5 Simple Travel Hacks to Save Money While Traveling

Everyone loves to save money while traveling, but even seasoned pros can get hit with pesky fees that chip away at their budget.

Maybe you’re planning your first big adventure abroad and want to make every dollar count…

Or maybe you just like staying ahead of the game, armed with the best money hacks to keep more cash in your pocket (smart move).

Either way, these five simple travel hacks will help you cut costs and avoid unnecessary expenses, so you can get the most out of your trip without overspending. Let’s dive in.

Save Money While Traveling with These 5 Hacks

1. Use an eSIM

Whether you’re FaceTiming from a boho beachfront café, navigating winding mountain roads, or hunting down the coolest sunset rooftop bar in town, staying connected while traveling is a must.

But we all know that roaming fees or international plans can lead to a wallet-draining bill.

Enter: eSIMs.

An eSIM is a quick, affordable way to get a virtual SIM card instantly—no more digging for a safety pin to swap out your physical SIM and risking it getting lost at the bottom of your suitcase.

We recommend Airalo for reliable coverage worldwide, with instant access and easy data recharges right in the app. It even works when traveling to the United States!

Pro Tip: Download the eSIM app and purchase your virtual SIM before your trip, but wait to activate it until you arrive at your destination. This ensures a seamless connection to the local network and avoids any connectivity issues.

2. Use a Travel Credit Card for Lounge Access

Why spend $100 on a mediocre burger and one beer at the airport when you can relax in an exclusive lounge with complimentary food, drinks, and cozy seating? 

With the right travel credit card, you can enjoy access to these lounges and elevate your entire travel experience. It’s a great way to escape the busy terminal, recharge, and indulge in premium snacks and beverages before your flight — without having to pay for it.

We like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which provides airport lounge access through a complimentary membership to Priority Pass. As a bonus, you also get a $100 reimbursement for Global Entry, so you can skip the lines on your way back into the US!

Pro Tip: The generous sign-up bonus can often cover the cost of a flight, so be sure to make the most of it when you first receive your card. Of course, know the interest rate on your card and always make financial decisions that work for you.

3. Always get travel insurance

We never travel without travel insurance. 

Traveling is full of surprises—some welcome, others not so much. While we’re lucky enough to have avoided a medical emergency abroad, we know plenty of people who haven’t been as fortunate. And when we had to file a claim for a pesky theft incident, the insurance more than paid for itself.

We always tell our clients that the peace of mind travel insurance provides is worth the investment. While it may not seem like an immediate travel money hack, insurance can protect you from significant unexpected expenses, like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. 

We recommend DAN travel insurance, but do your research to find the plan that works for you.

Pro Tip: If you use a travel credit card, you might already have some travel insurance perks included for trips booked with the card! Be sure to check the fine print to see what coverage you have.

Want to mitigate travel surprises? What you see online isn’t always what you get… 

At Dive The Americas, we offer first-hand travel planning expertise with on-the-ground knowledge. Unlike impersonal booking sites, we’ve visited every destination and hotel—so you’ll never worry about getting catfished at check-in. Schedule your free consultation call here. 

4. Never exchange money at the airport

Currency exchange counters are hard to miss as you make your way through the airport. But while grabbing some local cash might seem like a quick and easy option, these kiosks are notorious for offering lousy exchange rates. Why? Because they know travelers in a hurry will pay extra for the convenience. 

These booths often tack on hidden fees and charge higher rates to make a profit, so you’re better off steering clear. Instead, hit up an ATM to withdraw local currency at a much better rate.

Pro Tip: If you’re using your credit card, always pay in the local currency and decline the option to convert to your home currency. The same goes for ATMs—decline the local conversion! While the machine’s conversion might seem convenient, it typically comes with a worse exchange rate than what your bank offers.

5. Use a Debit Card That Reimburses ATM Fees

Speaking of ATMs… consider using a debit card that reimburses ATM fees worldwide, like the one from Charles Schwab. We’ve seen ATM withdrawal fees soar as high as $15 per transaction—those fees add up fast! Using a card that refunds these charges can save you a significant amount of money while traveling. It’s an easy way to keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket.

Pro Tip: Make sure to set up your account before your trip and notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues while abroad.

Traveling is an adventure, but it doesn’t have to come with financial surprises. With a little planning and smart choices, you can explore the world confidently, knowing you’re saving money along the way—and still have plenty left for what matters most.

Ready to plan your dream vacation without breaking the bank? Let Dive the Americas help you craft the perfect getaway at the same cost it would take to DIY it—or even less. Get in touch today.