How to Save Money on 4 Types of Vacations

Cost-conscious travel doesn't mean giving up on a dream vacation. From finding affordable accommodations to visiting lesser-known destinations, there are so many ways to take a budget-friendly but memorable trip.

To learn the best ways to save money on a wide range of itineraries, we enlisted food and travel journalist and travel advisor Amber Gibson to share her best budget advice for four different types of trips. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, an unforgettable experience or learning for the whole family, these tips will help you book your ideal vacation for less.

How to Save Money on 4 Types of Vacations

Type 1: Relaxation

If your dream vacation focuses mostly on unwinding and relaxing, it’s a good idea to travel in the off-season and splurge on accommodations so you can fully enjoy the resort life. “Many resorts will have ‘stay three nights and the fourth night free’ offers during the low season, so look out for those,” Gibson says.

You also don’t need to book pricey spa treatments to enjoy the amenities, she says. “At a really nice spa, like Langham Chicago, you can book a simple 60-minute massage and get access to all of the facilities, like the heated lounge chairs, aromatherapy steam showers and sauna.”

Gibson adds that a foot massage can be just as relaxing as a full-body massage for a fraction of the price.

“Plus, if you're planning a vacation with friends, foot rubs are more social,” she says.

Type 2: Adventure

For action and adventure—like hiking through Yosemite or climbing Machu Picchu—book cheaper accommodations, since you won’t be spending much of your waking time enjoying them anyway, Gibson says.

Another way to save is by stocking up on snacks (as well as essentials like water and sunscreen) ahead of time, especially if you’re already checking a bag. “This way, you don’t end up paying for less-than-ideal, overpriced food and other items at a rest stop or convenience store close to your hiking or backpacking destination,” she explains.

Her favorite snacks for active vacations are filling, shelf-stable options, such as date-sweetened chocolate bars, mushroom chips and coconut jerky.

Type 3: Experiential

When the location or the timing for your trip isn’t flexible—say if you’re looking to do a safari in Africa, see one of the Seven Wonders or attend a big event like the Olympics or the World Cup—traveling to lesser-known places or during off-seasons won’t work.

“For anything event-based, planning ahead is key and there aren't necessarily many good deals to be had without a significant sacrifice to the quality of your experience,” she explains. “It's possible you might be able to, for instance, score tickets at the last minute for less, but you can't count on that.” (Imagine traveling for a big sporting event only to not get in.)

This is where Gibson recommends working with a travel agent to plan your trip, both for peace of mind and for saving money.

“Travel agents work with suppliers and partners who often have access to tickets, seats or experiences that aren't available to the general public,” she explains. “Often a travel agent will be able to bundle services together for a cost savings whereas if you booked each piece separately yourself it would end up being more expensive.”

Type 4: Educational

For family trips where you’ll be booking tours, visiting museums and landmarks or taking classes, Gibson recommends using a service such as Context Travel to get the most bang for your buck.

“If you want to hit a bunch of museums or do a deep dive into food, art, history or archaeology, they have really thoughtfully curated tours in destinations around the world tailored to all of these interests,” she says. She advises booking a small group tour rather than a private tour to save money—if your tour doesn’t fill up, you can have a private or semi-private experience.

Being flexible with your destination can be helpful, too. “For example, I have so many clients wanting to go to Amalfi this summer and prices are so high,” she says. “I suggest trying Puglia or Costa Viola in Calabria instead.” This way, you still get to learn about culture and history without dealing with the crowds—and you’ll have more wiggle room in your budget, too.