing larger amounts less frequently is better than withdrawing small amounts daily if you want to avoid exceeding your limit and incurring fees. With us, you get free ATM withdrawals within your plan’s limit. Third-party ATMs may still charge a fee, so we encourage you to look for our in-network ATMs in-app to avoid third-party surcharges.
• Use virtual cards for bookings: for maximum security, use a virtual card, which can be generated in-app, when booking hotels or tours online during your trip. This protects your main card details.

How to save money on food when travelling

Food should be an enjoyable experience, not an expense that overwhelms your budget. Combining cooking with local dining is key to saving money.

• Self-catering is king: if your accommodation has a kitchen, cooking just one meal a day — especially breakfast or dinner — will save you a considerable amount. Visiting a local market is also a fantastic way to find cheaper, fresher ingredients and experience local life.
• Embrace street food and lunch deals: focus on local eateries away from the main tourist squares. Saving money on food when travelling means prioritising street food, which is often the most budget-friendly and authentic option, and taking advantage of set-price lunch menus offered by mid-range restaurants.
• Bring your own: pack a reusable water bottle (use a filter bottle if the local water isn't safe) and refill it throughout the day. This cuts the cost of bottled water and reduces plastic waste.

Transport, attractions, and local discounts

Travel and activity costs can quickly add up, even if they seem small at first.

• Embrace public transport: purchase multi-day or all-day passes for local metro or bus systems. This is often cheaper than buying single tickets and allows for more freedom. Walking is free and the best way to discover hidden gems.
• Find free attractions: do activities like visiting public parks, walking historical trails, or attending free museum days. Check local city websites for a list of free events and festivals happening during your stay.
• Ditch expensive roaming: avoid shock mobile bills by turning off mobile data or using an eSIM. Our global eSIM gives you instant access to affordable data plans in over 100 countries, ensuring you can use maps and contact people without the fear of getting a huge bill when you get home. eSIM fees and T&Cs apply.
• Look for student/youth discounts: if you’re a student or under 26, always check if attractions offer discounted entry. Your ID might save you money on museums, transport, and historical sites.

Revolut: your financial travel companion

Combining financial preparation at home with smart spending abroad is the ultimate formula for saving money and enjoying your travels without the stress of hidden fees.

With Revolut, you can:

• Save effectively: use Pockets and our Savings account to ring-fence your travel money and earn interest while you save. Instant Access Savings T&Cs apply.
• Track spending: our in-app analytics automatically categorise your spending and help you stick to a daily budget while you're away.
• Spend fee-free: eliminate foreign transaction fees and enjoy competitive exchange rates, ensuring more of your money goes towards experiences, not charges. Exchange fees and fair usage limits apply.
• Stay connected: easily purchase and install an affordable eSIM for data wherever you go.
• Get covered: enjoy built-in holiday insurance on our Metal and Ultra plans.

If you’re ready to start your journey towards travel and smarter financial habits, here’s how to sign up for Revolut:

• Download the Revolut app: find it on the App Store or Google Play.
• Sign up: follow the simple on-screen instructions to create your account. You'll need to confirm your identity with a photo ID to complete the process.
• Add money: once your account is verified, you can easily add money from your existing account via transfer or debit card.
• Order your card: get your physical travel money card in-app (delivery fees apply). While you wait for it to arrive, you can start using a virtual card immediately for online bookings.

18+, T&Cs apply.