Breaking Down Travel Myths: What Actually Saves You Money
Hi, I’m Sarah! Over the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege to crisscross the globe, hopping between jungles in Costa Rica, mountain trails in Switzerland, and street food markets in Bangkok. Along the way, I’ve picked up countless tips about saving money while traveling—but I’ve also fallen for way too many myths.
Travel hacks flood the internet, but not all of them hold up under real-world scrutiny. Today, I’m digging into some of the biggest myths about saving money on travel and giving you the lowdown from my personal experiences, so you can skip the frustration and focus on what really works.
Flight Booking Myths
Here’s something I didn’t know earlier in my travel days—as revealed by Expedia and ARC's 2025 Air Hacks Report, Sunday is actually the best day to book flights. On average, airfares are 6% lower for domestic flights and 17% lower for international ones compared to other days.
I used to cling to the idea that Tuesdays had the cheapest fares (because the internet told me so), but I’ve since learned that saving money on flights has less to do with the day you book and more to do with other factors like timing, flexibility, and avoiding pesky myths. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve discovered from years of experimenting—and yes, getting it wrong occasionally—when it comes to snagging great flight deals.
1. The "Tuesday is Cheapest" Fallacy
One of the first travel hacks I picked up was the “secret” that flights are cheapest if you book on a Tuesday. Does it work? Honestly, no. I’ve spent hours refreshing flight prices on Tuesdays, only to notice that it’s the route and season that matter more than the day of the week.
The real sweet spot seems to be timing your flight searches around 1-3 months in advance (closer for domestic, further for international). Flexibility with your dates is key—if your schedule lets you fly midweek, prices tend to drop compared to busy weekends.
2. Browser Incognito Mode
I used to swear by incognito mode when booking flights, convinced it would stop airlines from price-gouging me. Turns out, it doesn’t make much difference. What really impacted my prices was clearing out cookies from previous searches or simply using price aggregator sites like Google Flights to compare fares. No need to overcomplicate it.
3. How Far in Advance Actually Matters
For my trip to Japan, I booked flights six months in advance, thinking I’d scored a deal. But when I checked prices a few months later, they’d dropped. From experience, I’d say standard advice still rings true—stick to the 1-3 month window, as flights booked too early or too close to departure are often pricier.
4. Round-Trip vs. One-Way Pricing Realities
Years ago, I avoided one-way flights like the plague, assuming they’d cost more. Now, thanks to budget airlines and tools like Skyscanner, I’ve managed to mix and match one-way fares for significant savings. For instance, during my trip to Europe, flying into Paris and out of Amsterdam saved me both time and money compared to a traditional round-trip.
5. Budget Airlines and Hidden Costs
Budget airlines can be amazing—when you know what you’re getting into. On a $50 flight to Iceland, I didn’t realize I’d have to pay $80 to check my bag. Lesson learned! Read the fine print, and be realistic about whether you’ll need to pay for seats, bags, and snacks before calling it a great deal.
Accommodation Misconceptions
1. Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals
After years of obsessively comparing hotels against Airbnb listings, here’s my take: hotels often win for shorter stays, while rentals shine for longer trips or groups. While in Barcelona, a small apartment for my family ended up slashing costs per person, but when I traveled solo to Singapore, budget hotels were cheaper (and easier to check in/out). Always compare cleaning fees before clicking “book.”
2. Last-Minute Booking Strategies
I’ve scored some stellar hotel deals by booking last-minute in Las Vegas, but that strategy flopped entirely in more remote destinations where availability was limited. When it’s high season or somewhere off-grid, I’ve learned to book early rather than take risks.
3. Loyalty Programs
I once obsessed over point stacking with hotel loyalty programs, only to realize they’re only worthwhile if you’re incredibly loyal to one chain—and I’m not. For occasional travelers, I now recommend using general travel points credit cards instead of relying on loyalty schemes.
4. Location Trade-Offs
During a trip to Rome, I tried staying outside the city center to save a few bucks. Big mistake. The money I spent on transit added up fast, and I ended up wasting time commuting. Central locations, though pricier upfront, often save both time and money in the long run.
5. Extended Stay Discounts
Some platforms, like Airbnb, slash costs for week-long stays. When working remotely from Bali, I saved nearly 30% on a villa simply by booking a week instead of three separate nights. Always check for such discounts.
Transportation Myths
1. Rental Cars vs. Public Transit
For years I rented cars unnecessarily, only to realize that cities like Tokyo or London are perfect for public transit. Unless you’re road-tripping, opt for local transport—it’s often cheaper and way less stressful than navigating foreign roads.
2. Rail Passes
On my first Europe trip, I shelled out for a pricey Eurail Pass, assuming it’d save me money. Turns out, point-to-point tickets ended up being cheaper because my itinerary wasn’t rail-heavy. If your plans are tight and train-centric, rail passes work great, but they’re not always the best deal.
