Travel Without Breaking the Bank: Money-Saving Tips for First-Timers and Wanderlusters

  • Budgeting, Hang on tight, Travel Tips

Travel without breaking the BAnk: Money-Saving tips for first-timers & wanderlusters

Money Map

So, you want to travel the world, eat exotic foods, and take breathtaking selfies, but your bank account says, “Not today, my friend.” Fear not! Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned wanderluster looking for budget hacks, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can save for your dream trip without resorting to selling your furniture or “borrowing” from your dog’s treat fund.

1. Start a Travel-Specific Savings Account

(And Make it Work for You!)

Open a dedicated savings account just for travel. Think of it as your “Adventure Fund.” To make the most of your hard-earned money, look for savings accounts with higher interest rates. Online banks often offer higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than traditional banks, meaning your money grows faster while you’re saving.

Some options to consider:

High-Yield Savings Accounts: 

These accounts typically have APYs several times higher than regular savings accounts. Check out banks like Ally, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, or Discover for great rates.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs): 

If your trip is a year or more away, consider putting a portion of your savings in a CD. These offer fixed interest rates, but your money is locked in until the maturity date (so no sneaky spending!).

Savings Apps with Round-Up Features: 

Apps like Acorns or Chime automatically round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the difference into your savings account. It’s a low-effort way to save extra cash without noticing!

Pro tip: Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account into your travel savings account each payday. Even $20 a week can add up to over $1,000 in a year, and the interest earned is like a bonus gift for your trip.

Pink pig coin bank

2. Use a Travel Credit Card for Everyday Spending

Travel credit cards can be your best friend when saving for a trip—if used wisely. By putting everyday purchases on a travel rewards card and paying off the balance in full each month, you can rack up points or miles that go directly toward flights, hotels, and other travel perks.

Here are some of the best travel credit cards for 2025:

Premium Cards for Frequent Travelers

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).

Perks: 2x points on dining and travel, no foreign transaction fees.

Annual Fee: $95

American Express® Gold Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.

Perks: 4x points on dining, 3x points on flights, and $120 annual dining credit.

Annual Fee: $250

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Perks: 2x miles on every purchase and easy redemption for flights and hotels.

Annual Fee: $95

No Annual Fee Cards for Budget Travelers

Citi® Double Cash Card

Rewards: 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay off).

Perks: Use the cash back to fund your travel savings or book directly.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Sign-up bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Perks: Earn 1.5x points on every purchase with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

Luxury Perks for Frequent Flyers

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Sign-up bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.

Perks: 5x points on flights, airport lounge access, up to $200 in airline fee credits, and more.

Annual Fee: $695

PRo Tips for Using Travel Credit Cards:

  • Pay off your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges—this is key to making the rewards worth it.
  • Always check for no foreign transaction fees if you’re traveling internationally.
  • Consider pairing a travel card with a cashback card to maximize benefits on everyday spending.

By combining a smart savings account strategy with a rewards-focused travel credit card, you’ll supercharge your travel fund and start earning perks that’ll make your trip even sweeter!

white and blue magnetic card

3. Declutter and Cash In

You know that pile of stuff in your closet you “might wear someday”? Yeah, it’s time to let it go. Host a garage sale, list items online, or barter with friends. Not only will you make some cash, but you’ll also feel lighter and more adventurous—like a true explorer!

Cardboard boxes labeled keep, donate, and trash for effective home organization.

4. Meal Prep like a Pro

Yes, meal prepping is the ultimate budget travel hack—start practicing before your trip. Cook in bulk, ditch expensive takeout, and save those extra bucks. Bonus: You’ll already have the skills to whip up a quick meal in that budget Airbnb kitchen.

three full clear glass jars with lids

5. The 30-Day Rule for Impulse Buys

Before splurging on another pair of sneakers or that trendy air fryer, ask yourself, “Do I want this more than a sunset in Bali or a gondola ride in Venice?” Wait 30 days. If you still need it, go for it. If not, throw that money straight into your travel fund.

July calendar - 30 days

6. Cancel or Downgrade Subscriptions

Are you really watching all six streaming services you’re subscribed to? Probably not. Cancel the ones you don’t need, or opt for cheaper plans. That $15 a month could cover a delicious street-food dinner in Bangkok!

7. Side Hustle Your Way to Paradise

Got a skill? Use it. Freelance, tutor, babysit, or become the neighborhood dog walker. You could even start driving for a rideshare app or take on odd jobs through apps like TaskRabbit. Every little bit counts, and nothing feels better than knowing you worked hard for that oceanfront view.

8. Get Friendly with Flight Deals

Sign up for flight deal alerts from websites like Kayak, Google Flights, or Skyscanner. 

Be flexible with your travel dates, and you could snag a flight for less than a night out!

Pro tip: Flying mid-week is often cheaper (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday), so channel your inner rebel and ditch the weekend norm.

Scenic view of an airplane wing flying high above the clouds on a clear day.

9. Skip Expensive Drinks

Listen, Starbucks and cocktails are great, but do you really need that $12 martini every Friday?  As a healthcare provider… I might be inclined to say “absolutely” but…

Cut back on unnecessary spending (hello, happy hour) and funnel that cash into your travel account. You’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping wine in Tuscany.

person making latte art

10. Take Advantage of Cashback Apps and Rewards

Use apps like Rakuten or Honey (aka Coupert) to earn cashback on everyday purchases.

If you have a credit card with travel perks, start racking up those points. Just don’t overspend to earn them—use them wisely for things you already buy.

11. Travel Smart, Spend Smarter

Once you’ve saved up, don’t blow it all on expensive resorts or first-class tickets. Stay in hostels, couchsurf, or find a cute Airbnb. Eat where locals eat (cheap and authentic), take public transport, and skip overpriced tours—DIY your itinerary instead.

12. Celebrate Small Wins

Saving money can feel like a slog, so celebrate your progress! Hit a milestone? Treat yourself to a small indulgence (emphasis on small). It’ll keep you motivated as you inch closer to your dream trip.

people jumping on shore front of golden hour

Final Thoughts

Saving for travel doesn’t have to feel like punishment. With a little creativity, discipline, and a well-thought-out plan, you’ll be boarding that flight to your dream destination in no time.

Remember: The journey begins the moment you decide to make it happen.

What’s your dream destination, and how are you saving for it? Let us know in the comments below! 

Happy travels! 😀✈️

 

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