How to Travel for Less in 2026: 15 Expert-backed Hacks That Can Save You Hundreds

"Everything-and I mean everything -feels ridiculously expensive these days, which in turn can make the prospect of traveling feel like an unaffordable luxury. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way. With proper planning and the help of a streamlined budget, you can still take meaningful trips without hurting your wallet. According to travel advisors and industry experts, some of the most effective ways to save money aren't about cutting corners, but rather making smarter choices and devising a plan before you leave home."

""I travel tens of thousands of miles a year on trips that span all different ranges, and I never check a bag," she says, adding simply: "You should never pay overweight fees or baggage fees." She notes that most travelers overpack and only use a fraction of what they bring. A well-designed, expandable carry-on (like this Swissgear Sion softside suitcase) that has built-in organization or compression can help streamline packing and eliminate unnecessary airline fees."

Rising travel costs do not automatically make trips unaffordable. Proper planning and a streamlined budget enable meaningful travel without overspending. Key strategies include avoiding checked bag fees by traveling with carry-on-only luggage, using compression packing cubes and organized, expandable suitcases to reduce overpacking, skipping overpriced airport meals, using public transportation, and packing multi-use essentials. The approach emphasizes smarter choices and advance planning rather than sacrificing comfort. A set of practical methods for 2026 focuses on eliminating avoidable expenses while preserving convenience and experience.

Read at Travel + Leisure