3. Airport Transfers
During my first solo trip, I splurged on a $50 airport taxi instead of researching local transit. Rookie mistake! Now, whether it’s a metro line or pre-booked shuttle, I always compare transfer costs and options in advance.
4. Fuel Pricing for Road Trips
Pro tip I learned on a USA road trip—find apps that map out cheap fuel stops ahead of time. Comparing stations can save you more than you'd think, especially on long routes.
5. Car Sharing vs. Rentals
Short trips taught me that car-sharing services like Turo can offer better pricing flexibility compared to traditional rental companies, especially for less-than-24-hour use.
Food and Dining Expenses
1. All-Inclusive Resorts
I splurged on an all-inclusive package in Mexico once, thinking it’d control my food budget. But honestly? Half the food wasn’t to my liking, and I craved street tacos instead of resort buffets. Unless you’ll stay on-site exclusively, it’s better to opt out of all-inclusive.
2. Street Food vs. Restaurants
I’ve eaten some of my best meals—like pad thai from a bustling Bangkok stall—for next to nothing. Yes, street food can be safe! Stick to spots with high turnover, and when in doubt, ask locals for recommendations.
3. Grocery Shopping
While grocery shopping abroad seems budget-savvy, it only truly works for extended trips. On shorter vacations, I found balancing dining out with quick grocery snacks (think yogurt and fruit) brought the best value and convenience.
4. Tourist District Dining
Steer clear of tourist restaurants! Locals told me to walk a few blocks away from the main drag in Prague, and I instantly shaved 30% off meal costs without compromising quality. Now, it’s a travel rule.
5. Timing Meals Globally
I’ve noticed in Spain that midday menus (like the “menu del día”) offer multi-course meals cheaper than dinners. Learning local dining norms can often unlock big savings.
Seasonal Travel Beliefs
1. Shoulder Season Success
Almost everywhere I’ve gone, shoulder season (think spring or early fall) has been magical for better prices and fewer crowds. My April trip to Greece had perfect weather and lower airfare than in summer.
2. Holiday Travel Realities
Flights around holidays are always more expensive—except the holiday itself! Flying on Christmas Day instead of its eve saved me hundreds last year.
3. Weekend vs. Weekday Costs
This one’s true. I’ve consistently found flights, accommodations, and even activities cheaper midweek than over weekends.
4. Festival Price Surge
Avoid traveling near major events, unless you’re there for the festival itself! My unplanned trip to Rio during Carnival sent hotel prices sky-high.
4. Weather Trade-Offs
Yes, off-season can be cheaper, but weigh the drawbacks. My monsoon-season getaway to Sri Lanka left me soaked and stuck indoors. Research weather carefully before chasing those low-season deals.
Technology and Booking Tools
1. Price Comparison Sites
I can’t praise Google Flights or Skyscanner enough. But always double-check final costs—hidden fees can sometimes sneak in via third-party sites.
2. Cashback and Points Strategies
Using travel credit cards has been game-changing for me. I turn everyday spending into future flights or upgrades, which really adds up.
3. VPN Tricks
I tried booking flights by changing my VPN’s location, and while savings were modest, it does work in some cases (especially flights originating in other countries). Worth experimenting with.
4. Travel Apps
Paid apps like TripIt Pro simplify trip planning in ways free apps can’t. I only splurge on one or two that I use frequently.
5. Email Alerts for Deals
Price tracking tools have regularly saved me hundreds. Hopper and Google Flights’ alerts are a must!
Travel Sparks ✨
- Pack Light, Save More - Budget airlines often charge for checked baggage. Stick to carry-ons when possible.
- Book in Currency - Flights or hotels abroad? Paying in the local currency online often eliminates extra fees.
- Avoid Exchange Fees - Use no-extra-charge cards for currency exchanges and withdraw cash at ATMs abroad instead of exchange counters.
- Flights First - Book flights before accommodations since airfares fluctuate more wildly.
- Single-Day Rail Alternatives - Skip rail passes for single destinations. Tickets are usually cheaper booked point-to-point.
- Free Events - Check local tourism boards for free experiences—like outdoor concerts or museum nights.
Get Out There and Make Every Journey Count!
Traveling has been one of the biggest joys in my life, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune or leave you feeling overwhelmed by all the “expert advice” out there. I’ve made plenty of mistakes figuring out what works, but I hope these tips save you from some of the trial-and-error I went through.
Whether it’s nailing down those flight deals, making accommodations work for your budget, or ditching those sneaky hidden costs, I promise you—traveling smart doesn’t mean sacrificing the experience. With a little prep and an open mind, you can make every trip memorable and wallet-friendly. Trust me, it’s worth it. Safe travels and I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
