For many, the biggest barrier to traveling frequently isn’t time—it’s money. But what if you could explore more often without spending more? The secret lies in how you plan, book, and pay for your trips. With a few strategic adjustments and the right tools, you can take more trips each year without stretching your budget. Here’s how to do it.
- Travel During Shoulder Seasons
One of the easiest ways to save hundreds on airfare and accommodations is by traveling during shoulder seasons—the weeks just before and after peak tourist times. For example, Europe is more affordable in late September, and Southeast Asia sees lower prices in May and early November.
Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices during flexible travel windows. These tools highlight trends so you can avoid overpriced weeks and book when rates drop.
- Set a Monthly Travel Budget (and Stick to It)
Instead of saving sporadically, treat travel like a subscription. Allocate a fixed amount each month—whether it’s $100 or $500—and place it in a separate savings account or travel fund. Apps like Qapital or YNAB make it easy to automate and manage travel-specific savings goals.
This method helps prevent overspending and ensures you always have funds set aside when a good deal comes your way.
- Use Gift Cards to Stretch Your Travel Dollars
One highly underrated hack frequent travelers use is paying with discounted or cashback-earning gift cards. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card while dining at the airport, get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card after sightseeing, or even save on Marriott stays using gift cards to reduce your lodging costs.
You can also earn cashback with an Uber gift card for your rides between airports, hotels, and city centers. These savings may seem small, but when applied across multiple trips, they help fund your next one.
- Book Accommodation With Kitchens or Free Breakfast
Lodging costs don’t stop at the room rate. Avoid added expenses by choosing accommodations with free breakfast or access to a kitchen. Apps like Booking.com or Airbnb allow you to filter for these features, helping you save on meals without sacrificing convenience.
- Use Fare Alerts and Deal Newsletters
Subscribe to deal services like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Airfarewatchdog. These platforms scan the web for mistake fares and flash sales, then send alerts based on your preferred airports or destinations. Many deals are time-sensitive, so having savings set aside (see tip #2) will let you book without hesitation.
- Stack Cashback and Rewards
Whenever possible, layer multiple forms of value: use a cashback gift card, earn credit card points, and claim loyalty perks all in the same transaction. For example, book a Hilton stay by using a Hilton gift card from Fluz, apply your Hilton Honors member rate, and pay using a travel rewards credit card.
The result? Cashback, points, and discounts—without paying more.
- Take Advantage of Local Transit and Walkable Cities
Rideshares and taxis can quickly eat into your budget. Apps like Citymapper show you the most efficient and affordable public transit options in major cities. Choosing walkable destinations or cities with reliable metros can save you hundreds on transportation over time.
- Travel Light to Avoid Fees
Avoid checking bags by traveling with only a carry-on. Not only does it save you baggage fees, but it also keeps you more mobile and flexible. Use PackPoint or OneBag to streamline your packing strategy and avoid overpacking.
Final Thoughts
Traveling more often doesn’t require a bigger paycheck—it just requires smarter choices. By traveling in off-peak seasons, using tools like Fluz to earn cashback with an Uber gift card, and automating savings, you’ll find yourself on more planes, in more cities, and making more memories—without overspending.
