14 Tips to Save Money for Travel

Let’s be honest: everyone can save money, no matter their income or financial situation. Even if you manage to save just one euro a day for two years, you’ll have about €730. It might not be much, but it’s enough to get you started. Too often, we prefer to spend money on things we want rather than find ways to save enough money to follow our dreams. So, to help you out, we’re sharing some of the many ways to save money not just for travel, but for anything you dream of.

Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and some of the tips below might work better for your specific situation than others.

1. Track Your Expenses

Start by tracking your daily spending for a month or two without changing your habits. After a month, review your data and begin cutting unnecessary expenses from your daily routine. Continue this process for the next three or four months until 90% of your spending (yes, some treats are okay so you don’t go crazy) is focused on things you actually need.

There are hundreds of apps to help track expenses, but we personally prefer good old Microsoft Excel.

2. Rent Out Your Spare Room

If you have a spare room—or even just a couch—you can rent it out for extra income. Alternatively, consider finding a steady roommate if Airbnb isn’t for you.

3. Sell Your Car

Cars are a costly luxury, and most people spend several hundred dollars a month on gas, maintenance, and insurance. Just imagine how much you could save if instead of driving every day you took public transport, cycled, or walked. It may not be the most convenient or fastest way to get around, but you’ll pocket a lot of money—and you’ll get used to public transport, which you’ll probably use as a traveler anyway!

Another option is carpooling. Find a regular carpool partner and split fuel costs, so you avoid the other expenses tied to car ownership.

4. Move Back Home

I know moving back in with your family doesn’t sound “grown-up,” but think of how much you’ll save by not paying rent. Plus, you’ll likely enjoy regular home-cooked meals, so you won’t need to eat out or cook alone—bonus! All you have to do in return is help occasionally around the house. Sounds like a fair trade!

If moving home isn’t an option, downsize to a smaller, cheaper place—maybe rent just a room with utilities included. It may be inconvenient, but remember: it’s just temporary while you put money aside to travel or pursue your dreams.

5. Start Cooking for Yourself

It’s not just healthier to cook at home—it’s cheaper, too. And no, we’re not talking about frozen meals or ready-made dinners, which also add up fast (honestly, when was the last time you checked the ingredient list?). Buy real groceries and cook from scratch. You don’t need to be a chef; you’ll learn as you go.

6. Cut the Cable

Let’s face it: most cable TV shows aren’t worth the cost. Is it really worth paying €50–€100 a month for one or two decent shows you can watch online for free or for less? Do yourself a favor and get rid of cable. Instead, use streaming platforms like Hulu or Netflix, or your favorite websites. Plus, using a VPN means you can watch your shows even while traveling.

7. Lower Your Phone Bill

Avoid signing contracts or buying phones you can’t really afford. Even if it seems convenient to pay for a device over time, you might end up spending more in the long run, often with interest and late fees!

Instead, put €20 into your savings each month and get a SIM card or phone from a smaller carrier like Metro PCs, Virgin Mobile, or Boost Mobile. They run on the same networks as the big names, are just as reliable, don’t require contracts, and their plans—and phones—are often half the price. These days, even basic phones can do everything you need!

8. Open an Online Savings Account

Don’t use savings accounts linked to your main checking account—it’s too tempting to transfer money out. Open a high-yield separate savings account and set up automatic monthly transfers. Trust us: this helps you save. Over time, you’ll forget about the account, and when you remember, you’ll find more money than you expected.

9. Get a Second Job

It may not be appealing, but picking up a second job can speed up your savings. Even a few hours during weekends can make a big impact.

Flexible, well-paid side jobs include babysitting, landscaping, virtual assistant work, bartending, tutoring, dog walking, house cleaning, or helping people move. There are many options—and remember, it’s only temporary.

10. Cut Down on Coffee (or Other Guilty Pleasures)

Skipping three €4 coffees daily means saving €1,460 a year—a real sum! Enough, for example, to live comfortably for two months in Southeast Asia or Latin America. Stop buying coffee out and brew your own at home—put what you save straight into your piggy bank.

11. Host the Party at Home

Saving money doesn’t mean staying in while everyone else goes out. Host a game night, movie night, or any fun gathering at home. There’s nothing wrong with buying drinks at the supermarket and playing bartender—you’ll spend far less than going out.

12. Enjoy Free Activities

If you need to get out, do something free or low-cost. Almost every town and city has free or nearly free things to do—you just have to look.

13. Quit Smoking (or At Least Cut Back)

Besides harming your health, smoking costs a fortune. At €6 a day, you’ll spend about €2,190 a year; in some cities, even more. That’s enough for several months of travel in Southeast Asia. If quitting isn’t immediate, try cutting back gradually. Your wallet and health will thank you.

14. Set Your Priorities

This is probably the most important tip of all. If you’re not fully committed to traveling or making your dreams happen, you’ll likely always say: “someday” or “maybe when I’m rich.” The truth is, there’s never a perfect time to travel or pursue your dreams. The best moment is now—make your dreams non-negotiable.