Proven travel hacks to save on flights, accommodation and food

Many people long for a getaway, but the cost of tickets, accommodation, and food often puts plans on hold. Saving, however, doesn’t have to be stressful—think a little ahead and sketch out the basics. Here are proven ways to spend less on the road and still come back refreshed.

Tickets

Transport usually eats the largest share of the budget, especially if you fly. Watching the calendar pays off: avoiding holidays and school breaks keeps prices in check. Signing up for price-drop alerts helps too—many sites and apps signal when fares fall.

Sometimes a flight with a layover is the smarter buy. It takes longer, but the savings can be significant. Low-cost carriers are another route to a lean budget: you pay for the seat, while baggage, meals, and seat selection are extra. Skip the add-ons, and the total stays modest. It’s not glamorous, but when the numbers line up, the trade-off is worth it.

Accommodation

Rates depend not only on the city, but also on how and when you book. Reserve early—especially for summer and holidays—and you can lock in solid prices. For ordinary dates, last-minute offers sometimes win out: hosts drop nightly rates rather than leave calendars empty.

An apartment with a kitchen is a strong option, particularly for families or longer stays. Cooking for yourself trims daily spending. And housing aggregators make it easier to compare and surface wallet-friendly deals. Kitchens in rentals are often underrated, yet they change the math fast.

Food

Eating in restaurants and tourist cafés day after day drains the budget. Stocking up at supermarkets or local markets and cooking at home is cheaper—and more convenient if you’re traveling with kids.

If you do want to eat out, follow the locals. Places they frequent are usually kinder to the wallet and, more often than not, tastier than venues aimed at tourists.

When to travel

Big savings start with timing. Go in mid-December or late January, when the holiday rush is over, and prices drop sharply—on tickets, hotels, and tours alike. Many destinations are more affordable in winter, spring, or autumn than in peak summer.

Choosing the date is one of the simplest ways to save—and you’ll also sidestep the crowds. A little flexibility here works harder than most “secret hacks.”

Discounts and bonuses

Today, easy tools can shave down costs: cashback services, loyalty cards, promo codes. Some services return part of the money after you buy tickets or book accommodation, and promo codes are often just a quick search away before checkout.

There are special offers as well—for example, large families receive a 15% discount on compartment tickets with RZD. Some banks also run partner programs with discounts on hotels and tours.

Travel in Russia

In 2025, many Russians choose to vacation within the country. It’s easy to see why: no visas, no currency exchange, simpler logistics, and lower expenses. There are plenty of compelling destinations—from Karelia to Altai, from the Black Sea coast to Lake Baikal.

Traveling around Russia is a practical way to save. Buy tickets and book accommodation in advance, and the trip stays affordable. The experiences can be every bit as rich as going abroad.

Planning

Start preparing 3–6 months ahead to avoid extra costs. Discounts on flights and lodging often apply during that window. You’ll also have time to plan calmly: how to get there, where to stay, what to bring.

Count every expense in advance, including the small stuff: transfers, insurance, baggage, food on the road. That’s the difference between a smooth trip and an expensive surprise.

Takeaway

Saving on a holiday doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or pleasure. The key is to plan ahead, avoid rushed purchases, and pay attention to details. Do that, and you’ll travel more often, spend less, and get the most out of every trip.