Travel doesn’t have to break the bank.
Over the years, we’ve learned that a great trip isn’t about how much you spend — it’s about how you plan, prioritize, and prepare. Some of our best trips have also been some of our most budget-friendly ones.
Here are some of the budget travel tips that have worked for our family, along with a few extra ideas to help you stretch your travel dollars further.
Buy Groceries & Limit Eating Out
One of the biggest ways we save money is by buying groceries and limiting how often we eat out.
We typically:
- Eat simple breakfasts (cereal, toast, fruit)
- Pack lunches or snacks
- Cook easy dinners when possible
Eating out every meal adds up quickly — especially for a family.
If You Eat Out, Go for Lunch
When we do eat out, we try to go for lunch instead of dinner.
Lunch menus are often:
- Less expensive
- Smaller portions (which is sometimes perfect)
- Less crowded
It’s a simple switch that can save quite a bit.
Plan Ahead & Set a Budget
This one has made a big difference for us.
When we:
- Plan ahead
- Set a budget
- Stick to it
We spend less.
When we don’t plan?
We spend more — every time.
Even a simple budget helps keep things in check and avoids surprises.
Bring Snacks & Food From Home
If we’re driving, we always bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Sometimes simple meals
This saves money on:
- Gas station stops
- Fast food
- Convenience store prices
Depending on where you’re staying, groceries at your destination can sometimes be more expensive, so bringing what you can helps.
Look for Deals & Discounts
Before we go, we always check for deals.
Some things to look for:
- Groupon deals
- Online ticket discounts
- Combo packages for attractions
- Military, teacher, or other discounts
Don’t be afraid to ask — you might be surprised what’s available.
Travel in the Off-Season
This is one of the biggest money-savers.
Traveling in the off-season can mean:
- Lower hotel prices
- Cheaper flights
- Smaller crowds
Now — I know this isn’t always possible for everyone, especially with school schedules. But if you can make it work, it’s a huge win.
Choose Destinations With Free Activities
One of our favorite tips is to choose places where you don’t have to pay for entertainment every single day.
For example, in Gatlinburg, you can:
- Spend money on attractions
- Or pack a lunch and go hiking
- Play in creeks
- Take scenic drives
Some of our best days have been the ones that cost us nothing.
Research Activities Before You Go
Before arriving, we try to:
- See what’s happening in the area
- Look up attractions we’re interested in
- Search for deals ahead of time
Many tickets are:
- Cheaper online
- Discounted in bundles
- Or have special promotions
A little research ahead of time can save a lot.
A Few Extra Budget Tips
Here are a few additional ideas to consider:
- Travel with a refillable water bottle
- Avoid airport food when possible
- Use credit cards that earn travel rewards (if it fits your lifestyle)
- Stay in places with kitchens or kitchenettes
- Look for free walking tours or community events
Final Thoughts
Budget travel doesn’t mean sacrificing fun — it just means being intentional.
Some of our favorite memories have come from:
- Simple meals
- Free activities
- Scenic drives
- Time together
Travel is about the experience — not the price tag.
And if you’d like help planning a trip that fits your budget, I’m always happy to help.
Using a travel agent costs you absolutely nothing.
— Gretchen Leneaye