8 Money-Saving Travel Hacks You May Have Forgotten

It's been a while, so here's your refresher course.

This post is sponsored by CIBC.

1. Make a packing list and check it twice.

Or three times or…four. While you stuff your suitcase, keep a watchful eye out on weather reports to make sure your wardrobe is not only fab, but environmentally appropriate too (hint, hint: no winter jackets if you’re going to Australia in December). The more prepped you are, the less likely you’ll have to run out and spend money on essentials while traveling. 

2. Be flexible when booking your plane ticket.

Before you leave on a jet plane, put your detective hat on and research the cheapest days (or seasons) to skedaddle. A lot of people actually think that booking on a Tuesday saves money, but that’s not always true. To find the most affordable flight, search prices within a whole month chunk to see which days are considered off-peak for your route.

3. Make sure your wallet is prepped and ready.

Don’t skip out on once-in-a-lifetime adventures just because you don’t have the right currency on you! A ton of local experiences around the world still only take cash, so make sure your wallet is prepped before you take off. Avoid annoying fees or extra card charges by having the right currency on you so you can get to everything on your travel bucket list easier (and cheaper)! Pro tip? You can have your foreign cash delivered free to your doorstep or any CIBC banking centre. 

4. Accommodations are key.

Stop right there! Before you click BOOK on that hotel, see what other accommodations are available. You might think you’re just a hotel kind of traveller, but did you know there are quite a few luxurious 5-star hostels out there too? You can also turn to bed-and-breakfasts or apartment shares as more affordable alternatives.  

5. Get those walking shoes on.

If you really want to see the sights, skip those taxi rides or car rentals when you’re on vacay. They add up! Instead, lace up your sneaks, put on your bike helmet, or grab a train ticket if you can. You'll be able to save some of that foreign cash you have prepped for more worthwhile purchases like tours (and fun souvenirs).

6. Find great eats.

Not only should you travel around like a local, but you should defs eat like a local too! Check out markets, hole-in-the-walls, street vendors and mom and pop restaurants for the most authentic, delish and affordable munchies. Hot tip: A lot of smaller joints only take cash, so make sure you have the right currency on you before you dig in!  

7. Bring a reusable water bottle.

If it’s been a while since your last adventure, you’ve probably forgotten just how darn expensive buying water bottles can be — especially at tourist attractions like theme parks. $7?! No thank you. Instead, pack your trusty reusable bottle with you so you can fill it up for free when you can. 

8. Make a budget and stick to it.

Okay, so maybe budgeting isn’t the most fun thing on this list — but it’s easily one of the most important. If you stick to a budget at home, why not do it abroad too! Allocate a daily (or weekly) spend on food, entertainment, shopping, and transportation — and try your best to stick to it. Use all the hacks above to help you out. You got this! 

No matter where you’re headed, get the most out of your trip with CIBC Foreign Cash delivered free to your doorstep or any CIBC banking centre. With great rates, it’ll be your favourite thing to pack.

Conditions apply. CIBC Foreign exchange rates apply.

All images by Getty Images unless otherwise stated.